Area Code -- The telephone area code is 954.

Currency Exchange -- Banamex, Bancomer, Banorte, and HSBC all have branches in town, and all will change money during business hours; hours vary, but you can generally find one of the above open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 3pm. ATMs are also available, as are currency-exchange offices. Note: It has been getting harder to exchange cash in Puerto, and the only place that still cashes traveler's checks is HSBC, from 9am to noon only.

Drugstore -- Farmacía de Más Ahorro, Avenida 1 Norte at Avenida 2 Poniente (tel. 954/582-1911), is open from 7am to 3am.

Hospital -- Unidad Médico-Quirúrgica del Sur, Av. Oaxaca 706 (tel. 954/582-1288), is the town's largest hospital, offering 24-hour emergency services and an English-speaking staff and doctor.

Internet Access -- On Zicatela Beach, Internet Acuario is a small, busy Internet service at the entrance to the Bungalows & Cabañas Acuario, Calle de Morro s/n (tel. 954/582-0788). It's open daily from 8am to 10pm and charges 15 pesos per hour.

Post Office -- The correo, on Avenida Oaxaca at the corner of Avenida 7 Norte (tel. 954/582-0959), is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.

Safety -- Depending on whom you talk to, you need to be wary of potential beach muggings, primarily at night. Lighting at Playa Principal and Playa Zicatela has caused the crime rate to drop considerably. Local residents say most incidents happen after tourists overindulge and then go for a midnight stroll along the beach. Puerto is so casual that it's an easy place to let your guard down. Don't carry valuables, and use common sense and normal precautions. Also, respect the power of the magnificent waves here. Drownings occur all too often.

Seasons -- Season designations are somewhat arbitrary, but most consider high season to be from mid-December to January, around and during Easter week, July and August, and other school and business vacations.

Telephones -- Numerous businesses offer long-distance telephone service. Many are along the Adoquín; several accept credit cards.

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.