Mexico Destination Guide Contents Contents 2 Quick Facts 3 About 4 Events & Nightlife 5 Top Destinations 7 Tours & Activities 8 Food & Dining Out 11 Shopping 13 Best Time To Visit 14 Travel Tips 16 Quick Facts

Flying Time: 11 hours 40 minutes Currency: Mexican Peso Language: Spanish - English widely spoken Time Zone: GMT-6 Visit For: Great Beaches, Scuba Diving, Culture, Architecture, Nightlife, Spa, Festivals

3 About Mexico

As spicy as salsa roja, intoxicating as a shot of , and volatile as the volcanoes of the central sierra. Surreal as a Frida Kahlo canvas, monumental as the pyramids of Teotihuacán, and warm as its inhabitants; Mexico fills the senses and nourishes the soul. The phrase 'something for everyone' comes to mind: for nature enthusiasts, whale watching, monarch butterfly migrations, coral reefs off the Yucatan coast and the world's stoutest tree (at Tule, Oaxaca); for hedonists, ecstatic nights spent dancing on the beaches of Cancun; for archaeology buffs, hundreds of painstakingly preserved remnants of ancient civilisations; for gourmands, a tantalisingly varied cuisine, from toothsome tacos to magnificent moles; for art lovers, miles of murals; for shopaholics, weavings, silverwork and fantastic animal figurines; and for beach bums, 10,000 kilometers of coastline, hammocks included. And with an extensive, inexpensive public transport network, copious accommodations to suit all budget categories, and a friendly, inclusive vibe, travelling around Mexico is easy and highly recommended.

4 Events & Nightlife

See the list of exciting Events taking place in Mexico, as well as the varied Nightlife on offer Events Cuernavaca Flower Fair From: 03-04-2015 To: 07-04-2015 Free. Known as 'Feria de la Flor' in Mexican, this colourful fair sees the streets and parks of Cuernavaca filled with wonderfully aromatic flower booths and displays. A number of floral and gardening competitions are hotly contested by green-fingered locals and add a little friendly rivalry to the proceedings. Come the evening, visitors gather at the main plaza for a dazzling sound and light show that illuminates the night sky. Formerly a residence of Emperor Maximillian and his wife Carlota, the Borda Gardens are also well worth a visit at this time for their outstanding displays. Venue Name: Various venues and locations in Cuernavaca. Fiesta of San Isidro From: 15-05-2015 To: 15-05-2015 Free to spectate. Each year the town of Tepic celebrates the Fiesta of San Pedro - the patron saint of rain, agriculture and livestock. The event is an important part of this rural community's life and is a time when local farmers bring their decorated mules and livestock to town to be blessed and to pray for a good farming season. As part of the celebrations there is also a commercial fair. Venue Name: Various venues and locations in Tepic. Monterrey International Film Festival From: 01-08-2015 To: 31-08-2015Date Description: TBC. First held in 2005, this is a relative new comer to the world of film festivals. Known as the 'Festival Internacional de Cine de Monterrey' in Mexican, this is one of the premier events for filmmakers and filmgoers in Mexico. Taking place in Monterrey, over 400 feature films, animations and documentaries are screened during the weekend with a number of prizes awarded to winning filmmakers in a number of different categories. Venue Name: Various venues in Monterrey. Day of the Virgin of Charity/Assumption Day From: 15-08-2015 To: 15-08-2015Date Description: Assumption Day always takes place on 15 Aug.

