CANSO Latin America & Caribbean Conference Mexico City, Mexico 1 - 3 December 2014 Practical Information Mexico City, Mexico
Location Mexico is a country located in North America and is bordered by the United States to the north, Belize and Guatemala to its south, the Gulf of Mexico to its east and the North Pacific Ocean to its west. The country’s total area is 1,972,550 square kilometers, or nearly 3 times the size of Texas. Its capital, Mexico City, is located in the south-central part of the country. Mexico City is the largest metropolis in the world, with population estimates ranging between 18 and 20 million Religion There is no official religion in Mexico, as the constitution guarantees separation of church and state. However, more than nine-tenths of the population are nominally affiliated with Roman Catholicism. Tipping It is customary to tip in Mexico, and tipping is expected in many situations, though it is generally not required. Tipping in either dollars (bills only, no coins) or pesos is acceptable. It is standard to tip 15-20% in most places. A taxi drivers tip is usually included in the fare out. Sometimes restaurants include a gratuity on the bill, in that case look out for ‘propina’ on your bill. It is not necessary to tip an additional amount. Time Zone Mexico City is five hours behind of the Coordinated Universal Time: (UTC -6)
Currency The local currency is the Mexican Nuevo Peso, known colloquially as ‘Peso’. Cash can be exchanged at banks and bureau de change. 1 USD = 13.4413 MXN 1 EUR = 16.9788 MXN 16.9788 MXN* Exchange rate of 30.10.2014
Climate Mexico City is situated in the tropical zone and lies at an altitude of 7,240 feet (2,230 m) above sea level. The city experiences hot summers and mild winters with an annual average temperature of 640 F (180C). It has very small seasonal changes. January is the coldest month and May is the warmest month while rainfall occurs mainly between June and October. Electricity Electric current throughout Mexico is conformed to 110 volts, 60 cycles. Some electrical outlets at hotels are still of the two prong type. To get around this and enable you to use a notebook/computer with a three prong electrical cord plug, it is recommended to take a converter with you. Water The tap water in Mexico City is purified through water purification systems. For short term visitors / tourists, it is always better to drink bottled water. Food Mexican cuisine is primarily a fusion of indigenous Mesoamerican cooking with
European, especially Spanish, elements. The basic staples remain native foods such as corn, beans and chili peppers, Transportation Benito Juarez airport (MEX) serving Mexico City is modern and efficient. There are two terminals linked by a monorail that can only be used by passengers who have a ticket, boarding pass or eticket ref number. However, passengers can transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 using the Aerotrain. The Aerotrain is free and very comfortable and can be accessed by showing the airline ticket and/or airport hotel reservation. In terminal 1, the train station is located at gate 6. The Hotel is located inside Terminal 2 at the airport. If a flight arrives at Terminal 2, passengers can take elevators that connect directly to the hotel lobby. Authorized Airport Taxis companies: Yellow Cab Aeropuerto phone: +52 55 5785 7949, Porto Taxi Phone: +351(0)229 432 400, Sitio 300, Comfort phone: 01-800-822-5424 / 01-800-838-0589 Emergency Contacts Police: 060 & 080 (Emergencies, traffic, fire etc.) To report a crime: 061 Fire Dept: 5768-8261 Ambulance: 5557-5757 (Red Cross) Federal Highway Police: 5684-2142