Mazatlan FAQs

• What does my StudentCity.com package include?

  OPTION A: AIR AND/OR HOTEL

  • Round trip airfare**
  • 4 or 7 nights hotel of your choice
  • Transportation to/from hotel
  • All hotel taxes
  • 24 hour onsite staff and emergency assistance
  • Welcome Orientation to tell you everything you need to know about safety, your location, and most importantly, where the party's at!
  • Free daily beach parties hosted exclusively by StudentCity.com
  • Discounts on Exclusive Party Packages
  • Free StudentCity.com wristband
  • Free daily beach/pool parties hosted exclusively by StudentCity.com at Oceano Palace with Drink Specials to everyone who makes a ONE TIME DONATION to charity of 5 canned goods or 5 articles of clothing

  OPTION B: BUS TRIP

  • Bus to and from Mazatlan (Departures from all major campuses in Arizona and Texas and the boarder towns of Laredo, Texas and Nogales, AZ)
  • 5 nights hotel
  • All hotel taxes
  • 24 hour onsite staff and emergency assistance
  • Welcome Orientation to tell you everything you need to know about safety, your location, and most importantly, where the party's at!
  • Free daily beach parties hosted exclusively by StudentCity.com
  • Discounts on Exclusive Party Packages
  • Free daily beach/pool parties hosted exclusively by StudentCity.com at Oceano Palace with Drink Specials Daily to everyone who makes a ONE TIME DONATION to charity of 5 canned goods or 5 articles of clothing

• Are my meals included in the packages?

  There are two options in order to have meal included in your package:

  • By booking before October 31st FREE MEALS and HAPPY HOURS are automatically added to your package as a bonus incentive.
  • Some hotels have the option of allowing you to book your reservation as All-Inclusive

• What is the difference between All-Inclusive and FREE MEALS and HAPPY HOURS?

  All-Inclusive is specific to your chosen hotel. Included in the cost of your trip your meals and drinks will be included at your hotel during designated times by showing your all-inclusive wristband provided to you when you check-in.

  FREE MEALS and HAPPY HOURS are an added incentive if you book by October 31st. In Mazatlan StudentCity.com currently offers a basic meal plan consisting of 14 meals (7 breakfasts, 7 dinners). Each meal will require a $1 tax and $1 tip. The meals are located at various restaurants around Mazatlan and not at your hotel. A student menu will be offered to you consisting of 2-6 items. StudentCity.com has also set up various Happy Hours. These are also located at various restaurants and bars around Mazatlan. Upon arrival you will be given a schedule of where these drinks are, what times and what specific drinks are included.

  *The meal plan may also be purchased (or replaced if lost) for a cost of $49.

• Do I need a passport?

  *OPTION A: FOR AIR TRAVLERS

  When traveling to Mazatlan by air you WILL need a passport.

  Please visit: www.travel.state.gov/ for more information.

  On January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

  * OPTION B: FOR BUS TRAVELERS

  When traveling to Mazatlan by bus you will not be required to have a passport.

  You will, however, need

  1. Original Birth Certificate or a certified copy of your birth certificate

     -And-

  2. Government issued I.D

  As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

• What happens if I lose my passport?

  If you do happen to lose your passport, whether you lost your luggage or just misplaced it while you were down at your destination you will need to go to the American Consulate or the Embassy to get a new one. You will be able to find a StudentCity.com staff member while you are at your destination that will be able to help you.

  *Travel tip: make a copy of your IDs, passports or birth certificates and leave it with a family member for emergencies. They can always fax you a copy if you lose something.

• What is the weather like?

  Based off of averages from Weather.com during the month of March and the height of Spring Break Mazatlan typically has highs around 85 and lows of 70.

• What about sun protection?

  Make sure to pack sunscreen!!! The sun is extremely strong in Mazatlan so bring sun-block and use it! Tan gradually or you will spend the remainder of your vacation in your hotel room or a doctor's office with sun poisoning.

