Mexico City: Overview

Part modern metropolis, part monstrosity, marvelous Mexico City is truly epic.

Mexico City is the political, financial and cultural nerve center of Mexico, and to understand the country one should spend some time here. Perhaps more than any city on earth, it is at the intersection of the first and third worlds, with all the ills, thrills and surprises that suggests.

One moment the city is all latin beats, glamor and excitement; the next it's drabness, poverty, suffocating crowds and rancid smells. In spite of the negatives, Mexico City is a magnet for Mexicans and visitors alike. You certainly won't be bored in this complex, historic city.

Travel Warning: Violent Crime

The incidence of violent crime in Mexico City is a cause for concern. Taxi theft, armed theft, pickpocketing, purse snatching, credit-card fraud and ATM robbery are frequently reported.

severity: Mid-level alert

Fast Facts

Population

18,000,000

Currency

Name: Mexican Peso
Code: MXN
Symbol: $

Electrical Plugs

American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades
127V 60Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Spanish

Time Zones

GMT/UTC -6 (Central Standard Time)

Country Dialing Code

+52

Weights & Measures

Metric

Mexico - Pick & Mix Chapters

Mexico - Pick & Mix Chapters

Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Mexico guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Mexico download page.

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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.

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