MEXICO
MEXICO
CITY FAST FACTS
Map of Mexico City
Ask
our Mexico Specialist to arrange your travel to Mexico City!
THE
AIRPORT
Benito Juarez
International Airport is serviced by most major international airlines (Aeromexico and
Mexicana) and smaller regional carriers. The airport is about four miles from the heart of
Mexico City.
ALTITUDE
At 7,350 feet above sea
level, the air in Mexico City is thinner than many people are used to. Light-headedness,
mild headaches, tiring easily, and a feeling of breathlessness are common. Drinking plenty
of water and cutting down on alcohol will minimize symptoms.
CURRENCY
The monetary unit is the
peso. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Acceptance of U.S. dollars is
widespread although change will be given in pesos. Bank debit cards and major credit cards
are welcome at most establishments.
DOCUMENTATION
U.S. visitors are not
required to have a valid passport, but must show proof of citizenship such as a passport,
expired passport (within five years), certified birth certificate or voter's registration
card.
DRIVING
Driving in
Mexico City is not recommended for visitors, due to the city's strict anti-pollution
laws.
ELECTRICITY
Mexico uses the same
60-cycle, 110-volt current as the U.S.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the
official language of Mexico, although English is widely understood.
LOCATION
Mexico City
occupies a 571-square-mile area in south- central Mexico.
TAXES AND
TIPS
A 15 percent IVA
(value added sales tax) is applied to most goods and services - it is usually included in
the retail price. Hotels charge an additional 2 percent lodging tax. It is customary to
tip waiters 15-20 percent - porters, a dollar per person, chambermaids a dollar a day,
tour guides and drivers 10-15 percent of the tour cost for each. Taxi drivers expect a tip
when they provide an extra service.
TAXIS
Upon arrival at
the airport, take only special airport taxis. Tickets can be purchased in the baggage
claim area - fares are fixed according to destination. Visitors should avoid flagging a
cab on the street and take only taxis provided at hotels or located at specialists
designated as sitios (pronounced C-T-Os).
TELEPHONE
CALLS
Most public
telephones require debit phone cards, which can be purchased at newsstands or convenience
stores.To dial the U.S. directly, dial 001 + area code + phone number.
TOURIST
POLICE
Bilingual
policemen wear badges identifying them as "Tourist Police". In the unlikely
event of an emergency, visitors should dial 061 for immediate bilingual assistance.
WATER
Deluxe hotels
and restaurants provide potable(drinkable) water.
WEATHER
Mexico City
enjoys spring-like weather almost year-round. In winter, daytime temperatures average 70
degrees Fahrenheit. February to May brings warmer temperatures. June through late
September is considered the rainy season.
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