For those not terribly familiar with the city, Fernandez advises getting the addresses of the companies to be visited and booking a hotel in the same area. And once a business traveler has arrived, he adds, it is always advisable to carry a note with the hotel's address and of those venues to be visited.
For those not terribly familiar with the city, Fernandez advises getting the addresses of the companies to be visited and booking a hotel in the same area. And once a business traveler has arrived, he adds, it is always advisable to carry a note with the hotel's address and of those venues to be visited. There are any number of possible destinations. Mexico City is primarily a business destination due to the number of corporations headquartered here and the fact that it is also the seat of government. In his experience, says Fernandez, 95 percent of business travelers to Mexico City are Mexican and 5 percent are foreign.
So it's especially helpful for that 5 percent that all major hotels have taxi stands that service their property. Fernandez recommends hiring the taxi for the day for all your business meeting and dinner appointments. "The cost of a taxi for all-day transportation is approximately USD$100, well worth the convenience and the security. Most taxi drivers speak enough basic English to get by."
Of course security in Mexico City is as much of a concern as in New York City or any major city. Your front desk staff or concierge can advise you on the areas to avoid.
"A US business traveler's least risky lodging option is to choose a branded hotel," says Fernández. Choice Hotels has two Quality Inn properties here: the Quality Inn Ciudad de Mexico Roma in the city's historic zone (within minutes of Benito Juarez International Airport as well as many businesses and embassies); and the Quality Inn Mexico City Torre Lindavista, in one of the city's most important industrial zones. Both provide welcome amenities for business travelers. Unlike moderately priced hotels in the United States, these properties in Mexico City are full-service with restaurants, 24-hour room service, free continental breakfast and free WiFi/Internet.
"Unbranded hotels may have lower room rates," says Fernández, "but unless you are familiar with the property, it is risky. Branded hotels such as Quality Inn have a consistency of product and amenities that can be depended upon. It pays to check out a hotel under consideration on its web site."
Choice Hotels, which offers negotiated rates to corporations and consortia, is one of the three top chains in Mexico City for value/price relationship. Choice is planning on developing at least two more properties in Mexico City, but as Fernandez states, "It is much less expensive to acquire an existing property and renovate than to go through the very slow process of building from scratch."
Among other options for travelers to Mexico City is the 209-room Marquis Reforma, a member of Leading Hotels of the World. It offers a "bed and breakfast" package that includes a junior suite, daily buffet breakfast, complimentary Internet access and 500 American Airline miles (not contingent upon flying American into Mexico City). Guests also have complimentary access to the fitness center and facilities at the hotel's spa
Although the distinct design and art-deco style draw many people into the Marquis Reforma, the hotel's location is one of its most valuable assets. Situated on the tree-lined Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, the property is in the center of the city's business, cultural and shopping districts. The city's most famous museums are a 10-minute walk away.
Another health issue for some travelers is more endemic to the location than pertinent to the harried life of business travelers. Mexico City — at 2,240 meters (7,000 feet) — is higher than Denver, "The Mile High City."
"It might take a day or two to adjust to the altitude, but for normal activities, there should not be a problem," Fernandez advises. "The air quality has very much improved over the last 20 years."
TIME — Greenwich Mean Time -6, the same as the US central time zone. Daylight savings time is from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.
CUSTOMS — Technically, travelers can bring in any item that will be used during their trip - i.e., camera, recorder, laptop - but not in large enough quantities to qualify for resale. Even though these personal items are "duty free," get in the "Merchandise to Declare" lane. Failure to declare personal effects routinely results in their seizure as contraband. If necessary, pay the assessed duty.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS — To enter Mexico, US citizens can show any US official ID. Passports are not required. However, in order to re-enter the US, a valid passport is required.
TAXES — The VAT tax for Mexico is 15 percent, but there is an additional 2 percent national hospitality tax that is designated for use by the local tourism bureaus to promote travel to their cities.
CURRENCY — Pesos are printed in 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 denominations, and minted as 1, 5, 10, and 20 coins.
TIPPING — Tip 10 to 15 percent at restaurants without a service charge. Luggage handling should be tipped at the equivalent of US$.50 to $1.00 per bag.
BUSINESS HOURS — Most offices are open from 09:00 to 17:00 or even 19:00, Monday to Friday. Most people leave for the afternoon meal around 14:00 and take between 1 and 2 hours. The Mexican government normally works from 10:00 to 20:00 (if not later); lunch is usually one hour, sometimes two, and is taken somewhere between 14:00 and 17:00. All banks are open from 09:00 to 13:30, Monday to Friday. Branches in Mexico City center tend to operate from 8:00 to 19:00. Supermarkets are open every day from 09:00 to midnight. A few are open 24 hours.
MEDICAL ADVISORIES — Make certain that food and drinking water is safe. Don't buy from street vendors.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS — US Embassy: (01-55) 5080-2000. Canadian Embassy: (01-55) 5724-7900. Police, Fire: 060. (to report a crime: 061). 24-hour traveler's aid hotline: 5250-0123/ 5250-0151 or 1-800-903-9200.