Expat guide

Expat guide
Practical advice for an easy transition
to Mexico
Welcome to Mexico
To quickly adapt to life in
Mexico City you will need vital
information about how to carry
out both your professional and
personal activities. To help
you do this, we have included
a brief guide with information
on entertainment, historical,
cultural and government sites,
as well as emergency phone
numbers, common expressions,
and other information of
interest to help ensure your
safety and comfort during your
stay in Mexico.
General
information
on Mexico
Mexico has a total surface area
of 1,964,375 km2, 1,959,248
km2 of which corresponds to the
country’s continental surface
and the remaining 5,127 km2 to
island bodies. Mexico also has an
exclusive economic zone that covers
3,149,920 km2, giving Mexico a
total surface area of 5,114,295 km2.
Mexico is composed of 32 states and
its capital is Mexico City, which is the
seat of the Federal government.
Mexico has one of the largest tourism
industries in the world. It boasts a diverse
culture, incredible natural beauty and a
rich history that can be enjoyed through
its thousands of touristic, gastronomical,
architectural and historical sites. The diversity
of the states is reflected in their own unique
archeological sites, folk art, and traditions.
The climate varies greatly depending on
where you find yourself in the country. The
hottest months in Mexico City are May, June
and July, with average temperatures of 28°C.
The coldest months are November, December
and January, with average temperatures of
7°C. The temperature tends to drop in the
early morning and in the evening, especially
during the winter months.
The Mexico City metropolitan area has a population of over 22 million, making it the
largest urban area in the country. It is also Mexico’s main political, academic, economic,
financial, business and cultural center. Mexico City is the third largest city in the world
and the largest in America, and it is also the largest Spanish-speaking city in the word.
The city covers a surface area of 1,495 km2, is divided into 12 administrative
municipalities (delegaciones) and has a minimum altitude of 2,240 meters above sea
level.
It is bordered on the north, east and west by the State of Mexico, and on the south by the
State of Morelos, and since it is located in the geographic center of the country, you can
travel from Mexico City by land to all other parts of the country.
Like all other major cities in the world, there are certain areas in Mexico City where you
should take extra safety measures, such as taking care of your personal belongings and
using safe forms of transportation only.
It is customary to leave tips in places like restaurants, beauty salons, supermarkets and
gas stations.
In restaurants and food businesses in general, the tip is usually between 10 and 15
percent on the total cost of the service. For supermarket baggers, beauty salon staff and
gas station attendants tip of around $10 Mexican pesos is customary.
The voltage used in Mexico is 120 volts, 60 HZ, which is the same as in the U.S. and
in Canada. Most sockets are standard North American sockets. Most appliances use
2-pronged cords.
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
1
Emergency
numbers
Report incidents form a cellphone
(Works with all cellphone carriers)
5533
Major emergencies
5683 2222
Fire station5768 2532
Report water leaks, potholes and problems with streetlamps
5654 3210
Police
066
Red Cross065, 5395 1111
2
Expat guide
Emergencies / Mexico City police department 066
Anonymous hotline for reporting drug trafficking and organized crime
089
Embassies
In Mexico City you will find all the embassies and consulates of
the countries that have diplomatic relations with Mexico. Most
embassies are located in the Polanco neighborhood.
We recommend that all foreigners living in Mexico City register at their respective embassy
or consulate. Doing so will allow you to receive notifications from your country’s government,
easily renew documents and participate in your country’s elections. It is also important to
register so that your embassy or consulate has your information in the event of any emergency
or incident. Below is the contact information for various embassies and consulates in Mexico
City:
Germany
Horacio No. 1506
Col. Los Morales
5283 2200
http://www.embajada-alemana.org.mx/
United States
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Col. Cuauhtémoc
5080 2000
http://spanish.mexico.usembassy.gov/
Argentina
Av. Palmas 910
Col. Lomas de Chapultepec
5520 9430
http://www.embajadaargentina.mx/
Brazil
Lope de Armendáriz No. 130
Col. Lomas de Virreyes
5201 4531
http://mexico.itamaraty.gov.br/es-es/
Venezuela
Schiller 326
Col. Chapultepec Morales
5203 4233, 5203 4435,
5203 4587, 5255 2573
http://www.embavenemex.com
For more information on embassies and
consulates in Mexico please visit the following
links:
http://www.embajadas.com.mx and www.
inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/ Embajadas_
Consulados
Most embassies and consulates can be found
on social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter
and LinkedIn) where citizens can receive
information on cultural and social activities,
as well as networking events.
There are also several foreign chambers of
commerce in Mexico City, including:
Canada
Schiller 529
Col. Polanco
5724 7900
http://www.canada.org.mx
Franco-Mexican Chamber of Commerce
www.franciamexico.com
France
Campos Elíseos 339
Col. Polanco
9171 9700
www.ambafrance-mx.org
Mexican-German Chamber of Commerce
(CAMEXA)
http://mexiko.ahk.de/
American Chamber of Commerce
www.amcham.com.mx
Canada-Mexico Chamber of Commerce
www.canmexchamber.com
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
3
Healthcare
Mexico City’s network of hospitals includes both public and private
institutions.
The Public Healthcare System
The Public Healthcare System consists of three levels of care: General Hospitals cover minor
medical procedures and tests for smaller predetermined zones in the city.
Regional Hospitals provide care for more complex medical conditions for entire regions; in
other words, they serve several different provinces or cities.
Family Medical Centers are medical clinics that are part of the Mexican Social Security Institute
(IMSS) and offer general medical attention and appointments with general physicians.
Below is a list of some medical centers by municipality (delegación):
BENITO
JUÁREZ
AZCAPOTZALCO
ÁLVARO
OBREGÓN
Municipality
4
Expat guide
Type of
medical
center
Name of
medical center
Address
Phone number
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 12
SANTA FE
Plaza de los héroes s/n,
Unidad Habitacional Santa
Fe,
01170, Ciudad de México.
