Area Code -- The telephone area code is 33.
Business Hours -- Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10am to 2pm and 4 to 8pm.
Climate & Dress -- Guadalajara's weather is mostly mild. From November through March, you'll need a sweater in the evening. The warmest months, April and May, are hot and dry. From June through September, the city gets afternoon and evening showers that keep the temperature a bit cooler, but it seems as though the local climate is getting warmer. Dress in Guadalajara is conservative; attention-getting sportswear (short shorts, halters, and the like) is out of place.
Consulates -- The American Consular offices are at Progreso 175 (tel. 33/3268-2200, -2100). Other consulates include the Canadian Consulate, Mariano Otero 1249, Col. Rinconada del Bosque (tel. 33/3671-4740); the British Consulate, Calle Jesús Rojas 20, Col. Los Pinos (tel. 33/3343-2296); and the Australian Consulate, López Cotilla 2018, Col. Arcos Vallarta (tel. 33/3615-7418). These offices all keep roughly the same hours: Monday through Friday from 8am to 1pm.
Currency Exchange -- Three blocks south of the cathedral, on López Cotilla, between Corona and Degollado, are more than 20 casas de cambio. Almost all post their rates, which are usually better than bank rates, minus the long lines.
Elevation -- Guadalajara sits at 1,700m (5,576 ft.).
Emergencies -- The emergency phone number is tel. 060.
Hospitals -- For medical emergencies, visit the Hospital México-Americano, Cólomos 2110 (tel. 33/3642-7152 or 33/3641-3141).
Internet Access -- Most of the big hotels have business centers that you can use. There are many Internet cafes in the Centro Histórico.
Newspapers & Magazines -- Many newsstands sell the two English local papers, the Guadalajara Reporter and the Guadalajara Weekly.
Police -- Tourists should first try to contact the Jalisco tourist information office in Plaza Tapatía (tel. 33/3668-1600). If you can't reach the office, call the municipal police at tel. 33/3668-7983.
Post Office -- The correo is at the corner of Carranza and Calle Independencia, about 4 blocks northeast of the cathedral. Standing in the plaza behind the cathedral, facing the Degollado Theater, walk to the left, and then turn left on Carranza; walk past the Hotel Mendoza, cross Calle Independencia, and look for the post office on the left. It's open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 5pm, Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
Safety -- Crimes against tourists and foreign students are infrequent and most often take the form of purse snatching. Criminals usually work in teams and target travelers in busy places, such as outdoor restaurants. Keep jewelry out of sight. Should anyone spill something on you, be alert to your surroundings and step away -- accidental spills are a common method for distracting the victim.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