5 Free. Celebrated throughout the country, but particularly in Tlaxcala, Day of the Virgin of Charity and Assumption Day is a popular religious ceremony that attracts large crowds from across the region. Highlights include an event known as 'carpeting the streets' which sees the town's roads covered with floral displays and coloured sawdust. Another popular aspect is the running of the bulls where runners try to outrun the bulls as they career along a course through the streets. Many other events take place in Tlaxcala with the main focus of the activities happening in the area around the church in the centre of town. Venue Name: Various venues in Tlaxcala. Nightlife Every larger city has its nightlife zones. In it's the Zona Rosa (Pink Zone) near the business centre, and Condesa and Polanco on either side of Chapultepec Park; in Monterrey, it's the Barrio Antiguo; in Puebla, the Plazuela de los Sapos; in Acapulco, 'La Costera,' the coastal strip. These areas generally feature some combination of antros - rowdy drinking halls for a younger set, often with live music - and dance clubs. The latter don't usually get going until late, opening around midnight and closing at dawn. In the hinterlands, you're more likely to catch accordion-driven norteño combos pumping out polkas and cumbias in crowded dancehalls or at street festivals. Mariachis - brass and string ensembles in charro outfits - perform beautiful renditions of traditional ballads wherever they can find employment, whether at weddings, restaurants, bars, or designated zones such as Mexico City's Plaza Garabaldi. Mexico City, and Monterrey all attract international rock and pop acts and Latin music stars, as well as some fine ballet and orchestra companies.

6 Top Destinations

Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre) One of the largest canyon systems in the world, Copper Canyon is a land of mountains, rivers, waterfalls, desert and forest. Four of the canyons are deeper than Arizona's famous Grand Canyon, although none of them are as wide. Perhaps the most famous attraction for visitors is the al Pacífico Railway, a scenic journey that crosses 36 major bridges, travels through 87 tunnels and climbs to a height of 2438m (8000ft) before descending back down to sea level. The Sierra Tarahumara mountains are inhabited by Tarahumara Indians, who live in isolated communities along the railway line. Disabled Access: No White Mountain Monte Alban was at one time home to 50,000 Zapotec people. The builders of Monte Alban artificially levelled the top of the mountain, which overshadows the three surrounding valleys of Oaxaca. The site emerged as a political centre in around 400 BC, and later developed as an important cultural centre between 500 BC to AD 700. The site was abandoned by the Zapotecs when they began to lose political power, which resulted in conflict between them and the Mixtecs, who moved into the Valley and used it as a burial ground. It was later invaded by the Aztecs and then by the Spanish who gave the site the name Monte Alban, meaning White Mountain, due to the white flowering trees that grow in the area. Disabled Access: No Palenque Located in Palenque National Park in the northern Chiapas highlands, Palenque is one of the grandest of all classical Mayan sites. Situated on a ledge picturesquely overlooking swampy plains to the north, and set against a backdrop of lush, green mountains, Palenque was in its prime between AD 500-700. Visitors can wander from one structure to another amongst waterfalls and jungle, taking in the marvels of this ancient settlement, which is all the more remarkable for having been constructed without the aid of metal tools, the wheel or pack animals. The most notable structures are the Palace and the Temple of Inscriptions pyramid crypt. Disabled Access: No Parroquia (San Miguel de Allende Parish Church) La Parroquia, a pink, Gothic parish church, is one of San Miguel de Allende's most famous landmarks as well as one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in Mexico. Standing in the city's main square (El Jardin), the church was originally built in 1683 but was given a facelift in 1880. The crypt underneath the main altar contains the remains of Felipe Gonzalez and General Anastasio Bustamante, both of whom were heroes of the Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821) against Spain. There is also a sculpture of Ignacio Allende, who is the city's namesake, displayed on the main altar; he was born in San Miguel in 1779 and became a leader and martyr during the Mexican independence movement, prior to his execution in 1811. Disabled Access: No

