FAQs & Tips
Question
Where Should I Stay?
Answer
On the Travel tab you'll see the hotel recommendations. Otherwise, we recommend staying at another hotel of your choosing or one of CDMX's abundant AirBnBs in the Roma Norte or Condesa neighborhood. For clarity we've provided a map below (copy and paste into browser) that highlights the area we recommend for lodging: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1O9B54Y9sMCHqCfQocpdmwYDsbfDV9dE&usp=sharing
Question
What should I wear to the wedding?
Answer
Cocktail Attire Men: Suits & Ties Please! Women are encouraged to wear dresses below the knee that are colorful and vibrant like Mexico City! If you'd like some more inspiration, copy and paste the link below into your browser: https://pin.it/15eeoHC A note on heels: The garden has some stone steps, most heels will be fine but a thin stiletto might be a little wobbly
Question
How to Get Around?
Answer
Ubers are safe, incredibly affordable and we use them to go everywhere, and they will come to the airport. Another option to get to your hotel is to take an airport taxi. There are various different airport taxi companies, they’re all the same, pay at the little booths near baggage claim or the exit and take your receipt to the taxi line, where an attendant will set you up. You can tip cash.
Question
Money Things
Answer
We recommend traveling with some cash (especially for tasty street food) If you can, exchange US dollars to MXN pesos with your local bank or money exchanger before arriving. Otherwise, you can take out pesos at the airport or at a local ATM, findable on google maps by searching “ATM” or “cajero”. Note that your bank may charge ATM fees. Dollars are a no go, and while most places will take credit cards, some won’t. When you pay with a credit card at a restaurant, they will always bring out a terminal to charge your card right at the table. The current exchange rate is ~$17 pesos = $1 dollar but does fluctuate
Question
Tipping in Mexico
Answer
You don’t add a tip (propina) after paying your bill in CDMX, you have to tell the waiter to add tip before they run your card. Just say “con el quince” or which means “15%” and is the standard amount to tip here, though you can always say “con el veinte” for 20%. You'll also notice, especially if you dine outdoors that there are often many street performers, vendors, or folks who may ask for money. They are kind and not a threat, just looking to make a living. If you have some coins (monedas) or small pesos to spare, please do! If not a simple "no gracias", "lo siento, no tengo efectivo (cash)/monedas (coins)" should suffice.
Question
Safety
Answer
Like any big city, it is important to exercise your street smarts and be aware of your surroundings. The touristic areas and neighborhoods are generally very safe but petty theft such as unattended items, open bags, and stealing of phones can occur. When out, keep your wallet in your front pocket, your purse secure/closed, do not put bags/backpacks on the back of your chair. Do not leave your phone sitting on the table while dining outdoors. ATM/Banks are better visited during the day Out of an abundance of caution, we generally don't recommend walking at night past 10p. Even for short distances, hop in an Uber! Dial 911 for police / 066 for ambulance.
Question
Stomach Things aka "The Protocol"
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Even if you don't normally have a sensitive tummy, we do recommend some precautions. This is the "protocol" we typically follow: Before Mexico (extra credit): Start taking a high quality probiotic a week to two weeks before arriving as this helps promote digestive health While in Mexico: Bring Pepto Bismol or buy it at a pharmacy here. We often take a proactive Pepto before we we eat even if we're feeling fine. Bringing digestive enzymes is also helpful. If you get sick, take Pepto, Immodium, and/or buy “Treda” or "Neokap-LF" (orange and white box) at any pharmacy. It is an anti-diarrheal life saver. Also be sure to stock up on Electro-lit, Mexico's superior answer to Gatorade/Pedialyte to hydrate and Saladitas (Saltines) also available at any pharmacy or corner store. Don’t drink the water from the tap. 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. You can brush your teeth with the tap water.
Question
Altitude!
Answer
Mexico City is 7,350 feet above sea level (for reference, Denver is 5,300 feet above sea level). This affects people in different ways. You may not notice it at all or you may be short of breath climbing stairs. Especially good to keep the altitude in mind if you're drinking margaritas. Don't forget to hydrate! Con agua!
Question
Weather
Answer
It is almost always somewhere between 65-85 degrees, with 72 degrees being a good bet for any given day. We find that t-shirts and jeans generally work. Bring a couple of light layers, because at night it can get chilly (low to high 50s). Our wedding is in the Spring, so it should be sunny and lovely.
Question
Communication
Answer
Many tourist-facing industries are filled with people who understand and speak English. Some are not. Either way, Mexicans, in our experience, are extremely polite and everyday chit chat involves lots of pleasantries. It’s normal to greet everyone – from Uber drivers to waiters to friends of friends – by saying: “hola, como estás?” or “buenos días” (morning) “buenas tardes” (12pm-as late as 8pm) and “buenas noches” (8pm on). “Gracias” goes a long way. If street sellers approach you, and you don’t want to buy what they’re offering or don’t have change you can say “gracias, gracias” or just “muchas gracias” or “no traigo cambio” (I don’t have change). You can also not respond, but again, most people here acknowledge street sellers and politely decline their offers.
Question
Will the ceremony be indoors or outdoors?
Answer
The ceremony will be outside in the garden of Casa de la Bola followed by the cocktail hour and reception which will be covered and inside.
Question
I have a dietary restriction, will there be anything for me to eat at the wedding?
Answer
We have all dietary bases covered, we love our veggie, pescatarian, meat-eaters, spice vs. no spice friends and family! If you have very specific needs, we can share the menu once it is finalized
Question
Do I need a travel adapter?
Answer
No, Mexico uses the same outlets & plugs as those in the US
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Are Kids Welcome?
Answer
We love your little ones, but this will be an adult-only affair.
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WhatsApp - For text, calls & reservations
Answer
We recommend downloading WhatsApp for your time in CDMX. It is the best way to call and text while in town. Also many businesses use WhatsApp to book reservations, simply add and text the restaurants number to see if they have availability. Note: Check with your provider but most now include Mexico and should not charge international fees but there may be daily data usage limits.
Question
Rappi - For delivery of...anything!
Answer
Matt Burton's favorite app, Rappi, is a great one to have on-hand while in Mexico City. If you need groceries delivered to your AirBnB, food from hundreds of stellar restaurants, medicine or toiletries from the pharmacy, this is the app for you.
Question
What other questions do you have?
Answer
We want you to feel comfortable and covered off! If you have a question, big or small, that you don't see here please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Chances are that others might be wondering the same thing!