México: Una vez llegado al país

Means of Transport Recommended in Town

Recommendation

Traffic circulation in Mexico City is very heavy as well as in the other major cities, especially in the downtown areas.  There is a lot of road work as well.  The use of seat belts is mandatory.
It is recommended to use public transportation, but the conditions of city buses are not too good and these are driven recklessly.
The subway, called Metro, circulates all over the city and it is very inexpensive.
Taxis are available in all major avenues, however, it is better to use authorized taxis (a directory can be found in:  taxis ) which will guarantee a safe ride and rapid access at a fair price.  Currently, there is also a suburban train which connects the main cities in the state of Mexico with the capital (D.F.), and in only 15 minutes travels 20 km.

Maps of Urban Networks

Maporama
Mapblast
UT Library on line

Urban Transport Agencies

Directory of passenger transportation agencies.

Find an Itinerary

Turista.com.mx

Taxi Companies

Mexico City's airport taxis
Taxi Mexico

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Mexico City Intl (MEX)	12 km / 7 miles	USD 17-25 / 45 min	USD 0.20 / 40 min	-	Available
Guadalajara (GDL)	17 km / 12 miles	USD 12-18	USD 10 / 35 min	-	Available

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Recommendation

The bus is the most popular type of transportation to travel around the Mexican territory.  Prices are inexpensive and the conditions are, in general, good.

There are 57 international airports in the country which allow traveling in a short time.  Fifteen companies manage the airlines market.  They offer several itineraries and frequent  flight connections in between the capital and the major cities.  In the last few years, airlines companies called  "low cost" have integrated the market, increasing the use of airplane transportation in the country.  The fares can be high if the reservations are not booked in advance.

Rail Companies

Ferromex

Airlines

You Can Consult the List of Airlines Banned Within the EU. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Traveling By Yourself

Recommendation

Roads are asphalted, well kept and functional in most parts of the country.  The toll highways guarantee safety.
International insurances are not valid, therefore it is necessary to obtain auto insurance in Mexico.
In Mexico City, an alternating traffic system has been established in order to fight environmental pollution (it is based on the vehicle plate's number).  Vehicles with a foreign plate cannot circulate on Fridays.

Driver's License

Tourists with foreign driver's licenses are authorized to drive in Mexico.

Conditions For Renting a Vehicle

The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old.
In Mexico City, a driver has to comply with the program Today I don't drive

Rental Agencies

Avis

Tolls or Taxes

There are toll highways and free highways, however, the road and safe conditions are better in the toll highways.  The toll has to be paid when entering each highway.

Road Maps

Guide to Roji-Mexico, Guadalajara and Monterrey
Travel by Mexico - Road maps
Road map - Ministry of Tourism

Find an Itinerary

Map24

Traffic Conditions Online

Traffic alert - El Universal

Parking Facilities

It is very difficult to find a parking place in the business areas of the major cities.  It is advised to use parking lots, which are usually underground.
There are also parking meters in the downtown areas of the major cities.
If a car is parked in a street where there is not a parking meter, most likely, there will be a young guy who will 'watch' the car and will expect some coins in return.

Rules of the Road

Minimum Driving Age

A driver's license can be requested at  the age of 16 and 17 years old.

Side of the Road For Driving

Right side.

Speed Limits

30-40 km per hour in the city and 100 km per hour in the highway.

Safety Belts

The use of safety seat belts is mandatory.

Permitted Amount of Alcohol in the Blood

0.40 mg of alcohol per litre of exhaled air.

National Roads Organizations

Ministry of Roads and Transportation D.F.
Ministry of Communications and Transportation
Ministry of Federal Public Security

Categories of Restaurant

 

• Fondas

Also known as "inexpensive cuisine" they offer, for a reasonable price, a three course meal: a soup is usually served as a starter, a side dish (rice or pasta) and a stew follows. Dessert is complimentary.  They also sell regional typical dishes.

• Taquerias

It is a place where the famous "tacos" and other snacks are sold.  In general they are open until late hours and, for a reasonable price, one can eat very well.

• Fast Food Restaurants

Due to American influence, it is very easy to find hamburgers, pizzas and other fast food meals.

• Typical Food Restaurants

These restaurants propose real Mexican cuisine which usually has a  very complex elaboration.  Their menus may propose specialties from all over the country or just from a specified region.

• International Restaurants

There are also international restaurants, such as French, Italian, Japanese, etc.

Rules For Eating Out

A tip of 15% is suggested, unless the service was dreadful.

Price Indications

Food Specialties

Recognized all over the world for its cultural wealth and its flavor blending,  Mexican cuisine varies as much as the ingredients that compose it.
Some typical dishes are:
-Guacamole: mashed avocados with tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers.
-Mole poblano: chicken and rice covered with a sauce prepared with a variety of  peppers and chocolate.
-Tamales: Corn flour with chicken or vegetables, cooked inside plantain or corn leaves.

Drinks

Typical Mexican alcoholic drinks are tequila, mescal and pulque.
Mexicans usually accompany their  meals with a beer or a "flavored water", based on fruit juice concentrates.

Dietary Restrictions

There are no dietary restrictions in the country.

Table Manners

In Mexico the basis of all relationships is the respect and gratitude not only to their table companions but also to the restaurant personnel.  If you are invited to a home, thank your host and make compliments to the hostess for the meal served.

Quality of Communications

Telecommunication systems are available and extended all over the country, but they are expensive.
In rural areas there can be problems with Internet connection or cell phones.

Telephone Codes

To Make a Call From Mexico, Dial 00
To Make a Call to in Mexico, Dial +52

Number of Digits of National Telephone Numbers

10 digits: state code + 8 digits.

Mobile Telephone Standards

GSM, TDMA, CDMA, 3G, Trunking Services (Nextel).

National Mobile Phone Operators

Telcel, Telefonica Movi Star, Iusacell, Unefon, Nextel.

Availability of Internet

Internet Suffix

.mx

National Internet Access Providers

Telcel, Telmex, Terra, Iusacell, Cablevision.

Access in Public Places

There are cybercafes in the cities.  Some restaurants and shopping centers offer free Internet.

Access in Hotels

Most of the executive hotels and major tourist centers offer free Wifi connection or business center with a fee schedule.