7 Tours & Activities

Beaches in Mexico Mexico boasts a fantastic variety of beaches along both coasts. On the Baja California Peninsula, many head for Los Cabos, to San Lucas and San José. To the east, on the Caribbean side, make for Isla de Mujeres, a slender island off the Yucatán coast fringed by crushed coral sands. Tequila Home to Mexico's most popular export, this town in state sits amidst fields of blue agave, the plant that is the basis of tequila. You can sample José Cuervo and Sauza's finest at the distilleries. The best way to arrive is by the Tequila Express, a tourist train from Guadalajara. Chichén-Itzá The ceremonial city of Chichén-Itzá was built over 1,000 years ago, but the Mayan magic still draws crowds. Each spring and autumn equinox, shadows show Kukulcan (the snake) working his way up the steps. Other amazing but less-visited Maya sites include Calakmul in southern Campeche and Bonampak, with its polychromatic murals, in Chiapas. Spas The ancients knew what was good for them and made full use of the country's countless hot springs. Follow in the footsteps of the Aztecs with a relaxing spa break. Costa Azul Mexican resorts offer a full range of water sports, including windsurfing, sea-kayaking and parasailing. Surfers will find plenty of point breaks down the Pacific coast, notably along the Costa Azul of southern Baja, at Sayulita, Matanchén bay south of San Blas and Puerto Escondido on the Oaxaca coast. Mexico City The capital is positively brimming with historic and cultural attractions. Its gigantic main square is overlooked by the imposing Catedral Metropolitana and flanked by the remains of the Aztecs' ceremonial centre. Of the city's myriad museums, the one must-see is the National Museum of Anthropology, covering Mexico's astounding archaeological legacy by region. Cancun Those with a ticket to one of Cancún's 15,000-capacity beach parties will want to sleep all day as they will need all the energy they can get. Spring Break is the ultimate party period. For a more distinctively Mexican blowout, try the Pacific port of Mazatlán for Carnival (preceding Ash Wednesday). Cozumel The reefs surrounding Cozumel island are prized diving spots known for their tropical marine life and unusual coral formations. Other fine spots for diving or snorkeling include Banco Chinchorro coral atoll off Yucatán's Costa Maya and Zihuatanejo on the Pacific coast. Ranches

8 Luxury guest ranches let you play at being cowboy, with action-packed days in the saddle and relaxing evenings of fine local cuisine and indulgent tequila tastings. San Cristóbal de las Casas An enclave of traditional Maya culture in the Chiapas highlands, the town is known for its magnificent weaving: the intricately designed huipiles (loose-fitting blouse) woven and worn by local women open a window on Maya cosmology. San Cristóbal is surrounded by fascinating indigenous villages like San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. San Miguel de Allende Volcanically active central Mexico is dotted with numerous hot springs. Some of the nicest are near the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende: Escondido Place and La Gruta have various indoor and outdoor pools on attractively landscaped desert grounds. Other popular soaking destinations include Cuautla in Morelos state and Tequisquiapan, near Querétaro. Teotihuacán Located 50km (31 miles) northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacán grew to be the largest of Mexico's pre-Hispanic cities, with an estimated population of 200,000 during its prime in the sixth century AD. Its greatest building is the Pyramid of the Sun, standing at a height of 63m (207ft). It is joined on the Avenue of the Dead, Teotihuacán's main street, by another enormous building, the Moon Pyramid, which was originally part of a 'Moon Plaza'. The site was first excavated in 1884. Visitors can also see the various palaces once inhabited by the priests who ruled the city; research has brought to light many of the rituals of this ancient civilisation, including ceremonial human sacrifice and elaborate festivals. Tepoztlán Tepoztlán ('place of copper') is a relaxed town overlooked by steep, jagged cliffs and a pyramid dedicated to Tepoztécatl, God of the Harvest. In the centre, the imposing Convent of the Nativity (dating from 1580) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Puebla For chic colonial-style, look no further than Puebla, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre. Church domes and house walls are covered in talavera, colourful glazed tiles that are still produced by the town's artisans. Taxco The ornate silver jewellery produced in Taxco is a joy to behold. Fortunes were made from the silver mines here, and one was poured back into the Church of Santa Prisca and San Sebastián, a jewel of Churrigueresque architecture. Tulum Seeing the sunrise over the Mayan ruins of Tulum, near Playa del Carmen, is well worth an early start. Explore in peace then take a pre-breakfast dip in the turquoise sea - the ruins are practically on the beach. Sacred City

