Here are some quick reminders for our paragliding trip to Mexico!

Short version:

• For verizon cell phones, dial *228, option 2 to update your phone BEFORE YOU LEAVE.
• Call your cell phone provider to verify coverage.
• Photocopy all your id (passport, driver's license, emergencey contact) and insurance information (health insurance, evac insurance, etc).  Be sure to bring 2 copies - one for your pg bag and one for the van.
  
• Confirm baggage restrictions with your airline (United and America West limited to 50 pounds per bag until the end of this week, at least).
  
• Good idea to have evacuation insurance (like DAN) and repatriation coverage (like AAAPlus- note the "plus" not just the standard coverage).  Other companies offer these services as well (see long version for links).
  
• ATMs were everywhere on our last trip, with good exchange rates and minimal charges; be sure you bring your PIN.
• Be sure to bring any meds or special products you need - we definitely can't find all the same stuff down there (for example, vicodin isn't available even with a Rx).
• Bring your 2M HAM radios - it will important for us to be able to communicate with our driver and guide.
  
• Outlets rarely have 3 prongs - check your chargers and bring adapters as needed (current/voltage is the same as here.... more or less ;-).
• If you pack your helmet, be sure it is well-protected from crushing - it's hard to see internal injuries to it until it's too late!
  
• We're travelling with sten maldonado of airexplora.com (044 951 547 1209).

Long version, if you want more info: 

Cell phones

Typically US cell phones do work in Mexico, although it's just like up here (coverage varies based on carrier, etc).  IMPORTANT TO DO:

- BEFORE leaving the US, be sure to call customer service for your cell phone and confirm the plan you have will allow you to use your phone in Mexico.  In particular, Verizon seems to have the default configuration be "no coverage" - but you might just have to ask for it.

- BEFORE leaving the US, if you have Verizon you must dial *228 and select option 2 (to update your roaming info).  They change this software every month or two, and if your phone is even a couple months out of  date it Will Not Work after you've left the country (Juan and I found this out the hard way last year).

- Dialing in Mexico:

    -  To call the US (or US cell phones even if they are in Mexico):

001  925 963 7802 (i.e., juan's cell) (same for your voicemail)

     - To call  a local Mexican cell phone:

044 951 547 1209 (i.e., sten's cell, with city code 951)

    - To call  a local Mexican land-line:

7 or 8-digit number

    - To call a long-distance Mexican land-line:

        01 + city code + 7-digit number

Insurance 

Don't forget to bring proof of health insurance and any other coverage you have. 

It's good to have some sort of emergency evacuation insurance (such as that offered by DAN, which can be utilized immediately in the event of an accident and will ensure you are transported to the nearest qualified facility) as well as some sort of repatriation coverage (such as that offered by AAA Plus , it's called "Emergency Medical Transportation Coverage" and will get you home from the medical center). 

There are per-trip packages you can purchase (such as through IMG or TFG ) as well - but you should check the fine print to see if it covers getting you off the hill and/or home to the States (some do one or other but not always both).

About the Trip

Don't forget we'll be staying at 3 different places:  in or near Orizaba (Veracruz), then Oaxaca City (Oaxaca), then Huatulco ( Oaxaca).   They are each about 3 hours drive away (starting with Mexico City).

Juan found a web page that talks about one of the sites near Orizaba: http://www.enelviento.com/fortin.htm