FAQs

Question

Do I need a visa to go to Mexico?

Answer

You do not need a visa for Mexico if you are a citizen of a European Union country, the UK, the US, Canada. For other nationalities please make sure to check accordingly. You will however be asked to fill out a form handed out during the flight, so remember to keep your hotel address and passport handy. When you go through immigration, all non-Mexican citizens receive a small piece of paper from the customs officer that you will need to keep with your passport. You will need this paper to leave the country. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you keep this paper, otherwise you will have to pay a penalty and fill out paperwork before you can leave the country. Please note that for all international travel you need to ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months after your travel, and if you have a stop-over in the US, you will need a valid ESTA (Visa Waiver Authorization) or a Visa. This can be obtained here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Question

Is there anything important to know before traveling to Mexico?

Answer

Don't drink the tap water! It is fine if you brush your teeth with it, but don't fill your water bottles to drink it. We recommend you do not drink tap water, not even from the hotel. This is also the case for ice; we would recommend that you only get drinks with ice at established hotels, restaurants, bars, to make sure they use purified water.

Question

What kind of music will they play at a #TexMexBoda?

Answer

During a Mexican wedding, you will definitely hear many songs in English that you will be familiar with. Nevertheless, Ariela (Edy's sister) has prepared a playlist to get you familiar with the Spanish side of the songs that will be played. Listen on Spotify and enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/user/12123761931/playlist/4T0cjVWtKQFMTh9mAq7flZ?si=E1vVlMb-T8CJTXtT0jBt7w

Question

What is the easiest way to get around Mexico City?

Answer

Uber and taxi are cheap and easy ways to move around in Mexico City. We recommend you all to download the Uber app, as this is the easiest and cheapest way to move around in Mexico. This is the same Uber app you already have in the US, in your own language and you will be charged in your own currency. If you don't have Uber, we recommend having your restaurant/hotel/bar order you a taxi, or asking your hotel for phone numbers for taxi companies for them to call (known as taxis seguros/safe taxies). The hotel is also walking distance from some of the best shopping, museums, places to eat, and explore in the entire city. Get your steps in! We highly discourage you from grabbing taxies off the street in Mexico City.

Question

Is Mexico City safe?

Answer

Mexico City is a huge, 20+ million people city. It is as safe as any other large metropolitan area in the world, so it is still essential to always be alert, street smart and use common sense. It is important to make sure you keep a low profile while walking in the streets, so that you do not draw unnecessary attention. If you are carrying cash, do not expose your money. Be discreet. While touring the city we strongly suggest that you do not wear diamonds, fancy jewelry or expensive watches. As in any big city, the more modest you look, the more you reduce any chances of any unpleasant experiences. Always be aware of possible pick-pockets as well. The areas around the wedding are safe to walk, and if you follow our recommendations on things to do, you will have an amazing time in Mexico City.

Question

I heard some concerning information about Zika Virus in Mexico City. Is that something I need to worry about?

Answer

This is a winter wedding, so it is not a season where Zika mosquitoes are around. Also, according to the CDC website: Where is the Zika virus in Mexico? According to public health officials, mosquitoes are transmitting Zika to humans in Mexico. The country is at alert level 2, but the travel restrictions only apply to regions below 6,500 feet. According to the CDC, “If your trip is limited entirely to areas above 6,500 feet, there is minimal risk of getting Zika from a mosquito.” Popular towns above 6,500 feet with minimal risk of Zika include Mexico City and Puebla. If you’re happy to trade a beach vacation for a more cultural experience these places could provide Zika-free alternatives. So please join us in this Zika-free City and have a blast! Yes, people do get pregnant and do have kids in Mexico City as well! After all, it is a city with over 25 million people :) https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/risk-of-zika-selected-destination

Question

Do I need to know Spanish?

Answer

The street where the wedding venue is located (Paseo de la Reforma) is one of Mexico's main avenues, and while you walk around it visiting some of the attractions, 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 are welcome), "Por Favor" (Please), "Disculpe" (Excuse Me), "Baño" (Restroom), "Cerveza" (Beer), "La cuenta por favor" (My check please), "Boda" (Wedding). You still have some time to practice that Rosetta Stone and have a real opportunity to speak Spanish when you arrive in Mexico City.

Question

Do I need to have a cellphone while in Mexico City?

Answer

We definitely encourage you to check with your carrier what the process is to add international calls/data for your time in Mexico City. Many US carriers already include Mexico coverage in their standard plans at no additional cost. By having data coverage while you are in Mexico, it will be very easy to navigate around the city using Google Maps, and you will be able to request Ubers. By having calls, you will be able to make restaurant reservations, call for taxis and so on. If you are unable to get this, many hotels/restaurants offer Wi-Fi, but we still strongly suggest that at least one person in your party gets a working cellphone while in Mexico.

Question

Do I need to tip at restaurants/bars?

Answer

It is customary in Mexico to tip your waitress/servers. Tip is generally not automatically added to your check, unless you are a large party. Always review before paying. Tip percentages range from 10% on the lower side to 18% on the higher side. Usually, a 15% tip is a good amount.

Question

What's the weather like in Mexico?

Answer

Mexico City's weather is generally mild, usually around 70 degrees year-round. It rarely gets below 40 or above 90. January is a relatively cold month, although keep in mind, Mexicans have a different standard for what "cold" is. In January, the coldest it usually gets late at night/early in the mornings is probably in the low 40's, and the hottest it gets will be somewhere in the low 70's. January is one of the drier months, but showers can be expected. Make sure to double check the weather forecast before packing!

Question

Do I need a special outlet adapter for my devices?

Answer

Mexico uses the same type of US outlets, with the same voltage as well (110 volts). All of your US charges and adapters will work without issues and without needing any type of converters.

Question

Do I need to get Mexican currency?

Answer

It is definitely helpful to carry some Mexican Pesos with you for minor things, but the majority of bars, restaurants, hotels in Mexico City will take credit cards; this is by far the easiest way to pay, we would recommend that you check with your bank to make sure your credit card does not charge you fees for foreign usage (most don't these days, but better safe than sorry). Also, many banks still require that you let them know you will be using your credit card in Mexico so they don't block your transactions. For getting some cash, you can get it from your US bank (if you ask them with enough notice) or also at US airports or upon arrival into Mexico City airport. Whenever you pay with credit card, we recommend you ask them to bring you the credit card terminal so they run it in front of you. This is completely normal in Mexico.

Question

For the ladies: Can I arrange for my make-up/hair to be done?

Answer

We will have specialists taking care of make-up and hair for the bridesmaids and the immediate family at the Marquis Hotel. The group coming over to do hair and make-up have the availability and staff to accommodate additional people. If you are interested in scheduling these services, please contact our wedding planner Sara before December 15th, via e-mail, cell-phone or Whats App: contacto@bigdaymx.com & +52-1-55-3035-8105.

Question

Which is the closest synagogue to the Wedding Venue?

Answer

Beth Itzjak is one of Mexico City's most important synagogues. It is also one of the oldest Ashkenazi synagogues in Mexico City (built in the 1950's). Located in Polanco, this is where Edy's parents and other close relatives got married, and had some bar-mitzvahs as well. This is also the synagogue where Edy and his family used to go during High Holidays for many years, until changing to a different one closer to their home. The address is Eugenio Sue #20, Col. Polanco. 11550, Polanco-Chapultepec, which is roughly 2 miles away from the wedding venue hotel. If you'd like to attend services, please contact us in advance so we can arrange it.