Drinking in Mexico city - showing your I.D

One thing that most people don´t take out in thier bags when they are wandering around Mexico city is Identification but its a very good idea if you want to be able to buy alcohol and sit and have a beer or two. Federal law states that any person caught selling alcohol to minors can face upto a 7 year prison sentence and for that reason, especially in Mexico city, no matter if you look 25 or 65, you may be asked to show your proof of age before you are served with alcohol, so remember, always carry official I.D!

Do´s and Don´ts in Mexico City

Do : Shop at the Ciudadela !

http://www.laciudadela.com.mx/

La Ciudadela is a large market located on Balderas and fairly close to the Bellas artes area. It is one of the last remaining markets in the city where you can buy real mexican "artesania" straight from the Artisan.

The market sells everything and anything is a real treat for anyone wanting to shop for all this Mexican whilst in the city. Although the market is not the cheapest, it is not overpriced and you will find maybe things there that are hard to come by in the City.

Reasons to shop at the Ciudadela :Not only is the Ciudadela completely wonderful but it is also under threat as local officials are wanting to turn the markets land into a development of office buildings due to its prime location. Check out our video about the market to know more and learn about the markets wonderful history.

Don´t miss out on the Oaxacan tin decorations to be found at the market - they are our favourite!

Do : Ride the Metro !

Mexico citys Metro is one of the best Metro systems in the world we think ! The metro is spacious, cheap, quick and very efficient ! Dont worry if you miss a train as there will always be another one within a few minutes and there are stops all over the city making it a very easy way to cut out the traffic and get to various points around the city. We suggest that you get a map of the metro and plan your journey beforehand but at MX$2.oo a ride its a steal - so we say give it a go !

Reason to use the metro : Its cheap and fast and using public transport in the city instead of taking a taxi will not only help in a small way towards reducing pollution but also if more visitors start using pubic transportation it will help the public image of the city transportation!

Do : Take a walk on Reforma at night

Reforma at night is one of the best places to walk and take in the city. Generally around the angel and up to Chapultepec park you will find exhibitions on Reforma to look at which always makes the walk a little more interesting. You will find people sitting and talking on the many benches, people walking there dogs and many people going home from a long day at work. Reforma is generally quite safe and has many people and police in the evening and into the night so safety should not be a problem before midnight

Do : Take the Turibus at night

The safest way to see the city at night is with the Turibus night tour which really is unmissable. You see the city as it calms down for the evening and as its people come out to play. Take a look at the turibus website for timings.

Do : Visit the National Anthropology Museum ( Museo Nacional de Antropología )

The beautiful musuem located infront of Chapultepec park just off the end of Reformas main stretch is not one to be passed by. The musuem can easily fill up a whole day for Musuem enthusiasts and is a favourite with lovers of modern architecture too!

Do: Make time to watch the Voladores de Papantla (Dance of Papantla's flyers)

Who perform outside the anthropology musuem daily. This really is going to be a show that wows visitors from outside of the country and is a great peice of Mexican national hertitage.

For more information about the Voladores de Papantla check out : tp://voladoresdepapantla.com/index_eng.htm

Do : Take a trip to see the Pyramids at Teotihuacán

Take the chance to see the Pyramids whilst you are in Mexico. The pyramids are a must see if you are visiting and are located just 40kms outside of the city. Any tourist information spot will give you info on tours going to the site and you can also take a local coach from the North Bus terminal close to Lindavista.

Tip : Get there early to beat the heat and the flock of tourists for better photo opportunites!!

Do : Go eat Ice-Cream in Coyoacán

One of Mexico citys prettiest neighbourhoods is also home to lots and lots and lots of Ice cream parlours !

Take a walk into Coyoacán where located around the square you will find the stores selling some delicious ice-cream. We recommend trying a scoop of Tequila and Mango ! Yummy !

Coyoacán is also the home of many great art centres and also the Frida Kahlo museum - we know that you will love this quiet and tranquil neighbourhood !!

*Tip : Beat the crowds and go on a weekday - if you like the buzz of the market go to Coyoacán on weekends were an arts market is held saturday and sunday until late at night - but we warned, the crowds are HEAVY !!

Do : Go to the Cinema in Mexico city !

Maybe going to the cinema is the last thing that you would want to do went visiting somewhere new but we think that the city has some of the worlds best cinemas - clean, comfortable, cheap and if you really want luxury, the city has V.I.P cinemas complete with leather recliners and waiter service ( and its so worth the extra ten dollars) So if its raining or you have a spare few hours - we recommend that you try out one of our fabulous cinemas!!

Do : Wear your sunscreen

Mexico citys pollution adds heavily to the UV problem and the sun on some days can be very strong so if you are planning to be out and about in the city - slap on the sunscreen otherwise you might find yourself getting burnt.

Do : Be good !

This may seem a little bit silly but STICK TO THE RULES. A very large number of visitors each year are arrested in Mexico for Law Breaking. If you come to Mexico, our laws apply to you to!

Don´t : Take Taxis all the time !!

If you want to waste hours in the back seat of a taxi go ahead but try to use taxis as little as possible in the city. You will save money and see far more with public transport and walking!

Don´t : Eat on the street

Although eating on the street is not overly unsafe - visitors might get an upset stomach from street food and medicine is not always the cheapest in the city.

Don´t : Hire a car !

We get lots of emails asking about car hire in the city and we recommend that its never a good idea for visitors.

