How do you get around Mexico City?

Ubers are the way to go! They are super affordable, we recommend to use Ubers when moving around. Don’t haul street taxis, specially if you aren’t fully fluent in Spanish as the drivers won’t understand you and might overcharge you. It is also not tracked and there are some dodgy taxis out there.

Walking is good but we would suggest to do it only during the day. Also to be very aware of traffic as driving might be a little bit more hectic than what you are used to, so look both sides of the street before crossing.

We have a metro system, as well as buses and metrobus. You’ll also see some cute double decked buses that London donated. We suggest to not try during peak time and night time.

ET Phone Home!

Getting a SIM card is a relatively easy and painless process. Don’t do it in the airport as you will get overcharged, but you can get one in every OXXO (our convenience stores in every corner) and 7eleven. All you need to ask for is a pay as you go SIM card, $500 pesos should cover you for 2 weeks. We recommend to buy Telcel as they have wider range and sometimes have great data bundles.

What about the water?

You can use it to shower and brush your teeth but not to drink unless you want an upset tummy. Only drink bottled water and fresh juices from established places. There are street vendors that sell “raspados” or fresh juices, just be very careful of who you buy street food from.

Somebody Feed Phil told me I could eat from the street?

Somebody Feed Phil had a team of producers who knew and tested the best street vendors. Don’t get us wrong, street food is incredible and you can find some of the best food you’ll ever try there. However not all places will have the same level of hygiene and unless you want Moctezuma’s revenge don’t taste your fate. If you want to have street food, ask someone local to give you recommendations of where is a good place to eat from.

To avoid getting ill, stick to the stalls that have people flocking to them, especially if those people are locals. That way, you know they’re reputable and affordable.

How unsafe is Mexico and Mexico City?

Like any country and any big city Mexico and Mexico City have dodgy people and can be unsafe. Mexico has gotten a lot safer over the years, but there is still people that are up to no good. As a golden rule, don’t get yourself in sticky situations.

Some neighborhoods in Mexico City are considered more dangerous than others. Tepito, a barrio located in the Cuauhtémoc borough, is one, as are the areas of La Lagunilla, Mercado Merced and Doctores. Outlying barrios like Ciudad Neza and Iztapalapa have also developed dangerous reputations. Stick to well-lit, central streets while in these areas and try to avoid them at night.

How about money?

A lot is done with cash, most things now take cards, but cash is still the preferred way to go in some places. Also, tips are encouraged about 15% is good! They are not included in your bill, so you’ll have to add at the end.

Be cautious with your cash. This encompasses everything to do with money and cash-carrying while in Mexico City. Obviously, don’t carry around every peso you brought with you. Only carry what you’ll need for the day and preferably in two different locations; for example, take 200 pesos in your purse and another 200 in an inside pocket. Take care when withdrawing money, too. “It’s generally safer to use ATMs during daylight hours and inside shops or malls.

Gringo?

Embrace it, don’t hate it. You are the one wearing shorts in January. Gringo is a term people might use to refer to you, it is all well intentioned to refer to foreign people. Big tell tells that you are a gringo are that you might be dressed as if you were going to the beach but in the city. Beware - January in Mexico isn’t as hot as you might thing.

Will it be as warm as CopaCabanna?

Temperatures work like a pyramid, this means it will be close to 0 degrees in the morning, will peak to 20-25 degrees at noon and drop to 0 again at night, so pack layers for a frosty but warm weather. Lucky for you, January is the month where it doesn’t (or shouldn’t) rain!

For the wedding, we are in a closed garden with heaters, it will be warm and you will be dancing and doing cardio like Irene on a spin class, but take a jacket/layers just in case you get a bit nippy.

I got Moctezuma’s Revenge!

Worry not brave warrior! Most people do, it is just your tummy not used to some spices, travel and the fact that you aren’t descendant of one of the best civilizations in the world. Pharmacies in Mexico are super easy to navigate, we have so many! You won’t be short of options, the other amazing thing is that some of them have same day GP that will see you there and then and write a prescription for what you might need for as little as £5, some of them are only tip based and they are adjacent to the pharmacies. Markus recommends by experience to not play brave and get medicine (That was a fun toilet share with the in-laws!).

Some useful brands and medicines to know are:

• Diaharrea - Pepto-Bismol

• Constipation - Sinuberase or Metamusil

• Heartburn - Ropan or Tums

• Hayfever - Loratadina or Avapena

• Cold & Flu - Next or Antiflu-des

Please use this as a guide but check the ingredients, side effects and check with your regular doctor to check you aren’t allergic. We are not doctors, these are suggestions so please consume with care.

Useful Phrases:

We suggest to pre-download google translate with Spanish on your phone, but some common phrases are:

• Hola, ¿Cómo estas? - Hi, how are you?

• No hablo español, ¿hablas inglés? - I don’t speak Spanish, do you speak English?

• Estoy Perdido - I am lost

• Gracias - Thank you!

• Perdón - I’m sorry

• Vale - Ok

For more “chilango” phrases check HERE and HERE. But like in most cities, you will definitely find someone who speaks English and can help you out of your predicament.