Things To Know + FAQ
Question
How do I get around?
Answer
You do not need to rent a car. Everywhere we'll be going in San Miguel de Allende is walkable, and if you don't feel like walking, is accessible by taxi or uber. Or bus if you are taking trips to nearby cities! Taxis are only paid in cash pesos, uber of course is connected to your credit card.
Question
What To Pack?
Answer
Sturdy walking shoes are a must. The 500 year old cobblestone streets are like rocky riverbeds, with steep curbs. Don't bring heels Pesos in cash and your travel credit card (that has no foreign transaction fee). Almost every restaurant, bar, and store accepts credit card, not all accept Amex, but you *will* want some pesos to buy street tacos, shop at markets, pay cabs, and tip people. If you can, try to exchange your USD ahead of time and bring your pesos with you. There is a Santander ATM in centro that I used to use my Bank of America debit card at to get pesos (it DID incur a transaction fee, so I took out all my spending pesos at once). However, for the holiday weekend of February 1, the ATM might run out of money! If you're really in trouble, my mom can exchange USD to pesos for you. Pack Imodium, your preferred tylenol, and Pepto Bismol just in case the food & water upset your stomach, but there are farmacias here Some knowledge of basic Spanish is very helpful (and polite!) but not required in this city Download Whatsapp: It's how locals call and text each other here and it might come in handy We're in the mountains, but bring a swimsuit if you can make it to the thermal springs of La Gruta!
Question
What's the weather like?
Answer
Dress for mild afternoons in the 70's, but with high altitude and low humidity, it gets chilly evenings and mornings, so dress in layers, with something warm for night. Please note that SMA is 6400 feet high in altitude, which is 1000' higher than Denver, Colorado. On the first day you arrive, just take it easy on hiking and drinking with your sea-level-constitution.
Question
Don't Drink The Tap Water
Answer
Like anywhere else in Mexico, drinking directly from the tap in San Miguel de Allende is a big no, unless you have a reliable filtration system installed in your home. The water quality doesn't meet drinking standards, so it's best to stay clear of this and not risk getting sick from untreated water. Don’t brush your teeth with the tap water, don’t make ice with the tap water, don't wash in the contact lenses in the water, or wash your vegetables with the tap water. Your hotel or airbnb will likely provide bottles of purified water next to your bathroom sink for teeth brushing and you can pick up more bottled water at many stores a short walk away. If you want to cook at your airbnb, just soak veggies in a bath with microdyn, then air dry them, then they’re ready to cook. All the restaurants in San Miguel de Allende cater to tourists so you don’t need to worry. Have no fear ordering frozen margaritas and big salads when eating out!
Question
Street Smart & Safety Information
Answer
Exercise the basic caution as you do in NYC; don't hang your purse or backpack on the back of a chair when dining al fresco (particularly around the main jardín/perroquia area that is very touristy and crowded). Use caution against pickpocketing, like people giving you weird hugs or pretending to drop their water bottle in front of you to make you abandon your valuables to help them. When hailing a cab, try to ask much the journey will be before getting in the cab. Most trips around the immediate city of San Miguel de Allende should be about 80-100 pesos. Longer trips, like to La Gruta, obviously are going to be more expensive. Generally, I've experienced the cab drivers to be honest, but this is to prevent them making up an exorbitant price at the end of your journey. Emergency Care Phone Numbers: Red Cross (Cruz Roja) Ambulance 1-52-415 152 1616 1-52-415 152 4121 Will take you to the emergency room of either: Hospital Joya Hospital MAC You must bring a credit card to be seen by doctor