Section IX

                Business Travel and Customs

The length of the work day varies somewhat, depending upon the
region of the country and the type of organization.  Typically in the
Mexico City area companies may open at 9:00 or 9:30 am and work
until 7:00 pm, with a long lunch beginning at 2:00 pm.  In the north,
the work day may begin and end earlier, and lunch might be at 1:00
pm.  Federal government offices in Mexico City may begin at about
10:00 am, break at 2:00 or 3:00 pm for lunch, and return at 5:00 or
6:00 pm to work into the evening until 9 p.m.

Business visitors should come with a large supply of business cards.
These are used extensively.  Mexicans make extensive use of
professional titles (doctor, professor, licenciado, ingeniero).   It is
courteous to address them by their titles.  There is respect for older
and more senior members of a group.  It is customary to shake
hands with all upon arrival and departure.  As in the U.S., business
may be conducted over a meal, especially breakfast or lunch.
Business meetings in Mexico will often take longer than they would
in the United States.  In conversation, Mexicans emphasize tactful
and indirect phrasing. It is customary to send a small gift at
Christmas to key business contacts.

Visa Information

On April 1, 1994 a new Business Visitor's Visa (FMN) became
effective.  Similar to a tourist card, U.S. and Canadian businessmen
can apply for the visa at a Mexican Consulate in the U.S. or upon
arrival in Mexico.  The FMN is issued at no cost and is valid for up
to 30 days.  Similar to tourists, applicants must present proof of
citizenship and identity, e.g., a certified copy of their birth
certificate, a passport, naturalization certificate, or a voters
registration card.  If the citizenship document does not include a
photo then an identification document with a photo must be
presented to GOM immigrations officials.  Business visitors may use
this form for up to thirty days.  After thirty days they must obtain a
FM-3 visa from Mexican Immigration officials.  The charge for
adjusting from FMN to FM-3 status varies according to the source
of the businessman's renumeration, i.e., whether one is paid from
within Mexico or from outside of Mexico.

Traveler Safety

Street crime is common, especially in urban ares.  Persons driving
on some Mexican roads, particularly in isolated regions have at
times been targets for robbery by bandits who operate primarily at
night.  The U.S. Embassy advises it personnel not to travel on
Mexican highways after dark.

On the weekend of January 1, 1994 armed insurgents launched
attacks in San Cristobal, Chiapas, Mexico's most southern state
bordering on Guatemala.  While the area returned to normal several
days later, the situation could become unstable in other areas of
Chiapas.  The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City recommends that U.S.
citizens take normal security precautions as appropriate while
traveling not only in Chiapas but all areas in Mexico.  U.S. citizens
residing or traveling in Mexico may also contact the U.S. Embassy
for further security information.

Business travellers generally go from city to city via commercial
airline.  There are two large ones, Mexicana and Aeromexico, and a
number of newer regional lines.  Schedules have been expanded
considerably offering service to a wide range of secondary cities in
Mexico.


Transportation

For travel between Mexico City and nearby locations such as Puebla,
some Mexican businessmen will use executive busses which offer
airline style seating, beverage service, and movies on board.  The
fares are considered reasonable.

In the cities, many business visitors choose taxis over car rentals.
Metered taxis cruise the streets in the largest cities; there are also
taxi stands, but the fares are higher.  Cars with bilingual drivers can
be hired at most business hotels; they will negotiate fees on a daily
basis if desired.

Language

While many businesspeople in the large cities speak some English, it
may be difficult for them to conduct detailed technical discussions.
First-time visitors may want to hire an interpreter.  It is considered
courteous if the U.S. visitors speaks even a few words of Spanish.

Hotels

World class business hotels are available in the major cities of
Mexico; rates will approximate those of major U.S. cities.  Such
hotels offer a full range of business center services to the traveller.
For the longer stay, some furnished apartment facilities with maid
service are available in the Mexico City area.  House and apartment
rentals in Mexico are generally more costly than they would be for
comparable quarters in the United States.


Food

Visitors should take standard international dietary precautions in
Mexico.  It is appropriate to drink bottled beverages without ice.
Raw salads should not be consumed; all fruits should be peeled;
meat should be ordered well done.  Fish should be cooked.
Travellers to Mexico City should remember the high altitude and be
prepared to take it slow, getting sufficient rest, until they have
adjusted to the difference.


                  Business Travel Holidays


January 1, 1994   New Years Day
February 5        Anniversary of Mexican Constitution
March 21          Benito Juarez' Birthday
April 1           Good Friday
May 1             Mexican Labor Day
May 5             Anniversary of Independence
September 16      Mexican Independence Day
November 2        All Soul's Day
November 20       Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution
December 25       Christmas Day