Travel Guides: All Countries / Central America / Mexico / Mexico City
 |  | Fact File : Mexico City |
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| | | Mexico City | | Did you know?
Mexico City's pollution is so bad that drivers are allowed to use their cars only on selected days of the week.
Language
Spanish
Visas
No visa required, but a Mexican Government tourist card (terjeta de turista) is. These are available from embassies or at border crossings.
Getting there
There are regular flights from London to Mexico City, plus flights and buses from other parts of Mexico.
Flying time from London
Ten hours
Getting around
The city's buses and trolleybuses are extensive, cheap, efficient and very handy for tourists. However, it's best to avoid the morning and evening rush hours. Car hire is available, but consider it only if you already know the city. Taxis can be a target for crime.
Currency
Nuevo (new) peso
Costs
Prices vary but expect to pay roughly: litre of petrol 30p; bottle of beer £1; moderate restaurant meal £5-£10 per person; roll of film £4; four-mile taxi ride £4-£7.
Weather
Mexico City's climate is drier and more temperate than most of the rest of the country. May to October is the hottest time, with July and September probably good only for the most hardened heat-seekers - temperatures range between 13-27C (55-80F). December to February can get chilly with temperatures ranging from 42-68F (6-20C).
Time difference
Six hours behind GMT in winter, five hours behind in summer.
International dialling code from the UK
00 52 5
Voltage
110V, 60Hz AC. Mexico has three different types of electrical outlet, so travellers will need transformers and plug adapters for European appliances.
Opening hours
With high mid-day temperatures, siesta is important to Mexicans. Most shops and businesses are open Monday to Saturday from 9am-2pm, shut for siesta, then open again from 4pm-7pm. Some do not reopen on Saturday afternoon. On Sundays nearly all archaeological sites and museums are free; many are closed on Mondays.
Health - Before you go
Vaccinations are not required but a few are highly recommended: make sure you're up to date on tetanus and polio shots and consider jabs for hepatitis A and typhoid. Malaria protection is advised for travel in certain regions; check with your doctor at least 2 months prior to travel. Take out travel insurance to cover health costs.
Health - When you are there
There is no national 999 equivalent; in the event of an emergency, contact the Ministry of Tourism's 24-hour tourist hotline for assistance. Tel: 01-800-903-9200. Local clinics or Red Cross facilities are usually sufficient for minor treatment, but if you suffer serious disease or injury you may want to find a private hospital or even, in extreme cases, fly out to the US. Five-star hotels, the tourist hotline or the British Consulate will be able to recommend a doctor or hospital.
Warnings
Beware pickpockets on the buses and underground. Women should never hitchhike alone.
Emergency
SECTUR tourist office - Tel: 5 250 01 230. Air ambulance - Tel: 5 294 4286 (this service will cost you thousands of pounds).
Customs
Try to speak Spanish, however little or inept, to people you meet; you will gain much respect.
Pets
Animals will be subject to six months' quarantine on return to the UK.
Tipping
10% is sufficient. Taxi drivers don't accept tips, but petrol station attendants do.
Tourist office
Mexico Tourist Board, Wakefield House, 41 Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4DJ. Brochure line: 00800 11112266 (freephone) or for information, call: 020 7488 9392.
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| | Available rental properties in Mexico City |
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| |  | | Al Di La-M
Constructed in the 70's for Mexico's Presidential incumbant, this is an expansive beachhouse on the exclusive Pichilingue beach in the Puerto Marques bay.
|  | | Bel Ha Villa-M
This luxury fully serviced holiday villa
is lavishly furnished to the highest standards.4 Bedrooms, 4 en suite Bathrooms.Sleeps up 8.
|  | | Dulce Suenos-M
Dulce Suenos is a spectacular Mexican-style villa located in one of the country’s most sophisticated and exclusive resorts, Isla Navidad. 3 bedrooms sleeps up 6.
|  | | Puerto Vallarta-M
Casa Cielito is located north of Punta Mita in a remote setting on a mile long beach on the Pacific Ocean that is shared with twelve other villas.
|  | | La Playa de Arizona-M
Rich with Mexican spirit, this charming beach house blends the very best of modern conveniences with the accents of traditional Mexico.Accommodations for up to 8 adults and 2 children.
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Holiday Rentals in Mexico City |
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