9 The sunset over Monte Albán, a sacred prehistoric city and centre of the Zapotec culture, which flourished 2,000 years ago, is a magical sight. The remarkable Central Plaza, the Ball Court, and many of the tombs are open to the public. Cenotes The limestone terrain of the Yucatán peninsula is peppered with deep, naturally formed pools known as cenotes, ideal for swimming or diving. Some, such as Xlacah near the archaeological site of Dzibilchaltún, have ritual significance for the local Maya. Others, like Dos Ojos near Akumal, connect to underground cave networks. Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl The two snow-capped volcanoes east of Mexico City make for memorable hiking and climbing. 'Popo,' though still active, is ringed by a series of indigenous villages with 16th-century monasteries on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Long-dormant 'Izta' can be scaled by ambitious climbers with proper gear. Xochimilco A world away from Venice, brightly painted trajineras (a type of gondola, usually accompanied by mariachi singers) can be hired to cruise the beautiful, tree-lined canals and Aztec-engineered floating gardens of Xochimilco, an indigenous town at the southern reaches of Mexico City. Isla Janitzio Janitzio, off Lake Pátzcuaro, is considered the most magical place to witness Mexico's Day of the Dead festival, with candlelit boats conveying Purépecha villagers to the tiny island where they decorate the tombs of their loved ones in an all-night vigil. Ceremonies are held on 1 and 2 November in cemeteries throughout Mexico. Los Cabos Mexico boasts a fantastic variety of beaches along both coasts. On the Baja Peninsula, many head for the Cabos - San Lucas and San José. On the Caribbean side, make for Isla de Mujeres, a slender island off the Yucatán coast fringed by crushed coral sands.

10 Food & Dining Out

Corn is the main ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and every meal comes with a basket of hot tortillas - rounds of toasted cornmeal. Tacos, available everywhere, consist of hot tortillas topped with beef, pork or fish. Other common corn-based antojitos (snacks) include tamales (banana leaf or corn-husk packages of cornmeal laced with various spicy sauces), quesadillas (fried tortillas filled with cheese and/or vegetables) and flautas (chicken-filled tortillas rolled like cigars and deep fried). Zesty salsas, often served in clay bowls, are another must at any table or lunch counter. Fresh fish and shellfish are the main attraction along both coasts. For vegetarians, nopales, the succulent and slightly slimy leaves of the prickly pear cactus are a good option, as are squash blossoms and all kinds of wild mushrooms. Also look out for exotic fruits like zapote (sapodilla) and tuna (cactus fruit). Among local spirits, tequila, mezcal and rum reign supreme. Corona and Sol are the most popular beers - light and refreshing, and often drunk with a wedge of lime. Regional Specialities • Mole refers to a range of complex sauces based around chillis and a number of other herbs and spices. The most famous version, mole poblano, was reputedly created by nuns at a Puebla convent. The chocolaty blend is usually poured over turkey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. • Guacamole is an avocado mole with red peppers, onions and tomatoes. • Look out for exotic fruits like zapote (brown fruit resembling an avocado), and tuna (juicy prickly pear, fruit of the cactus). • Cabrito asado (roasted kid goat) is a northern specialty: in Monterrey, Saltillo or Torreón, restaurant windows display whole goat carcasses grilling on a stake over a coals. Served on a bed of sizzling onions with cowboy beans and plenty of tortillas. • Cochinita pibil is Yucatán's signature dish: suckling pig marinated in citrus juice and the reddish dye of annatto seeds, wrapped in banana leaves, then slow-roasted in an underground pit. Tipping Service charges are rarely added to hotel, restaurant or bar bills and many of the staff depend on tips for their livelihood. 15% is expected and 20% if the service has been very good. Regional Drinks •Tequila is a double or triple-distilled spirit made from the blue variety of agave, which is not a cactus, but a plant related to the lily. Young blanco can have a rough 'cowboy' edge to them. Older añejo varieties are woody and sometimes as smooth as a fine brandy. •Mezcal is similar to tequila, but is distilled only once and can be made from different varieties of agave. It is not generally used in cocktails like tequila, but consumed in shots. Sip slowly to savour the taste. •Mexico's coffee liqueur, kahlúa, is world-famous. Drinking Age 11 18.

12 Shopping

Shopping There is no shortage of shopping opportunities in Mexico, from fashionable clothing boutiques to bustling market places selling traditional indigenous crafts. Taxco is renowned for fine jewellery and silverware; Oaxaca for mezcal, alebrijes (fanciful animal figurines) and distinctive black pottery; Saltillo for beautiful sarapes (colour-banded shawls); León for leatherwork and cowboy boots; Mérida, Yucatán for hammocks; and Guerrero state for masks, all of which make great gifts. The best woodworkers are in Guadalajara, but furniture from the region is on sale in Mexico City, as are crafts from all other parts of the country. Market buildings are fun to explore throughout the country, as much to observe the activity as to pick up souvenirs. La Merced in Mexico City and Mercado La Libertad in Guadalajara are among the biggest, most frenetic markets in the country. However, many Mexicans do their shopping in glitzy, modern malls with all the usual department stores, boutiques and franchises. Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 1000-2000 in big towns and cities; shops in smaller towns may close midday for lunch, usually from 1400 to 1600.

