Currently, the US requires a negative COVID test 24 hours before departure to re-enter the country. If you're staying at the Sofitel, the concierge will help arrange a time and day for your test. Please email: H9615.Concierge@sofitel.com or call +52 55 86 60 05 00. We have arranged for rapid antigen testing (usually take 15 mins to get results, up to 8 hours to receive your email to upload to the airline portal). Price is $950 MXN (approximately $46 USD). The hotel needs the following information for each guest- Name, DOB, date of test/time preferred, email address. If you are leaving Sunday, March 6th-- we recommend scheduling the test after the wedding ceremony (between 2pm-5pm) or before the wedding ceremony 6am-8am. If you are not staying at the Sofitel, please contact your hotel as most hotels provide this service for their guests! CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINES to see what they require. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
Yes. Guests are required to be fully vaccinated for all events (fully vaccinated includes a booster). For those that are medically prevented from being vaccinated, please contact us! This is for the safety of all guests, vendors, and Mexico City residents. Below are the links to the CDC guidelines for vaccinations/boosters: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html; https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1129-booster-recommendations.html.
We recommend that everyone arrive on Thursday, March 3, 2022. We're planning on having a welcome event Friday morning and dinner Friday evening for everyone to meet. We encourage everyone to try and come for longer since Mexico City (and the surrounding areas) has a lot to offer.
YES! And while Mexico does not require US citizens to have a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of visiting, some airlines require this, so we recommend you have a passport that does not expire within 6 months of visiting. IMPORTANT: Babies and little ones will need passports, too!
CDMX is the common abbreviation for Ciudad de México (aka México City). México City was previously known as D.F. (Distrito Federal), but in 2016, the government officially changed it to CDMX.
As of now (October 2021), Mexico City Covid cases are trending downward and the City has moved to the "green light" in terms of their safety requirements (venues are now at 100% capacity and bars/restaurants can stay open 1 hour later). While not officially mandated by the government, almost every person in the city wears a mask both indoors and outdoors. In every restaurant/coffee shop/store, all waiters/waitresses/hostesses wear both N95 masks and face shields. Before entering any store/restaurant, they will take your temperature and provide hand sanitizer. We will keep everyone informed on safety issues and updated protocols as soon as possible!
As of December 2021, a negative Covid test is required to return back to the US. The test must be dated no more than 24 hours before you depart. The Sofitel will be organizing Covid testing for all guests.
YES and a lot of it (but also a lot of meat and fish options for our carnivores and pescatarians)!!! There's nothing Simmi hates more than going to an event that doesn't have vegetarian food. Since it's her special day(s) (I guess Alex's too), all of our events will offer options for vegetarians!
If you know Simmi, you know she is a freak about safety, so CDMX would not be a favorite of the couple's if it were deemed too dangerous to enjoy. Like any large city, certain parts of Mexico City are known to be dangerous, but Mexico City itself is safe. There are neighborhoods that should be avoided, but if you stick to recommended areas and use common sense, you should be okay! Here are a few do's and don'ts we recommend when exploring the city, especially Downtown: DO: - Take Uber late at night instead of walking (as you would anywhere). - Look both ways when crossing streets, and don't assume anyone will slow down for you — cars and scooters own the road! - Dial 911 for police / 066 for ambulance. DON'T: - Expose your valuables/status. Phones hanging out of back pockets, flashing cash, and large cameras might lure a pickpocket. - Bring your most expensive accessories. - Carry tons of cash.
Mexico City's tap water is undrinkable (for locals and tourists alike). But not to worry — there's plenty of drinking water available throughout the city! That said, legally every restaurant and hotel must serve filtered water and ice, so you don’t have to worry about cocktails. Regardless, we always order bottled water and make sure to bring bottles with us wherever we go. This even applies to brushing your teeth — use bottled water to be extra safe. This is an important one, we want you to stay healthy throughout the trip and make it to the wedding on Saturday! Here are some other tips: - Raw fruits and veggies should be properly cleaned in restaurants, but if you want to be on the safe side, avoid those that do not have a peeling. - Travel with some Pepto or Immodium, just in case (you will also be able to find this in the restrooms of most of our events. - Drink bottled water.
Along Paseo de la Reforma or around some of the major landmarks/attractions we've mentioned, you will notice the Touristic Police, who speak many languages, English included. In most touristic areas and hotels, some English is spoken. However, knowing a few words in Spanish will definitely be helpful. Simple stuff will go a long way and Mexicans will appreciate you trying to speak some Spanish. "Gracias" (Thank You), "De Nada" (You're Welcome), "Por Favor" (Please), "Disculpe" (Excuse Me), "Baño" (Restroom), "Cerveza" (Beer), "La Cuenta Por Favor" (The Check Please), "Boda" (Wedding). You still have some time to practice that Rosetta Stone/DuoLingo and have a real opportunity to speak Spanish when you arrive in Mexico City.
The U.S. dollar cannot be used in México, so bring Mexican pesos with you or get some from the nearest ATM when you arrive. Most places also take credit cards, but it’s best to have some cash for tips, public restrooms, street tacos, etc. You’ll see the $ sign on all prices, but this refers to the Mexican peso, not the U.S. dollar. The conversion is typically about $20 pesos to $1 dollar.
It’s customary to tip 10-15% in restaurants (or more depending on the service); simply say “con quince” ("with fifteen") before the server runs your card, because there won't be an opportunity to add a tip later on, unless you have cash. For taxis and Ubers, it’s not expected unless the driver helps with your luggage (10-20 pesos is fine). Street vendors do not expect a tip, but a "keep the change" is always appreciated.
Most carriers cover you automatically in Mexico, although this depends on your carrier and plan. For example, if you have an AT&T Unlimited Plan, then you have unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico City. Check with your carrier beforehand to see if you're covered. Most carriers can add an international plan for around $10 a day. We recommend having a phone plan for getting around. If you aren’t covered, most places have WiFi, and you can use WhatsApp to text and call while connected to WiFi.
México City sits at an elevation of 7,382 feet (2,240 meters). We’ve never experienced altitude sickness while visiting, but if you're prone to it, drinking lots of water and taking lots of Vitamin E can help you adjust. It’s also important to note that alcohol may hit you faster than normal at this altitude.
Being at a high altitude (over 7,300 feet) the climate remains mild most of the year. March tends to have the nicest weather, with highs up to about 80 and lows dipping to the 40's. Rain is very scarce this month (knock on wood)!
If you have any questions, please send us an email at simmiandalex@gmail.com!