55 15 48 02
GENERAL
AREA
HOSPITAL
AND FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
HGZMF 8
DR. GILBERTO
FLORES
IZQUIERDO
Río Magdalena No. 289
entre Altamirano e Hidalgo,
Tizapán, San Ángel, 01090,
Ciudad de México.
55 50 05 59
NONEMERGENCY
MEDICAL
CARE UNIT
UMAA 161
AV. TOLUCA
(UMF 161)
Av. Toluca No. 160, Olivar de
los Padres, 07100, Ciudad
de México.
15 20 17 80; 15
20 16 02; 15
20 16 03; 15 20
16 05
GENERAL
AREA
HOSPITAL
HGZ 24
INSURGENTES
Insurgentes Norte No. 1322,
esq. Eje 4 norte Fortuna,
Magdalena de las Salinas,
07760, Ciudad de México.
55 77 59 06
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 33
ROSARIO
Av. Las Culturas esq.
Renacimiento s/n, unidad
habitacional El Rosario,
02100, Ciudad de México.
53 82 47 73
GENERAL
HOSPITAL
HG CM
LA RAZA
Calzada Vallejo y
Jacarandas, La Raza,
02990, Ciudad de México.
55 83 36 46
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 28
DEL VALLE
Gabriel Mancera No. 800
esq. San Borja entre Eje 6
sur Ángel Urraza, Del Valle,
03100, Ciudad de México.
55 59 67 74
GUSTAVO A.
MADERO
CUAUHTÉMOC
CUAJIMALPA
BENITO
JUÁREZ
Municipality
Type of
medical
center
Name of
medical center
Address
Phone number
GENERAL
AREA
HOSPITAL
HGZ 1
CARLOS
MCGREGOR
Gabriel Mancera No. 222,
Del Valle, 03100, Ciudad de
México.
56 39 19 42
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 9
S.PEDRO PINOS
Av. Revolución y Calle 7
s/n, San Pedro de los Pinos,
03800, Ciudad de México.
55 15 63 99
NONEMERGENCY
MEDICAL
CARE UNIT
UMAA 42
CUAJIMALPA
(UMF 42)
Av. Jesús del Monte s/n
entre Monte Alto, 05260,
Ciudad de México.
58 12 24 61
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 42
CUAJIMALPA
Av. Jesús del Monte s/n
entre Monte Alto, Jesús del
Monte, 05260, Ciudad de
México.
58 14 24 61
REGIONAL/
SPECIALIZED
HOSPITAL
HES CMN
SIGLO XXI
Av. Cuauhtémoc No. 330
entre Dr. Márquez y Eje
3 Sur, Doctores, 06720,
Ciudad de México.
55 78 95 21
GENERAL
AREA
HOSPITAL
AND FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
HGZMF 26
CHILPANCINGO
Chilpancingo 56 entre
Aguascalientes y Tlaxcala,
Condesa, 06100, Ciudad de
México.
52 86 81 83
GENERAL
AREA
HOSPITAL
HGZ 27
TLATELOLCO
Lerdo y Manuel González
No. 311, Unidad Nonoalco
Tlatelolco, 06900, Ciudad
de México.
55 97 60 92
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 1
COL. ROMA
Orizaba No. 115, Roma,
06700, Ciudad de México.
53 33 85 26
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 20
VALLEJO
Calzada Vallejo No. 675,
Vallejo, 07760, Ciudad de
México.
55 67 09 85
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 44
LA ESCALERA
Av. Plan de San Luis y Av. La
Salle. La Escalera, 07330,
Ciudad de México.
57 54 44 94
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 41
FORTUNA
Eje 4 Norte Fortuna esq. Río
Bamba, Magdalena de las
Salinas, 07760, Ciudad de
México.
55 86 03 60
GENERAL
AREA
HOSPITAL
AND FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
HGZMF 29
S. JUAN
ARAGON
Av. 510 No. 100 esquina
Zapata, Unidad San Juan de
Aragón, 07920, Ciudad de
México.
57 60 01 58
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
5
TLALPAN
MILPA
ALTA
MIGUEL
HIDALGO
IZTAPALAPA
Municipality
6
Expat guide
Type of
medical
center
Name of
medical center
Address
Phone number
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 43
ROJO GOMEZ
Calzada Ermita Iztapalapa
No. 1515 Camino Real a San
Lorenzo, El Manto, 09830,
Ciudad de México.
56 86 52 76
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 5
C. ANAHUAC
Av. Marina Nacional y
Mariano Escobedo, Anáhuac,
11320, Ciudad de México.
55 27 55 92
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 17
LEGARIA
Calzada Legaría No. 354
esquina Gran oso y cerrada
de Ximilpa, Pensil, 11430,
Ciudad de México.
55 27 33 56
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
DEPORTIVO
MILTA ALTA
Calle Sinaloa Norte y
Tlaxcala Norte s/n, Unidad
deportiva, 12000, Ciudad de
México.
N/D
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 7
CALZ.
TLALPAN
Calzada de Tlalpan No.
4220 Acoxpa y Ajusco, San
Lorenzo Huipulco, 14370,
Ciudad de México.
55 73 24 81
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
TOPILEJO
Prolongación Chapultepec
s/n esq. Cruz Blanca Pueblo
San Miguel Topilejo, 14500,
Ciudad de México.
N/D
GENERAL
AREA
HOSPITAL
HGZ 32
VILLA COAPA
Calzada del Hueso s/n entre
Calz. de las Bombas y Prol.
Div. del Norte, Ex-hacienda
Coapa, 14310, Ciudad de
México.
56 77 72 44
XOCHIMILCO
VENUSTIANO
CARRANZA
Municipality
Type of
medical
center
Name of
medical center
Address
Phone number
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 21
FCO. DEL PASO
Francisco del Paso y
Troncoso No. 281 Fray
Servando, Jardín Balbuena,
15900, Ciudad de México.