13 Best Time To Visit

Climate: Mexico’s land mass touches the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific, with each coastline having its own weather patterns. So, depending on the time of year, it is good to plan ahead to find the weather that suits you best. For decades Mexico’s beaches have attracted tourists looking for a winter getaway from chilly northern climes. The mellow Mexican climate makes it a popular winter and summer destination for tourist sights, city trips or beach breaks. June to August are the hottest months in the bustling resort of Cancun, while April and May see the highest temperatures in Mexico’s capital Mexico City, where lowest temperatures are usually in January and February. The dry season here is November to May, and this is followed by four months of significant rainfall, with average rainfall of 170mm in July. A careful study of the Mexico climate can help with holiday planning with the average number of wet days here is at its highest in July and August. This urban area receives about 820 millimetres (32.3 in) of annual rainfall, which is concentrated in the summer months. Humidity in Mexico City is highest in September. Coastal areas and lowlands are hot and steamy with high humidity, while the central plateau is temperate even in winter. Hurricane season begins in June and ends in November with most hurricanes taking place in August and October. Detailed information about hurricanes can be accessed via the US national hurricane centre. For those travelling during hurricane season, check out your travel insurance cover before you leave. Acapulco on Mexico’s west coast is famous as a glitzy coastal resort, famous for attracting Hollywood stars, particularly back in the 1950s. It is still a popular stop for cruise ships and for beach fans. There is a risk of hurricanes here in the summer, so check ahead on timings. Humidity is highest in Acapulco in November and December, and rainfall highest in the months of June to October. During October 1999 Mexico suffered severe flooding as part of the Atlantic hurricane season, the worst flood for 40 years. Best Time To Visit Mexico is a great destination to visit throughout the year. Temperatures drop, though, from November to February when it's best to pack a sweater or jacket. In general, altitude is a determining factor, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations (Mexico City, Puebla, San Cristóbal de las Casas) and warmer weather as you descend (Guadalajara, Cuernavaca, Oaxaca). October and November is perhaps the best time to visit, after the rains have ended and everything is still green. Early spring tends to be hotter and dustier. Along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, winters are comfortable, summers very hot and humid, though resorts like Cabo San Lucas benefit from a sea breeze. Late summer months bring heavy rains and the occasional hurricane. Required Clothing

14 This varies from area to area. Natural fibres are best in the heat, but have a sweater on hand as the nights are generally cooler. A sun hat will help to avoid dehydration. In the mountains, heavier clothing will be required.

15 Travel Tips

Air: There is an excellent network of daily scheduled flights in Mexico between principal commercial centres operated by longstanding airline: Aeroméxico . Mexicana, the country's second major airline is no longer in operation. Many of the smaller airports also have capacity for large planes and some international flights. A plethora of small domestic carriers offer low-cost flights to a range of destinations. These include VivaAerobus , serving Monterrey, Guadalajara, Cancún and 23 other destinations in Mexico; Volaris with 25 destinations throughout the country; and Interjet . Departure Tax US$30-60, usually included in the air fare, otherwise payable at the airport. Road: It is advisable to keep car doors and windows closed and locked, especially at traffic lights. Road Classification Confusingly, toll (CUOTA) and free (LIBRE) roads to the same destination often have the same highway ID number. Drivers in a hurry should follow the CUOTA signs. A third sign, LIBRAMIENTO, indicates a toll-paying bypass road. Car Hire Self-drive cars are available at airports, city centres and resorts. All the established international agencies operate in Mexico. Reputable Internet-only agencies are worth a look for cheap deals. Beware of hidden extras, and poor breakdown services, particularly with local firms. Coach Coaches and buses link almost all towns and cities. Central bus terminals in major cities provide service and information on fares and schedules. Major operators include ETN (tel: 01 800 800 0386; covering the Pacific coast, western and northern Mexico; ADO (tel: 01 800 702 8000; serving the Gulf coast and Mexican southeast; Primera Plus (tel: 01 800 375 7587; serving central and northern Mexico; and Estrella Blanca (tel: 01 800 507 5500; with service throughout the country. Regulations Speed limits are 30-50kph (19-31mph) in towns and 80-120kmph (50-75mph) on motorways. All auto passengers are required to wear safety belts. Car use in Mexico City is restricted so as to reduce pollution. The last digit of the car number plate determines when that car cannot be driven. Breakdown Services