The traffic is heavy, the city is sprawling and has many intricate one way systems to follow. Hiring a car is a sure-fire way to get lost in the city so dont think about it unless its a must or you are planning on travelling outside of DF.

Don´t : Go out with large amounts of money or valuable items

This may seem like an obvious one but unless you are going to the National palace which requires Passport I.D for entrance, you shouldnt be carrying your passport or any personal items with you when touring around. Take a photocopy !

If you are going out shopping, take your money with you divided into smaller notes so that no oe sees you taking out large amounts from your wallet!

Don´t : Be tempted to go to the downtown black market areas

Markets like Tepito are famous for cheap and black market goods - you can really find anything around the area of La Lagunilla but we dont recommend that you go alone without a local who knows the area. Yes, the area is not very safe - but the main safety concern is that the market is so large that if you dont know your way you can very easily get lost.

Don´t : Change money in Mexico city airport

The exchange rates generally are a little better compared to what you will find around reforma or at your hotel but it is far SAFER to change money downtown. Criminals have been known to target tourists changing money at the airport terminals.

Culture Shock

I bought a very interesting book in London called "Culture Shock - Mexico" .

It details things that as a mexican, i found rather amusing - its definately a good read for anyone wishing to do business in Mexico or planning on staying here for a while. The book covers sbjects that help the reader understand things that they might see or by confused by whilst in Mexico, tips on mexican ettiquette and customs etc, a quick summary of mexican history, its characters and the things that have shaped who and what we are today.

It is not a guidebook. It is a hybrid - perfect for anyone that wants to explore deeper here and take a trip off the beaten path especially.

Especially useful, are the tips on how to recognise a good Mexican restaurant, how to address people in social situations, and other "Mexicanisms" such as various slangs which you may be confused by if you speak "spanish".

Mexican Etiquette Tips

Are you the type of person who can't seem to get anywhere on time? Well, if going to a person's home in Mexico, you're in luck! Showing up early or even showing up on time is sometimes considered rude. Arriving about 30 minutes late is appropriate. However, in business situations, it's smart to be on time, even if you are kept waiting by your Mexican business associates.

Below we have put together a list of Mexican etiquette to help you out on your trip!

1. What to wear

1. DON'T wear shorts if you wish to blend in. Aside from beaches and northern areas, shorts are seldom worn by Mexicans.
2. DO dress nicely for business situations. A suit and tie is fine, and women may also wear conservative dresses. In very hot regions, it's acceptable to wear lighter clothing, but don't wear overly casual clothing, such as t-shirts or flip-flops.
3. DO dress smart-casual for social occasions or going out in the city.
4. DO take off sunglasses and hats if entering a church.

2. Food/Drinks

1. DO rest your wrists on the edge of the table while dining.
2. DON'T sit until told where to sit.
3. DON'T begin eating until your host does.
4. DO understand that only men give toasts in Mexican culture.
5. DO indicate that you are finished eating by putting your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs going downwards and the handles facing right.
6. DO leave a little bit of food on your plate when you are done.If you finish, the host may think that you want more or were not satisfied as strange as that seems!
7. DO go with the flow. Unless you are REALLY not keen on the proposed plan, go with the flow.
8. DO say thank you after an evening out. Your mexican friend will appreciate it!

3. Tipping / Money

1. DO tip in the same fashion that you are used to at home although in Mexico city more restaurants will ask you if you want to "close" your bill or include a tip.
2. DON´T put the money on the counter when paying for things, put it into the cashiers hand

4. Giving and Accepting Gifts

1. DON'T give red flowers (negativity) or marigolds (day of the dead!!!!) However, white flowers are considered uplifting. Sweets or chocolate are always well received too!
2. DO open a gift upon receipt when someone gives you one.
3. DON´T WORRY - Gift wrapping does not follow any particular protocol
4. DO react enthusiastically when given a gift, even if you don´t like it!

5. Greetings

1. DO shake hands upon meeting someone even if its for the first time.
2. DO follow the lead of who you are greeting. Hugs are often shared among friends, as well as a light kiss on the cheek for women, even if its for the first time. If you go to someones home, make a point of saying "Hello" to everyone even if you dont know them!!
3. DO Wait until invited before using a Mexican's first name

6. Visiting Someone's Home

1. DO be fashionably late! Thirty minutes late is appropriate.
2. DO bring flowers or sweets for your host. Mexicans love this!
3. DO thank the host for having you over. They will probably reply that it was no trouble but if you dont make a point to say thank you then they probably wont invite you again!!

7. Business

1. DO make an appointment at least two weeks in advance and confirm a week before. Confirm the meeting one last time upon arriving in Mexico.
2. DON'T be late! However, your Mexican business associates may be late. Mexicans have a very relaxed view of time, but as a foreigner, you should make the effort to be on time.
3. DO be patient. Negotiations may proceed very slowly.
4. DO have written material translated to Spanish.
5. DO hire an interpreter if your spanish is not good!
6. DO expect haggling and prepare accordingly

8. Communication

1. DO understand that "estúpido" is considered a bad word in Mexico, and it means much worse than "stupid."
2. DO say "salud!" when someone sneezes. To not do so is considered rude.
3. DON´T respond to any wolfwhistling or anyone on the street that may try to attract your attention
4. DO try to speak in Spanish. Even an attempt to communicate with broken Spanish will be warmly appreciated and seen as a sign of interest and respect
   
5. DON´T "Ok" us. The U.S. hand sign for ‘ok’ (a circle with your thumb and forefinger) is considered vulgar in Mexico.