55 52 56 43
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
UMF 14
AEROPUERTO
Blvd. Aeropuerto No. 88,
Santa Cruz Aviación, 15500,
Ciudad de México.
55 71 22 84
FAMILY
MEDICAL
CENTER
LA NORIA 1
Calzada México Xochimilco
5713, La Noria Tepepan,
16030, Ciudad de México.
N/D
How to request medical services at an IMSS clinic
Make sure you are registered with the IMSS by requesting proof of your IMSS
registration from your employer
Register yourself and your beneficiaries (parents, children, spouse or common-law
partner) at the Family Medical Center (UMF, Spanish acronym) corresponding to
your address.
Documentation required: photograph, personal identification number (CURP, Spanish
acronym), official ID, proof of address.
Specific documentation for each type of beneficiary:
•
•
•
•
•
Spouse: marriage certificate
Common-law partner: birth certificate of child procreated by the beneficiary and
common-law partner
Parents: birth certificate of the insured employee
Children: birth certificate, certificate of adoption or legal guardianship
Insured employee: document that shows Social Security Number
Place and service hours: Family Medical Center corresponding to your address, Monday –
Friday, 8:00 am – 7:30 pm.
You can find where the Family Medical Center that corresponds to you and your family is
located by visiting: http://www.imss.gob.mx/directorio
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
7
After you register at your Family Medical Center, you will receive a booklet (carnet) where
you can keep a record of your doctors’ visits, vaccines and medical procedures. You will also
receive an IMSS ID card (ADIMSS, Spanish acronym), which confirms your status as an IMSS
beneficiary. We also recommend:
Having your social security number and IMSS ID card with you to help facilitate the
process at your Family Medical Center.
For any subsequent consultations, you will need to present your carnet and IMSS ID card.
If you need medical attention, you can choose to visit either a public or private medical
center.
The cost of an appointment may vary from $50 and $1,500 Mexican pesos, depending
on the physician, their specialty and your insurer.
Private Sector
Mexico City has a wide variety of private hospitals, including many that are quite prestigious.
Most private hospitals require a credit card and an official ID (passport or Mexican residency
card) before admitting patients to the hospital.
Below is a list of some of the most well-known hospitals:
Centros Médicos ABC - www.abchospital.com
Hospitales Ángeles - www.hospitalesangeles.com
Hospitales Médica Sur- www.medicasur.com.mx
Hospitales Star Médica - www.starmedica.com
Hospital Español - www.hespanol.com
Most expatriates with labor contracts in Mexico have private healthcare plans in Mexico. There
are several different insurance companies, and they each offer different medical expense
insurance plans. Some of these insurance companies are:
Mapfre - www.mapfre.com.mx
Axa - www.axa.mx
GNP - www.gnp.com.mx
Bupa Global (formerly Bupa International) - www.bupa-intnl.com
You will need to provide a credit card for any visits to a private hospital, since it is usually
necessary to leave an open voucher in the event that your private insurance company does
not cover the full cost of the treatment.
8
Expat guide
Medical Lab Work
If you need any medical lab procedures done, you can visit one of the following labs:
Laboratorio Olarte y Akle - www.olarteyakle.com
Laboratorio Médico Polanco - www.lmpolanco.com
Laboratorios Médicos del Chopo - www.chopo.com.mx
Quest Diagnotics, Laboratorio de Análisis Clínicos - www.questdiagnostics.com.mx
Laboratorios Clínicos Azteca - www.labcliazteca.com.mx
Drug Stores
Visit a drug store to purchase any medications prescribed to you by your physician. Most drug
stores offer free home delivery services. Some of the main Mexican drug store chains are:
Farmacias Similares - http://farmaciasdesimilares.com.mx/
Farmacias del Ahorro - http://www.fahorro.com/
Farmacias Guadalajara - www.farmaciasguadalajara.com.mx
Farmacias San Pablo - http://www.farmaciasanpablo.com.mx/#!/
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
9
Telephone and
Internet Services
The main cellphone providers in Mexico are:
Telcel - www.telcel.com/portal/home.do
Nextel - www.nextel.com.mx
Iusacell - www.iuacell.cim.mx
Virgin - www.virginmobile.mx
Movistar - www.movistar.com.mx
There are two different ways to contract cellphone services:
Prepaid plans: allows you to “pay as you go” and buy minutes and data services on a
monthly, weekly or biweekly basis
Fixed plan: requires you to sign a contract with the cellphone carrier for a minimum
of 12 months (depending on the company). Foreigners are required to present their
temporary or permanent residency card and a credit card. If you do not have a credit
card, you will need to leave a deposit.
Main telephone, internet and cable providers are:
Telmex (cable TV, fiber-optic internet, telephone) - www.telmex.com
Cablevisión (cable TV or fiber-optic internet) - www.negocios.cable.mx.com
Axtel (telephone, internet, cable) - www.axtel.mx.com
Sky (satellite TV) - www.sky.com.mx
Dish (satellite TV) - https://www.dish.com.mx/
Dish (TV vía satélite) - https://www.dish.com.mx/
To contract any of
these services you will
need your immigration
form (temporary or
permanent residency
card) and proof of
address. Payments are
monthly and paid in
advance.
10
Expat guide
Banks
To open a bank account, you will need to be a temporary or
permanent resident of Mexico, have a taxpayer registration
number (RFC) and proof of address.
Most branches are open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday – Friday, and certain branches are
also open Saturday morning.
The main banks in Mexico are:
Banamex - www.banamex.com
BBVA Bancomer - www.bancomer.com
IXE - www.ixe.com.mx
Banorte - www.banorte.com
Scotiabank - www.scotiabank.com.mx
Santander - www.santander.com.mx
HSBC - www.hsbc.com.mx
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
11
Shopping
Most supermarkets and retail stores offer online shopping and/or
home delivery services. These chains sell home goods, clothes, shoes,
appliances, etc.
