Mexico City travel information

Mexico City is the world's third-largest metropolis (only Tokyo and New York City are bigger). It is a sprawling and complex place guaranteed never to make you bored. Built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the ancient Aztec capital, the city is pervaded by reminders of past civilisation that contrast with the effects of unchecked growth – drab skyscrapers, extensive slums, unpleasant smells and polluted air. Still, the city boasts pockets of green beauty, stunning architecture, first-rate museums, and great food and music. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as it has the dubious honour of having one of the highest rates of violent crime and robbery in the world. However, with the right precautions taken, there is much to enjoy and savour in Mexico’s bustling capital.

• Mexico City's climate is temperate year round, though it can get a little nippy at night from November to February. During this period, because of thermal inversion, air pollution is often at its heaviest. April is a pleasant month, breeding jacaranda blossoms all along the streets.

• While most businesses will accept foreign currency, especially US dollars, using pesos is your best bet. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio (exchange houses).

• Remember that you are at an altitude of over 2,225m and the air is much thinner than you are probably used to. Occurrences of light-headedness, mild headaches, breathlessness and tiring easily are common. Drink a lot of water and be very careful with alcohol consumption.

• Be very careful of telephone rip-offs. There are many ways for unscrupulous individuals or companies to take advantage of tourists and business travellers. Never make a call from a public phone that advertises Call Collect or use your MasterCard, Visa or American Express card. These are some of the most expensive phones in the world.

• The bus system is cheap and goes everywhere. It can get very crowded, especially when the locals are going to or coming from work. Keep a tight grip on your carry-on items at all times. Do not use the bus system after dark.

• Driving in México City is not recommended. The metro system is modern, cheap, fast and efficient. The stations are well lighted, very clean and the trains are extremely quiet. As with the buses though, do not ride the metro after dark and keep a grip on all your items.

• Don't drink the water unless you are sure it is purified. Most all of the larger hotels and restaurants have purified water systems. Bottled water is cheap insurance.

• Cycling is a pleasant way to see the city, especially as the weather is pleasant and the ground flat, but watch out for potholes and irresponsible drivers.

Useful travel tips resources

Footprint Guides – Mexico City
Exhaustive resource on Mexico City from this well-known travel guide publisher.
http://www.footprintguides.com/

All About Mexico City
A complete city guide to Mexico City packed with useful advice and information.
http://www.allaboutmexicocity.com/

Go To Mexico City
A useful guide to the city, including links and information on the whole country.
http://www.go2mexicocity.com/

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Mexico City maps and geography
Mexico travel information
Mexico travel tips
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Mexico maps and geography

Essentials

Visas: Stays longer than 72 hours require a tourist card valid for 180 days.
Season: Enjoyable year round, October to May is the most pleasant time to visit.
Money: Peso – ATMs widely available, US dollars also accepted
Language: Spanish – English understood in tourist areas
Emergency #: Ambulance: 060

Mexico