(Last updated: 29 July 2012)
Travel
Airports
Mexico City International Airport (MEX) (Benito Juárez) (www.aicm.com.mx) is 13km east of the city. Buses and taxis run to the city and journey time is 35 minutes. Underground trains are also available.
Cancun International Airport (CUN) (www.cancun-airport.com) is 22km southwest of the city. Buses and taxis run to the city and journey time is 40 minutes.
Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) (Miguel Hidalgo) (http://aeropuertosgap.com.mx) is 25km southeast of the city. Buses and taxis run to the city and journey time is 35 minutes.
Acapulco (ACA) (General Juan N Alvarez) is 26km (16 miles) southeast of the city. Buses and taxis run to the city and journey time is 35 minutes.
For general information on Mexican airports, visit www.aeropuertosmexico.com.
International departure tax is usually included in air tickets.
Ground transport
The Metro system in Mexico City is cheap and efficient, with frequent trains, flat fares and smart-card prepaid tickets. However, it is often crowded and some familiarity with the city is necessary to use it successfully. The Metro opens Monday to Saturday from 6am (on Sundays – 7am) and closes at about midnight.
There is also a small tramway network, and extensive bus and trolley bus services. The latter system has recently been modernised, and also has a flat fare.
Four different types of taxis operate in Mexico City:
- Yellow and white taxis (usually Volkswagens) are metered, as are orange taxis (sitio), which are available at taxi stands. These charge slightly more, and it is advisable to agree on the fare before starting the journey.
- Turismo taxis with English-speaking drivers are available outside main hotels. They are not metered and fares should be agreed before starting journey as rates can be excessive.
- Peseros (green and white) are share-taxis traveling on fixed routes, for which fares are charged according to the distance traveled.
- Radio taxis charge double fee but are very secure.
Tipping is not compulsory, nor indeed expected, for any of the taxi services.
There is a state-run bus and trolley bus service in Guadalajara, together with extensive private bus services.
Hotels
Mexico has a huge range of hotels, from large international chains to small boutique establishments. Obtain confirmation of the rate in writing or by e-mail when booking. Every hotel is required to display officially approved rates In low-season, or if the hotel is not full, it pays to ask around for a discount, or upgrades. In high-season, look for deals on the Internet, even at short notice.
A 5-star grading system similar to that in Europe is in common use with a ‘Gran Turismo' category that recognises hotels that go beyond 5-star standards. Having said that, the ratings can be overly generous, and tend to stick for life, regardless of whether the hotel in question has gone down hill.
Dining
Mexico offers a great variety of excellent restaurants. Mexican traditional cuisine is the most popular along with Spanish, French and Italian. Most restaurants in Mexico open for dinner around 8.00pm and don’t close until 2.00am.
Tipping
Service charges are rarely added to hotel, restaurant or bar bills and many of the staff depend on tips for their livelihood. In general, 15 per cent is expected and 20 per cent if the service has been very good.