Supermarkets
Superama - www.superama.com.mx
Walmart - www.walmart.com.mx
Comercial Mexicana - www.comercialmexicana.com.mx
Chedraui - www.chedraui.com.mx
Costco - www.costco.com.mx
Sam’s Club - https://www.sams.com.mx/
Department stores
These large department stores offer a variety of products that cover a wide
range of needs, such as: food, candy, home products, décor, etc.
Sears - www.sears.com.mx/
Liverpool - www.liverpool.com.mx
Palacio del Hierro - http://www.elpalaciodehierro.com/
Suburbia - www.suburbia.com.mx
Shopping Malls
Central Mexico City
Central South Mexico City
Parque Alameda
Reforma 222
Plaza La Rosa
Plaza Insurgentes
Plaza World Trade Center
Plaza Universidad
Centro Comercial Parque Delta
Centro Coyoacán
Plaza Oasis Coyoacán
Central West Mexico City
Plaza Molière 222
Antara Polanco
Pabellón Polanco
Toreo Parque Central
North Mexico City
Plaza Satélite
Mundo E
Centro Comercial Perinorte
12
Expat guide
South Mexico City
Perisur
Plaza Inn
Plaza Cuiculco
Plaza Loreto
West Mexico City
Centro Comercial Santa Fe
Centro Comercial Interlomas
Parque Duraznos
Outlets
Plazas Outlet Lerma
This mall offers discounts and sales for many different brands, such as: Palacio Outlet, Hugo
Boss, Nine West, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Reebok, Martí, Lacoste, Vans and Puma. Plazas
Outlet Lerma is located at Carretera México-Toluca, km. 50, San Pedro Cholula, 52000 Lerma,
Estado de México.
Premium Outlets Punta Norte
Punta Norte has 140 stores, which include: Adolfo Domínguez, BCBGMAXAZRIA, CH Carolina
Herrera, Coach, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, MaxMara, Purificación García, Salvatore Ferragamo,
Zegna Outlet, and many others.
Punta Norte is located at Hacienda Sierra Vieja, lote 2, Fraccionamiento Hacienda del Parque,
Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México.
Outlet Promoda
Clothes for the entire family, with permanent promotions and discounts of 50% - 80%.
Promoda is located at Calzada del Hueso 670, Coapa in Mexico City.
Outlet Martí
This store offers discounts on sporting apparel, shoes, sports balls and accessories. Outlet
Marti is located at Venustiano Carranza 19, Centro Histórico, Mexico City.
Nike Factory Store
This outlet store has several floors with clothes, shoes and accessories from past seasons.
This store is located at Palma 43 in downtown Mexico City.
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
13
Transportation
Ground transportation
The Metro is Mexico City’s extensive metro system with 12 lines and 195 stations. It is
considered by some to be the safest mode of transportation in the city. Generally speaking, the
metro closes at midnight, but operating hours vary depending on the station so we recommend
that you confirm the hours of operation for the stations you plan on using beforehand. A metro
ticket costs $5 Mexican pesos and includes transfers.
Mexico City also has the Metrobús system, which is a bus rapid transit system that provides
a quick and safe way to get around the city. The Metrobús has 6 lines and a ticket costs $6
Mexican pesos. Transfers are free within the first two hours after having boarded the system.
Rechargeable smartcards are available that work with both the Metro and Metrobús.
During peak hours, the Metro and Metrobús have cars that are specifically for women, children,
the disabled and the elderly.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.metro.df.gob.mx/ and http://www.metrobus.df.gob.mx/
The Tren Ligero is a light rail system that acts as an extension of the Metro. In order to transfer
to the Tren Ligero, you will need to buy a new ticket, which costs $6 Mexican pesos. For more
information on the Tren Ligero, please visit http://www.ste.df.gob.mx/servicios/trenligero.html.
There is also a network of passenger buses that are regulated and are used to move people
between Metro stations and on routes not covered by the Metro. The route or destination
is usually displayed in the front window of the bus. Ticket prices range from $2 and $4.50
Mexican pesos depending on the route.
There is also a network of Microbuses, known colloquially as Micros or peseros, which are
smaller buses that transport approximately 24 people at a time. Microbuses do not have
established routes, official stops or set hours, so it’s important to pay close attention to the sign
in the front window to get route information. Microbuses are on most medium and large streets
in the city and will stop anywhere the passenger asks them to. Ticket prices start at $4.50
Mexican pesos depending on the route.
A great way to get around the city is to use the Ecobici system, Mexico City’s public bikeshare
system. Registered users can swipe their card at any bike station, take a bike and return it at
any station within 45 minutes. Users can sign up for an annual, weekly, 3-day or daily plan.
If you wish to sign up to use the Ecobici for more than 5 days, you can register directly at a
bikestation. If you’d like to get your annual pass, you will need to visit an Ecobici customer
service center where you will be asked to provide an ID, proof of address and a credit or debit
card. An annual pass costs $ 400 Mexican pesos. For more information, visit: https://www.
ecobici.df.gob.mx/
14
Expat guide
Mexico City’s taxis are privately owned and can be stopped directly on the street or at special
taxi stations called sitios de taxis. If you decide to stop a taxi directly on the street, make sure
the taxi driver’s identification card is clearly displayed on the right rear window of the vehicle
and that the driver’s face matched the picture on the identification card. Also make sure that
the taxi has a meter. Rates in Mexico City depend on the zone where you are picked up and
dropped off, so costs vary.
You can use apps such as Yaxi, Uber, Taxibeat or Easy Taxi to request taxi or private car services
directly from your smartphone by indicating your exact location. A benefit of using these
apps is that they give you background information on your driver and car before boarding the
vehicle.
You can find taxi service companies at airports and bus terminals that charge based on distance
traveled. We recommend using these taxi service companies when you arrive to Mexico City.