16 Rest areas at toll-booths provide ambulance and breakdown services. The Angeles Verdes (Green Angels) (tel: 078), run by the tourist ministry, provide breakdown assistance to tourists between the hours of 0800 and 1800 daily, with free labour and parts at cost. If you do need to call them out, it should go without saying that you should tip generously. Documentation An International Driving Permit or a valid driving licence from your country of residence is required. The minimum driving age is for car hire is usually 21. Mexican vehicle insurance is compulsory (see Getting There) check insurance is included in hire agreements. Travel Urban Mexican cities and towns generally have good public transportation networks, with frequent bus and taxi service around town and to/from inter-city bus stations. Buses are cheap, with signs affixed to their windshields announcing their destinations. Taxis are easy to find; usually they charge by distance (it's best to agree on the fare beforehand) but in larger cities are metered. The country's three largest cities, Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, all feature metro systems. Mexico City's is the most extensive, with frequent, efficient service and a flat fare of 3 pesos payable by single tickets or chargeable prepaid cards. Another component of the capital's transit network is its expanding Metrobus system, with double-length buses stopping at enclosed stations that are accessible by prepaid card. Various kinds of taxis ply the streets of Mexico City: cruising street taxis are metered and cheap; radio taxis operating from sitios (taxi stands) charge more but are considered a more secure option. In the city centre, bicycle taxis offer a non-polluting alternative. Rail: All long-distance passenger train services were discontinued in 2000, with one spectacular exception: the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway, commonly known as El Chepe (tel: 01 800 122 4373; ). The tourist-oriented line from the city of Chihuahua to Los Mochis traverses the Sierra Tarahumara range and includes a stop in the Copper Canyon region. Water: Steamer ferries operate regularly between Mazatlán and La Paz (Baja California) daily; between Guaymas and Santa Rosalia, across the Gulf of California; between La Paz and Topolobampo three or four times weekly; and from Puerto Vallarta to Cabo San Lucas twice- weekly. Some west coast cruises include Pacific ports such as Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. There are also regular ferries from the mainland to the Caribbean Islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Ferry operators, their names, websites and schedules are in a constant state of flux. Advance bookings are very rarely needed or available. Telephone: Long-distance calls are very expensive. Mobile Telephone:

17 Mobile/cell phones can be purchased inexpensively, and credit can be added by prepaid card. Of the major providers, Telcel has the most thorough coverage. Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies but is pricey. Internet: Internet is available in all regions. Most hotels in the mid-range and above categories provide computer terminals and/or wireless access. There are also many inexpensive cyber-cafés in cities and towns throughout Mexico. Currency Information: Mexican Peso (MXN; symbol M$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of M$1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of M$10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 and 20 centavos. Note: The M$1,000 and M$500 notes can be difficult to change and are sometimes not accepted. Currency Exchange The US dollar is widely accepted; indeed in some instances it can be difficult to pay in pesos. Currency exchange houses give a preferable rate of exchange to hotels and a much quicker service than banks. The exchange rate of the Mexican peso had been relatively stable until 2008, when it took a huge tumble, reaching a record low against the US dollar in 2009. Language Spanish is the official language (spoken by more than 90%). English is widely spoken. 8% speak indigenous languages, of which Nátinate is most common.

Capital: Mexico City Dialing Code: +52 Area: 1964375 Population: 118818228 Population Density: 60 Population Year: 2013 EU Member: No Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American two-pin (flat) plugs are usual, but most sockets cannot accept a US-style three-pin plug.

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