• What is the national language?

  The national language in Mexico is Spanish though in the tourist area many of the locals speak English and you will be able to communicate with them. Please be aware that there is a language barrier and if you need help to contact a Staff member for assistance.

• How do we dress for the night events?

  The nightlife in Mazatlan tends to follow a “come as you are” dress code. Unlike some other destinations the carefree atmosphere of Mazatlan lets you wear whatever you want to party all night long. The StudentCity Pass may also provide some theme parties in Mazatlan in which you may want to wear a certain color or follow a certain theme. Before packing please check the StudentCity Pass schedule for the updated themes.

• Will my hotel have compatible electrical connections?

  Yes, Electrical outlets at our provided hotels have 110V connections which means you can use your hairdryer, etc., however, you may want to bring adaptors just in case.

• What time zone is Mazatlan located in?

  Mazatlan is located in the Mountain Time Zone.

• How do I call home?

  Calling cards purchased in the United States (ie: Sprint or MCI) do not work in Mexico! StudentCity.com offers calling cards that you can pre-purchase before you leave or purchase when you arrive in Mazatlan. The cards offered are $10 (20mins) or $20 (40mins). These cards can be used ONLY at Telmex phones, which you can find all over Mazatlan. When dialing home from Mexico, you will need to follow the directions on the back of the card, and finish by 001-(US area code)-7 digit number. (Example: 001-920-555-4642) For parents wishing to call Mexico, you will have to dial: 011-52 before the rest of the number you wish to call. (Example: 011-52-624-334533) If you have any questions concerning the phone cards or would like to purchase one please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-888-777-4642.

• How much spending money do I need?

  The amount of money each person needs onsite is specific to the amount of money you traditionally spend. If you have received the additional Free Meals and Drinks or purchased an All Inclusive Option Room, you most likely won't be spending much money on food and drinks. Same goes for the CityPass; if you pre-purchased this before your trip, drinks are included in each of the night events. As for transportation in Mazatlan students uses pulmanias, open- air taxis that look like golf-carts, that cost about $1 to $2 per person. In general, our experience has been that on average, most students use about an additional $250 for food and activities for a full week.

• Should I take cash or travelers' checks?

  StudentCity.com recommends that you bring a combination of both. You will need some cash during travel and upon arrival, however for security reasons we recommend that you keep the bulk of your spending money in the form of travelers' checks. You may use travelers' checks to pay for additional CityPasses, add the Meal Plan, or purchase Phone Cards from StudentCity.com representatives. If travelers' checks are lost or stolen you will be able to get your money back. ATM's are also readily available but you might want to check with your bank before hand to make sure your debit card will work in Mazatlan.

• What is the exchange rate?

  The exact exchange rate in Mazatlan can fluctuate daily, but the average rate to use as a guide would be 10 pesos to 1 dollar. As an example, 100 pesos equals 10 dollars.

  For extra help and updated information take a look at our currency converter

  ** There are also ATMs located in Mazatlan that your Debit cards will work in. Getting money directly out of an ATM in Mazatlan will give you a better exchange rate rather than using American money directly and using a certain establishment's exchange rate. Most establishments also accept most major Credit Cards for purchases.

• What happens when I get off the plane?

  Upon arrival to Mazatlan, you'll need to clear Customs and Immigration. You will have already filled out all appropriate entry documents on the plane (asking for your passport number, reason for travel, and address where you'll be staying). When you deplane, you'll be channeled through to inspectors who will check your papers, ask the purpose of your visit, and sign off on your documents. Then follow the other travelers to the baggage claim area, pick up your things, and continue through the portal marked "nothing to declare". Once you have exited the terminal a StudentCity.com staff member will be waiting for you with a transfer to bring you to your Welcome Orientation. If you do not see the StudentCity.com staff member please be patient! During high volume traffic times you may need a few minutes in order to locate each other. Please do not take another form of transportation including another transfer company or taxi. You will NOT be reimbursed for these extra costs.

