Discover Mexico A-to-Z
Ice-cream to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
ICE-CREAM
According to some reports, Mexicans only eat on average 1.5 liters of ice cream a year, a small fraction of what Americans and New Zealanders — the world’s top consumers — guzzle down. Notwithstanding lower consumption, Mexican ice-cream (and sorbet) flavors are as diverse and colorful as the country itself.
Mexperience: A Scoop on Mexican Ice-Cream
See Also: Mexican Food
IMMIGRATION
Mexico has a comprehensive legal and statutory immigration policy affecting Mexicans and foreign nationals. Mexico’s General Law of Population sets out the rights and obligations of foreigners, as well as the different statuses associated with foreign immigration. There are two broad types of immigrant visa: non-immigrant, and immigrant. Non-immigrant permits are for people who intend to visit Mexico for a specific purpose and then depart; immigrant permits are for people who wish to gain long-term permanent residence in Mexico.
Mexperience: Mexico Immigration
See Also: Living
IMMUNIZATIONS
See: Healthcare
IMPORTING VEHICLES
See: Driving
IMSS
See: Social Security
INAPAM
One of the most popular programs that senior citizens in Mexico enroll for is the INAPAM (Instituto Nacional de las Personas Adultas Mayores) discount card. This is offered to all Mexicans and foreign residents who are 60 years of age or older and enables them to enjoy worthwhile discounts on a whole range of goods and services including food, medicines, transport, clothing, as well as recreation and leisure activities.
Mexperience: INAPAM
See Also: Retirement
INDEPENDENCE
September 16th is Mexico’s official Independence Day and a national holiday. On the night of the 15th, state officials in towns and cities across the country re-enact Miguel Hidalgo’s pre-dawn grito, (cry of independence) which originally took place in the small town of Dolores Hidalgo, near San Miguel de Allende, in 1810.
Mexperience: Independence Day
See Also: History
INSURANCE
Insurance coverages are widely available in Mexico for a range of risks including, auto, home, health, and travel. Connect to the Mexperience guides about insurance for information about how insurance works here and how you can get adequately covered in Mexico.
Mexperience: Mexico Insurance
See Also: Driving
INTERNET SERVICES
Mexico offers visitors and residents a well-developed and extensive range of high-speed internet services across fixed line and cellular data networks, including the latest 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) protocol. Wi-Fi is widely available at shops, restaurants, airports, and other public spaces across the country.
Mexperience: Internet
See Also: Telephones
ISLA MUJERES
In stark contrast to Cancún, Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is a laid-back, simple and peaceful island. In Maya times, the island served as the sanctuary for Ixchel, the goddess of the moon, fertility, medicine and happiness. The Mayans also came to the island to harvest salt from the island’s lagoons. Visitors arriving today enjoy experiences involving some water-based adventure, or simply relaxing and unwinding on the island’s soft white beaches next to the deep turquoise-blue waters at one of the fine hotels located here. The island is a favorite destination for couples and honeymooners.
Mexperience: Isla Mujeres
See Also: Beaches
IVA (IMPUESTO AL VALOR AGREGADO)
See: Sales Tax
IVF IN MEXICO
See: Healthcare
IXTAPA & ZIHUATANEJO
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are two towns on the Pacific coast, a little over four miles away from each other. Despite their proximity, these are two towns with very distinct characters: Ixtapa offers you the experience of a modern resort, and Zihuatanejo offers you a bucolic, traditional Mexican fishing town. Ixtapa is generally characterized by contemporary, high-rise, resort villages whereas Zihuatanejo offers the atmosphere, character, and feel of traditional Mexico—and is also host to some very fine hotels offering exceptional accommodations.
Mexperience: Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
See Also: Beaches