TIPS & USEFUL INFORMATION

WELCOME TO CDMX

Here is some useful information to help you navigate this city of 22 Million people (Zona Metropolitana).
Let us know if you have any questions or if we need to add anything else.

Este sitio fue creado principalmente para los que vienen del Gabacho así que esta mayormente en Ingles, pero en cualquier sección ustedes pueden usar el navegador de su preferencia para traducir la pagina. Aquí el como lograr esto.

TRANSPORTATION

RENT A CAR

It's up to you depending on what your plans are. Driving in CDMX is definitely an experience and not for everyone. Lots of traffic and very defensive driving, Anahí calls it "shitty driving" but as I point out to her, there's a lot less traffic accidents here.

About renting a car in Mexico, it is doable, however, rental sites like Priceline will offer an International insurance like Zurich or Allianz. Don't bother, our experience has been that when you pick up the car they will not accept this insurance and instead they'll require a hefty deposit/open charge on your credit card (despite what the US insurance company tells you).

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation is very good in CDMX, there's the subway aka "EL Metro", metrobus, buses, eco-bici, etc. You will need a metro card to use these, you can find more details here.
El Metro is very quick, however, it can be very crowded in the mornings and evenings as people go to/from work. Try to avoid rush hour as it will be Tokyo-like with the amount of people using this mode of transportation.

Normally we'd use public transportation in other cities, however, Uber is so inexpensive and convenient in CDMX that we tend to use that instead.

Here's more information on this topic:
Getting Around CDMX in Public Transportation

TAXIS & RIDESHARE

There are two forms of ride share services in CDMX, Uber and Didi - the Chinese Uber. Uber is very convenient and less expensive than in the US. This is our preferred mode of transportation. We have never used Didi but I know many locals prefer it.

Avoid Taxis as a tourist as they can overcharge and there's a series of issues with Taxis at the moment.

PRIVATE SHUTTLE

Anahí is working out a deal with a local shuttle who may be able to drive folks, to/from the airport as well as drive folks around the city, Teotihuacan pyramids, and other points of interest. She will provide more details as they're available.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Camino Real Polanco

About Polanco - About Camino Real Polanco

The party will be at Hotel Camino Real Polanco in the upscale neighborhood of Polanco. This is the most convenient place to stay for the party as you can stumble back to your room if need be. There is a special room rate applicable from June 25th to July 3rd.

The hotel is located at:
Mariano Escobedo 700,
Colonia Anzures, Miguel Hidalgo,
Ciudad de México, 11590
Camino Real

There are several options to reserve a room.

Option 1:
Use the QR Code

Option 2:
Use the following link https://acortar.link/JXBfua

Option 3:

Go to their website and use block code: 2506ALYSSA
www.caminoreal.com

Option 4:
Simply call the hotel and mention "XV (quince) Años Alyssa."
+52-55-5227-7200
+52-55-5263-8899
800 Number local to Mexico (Not from the US): 01 800 90 123 00 LADA sin costo.

Rates

Habitación de Lujo / Luxury Room $2,900.00 MXN
Habitación de Lujo Superior / Superior Luxury Room $3,525.00 MXN
Habitación con vista a Jardín / Room with a view to the Gardens $4,165.00 MXN
Habitación Camino Real Club / Camino Real Club Room $4,455.00 MXN

Single / Double occupancy.
Camino Real Club Room rate includes breakfast in the Executive floor.
All other rooms do not include food.
Rates do not include Taxes (IVA 16% and ISH 3.5%)
Extra person $860.00 MXN

Other Options

Airbnb or hotels in the following Colonias (neighborhoods) based on amenities, distance to the party and points of interest:

Of course there are other very nice areas such as Coyoacan, San Angel, Centro Historico, however, they will be further out and could take a good amount of time to get to the party. Do visit these neighborhoods though.

WEATHER

During the summer months, Mexico City experiences a rainy season with mostly warm temperatures, characterized by frequent afternoon showers that can be heavy at times, but often with sunshine throughout the day; expect high humidity and the possibility of thunderstorms, making it the wettest month of the year, while still seeing a good amount of daylight hours.

Rain: afternoon showers, sometimes with thunderstorms, are typical.
Temperature: Warm days with average highs in the mid-70s Fahrenheit.
Humidity: High levels of humidity
Sunshine: While rain is common, most days still see sunshine.

What does this all really mean?

A typical day will start with sunshine, at some point usually in the early evening there will be a heavy downpour that will last an hour if that. The entire time before this and after there will be no rain. We recommend you bring a packable rain jacket just in case, and expect the white sneakers to maybe get a little dirty. You DO NOT need a heavy jacket, a light sweater or hoodie is enough and even with the hour of rain you can wear shorts (aside from the fact that this will 100% show that you are a tourist, CDMX does not wear shorts).

Fun Fact: Every time we've been to CDMX in July we all bring rain jackets. I don't recall ever using them.

LA NETA (RANDO TIPS)

Some of these are unique to CDMX, others are common sense in any country you visit.