• How far is the transfer from the airport to the hotel? (AIR ONLY)

  Once picked up from the airport you will be put on transfers according to your hotel. The ride is usually about 25-30 min depending on the location of your hotel.

• What is an orientation? Why should I attend?

  All StudentCity.com travelers in Mazatlan will have their Welcome Orientation on their transfer bus. The StudentCity.com staff will give you everything you need to know about safety, your location, and most importantly, where the party's at! They will address the ins and outs of the program, tell you what and what not to do, where and where not to go, as well as provide you all the essential party information! If you have pre-purchased the CityPass you will be given your coupons immediately following the Orientation. It is important to pay attention because you are given the specific dates and times of each StudentCity.com sponsored event, a StudentCity.com wristband, important medical and emergency contact information, and if you did not purchase the CityPass ahead of time, you can do so before you head to your hotel. If you received the Free Meals and Happy Hours bonus you can pick them up at the Welcome Party or the StudentCity Office located in the Oceano Palace.

• Where do I go if I need help?!

  All customer service issues are handled on-site. The StudentCity.com office will be located in the Oceano Palace, times will be given during orientation. If you have customer service issues please use the number on your StudentCity.com wristband and a staff member will assist you. You will also find StudentCity.com staff at ALL StudentCity.com hosted events, meals and hotels. DO NOT CALL OUR CORPORATE OFFICE IN THE UNITED STATES!

• What if some of our event information changes? Where can I find emergency numbers? How will I be informed of important updates?

  During Orientation you will receive a destination guide which will help you know what's going on, when it's happening and where. It will provide you a list of do's and don'ts of Spring Break, emergency numbers, the meal plan and free drinking hours. As well, each StudentCity.com hotel will have a bulletin board posted in the lobby to help update you on emergency numbers, daily and weekly events, flight departure times, transfer pick-ups and any other pertinent information we feel you may find useful during your stay. Check these boards daily for important updates!

• Do I have to wear my StudentCity.com wristband?

  Yes! Sorry about the tan lines, but it is very important that you keep your StudentCity.com wristband on from the moment you receive it until you depart. The wristband helps identify you as a StudentCity.com traveler so that our on-site staff may assist you and help answer any questions you may have. The wristband also entitles you to discounts at various clubs, bars, restaurants and retail stores around Mazatlan.

  You will also be given a hotel wristband to help them determine who their customers are as well. Again it is important to keep both of these wristbands on for identification purposes.

• What if I lose my bracelet?

  If your StudentCity.com bracelet were to come off you can get a replacement by finding a Staff member or going to StudentCity.com's office. In Mazatlan, the StudentCity.com office is located in the Oceano Palace, times will be announced during orientation. If you are to lose your hotel bracelet you will need to ask them if it is possible to get a replacement as their may be a cost associated with it due to hotel specific policies.

• What is the StudentCity Pass? How much is it?

  StudentCity.com offers a Platinum CityPass in Mazatlan for $159. With this pass you will get 7 nights of express entry, no cover charge, and open bar! StudentCity.com uses Mazatlan's newest and best clubs to make every single night crazy and exciting. Some nights also provide themes including a Foam Party, Mardi Gras “Dare” Party and a Pajama Party at Senor Frogs. You are also given a choice of one of our two cruises, either the Stone Island Day cruise or Party Cruise at night… you pick! Contact us at 1-888-777-4642 for more details.

• How and where do I get my StudentCity Pass?

  You can add the StudentCity Pass to your account up to the day before you leave for Mazatlan by accessing your account on our website, or by simply calling 1-888-777-4642 to speak with any one of StudentCity.com's representatives. If you miss out on the pre-purchase option, you will be given the opportunity to buy it onsite at your Welcome Orientation, or by speaking with any of the Onsite Staff members throughout your Spring Break week.

• What happens if I lose my coupons?

