Mexico City Travel Tips
Traveling to Mexico City
You’ll want to fly into Mexico City International Airport “Benito Juarez”. As part of your Wonderfeast package, a car and driver will meet you to take you to the hotel.
If possible, I strongly recommend arriving a day or two early to acclimate yourself to Ciudad de México’s altitude. At 7,349 feet it can knock the strongest of us off our feet, especially if we’re coming from sea level.
What to Bring On Your Trip
Here’s a list of things to bring. These are just the basics:
– comfortable shoes. By far the most important thing you’ll need on this trip!! Tennis shoes and/or padded, walking-friendly sandals… and I would recommend breaking them in well before we start our adventure.
– a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light-weight rain jacket, just in case. It is mostly warm and sunny in CDMX, but treeless, exposed sites like the pyramids of Teotihuacan can be downright hot so we’ll want to be prepared.
– earplugs. While your hotel is in a lovely, residential neighborhood, nevertheless the nightlife can mean noise. Best to have a way to block it out, especially if you like to keep your windows open.
– a camera if you’re a happy snapper and, if you have them, a very light-weight pair of binoculars for better ceiling painting viewing 😉
– a comfortable bag in which to carry your things around town – small backpack or shoulder bag or purse, whichever you prefer.
– ‘nice’ T-shirts and long, light (cotton/linen) trousers and jeans, a light sweater, a jacket and, if desired, skirts below the knee for women. Cotton and linen clothes are the best choice and layers are your best friends. I also find that carrying a light cotton shawl in my purse means I can throw it over my shoulders if I need extra warmth or, conversely, protection from the sun.
– a ‘nice’ change for dinners out. Optional but always welcome in the odd upscale establishment.
– lastly, a photocopy of your passport (see ‘Safety and Smart Travel Practices,’ below)
Should I bring cash with me to CDMX?
I recommend bringing only a small amount of pesos with you if you can; maybe US$ 100 worth. Then, after that, the best system is to use the ATMs. I like to use my debit card to withdraw cash and my no-fees credit card for purchases.
You’ll want to make sure, therefore, that your credit and/or debit card can be used in Mexico and has a PIN number (the code you punch in once you’ve inserted your card into the machine) that is valid abroad. Also, ideally, your card will feature one of those embedded security chips that have recently become widespread in the U.S. Bottom line is, if you haven’t already done so, you’ll want to make sure your card can be used in Mexico and you’ll want an international PIN that’s connected to the card.
Also, you might want to see which credit card companies offer the most competitive rates since some charge higher conversion commission rates than others and there are several that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. It may be worthwhile to switch companies.
DO NOT bring traveler’s checks (do those even exist anymore?!), large amounts of US dollars in cash, or assume you’ll do your currency exchanging at a bank or conversion kiosk. It’s notoriously time-consuming and can result in serious headaches that will spoil your trip. Not worth it.
This is my favorite site for the latest currency exchange rates.
Tipping
Tipping in Mexico is expected but typically one leaves 10-15% of one’s bill and up to 20% for exceptional service. Just check your bill to be sure the propane (tip) hasn’t already been included.
Safe and Smart Travel Practices
Baggage
Take a photograph of your suitcase prior to handing it over at check-in!!!!! Bags get lost and, while in my experience they are usually delivered quite quickly, it can be a real drag if you don’t have a very specific description of the wayward piece of luggage. On the same note, carry basics (glasses, medications, contact lens solution, etc.) with you on the plane so that, if your bag should get lost, you can get by for a few days. And definitely bring any valuables (laptops, electronics, jewelry) with you on the plane. There have been reports of thefts at the hands of baggage handlers.
Documents
Please bring a photocopy or smartphone photo of your passport with you to Mexico City – the front pages suffice (where your photograph, passport number, and the date of issue, etc. are recorded). If you don’t have the photograph(s) on your smartphone, please print them and bring hard copies so that if anything should happen to your passport, we can easily get a replacement.
Personal safety/pickpocketing
I cannot sufficiently stress the importance of being vigilant about pickpockets in CDMX. It is an unfortunate reality that pickpocketing is a regular occurrence. Other than that, especially for tourists and visitors, CDMX is not a dangerous hotbed of crime. The parts of the city that we’ll be visiting and staying in are as safe as any other large city. So, to avoid any unpleasant experiences…
NEVER
– carry large amounts of cash on your person. It’s much safer to leave it in the safe at the hotel.
– wear visibly showy jewelry or designer handbags on your person.
– carry your passport with you. Again, leave it at the hotel.
– put anything valuable in back pockets.
ALWAYS
– keep your hands on your valuables when walking the streets through a crowd, visiting a site (Museo Nacional de Antropología, Teotihuacan, Zócalo, Casa Azul, etc.).
– avoid public tranportation, especially during rush hour. If you do decide to venture onto the metro or buses, turn backpacks and purses around (carrying them on your front)and put your hands across the pockets where you are keeping your valuables (money, camera, etc.).
– be aware of your surroundings! If anyone should try to grab something, shout “Ladrón!!” (Thief!) and “Me estan roband!!” ([meh es-TAHN robandow] I’m being robbed!) as loudly as you can. People will rally to help you. Mexicans are very proud people and courteous and will not leave you unassisted.
Bringing Phones, Computers, and Electronics
WIFI
The hotel has WIFI throughout the building. However, it may work better in certain places - like common rooms - than others. You’re therefore welcome to bring your laptop or iPad or whatever you like to use for e-mailing and reading online material. Note that the plugs in Mexico are the same as those used in the United States.
Phones
If you want to be able to surf the internet, use GPS to find your way around, or send texts and place calls during your stay in Mexico, there are two ways to do so. 1) Get an international data plan for your already existing phone, specifying that you’re going to be using it in Mexico, OR 2) Use an international e-SIM which you can get from Holafly or Saily. You can just go to their websites or download their apps and install the plan on your phone. They’re very user-friendly.
Getting the Best Photos on Your Trip
Policies regarding photography vary from place to place. Some sites do not allow photography at all while others allow photography sans flash. It really depends on the place. I will find out at each location we visit and will be sure to let you know whether or not it is permissible to take photographs.
I hope all this helps!