There are many car rental companies in Mexico that offer daily, weekly or monthly rates. The
most well-known rental companies are Royal Rent (http://www.roayalrent.com.mx), Europcar
(http://www. europcar.com.mx), Avis (http://www.avis.mx), Expedia (http://www.expedia.
mx) and Carrot (www.carrot.mx).
For trips outside of Mexico City and the State of Mexico,
there are four different bus terminals that provide longdistance passenger transportation service:
Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte (metro station
Autobuses del Norte). For more information, visit:
http://www.centraldelnorte.com/
Terminal Central de Autobuses del Sur (metro station
Taxqueña) For more information, visit:
http://mexicoautobuses.com/central-de-autobuses/
centraldel-sur.html
Terminal Central de Autobuses de Oriente TAPO (metro
station San Lázaro) For more information, visit:
http://mexicoautobuses.com/central-de-autobuses/la-tapo.
html
Terminal Central de Autobuses del Poniente (metro
station Observatorio) For more information, visit:
http://www.centralponiente.com.mx/
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
15
There are many bus companies operating in Mexico that travel to destinations across the
country since there are no longer any passenger trains. For a comprehensive list of all the
different bus companies operating in Mexico and their routes and destinations, visit:
http://transportamex.com/lineas-de-autobuses-en-mexico/
Air Travel
Mexico City has two international airports, the Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
located in the east part of the city, and the Toluca International Airport (TLC), which is
located approximately 60 km west of the city. The main Mexican airlines are:
Aeroméxico - www.aeromexico.com
Aeromar (low cost) - www.aeromar.com.mx
Interjet (low cost) - www.interjet.com.mx
Volaris (low cost) - www.volaris.com
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Expat guide
The “Hoy no circula” Program
The “Hoy No Circula” program is designed to cut down on traffic and reduce air pollution
levels in the city. The program restricts diesel and gasoline vehicles from being used on
certain days of the week depending on the last number or letter on the vehicle’s license plate.
This restriction applies between 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, Monday – Friday, and to all local and
out-of-state vehicles in the city.
HOLOGRAMA 1
Limitacion a la circulación
Último número
de la placa de
circulación
Día entre
semana
AMARILLO
5o6
Lunes
ROSA
7o8
Martes
Color del
engomado
ROJO
3o4
Miércoles
VERDE
1o2
Jueves
AZUL
9o0
Viernes
Horario
Sábado
Dejan de circular
conforme al último
número de la placa de
circulación
De las 5:00
hrs. a las
22:00 hrs.
IMPARES
(1, 3, 5, 7 y 9)
Primer y tercer sábado
de cada mes
PARES
(0, 2, 4, 6 y 8)
Segundo y cuarto
sábado de cada mes
Visit the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources for further details: http://www.
sedema.df.gob.mx/sedema/index.php/verificacion-hoy-no-circula/hoy-nocircula/ en-queconsiste-el-programa-hoy-no-circula.
Vehicle ownership tax
Mexico has a vehicle ownership tax that is obligatory in some states and subsidized in others.
This tax is calculated based on the characteristics of the vehicle, such as the make, year
and price, among others, and it is payable in the first three months of each year. The states
that are exempt from the payment of this tax are: Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Chihuahua,
Guanajuato, Guadalajara, Michoacán, Morelos, Querétaro, Puebla, Quintana Roo, San Luis
Potosí, Sinaloa, Sonora and Yucatán.
If this tax is not paid, you will not be able to obtain the emissions check certificate for the
vehicle.
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
17
Free Time
Mexico City is a city that is full of life, and there are many fun and
exciting things to do your free time.
There are several website and smartphone apps that can give you recommendations on where
to go. Some of the most popular are:
Websites Smartphone apps
www.chilango.comChilango
www.ociodf.com.mx
Restaurantes DF
www.viviendoeldf.com
Meet Up
StyleMap Ciudad de México
Foursquare
Where to go out in Mexico City
Polanco
Offers several options, such as restaurants, bars and lounges, many of which can be found on
the famous Masaryk avenue.
Polanquito
This area is known for its internationally acclaimed restaurants. You will find many bistros and
cafes with live music in Polanquito. We recommend visiting Polanquito’s colorful street market
and flower stands on Saturdays.
Roma and Condesa
These two neighborhoods share a bohemian-chic style, where you will find many cafes, bars,
restaurants and book stores. Ideal for a late afternoon dessert, a glass of wine or delicious
artisanal beer. In both the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods you will find a variety of
interesting food choices, such as Middle-eastern, Asian, fusion and vegetarian food and the
increasingly popular food trucks. This is a popular destination for the international community
in the city where you will find bike riders and a multicultural atmosphere.
Zona Rosa
Zona Rosa is the place to go for a colorful nightlife. Zona Rosa is a tourist area by day and
colorful destination by night where you will find a variety of bars and nightclubs, which are
known for their unique cocktails, drinks and all kinds of food.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe is a modern part of the city and many important companies have their offices
there. The area also offers a variety of leisure activities, and gourmet supermarkets with an
excellent selection of cheeses, deli meats and wines. The neighborhood also boasts some of
the city’s finest French, Spanish, Japanese and other international restaurants, as well as
microbreweries, bars and lounges ideal for relaxing after a long day’s work.
Downtown Mexico City
Mexico City’s historic downtown is full of history and flavor and is the best place to find tacos
al pastor in the city. You will find typical Mexican cantinas that are full of legends and are a
popular destination for families on weekends, as well as restaurants that serve Mexican and
international cuisine. The downtown nightlife includes lots of dancing, mariachis, interesting
18
Expat guide
music like jazz and rooftop bars with a fantastic view of the Zocalo. A short trip away you
will find the Castillo de Chapultepec, the only royal castle in North America, which boasts
a stunning view of the city, murals by the world renowned muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros,
and numerous unique artifacts that offer a glimpse of Mexico’s rich history. In the Historic
Downtown, you will find the famous Garibaldi square and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Reforma
Avenida Reform is a main avenue where you will find a host of French-colonial and modern
sculptures and monuments, cafes and the famous Angel of Independence statue.
