Arriving in Mexico and Getting Around
Arriving at the Airport
On arrival at Benito Juarez Airport in Mexico City you will have to clear immigration, pick up your bags, and pass through customs.
Make sure you take a licensed taxi from the airport. They are yellow and white with a black airplane on the door. These charge a flat rate to downtown (around 140 – 160 pesos or $14US) which you pay for by purchasing a ticket at the booth marked “transportacion terreste” (ground transportation). There is a more expensive booth next to it so check for the cheaper one.
Travel from the airport to downtown takes from 25 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. It is best not to take the subway from the airport as the closest subway station is in a rough area. Also, the subway does not allow you to take luggage on.
Getting Around
The conference centre (Centro Banamex) is on the Northwest edge of the city and delegates will have to get there by bus, taxi or subway.
Check the conference website www.aids2008.org for details on getting to the conference centre as information becomes available.
The subway in Mexico City, called STC (Sistema de Transporte Colectivo) is efficient and inexpensive but is often very crowded. Although generally safe, you should take care against pickpockets. During crowded rush hours, there are sometimes cars reserved for women and children marked “exclusivo para mujeres y ninos”.
Buses are quite inexpensive but often very crowded. To use them you have to buy a refillable “smart card”. Tourist offices will give out free route maps. When you board the bus, tell the driver your destination and s/he will tell you the cost. Although buses run late at night, it is recommended you do not use them after dark.
There have been problems with unregulated cab drivers robbing tourists. Never hail a taxi on the street. Only take licensed taxis which can be arranged from regulated taxi stands or called for by your hotel concierge or restaurant. You can also take special unmarked “turismo” sedans from your hotels although these are usually more expensive and the cost is negotiated in advance. Taxis will charge an extra 10% at night. Tips are generally not expected unless you have luggage for which a 10% tip is standard.