The Metropolitan Zone of CDMX has over 20 million people and like any big city you should follow similar guidelines of places like New York, Paris, London. CDMX is generally safe but like these other cities you have to be aware of your surroundings and not make it easy on pick pockets and petty thieves.
Make an effort to speak Spanish.
Do NOT say "I'm American" or "America" to refer to the U.S.A. Why? Mexicans, Argentinians and everyone else from Alaska to the Patagonia are American. America is a continent NOT a country.
CDMX is very polite and can be very proper at times.
Greeting people is a must! Everyone will expect that you say "Buenos Dias" or "Buenas Tardes/Noches" when walking into a room. Acknowledge every one. Every single time.
It is customary to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, especially among close acquaintances. Don't freak out if people you meet reach out for a kiss in the cheek. Since Covid and with the newer generations this is luckily dying down.
It is also expected to say good bye "Hasta luego" when you leave. In both the greeting and the good-bye, it is recommended to acknowledge everyone, if it is a small group extend your hand and introduce yourself to each person, if it is a larger group then simply ACK them all and say your greeting.
"Por favor" "Gracias" "Con Permiso" "Disculpe" are basic when interacting with Chilangos (CDMX folk) --should be world wide but that's another story.
"Provecho" if eating with a Mexican at the table or at a table near you. You may hear them say "Provecho" or "Buen Provecho" (bon apetit). Feel free to say this as it will be appreciated but not expected.
Don't be late. Some people may have gotten the idea that it’s okay to be late in Mexico. Not true, it is rude in Mexico and everywhere else.
CDMX sits at an altitude of 7,350 ft, other parts of the city even higher. It may take a few days to aclimate. Stay hydrated (with bottled water).
Restaurants:
Tipping - Tipping is common and expected. The usual tip percentage is between 10% - 15%. 20% if you feel the service is great (and it will be).
A waiter will NEVER bring the check to your table as it is considered rude. You have to ask for the check.
If paying with a credit card, make sure you ask for the terminal when you ask for the check or after they bring the check. "Pudiera traer la terminal por favor"
Don't overindulge, food will be amazing. "Tómalo take it easy" and if you do happen to get the so called revenge, remember that it's Moctezuma NOT Montezuma.
Do order cheese in your Quesadilla. A quesadilla in CDMX does not necessarily have cheese. Do NOT debate this Anahí!!!
Chips and salsa at your table is not a thing in CDMX. Also, they are called totopos.
Bread is most common at restaurants. Tortillas at taquerias.
You do you but Tequila and Mezcal is sipped by locals. Never shots.
Don't use Taxis. Use Uber or public transportation.
Carry cash but not too much cash. Coins and small denomination bills. You will need it for public restrooms, small tips for the person who packs your things at the supermarket, if you rent a car you will need to tip the gas station clerk, parking at supermarkets, restaurants, on the street to the guy who illegally guards the spots, the blind person with the amazing voice singing on the street, etc.
Public Restrooms.
You have to pay for many public restrooms and with this you will receive a few squares of toilet paper.
If possible carry some toilet paper or wipes or learn how to clean with 3 squares.
Toilets at these public restrooms usually don't have a toilet seat so learn the "aguilita" stance. Practice your squats.
Bougie places, such as restaurants or nicer department stores will have restrooms as we know them here, with a seat and at no charge, other than the tip for the cleaning person handing you paper towels in the bathroom.
Don't drink tap water, be careful with ice. Drink bottled water. This remains true.
Single use plastics are banned in CDMX so supermarkets do not hand out bags. Bring your own bag.
Most parking places have a charge, for example going to the supermarket or Costco you have to pay for parking and then you have to tip the guy guarding the lot or helping you pull out of your spot (this person is called a "viene viene"). That said, parking is inexpensive.
There's a Costco so do bring your card in case you need a slice of pizza or a Kirkland product.
Don't drink in public. This is not a gringo party town. It is illegal and you will be taken to jail, there's a chance you can get out of it with a bribe but why do that? We don't want to perpetuate corruption in CDMX. This is not true if you dring and drive, read on.
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!! while this applies everywhere, it is especially true in CDMX. There are ongoing checkpoints, especially on the weekends. If you get caught you will be thrown into the drunk tank aka "El Torito" and not be able to leave until Monday morning (if caught Fri,Sat,Sun). Unlike the previous one, no bribe will get you out of this.
Don't haggle with artisans. Respect and value their work and realize that whatever item you are trying to low ball is still probably very inexpensive when converting to Dollars.
Museums are closed on Mondays.
All "puestos ambulantes" or "street vendors" are prohibited to be out on Tuesdays. This affects certain bazaars, outdoor mercados, food stands, etc.
Locals do not wear shorts. Wearing shorts is OK though, you will simply stand out as a tourist. Especially men.
Avoid Flip-flops and sandals. This is not Cancún plus your feet will be filthy and most likely wet.
Traffic is crazy, what seems to be a couple of miles away may take you an hour or more so plan accordingly.

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