Insurgentes Sur
Here you will find the best urban food and international franchise restaurants. Insurgentes Sur
is a fusion between international cuisine and Mexico City’s famous street food, with all kinds
of options, such as hamburgers, tacos, pasta, woks, sushi and grills. You will also find casinos,
clubs where you can dance salsa, and a wide variety of clubs and bars with live and dance
music.
Coyoacán
Terracotta plates, vibrant colors and restaurants that serve traditional home-style cooking
are some of the charming characteristics of Mexico City’s bohemian neighborhood Coyoacán.
Its streets are a burst of colorful stands that sell traditional candies, churros, gorditas and
arts and crafts. Every weekend you will find Mexican art vendors selling their artwork on the
streets of Coyoacán. Go out for a night of traditional folk music or Rock en Español at one
of the area’s many cantinas that serve beer, tequila and chapulines (fried grasshoppers).
Coyoacán is home to the famous Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera museums.
Things to do in your free time
To get to know the city, we recommend riding the Turibus (www.turibus.com.mx), a double
decker bus that offers a tour of the city’s most popular tourist areas through various routes
across central and south Mexican City, as well as Polanco and the Basílica. Turibus also offers
various different themed tours including palaces, museums, cantinas, lucha libre or Mexican
flavors.
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
19
Theatres
Mexico City hosts many theatres and establishments that offer worldrenowned plays. Visit www.carteleradeteatro.mx for detailed information on
the plays that are currently running, where you can filter the information by
play, theatre, neighborhood and date.
Concerts
Mexico City’s main concerts halls are listed below, and we recommend that you visit their
following websites for prices, location and dates:
Auditorio Nacional - http://www.auditorio.com.mx/
Foro Sol - www.ticketmaster.com.mx
Pepsi Center WTC - http://pepsicenterwtc.com/
Auditorio de la Gente - www.ticketmaster.com.mx
El Plaza Condesa - http://www.elplaza.mx/
Arena México - http://arenaciudaddemexico.com/site/index.php
Movie Theaters
There are many movie theatre chains in Mexico City, most of which can be found in malls all
across the city. Some of these include:
Cinemex – www.cinemex.com
Cinépolis – http://cinepolis.com/
Cinemagic Huehuetoca – www.cinemagic.com.mx (arthouse cinema)
Cinemanía Loreto – http://www.cinemanias.com.mx/ (arthouse cinema)
Cineteca Nacional – http://www.cinetecanacional.net/ (arthouse cinema)
Buy tickets for many events and concerts at www.ticketmaster.com.mx.
Sports
If you like to watch soccer matches or want to know where to go to watch a lucha
libre or horse races, please check out the following links:
Estadio Azteca (soccer) - http://www.estadioazteca.com.mx/
Arena México (lucha libre, UFC) - http://arenaciudaddemexico.com/site/index.php
Hipódromo de las Américas (Horse Races) - http://hipodromo.com.mx/
Museums
Mexico City has many museums and art exhibitions. Some of the most important and popular
museums are:
Museo de Antropología
Museo de Arte Moderno
Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes
Museo del Templo Mayor
Museo Nacional de San Carlos
Museo Nacional de Arte
Museo Mural Diego Rivera
Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso
Museo Nacional de la Estampa
Museo Casa de Carranza
Museo de la Ciudad de México
Museo Nacional de las Culturas
Museo Nacional de Historia (Castillo de Chapultepec)
Visit www.museosdemexico.org for a list of all kinds of museums.
20
Expat guide
Festivals and Fairs
There are many festivals and fairs in Mexico City to enjoy in your free time. Some
of the most important are:
International Film Festival - www.cinetecanacional.net
Book Fair - www.feriadellibro.cultura.df.gob.mx
Friendly Cultures Fair - www.mexicocity.gob.mx
Beer fest - www.cervefest.com.mx
For more information visit: www.cultura.df.gob.mx
Bazars and Markets
Bazars and markets, known locally as
tianguis, are an important part of Mexican
culture. If you’re looking for Mexican arts and
crafts or want to buy fresh and locally grown
produce, here are some options:
La lonja mercantile – (http://lonjamercantil.
com/) The most important boutique market
in all of Mexico, which promotes and sells
work by independent Mexican designers.
El mercadillo – (http://www.
elmercadillobazar.com/) Mexican design and
art market.
Parque Lincoln – Located in Polanco, this
market offers a variety of food, and home
products.
Mercado Roma – (http://mercadoroma.
com/) Located in the Roma neighborhood,
this market offers a variety of gourmet food
products.
Mercado de las Flores – One of the city’s
most traditional markets, this market sells
all kinds of flowers, live plants, Christmas
trees, and other plants, and is located in the
Jamaica metro station.
Mercado Hidalgo – Located downtown,
this market offers a variety of food, home
products, clothing and arts and crafts.
La Ciudadela (http://laciudadela.com.mx/)
Mexican arts and crafts market.
Bazar del sábado – (www.elbazarsabado.
com.mx) One of the most popular markets
in the city thanks to its vibrant colors and
traditional atmosphere, it is located in the
San Ángel neighborhood and offers a variety
of arts and crafts, and traditional indigenous
products.
Mercado la Morera (http://www.cclamorera.
com) - Located on Moliere street in Polanco,
this market offers gourmet food and a wide
variety of food options. The founders of this
market were inspired to create it after they
visited the San Miguel market in Madrid.
Get Active
Visit the following link to find the pubic outdoor gyms in the city: http://indeporte.mx/
gimnasios-urbanos/. The Bosque de Chapultepec park and the Viveros de Coyoacán are great
places for running. Every weekend, the city closes off vehicle access to the main lanes of
Paseo de la Reforma and some downtown streets from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm so it can be used
exclusively by pedestrians, cyclists and roller skaters.