  Unfortunately, to avoid duplication/sharing of these coupons, lost or stolen meal coupons and City Pass coupons have to be re-purchased at the original price. The cost of the Meal Plan is $49.00 and the Platinum StudentCity Pass is $189.00. These coupons are as good as cash, so DON'T LOSE THEM!

• What is the drinking age?

  The drinking age is 18.

• Will I need my ID?

  No you will not your ID when going out at night. When you arrive at your hotel, please place all of your valuables, IDs and travel documents and even StudentCity Pass and Meal coupons in the safe provided to you by the hotel.

• Is it safe to drink the water?

  In Mazatlan we recommend that you drink bottled water just to be safe. However the water, ice and any food in contact with water at all of our events or restaurants we work with is purified. It is also safe to shower and brush your teeth in any of the hotels StudentCity.com uses.

• How do we get around?

  The most common form of transportation in Mazatlan is pulmanias (open - air taxis that look like golf-carts). The cost of the pulmanias is $1 to $2 per person and they run 24/7. Depending on your hotel/location, a lot of places/events you will be attending with StudentCity.com are within walking distance.

• Are there other things to do? How do I sign up for extra excursions?

  There are many things to do in Mazatlan if you want to get away from the regular beach scene and try something new. In Mazatlan the most popular excursions are: ocean kayaking, trips to the lighthouse and cathedral, deep sea fishing, jet skiing, and many more. StudentCity.com uses Viajes Sabalo as our ground handler and they are located in specific hotels during specific times either given to you during your orientation or posted at the StudentCity.com bulletin board at your hotel. By using their services they can help you make reservations with ease and will provide discounts and specials.

• Are we allowed in other hotels?

  Mazatlan's carefree atmosphere will allow for any spring breaker to come in and out of their hotels. Unlike other destinations, Mazatlan will accommodate to you if your group of friends happens to be in two separate hotels.

• Can we bring alcohol into the hotel?

  The answer to this question can vary among hotels and can be combined with the question of whether you can bring outside food into their hotel as well. Most of the time you can bring food/alcohol in, but in the end it is up to the hotel. Alcohol requirements may also include the ability to bring plastic or cans in, but not glass.

• What do I do if I get sick?

  If you or any of the people you are traveling with get sick or need medical attention please contact the StudentCity.com staff right away! You will be able to find them at all StudentCity.com hosted events, during lobby hours or 24 hours a day by calling the emergency number provided to you on your StudentCity.com bracelet. The staff will assist you in accordance to the level of medical attention you may need. In Mazatlan, StudentCity.com works closely with Clinic Balboa, a private hospital with American trained doctors. ALL medical costs will need to be covered by the traveler and paid up front. If you have purchased the Travel Protection insurance you will be covered up to a certain amount, but you still need to pay the costs up front and keep the receipts to file a claim with the insurance company upon your arrival home.

• What if I have to leave the trip early?

  If you do have to leave the trip early and you booked one of our standard flights it will be your responsibility to find your own flight home. If you purchased the Optional Travel Insurance you may be eligible for a refund but will have pay all costs up front then contact the insurance company upon your arrival home to file a claim. If you have booked the flight lock option you will be able to contact the airline that you traveled on in order to change your flight. (Flight change fees will vary depending on airline) Please contact the StudentCity.com staff onsite for help with changing your flight.

• How do I get my return flight/ bus information? How do I know when and where to get my transfer?

  You will have your return flight information before you even leave for your trip. It will accompany your departure information on your travel vouchers. Transfers are typically scheduled 3 hours prior to your flight time. StudentCity.com will post on the hotel bulletin boards the time you need to check out of your hotel as well as when and where your transfer will pick you up on your specific day of departure. Bus departure times will be posted on the hotel bulletin boards the day before departure.

• Check out times. Our flight does not leave until late, when do we check out?

  Standard hotel check out times are 11am, but please check. You are responsible for paying any late check out fees. Most of the hotels have a courtesy room for you to keep you luggage until you leave.