Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

FAQs

Question

Is there a Chabad in Mexico City?

Answer

Yes! For guests looking for kosher resources, Shabbat services, or a community connection while in town, Chabad Lubavitch Mexico City is located right in Polanco at Calderón de la Barca 339. For helpful resources geared toward tourists, visit Chabad of Mexico's website by copying and pasting the link below into your web browser: https://www.chabadofmexico.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/7093320/jewish/FAQ.htm

Question

Do I need a passport and/or visa?

Answer

You DO need a passport, but if you are coming from the US or EU, you do NOT need a visa. Make sure your passport is not expiring within the six months ahead of the wedding (just in case)!

Question

Which airport should we fly into?

Answer

Fly into Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX).

Question

When should I arrive to Mexico City?

Answer

Our first event is the Welcome Party on Saturday night, January 16th — but if you're able to arrive earlier or stay a few extra days, we highly recommend it! Mexico City has so much to offer. A quick note for guests traveling from the Northeast: since our wedding falls in mid-January, winter weather can sometimes bring flight delays or cancellations. If it's feasible for you, we'd gently suggest building in an extra day or two of buffer before the Wedding, just for peace of mind. That said, we 1000% understand if that's not realistic for your schedule — this is just a friendly suggestion, not an expectation!

Question

What's the weather like in January?

Answer

You can expect highs near 68–70°F (20–21°C) and lows dropping to about 43°F to 52°F (6°C to 11°C) late at night. Rain is very unlikely (January is one of the driest months), skies are mostly clear/sunny, and humidity is low. We recommend bringing a light jacket/coat for nighttime. ***Please note that our wedding is outdoors. We will have heaters, but HIGHLY suggest suit jackets and shawls if the night is on the cooler end.

Question

How do I get phone data and wifi?

Answer

Option (1): Check if Your Phone Plan Already Covers You T-Mobile (Simple Choice, Magenta, Go5G, Go5G Plus): Free calling and 4G/LTE data in Mexico included automatically — no setup needed. Verizon: Many Unlimited/Simplicity plans include Mexico roaming for free. If yours doesn't, "TravelPass" costs $6/day for Mexico (only charged on days you actually use your phone). AT&T: Most Unlimited plans include free talk/text/data in Mexico already. If yours doesn't, the "International Day Pass" costs $12/day for your main line ($6/day for additional lines). To turn on roaming so the above works: Open Settings Tap Cellular (iPhone) or Network & Internet (Android) Turn "Data Roaming" ON If you're on Verizon or AT&T and a daily fee applies, your phone may text you a heads-up about the cost when you land — you can accept or decline it Option (2): Get an eSIM Avoids roaming fees entirely. Download the free app "Airalo" from the App Store or Google Play Open the app and search "Mexico" Pick a data plan — about $5–15 for a week Follow the on-screen instructions to install it Once installed, turn on "Data Roaming" in your Settings when you land in Mexico

Question

How do we get an Uber or Taxi from the airport?

Answer

For UBER (cheaper than taxis): (1) After landing, collect your luggage and clear customs as normal. (2) Once you exit into the main arrivals area, you'll see several numbered doors called Puertas. (3) Head UPSTAIRS via escalators. Ubers will NOT come to the main arrivals area floor where the taxis are located. (4) Open the Uber app and request your ride. The app will ask you to confirm your Puerta (door) number. (5) Wait at the Puerta (door) (you can stay inside if you prefer). The app will notify you when your driver arrives. (6) When the car pulls up, check that the make, color, license plate, and driver name match what's shown in the app — then hop in! --------- For TAXI: (1) After landing, collect your luggage and clear customs as normal. (2) Once you exit into the main arrivals area, and follow the signs for Taxi / Ground Transportation to the official taxi area. (3) Before getting in a taxi, use one of the OFFICIAL airport taxi kiosks located along the wall outside the arrivals area to purchase a taxi ticket from an AUTHORIZED airport taxi company. (4) Then take your ticket to the designated taxi pickup area and show it to the driver.

Question

How should I get around town?