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
21
There are also many crossfit and pilates centers and fitness clubs where you can sign up for
monthly plans such as Sports World, Sports City, Sport Fitness, Smart Fit, to name a few.
International Community
There are many ways to meet people and make new friends from all over the world right here
in the city. There are many associations and clubs for the international community, where
people meet and participate in different activities and events.
www.internations.org
www.mexpat.com
www.meetup.com
www.newcomers.org.mx
www.thenews.mx - Mexican English-language newspaper
Education in Mexico
The Mexican education system is divided into the following levels:
Preschool (3 years total) – 3 – 5 years old
Primary school (6 years total) – 6 – 11 years old
Secondary School (3 years total) – 12 – 14 years old
Prep School / Baccalaureate (3 years total) - 15 - 17 years old
Basic Education (which consists of preschool, primary, secondary and prep school or
baccalaureate) is mandatory in all of Mexico.
In Mexico City, there are both public and privates schools, some of which offer bilingual
education for foreigners.
For more information, please visit the following:
http://www.sep.gob.mx/es/sep1/directorio_de_escuelas
http://www.chilango.com/tabla/2015/las-100-mejores-escuelas
22
Expat guide
Some of the main schools in Mexico City by zone are:
WEST
CENTRAL
Zone
School name
Address
Telephone
Number
Education Level
Mexicana
Americana
Amores 1709, Del Valle,
03100, Benito Juárez.
www.mexicanaamericana.
edu.mx
5524 5252 /
5534 4130
Primary
Mexicana Del Valle
Gabriel Mancera No. 1611,
Del Valle, 03100, Benito
Juárez.
www.mexicanaamericana.
edu.mx
5524 6761 /
5524 3096
Preschool, primary,
(daycare)
Montessori De La
Condesa
Aguascalientes 190,
Hipódromo, 06100,
Cuauhtémoc.
www.mdlc.com.mx
5564 6240 /
5574 6537
Preschool, primary
Queen Mary
School
Río Balsas 12, Cuauhtémoc,
06500, Cuauhtémoc.
www.queenmaryschool.net
5535 0921 /
5703 0313
Preschool, primary,
secondary, prep
school
Simón Bolívar
Mayorazgo de Solís 65, Xoco,
03330, Benito Juárez.
www.isb.edu.mx
5604 8587
Preschool, primary,
secondary, prep
school
Simón Bolívar La Salle
Galicia 8, InsurgentesMixcoac, 03920, Benito
Juárez.
www.csblasalle.edu.mx
5598 3233 /
5598 3344
Secondary, prep
school
Alemán Campus
Norte Lomas
Verdes
Av. Lomas Verdes 520, Alteña
II; Lomas Verdes, 53120,
Naucalpan.
www.humboldt.edu.mx
30027500
/3002 7527
Secondary, prep
school
Alemán Campus
Poniente La
Herradura
Bosque de Moctezuma
124, Fracc. La Herradura
Delegación, 52784,
Huixquilucan.
www.humboldt.edu.mx
3002 7560
Preschool, primary,
secondary, prep
school
Cumbres Lomas
Rosedal 50, Lomas de
Chapultepec, 11000, Miguel
Hidalgo.
www.cumbreslomas.com
5520 9408 /
5520 9409 /
5249 1170
Preschool, primary,
secondary, prep
school
El Roble
Jesús del Monte 30, Hacienda
de las Palmas, 52763,
Huixquilucan.
www.elroble.edu.mx
5246 3253 /
5246 3252
Preschool, primary,
secondary, prep
school
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
23
School name
Expat guide
Telephone
Number
Education Level
Preschool, primary,
secondary, prep
school
Homero 1521, Polanco,
11560, Miguel Hidalgo.
www.lfm.edu.mx
9138 8080 /
9138 8070
Rosedal Lomas
Rosedal 48, Lomas de
Chapultepec, 11000, Miguel
Hidalgo.
www.rosedalomas.com
5202 8528 /
5202 6974 /
5202 8211
Activa
Emilio Carranza 359, San
Andrés Tetepilco, 09440,
Iztapalapa.
www.eactiva.com 5539 7745 /
5672 8906
Preschool, primary
Gustavo Adolfo
Bécquer
Calle 12 Manzana 100
Lote 34, Valle de los Reyes,
56430, La Paz.
www.becquer.edu.mx
26423595 /
5855 8416
Preschool, primary,
secondary,
baccalaureate
De Oriente
11 de Agosto de 1859 # 579,
Leyes de Reforma, 09310,
Iztapalapa.
www.colegiodeoriente.edu.mx
5600 0799
Primary
Didacta
Calle 31 # 102, Maravillas,
57410, Nezahualcóyotl.
www.colegiodidacta.com
5743 5928 /
5735 3205
Preschool, Primary,
secondary
Anne Sullivan
Álamo Plateado 40, Los
Álamos, 53230, Naucalpan.
www.annesullivan.edu.mx
5343 9257 /
5344 8661
Preschool, primary,
secondary
Cristóbal Colón
Av. Lomas Verdes 2175,
Lomas Verdes, 53120,
Naucalpan.
www.ccc.edu.mx
2625 0020 /
2625 0025
PONER LA
INFORMACIÓN O
QUITAR RUBRO
Ellen Key
Jalapa 54, Fracc. Valle
Ceylán, 54150, Tlalnepantla
México.
www.ellenkey.edu.mx
5391 8030 /
5388 2782
Preschool, primary
Thomas Jefferson
Privada de Gardenia 5, Ex.
Hda. de Sta. Mónica, 11570,
Tlalnepantla.
www.itj.edu.mx
4160 2000 /
5361 2299
Preschool, primary,
secondary, prep
school
Maddox
Circunvalación Poniente
38, Cd. Satélite, 53100,
Naucalpan.
www.academiamaddox.com
5374 9350 /
5374 9378
Preschool, primary,
secondary, prep
school
EAST
NORTH
24
Address
Liceo FrancoMexicano, A.C.
