Frequently Asked Questions

Question

What precautions do I need to take due to COVID?

Answer

To re-enter the U.S. travelers need a negative COVID test. We will provide testing in the lobby of the hotel on Sunday morning. CDC guidelines for Mexico: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid- 3/coronavirus-mexico Seattle Covid Test: https://www.uwmedicine.org/coronavirus/testing

Question

There are many flights and hotels - when should I book?

Answer

Book your hotel now! The Anderson family will be at the Hilton Midtown. We provide three hotel options with discount codes for wedding guests (see the "Travel" tab). You can watch a flight tracker like KAYAK, SkyScanner, or Hopper to watch for low fares.

Question

What about transportation in Guadalajara?

Answer

We will provide shuttles to and from the hotel for all wedding venues. The wedding planners can arrange for airport transfers to the hotel upon request. The Hilton Midtown has car service available to and from your destination back to the hotel. This service is charged to your room. We recommend this. Uber is available. As always, check that the license plate and driver match the ones specified in your order. You can always share your trip status with others. Only three persons can travel together due to COVID. UberXL is not available. Uber Share Status: https://www.uber.com/us/en/ride/how-it-works/share-status/

Question

Do I need my passport?

Answer

If you are traveling from the U.S., yes. You need a valid passport to enter Mexico. Take a photo of your passport for your records. Make sure the expiration is later than May 1, 2022. (Your passport CAN expire within 6 months of travel.) Need to renew? Mail your existing passport, new photos and a copy of Form DS-82. This could take 4-5 months. A renewed passport will have a different number, so change on your flight reservation. Renew Passport: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have- passport/renew.html

Question

What's it like to go through immigration / customs in Guadalajara?

Answer

Complete an immigration form (FMM) on the plane. After deplaning, you’ll go through immigration, show your passport, and have your FMM form checked (KEEP it with your passport! You need this to leave Mexico!). Pick up your luggage and exit through customs. There are random luggage checks. You will press a button and be randomly assigned a green light to proceed or a red light to have your luggage x-rayed.

Question

What documents do US Citizens need to leave Mexico / what is needed to return to the US?

Answer

Your FMM form (with a green and red stripe) is needed for US citizens to return to the US. You will fill this out prior to going through customs when you enter Mexico. Keep this with your passport because you will need it to check in and to board the plane. A negative covid test may also be required! (it currently is). You will also need your passport.

Question

Is travel to Mexico safe?

Answer

Guadalajara is a large city, and like any large city there are areas that are safer than others. Take typical travel precautions as you would in Rome or Barcelona. The hotels have security onsite. Just like the U.S., call 911 in case of emergency. Safety Precautions: https://www.bookmundi.com/t/top-travel-safety-tips-for-all- travelers

Question

Should I leave my jewelry at home?

Answer

Would you take your jewelry on a European vacation? Wear jewelry to the wedding. Perhaps leave flashy valuables in the hotel safe when walking in the crowded metropolitan city, i.e., avoid being a target and be aware of your belongings and your surroundings.

Question

Can I drink the tap water in Guadalajara?

Answer

Our recommendation: No. Drink bottled water and stay hydrated. Hotels provide Agua purificada. At restaurants, order agua mineral (it’s always bottled). Ice is typically made from purified water, so restaurant drinks should be fine. To avoid traveler’s diarrhea, the Mayo Clinic website reports, “As a preventive measure, some doctors suggest taking bismuth subsalicylate, which has been shown to decrease the likelihood of diarrhea.” Consider starting Pepto Bismol the day you fly (1-2 tablets, 4x day). Yogurt? Eat more starting 2 weeks prior— (three probiotics are recommended for travelers (Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum) Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/travelers- diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352182

Question

Should I plan to tip?

Answer

Yes. Tips do insure prompt service! 15%-20% at meals. Anyone who serves you—driver, waiter, bellhop, bartender, bathroom attendant etc. appreciates gratuity. Pesos are not necessary for tips. $5 U.S. bills are fabulous.

Question

Do I need pesos?

Answer

No. VISA and Master Card are ubiquitous. U.S. dollars are typically accepted anywhere that you want to use cash.

Question

Any tips before departing?

Answer

Sign up for the hotel loyalty program for the hotel you will be staying at: Hilton Honors: https://www.hilton.com/en/hilton-honors/ Marriott: https://www.marriott.com/loyalty.mi Grand Fiesta Americana: https://www.fiestarewards.com/en/home If you have an AMEX card, login, select benefits/enroll to get premium loyalty status with Hilton and Marriot. To speed Customs re-entry into the US., consider signing up for Global Entry. This includes TSA pre-check and expedited customs. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply Check with your mobile provider to make sure you have an international calling plan.

Question

What should I do in Guadalajara?

Answer

Rest up for the wedding events! Guadalajara is recognized as the birthplace of Mariachi, and it is known for its proximity to the town of Tequila. Mariachi will make a guest appearance at the wedding, and you will be served lots of tequila! Coming for an extra 1/2 day or more? Check out the "Things To Do" tab for ideas!