Hello 🙂
Mexico City is one of my favorite cities, so I’m excited to share with you some useful tips about the city in multiple parts, just because there’s too much info for just one post!
You’re most likely getting into the country through Mexico City, so first things first, I’ll cover the transportation into the city from Mexico City International Airport.
The airport is officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez, named after the first indigenous President of Mexico, Benito Pablo Juárez García. (At the time of writing, there is some uncertainty about the future of the new airport which was being built to accommodate the increased amount of air-traffic going in & out of Mexico City, due to the recent change in the Mexican presidency.)
By Uber:
The excellent thing about Mexico City Uber is available unlike lots of other places in the country. If you haven’t done so already, set up your Uber account before your trip so it’s fuss-free when you get to your destination. Use my code: moehao to get the first ride for free 🙂
It’s a bit tricky when you first arrive in Mexico City airport though, because the app requires you to have access to the internet. My first time, I landed past midnight and couldn’t figure it out so I gave up and took an airport taxi service – it was a lot more than I wanted to spend (in general, the prices are set according to the distance but if you must, talk to available companies to get the best price). I eventually bought a SIM card in the city and it got significantly easier from there.
If you get in at a reasonable hour, you can even purchase a SIM card at one of the mobile service providers’ shop. For a list of shops, locations and hours, click here.
Note: It is likely that the staff at these shops will not speak English so be a little prepared. Also, make sure that your phone is unlocked before your trip. (*I will do a post about buying SIM card in Latin America so I’ll link that here later.)
HOWEVER — using the internet at the airport isn’t too hard once you know how. You’d want to connect to “Infinitum” WiFi network and wait for a few seconds – a pop-up comes up and asks you to either put in your email address (correo electronico) or log-in using Facebook. I prefer not to use my Facebook account for this kind of purposes, so I usually opt for email. Once you enter your email address twice, you’ll get temporary access to the WiFi network to go to your email inbox to gain full-access by clicking “¡Navega Ahora!” (navigate now!) button on the email from Infinitum. Don’t worry, this doesn’t automatically sign you up for spam emails from Infinitum. I wouldn’t say the WiFi at the airport is super stable, but you’d probably do okay calling an Uber to last you until you get to your accommodation.
Note: I’m not sure why but I’ve experienced that several times, my Uber driver cancels the ride on me when I’m waiting at the airport. Sometimes after waiting for almost 10 mins… Therefore, I would recommend you to stay inside the building and monitor the whereabouts of the driver and only go outside when it’s a minute or two away from your location (be sure to keep an eye out for the make and the model of the car, the plate number and confirm the name of the driver before you get on).
By Metro:
If you don’t have too much to carry, want to save some $ or beat the surface traffic, you can also take the metro (underground train). You can get all the transit info on Google Maps so you know where to go/change trains.
Get our of Puerta 1 of Terminal 1, turn left and follow the signs for the Terminal Aérea Metro station. Get the Metro card and DO NOT put in more than 50 pesos at a time. I made the mistake of putting 200 MXN in the machine, thinking I’d get change… and I never did. So my Metro card has lasted me multiple trips and stopovers in Mexico City. The card can be used in both the Metro and the Metrobús, thus saving you the hassle of buying multiple cards.
Be very careful in the Metro though – pockets get picked ALL THE TIME. Even the locals put their backpacks in the front to keep an eye on their things, and definitely, no phones and wallets in your pant pockets.
>Funny story: this guy I met told me he had his hands in his pockets in the Metro train; he felt another hand go into his pocket. He looked up at the owner of that hand… they looked at each other and the guy ran away. Perhaps he wanted to hold his hand, but most likely wanted his wallet.
The good thing about the CDMX Metro system is that they have a section for only female passengers. So if you’re a solo woman traveling, you’d want to get on the women-only car/carriage. In my experience, there’s been a little more space than in the main car and thus, less chance of pick pockets. Regardless, like ANYWHERE you’d go in the world, we alert, keep an eye on your belongings and be street smart.
I would avoid taking the train during rush hour because people push and shove, and would not be ideal if you’re carrying a big backpack or a suitcase. You might even miss your stop.
USEFUL TIP:
There is a baggage storage place, “Viajes Kokai” at the airport, by Puerta 1, next to Hertz in Terminal 1 (apparently, there’s one in Terminal 2 too).
Make sure you get a receipt and a key from the staff. Needless to say, don’t lose the key because you’d need that to get your belongings. As of October 2018, it is 160 MXN for 24hrs, open 24hrs. It might cost more for large items, but it’s definitely very useful when you have a long layover.
Thanks for stopping by, have an amazing day/night wherever you are 🙂
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ik ben moe. 