WEST
Zone
Preschool, primary,
secondary, prep
school
SOUTH
Zone
School name
Address
Telephone
Number
Education Level
Gandhi
Sillón de Mendoza 55, Toriello
Guerra, 14050, Tlalpan.
www.colegiogandhi.com.mx
5665 3600 /
5665 4552
Preschool, primary,
secondary
Modern American
School
Cerro del Hombre 18,
Romero de Terreros, 04310,
Coyoacán.
www.modernamerican.edu.
mx
5658 4766
Preschool, primary,
secondary,
baccalaureate
Olinca
Periférico Sur 5170, Pedregal
de Carrasco, 14700,
Coyoacán.
www.olinca.edu.mx
5606 3113 /
5606 3510
Early stimulation,
preschool, primary,
secondary,
baccalaureate
Peterson Plantel
Tlalpan
Carretera México Cuernavaca
Km. 24, San Andrés
Totoltepec, 14400, Tlalpan.
www.peterson.mx
5813 014 /
5813 0116
ext. 163 o
146
Preschool, primary,
secondary,
baccalaureate
Springfield
Prolongación División del
Norte 4284, Nueva Oriental
Coapa, 14300, Tlalpan.
www.colegiospringfield.edu.
mx
5679 4037 /
5684 5899
Preschool, primary,
secondary
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
25
Recreational and Ecological Points of Interest
Acuario Inbursa – Located in Polanco; considered the largest aquarium in Latin America
Xochitla Parque Ecológico, State of Mexico (http://www.xochitla.org.mx/parque/) –
Located in the Magical Town of Tepotzotlán in northern Mexico City, this ecological park has
beautiful flower gardens, a special camping area, restaurants and bike and roller skate trails.
Africam Safari (http://www.africamsafari.com/) – Zoo park located 11 km outside of
Puebla.
Bioparque, State of Mexico and Nuevo Leon (http://bioparquemexico.mx/) – These parks
offers a variety of leisure activities such as game parks, a zoo park, zip-lining, theatres and
museums.
Reino Animal (https://reinoanimal.com.mx/) – Located 25 km outside of Mexico City, this
park offers stables with farm animals and a mini zoo.
Papalote Museo del Niño (https://papalote.org.mx/) – Located in the Bosque de
Chapultepec in Mexico City, this is a world-class interactive museum for children and the
whole family.
Museo del Juguete Antiguo México (http://museodeljuguete.mx/) – A museum housing
historical and traditional Mexican toys.
Templo Mayo (http://www.templomayor.inah.gob.mx/) – Museum and archeological site that
houses the ruins of the Templo Mayor and Aztec artifacts.
Museo de Cera de la Ciudad de México (www.museodecera.com.mx) – This museum
is home to wax figure recreations of the world’s most famous politicians, socialites, and
entertainers.
Ibby (www.ibbymexico.org.mx/biblioteca.html) – Library for children and young adults.
La Titería (http://www.latiteria.mx/) - This cultural center, located in Coyoacán, is known
as the home of the marionettes, where you will find fantastic marionette shows and puppet
workshops.
Parque de los Dinamos – Forest with rivers, waterfalls, trees and mountains, less than 5
minutes away from Mexico City.
Planetario Luis Enrique Erro – For more information on the planetarium, please visit www.
cedicyt.ipn.mx/Planetario/Paginas/Planetario.aspx
26
Expat guide
Main Tourist Attractions outside of Mexico City
Here is a list of some of the main tourist destinations outside of Mexico City:
Teotihuacán archeological site. This impressive archeological site houses the remains of one
of the most important Mesoamerican civilizations.
Tepoztlán, downtown, Market and Tepozteco. This is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos, or
Magical Towns, that is rich in prehispanic and colonial traditions.
Cuernavaca. Known as the City of Eternal Spring thanks to its year round temperate climate,
it is a popular destination for foreigners looking to learn or improve their Spanish.
Queretaro. Colonial city whose historic downtown is considered a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO.
Puebla. With a striking view of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl active volcanoes in the
background, this city is rich in legends and world famous cuisine, and is also considered a
World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Taxco. Magical Town located in a geographical area defined by mountains and hills.
Xochimilco. Considered a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Xochimilco offers an interesting
network of canals with floating gardens and vendors.
Guanajuato. Colonial city full of tourist attractions, and a centuries old network of tunnels and
mines.
San Miguel De Allende. A small, picturesque and cosmopolitan city.
Valle de Bravo. This town is known for its beautiful lake and is surrounded by mountains and
is a great place to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature and escape the noise of the big city.
All of these destinations are no more than 2 and a half hours away from Mexican City by car.
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
27
Appendix - Maps
Municipalities of Mexico City
Source: www.lahistoriaconmapas.com
28
Expat guide
Mexico City Metro System
Source: http://ciudadmexico.com.mx/mapas.htm
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
29
Mexico City Light Rail System
Source: http://www.redtransporte.mx/mexico-df/tren-ligero-ciudad-mexico/linea-tl1.html
30
Expat guide
Sources:
http://www.df.gob.mx/
http://www.salud.df.gob.mx/portal/
http://www.guiaturisticamexico.com/
http://www.visitmexico.com/es/que-visitar-en-mexico
http://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/destinos-alrededores-df-ciudad-mexicoqueretaro.html
http://www.nexu.mx/blog/lo-que-debes-saber-sobre-la-tenencia-vehicular/
Practical advice for an easy transition to Mexico
31
Contact
information:
Paulo Espindula
Tel. (55) 5283 1487
[email protected]
Oscar Santos
Tel. (55) 5283 8679
[email protected]
Marcela Lozano
Tel. (55) 5283 8682
[email protected]
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