Answer

Uber is HIGHLY recommended in Mexico City for convenience and safety. It’s typically ~$4 to $11 to get most places in the city with Uber. ****Traffic in CDMX is really bad, especially in the rain or in rush hour. We HIGHLY recommend budgeting at least 20 min extra time to get places.

Question

Best way to change my money from USD to Pesos?

Answer

We recommend avoiding currency exchange counters at the airport — their rates and fees are usually the worst option. Instead: (1) Use a local ATM attached to any bank branch once you land. This usually gets you the best exchange rate, though the bank ATM may charge a small withdrawal fee. (2) Bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee card for purchases when possible. Many US banks and travel cards waive these fees. Some widely-used no foreign transaction fee credit cards include but are not limited to: Capital One SavorOne & Venture Rewards cards; Chase Sapphire Preferred & Reserve cards; and Amex Green, Gold, & Platinum cards. Tip: Download a currency converter app on your iPhone before your trip. Most work without Wi-Fi, and make it quick and easy to check MXN (Mexican pesos) against USD while you’re out and about.

Question

Should I plan to use credit card or cash only?

Answer

Many restaurants, bars, and other establishments take credit cards, but it's always great to have Pesos handy! ATMs are widely available, but you can always order Pesos from your bank ahead of your visit.

Question

How much should I tip?

Answer

Generally, you should tip about 10% at a restaurant. This is often added to the bill by the restaurant itself (look for the propina charge). On drinks, it’s typical to tip about 15% on the bill, or about 20 pesos per drink.

Question

Can I drink the water?

Answer

Mexico City's tap water is not safe to drink. Just stick to bottled or purified water, and you'll be good. A few easy rules to follow: Drinking water: Stick to bottled water 100% of the time. Brushing teeth: Use bottled water instead of tap to be cautious. Showering: No need to worry — just try not to swallow water directly from the showerhead. Ice: Look for ice that's cylindrical with a hole in the middle — that's how you know it's commercially made from purified water. Restaurants & bars: Reputable establishments use purified water for their drinks (coffee, agua fresca, cocktails, etc.) and commercial ice cubes. Tip: The first thing we do when we land is stop by a pharmacy or grocery store and grab a case of bottled water — great for brushing your teeth and keeping on hand while you explore. It's also worth packing some Pepto-Bismol or Imodium, just in case!

Question

Is Mexico City safe?

Answer

Yes — we wouldn't be getting married here otherwise! As with any major city, it's about using the same common sense you'd use at home: stay in recommended neighborhoods, stay aware in crowds, stick to well-trodden areas, and you'll be all set. Here are a few tips to help you feel confident exploring: DO's Take an Uber late at night rather than walking. Look both ways when crossing streets — traffic moves fast. Save these numbers just in case: 911 for police, 066 for ambulance. DON'Ts Flash valuables — keep your phone, jewelry, and cameras a little more low-key than you might at home. Carry large amounts of cash — just bring what you need for the day.

Question

Translating tips?

Answer

The Google Translate app is a great tool to have on hand throughout the trip — whether you're reading a menu, or just trying to navigate signage. You can use the camera feature on the app to instantly translate text just by pointing your phone at it. We recommend downloading the Spanish language pack before you go so it still works without wifi! To do this: open the Google Translate app, tap the menu icon (three lines or the gear icon), select Offline translation, scroll to Spanish, tap the download icon, and confirm. This lets you use text and camera translation even without an internet connection.

Question

Dress code for the wedding on Sunday, January 17th?

Answer

Black tie optional (tuxedo or suit and tie, & floor-length gown or elegant long dress). The wedding is in a garden. Prints and colors are welcome. For anyone wearing heels, please keep in mind that the ceremony is on the grass, so we recommend avoiding stilettos. Although we will have outdoor heaters, we HIGHLY suggest bringing a jacket or light coat as nights in CDMX get chilly!

Question

Dress code for the Welcome Party on Saturday, January 16th?

Answer

Cocktail attire (suits or sport coats with slacks, and cocktail dresses or dressy separates). No need for a tux or floor-length dress! Note that the celebration will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, including an outdoor bar. We HIGHLY suggest bringing a jacket or light coat, as evenings in CDMX can get chilly!

Question

Can I bring a guest?

Answer

We ask that only those named on invitations attend.