• Tecnológico de Monterrey

Tecnológico de Monterrey (9 of its campuses offer study abroad programs: Cuidad de Mexico, Cuernavaca, Estado de Mexico, Guadalajara, Mazatlan, Monterrey, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, and Toluca)

As a country, Mexico is a vast mosaic of colorful cultures, with a long, dramatic history and friendly, forward-thinking people who are eager to bring their country to its next stage of development. Apart from festivals, markets, theatres and tourist attractions, Mexico is also a country in transition, a place of many contrasts. While Mexico's rich history endures in ancient Mayan temples, indigenous villages and colonial cities, rapid industrial development started to transform its landscape 50 years ago.

No visit to Mexico is complete without a visit to its capital. Tthe 3rd largest city in the world after Tokyo and New York, Mexico City has a population of 21,503,700. Mexicans enjoy the fruits of modernization, with a class of wealthy and educated urban elites who hang out after hours at chic restaurants and designer night clubs in hip neighbourhoods like Polanco and Zona Rosa. Yet other parts of the city continue to struggle with the age-old problems of poverty, mass migration and other urban issues common to developing countries. All over Mexico City and other major towns, modern complexes and expensive shops make up the tapestry of Mexican life, alongside shanty towns, rundown shopfronts and drab industrial complexes.

Capital : Mexico City (known fondly as “Distrito Federal” or “DF” by Mexicans)

Official Web site for the Mexican Embassy in Singapore :

Currency : Mexican peso (MXN)

Languages : Spanish. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.

(assuming exchange at Monterrey Campus)

Weather

The climate in Mexico varies from tropical to desert. The coast and lowlands are hot and humid. The interior highlands are mild and dry, but can become freezing in winter.

Activities

Visit Teotihuacán, a local attraction : Situated 50 km from Mexico City , this is the site of Mexico 's largest ancient city, and it dates from around 300 to 600 BC. Climb 234 steps to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun!

Celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe : Held on 12 December every year, Mexicans celebrate the day with processions singing their way to the basilica in Mexico City carrying banners and flowers.

Banks and Currency Exchange Offices :
Banks and exchange booths offer the same rates, which are more favorable than that of hotels. Most banks will change cash and cheques but queues can be long. Banks in Mexico with branches around the city are Banamex, Bancomer, Inverlat and Banca Serfin.

Air Pollution and Altitude :
Mexico is considered one of the most populous as well as most polluted cities in the world. The altitude of Mexico City is 7,525 ft above sea level; some travelers may take a while to adjust to the high altitude and thin air. Travelers with respiratory problems should consult their doctors about appropriate precautions before traveling.

Drinking water : Visitors who are sensitive to the tap water in Mexico may experience stomach problems if they are not careful. It is best to drink mineral water (“agua mineral”) and avoid eating fruits and vegetables (including salads) sold by street vendors if you are unsure of the quality of water used in food preparation. Many homes have their own water purification systems, as do large establishments such as hotels, airports, schools and good restaurants.

Local time : Mexico City in on Central Standard Time.

Electricity : Voltage in Mexico is 100 AC, 60 cycles. Powerpoints are similar to those in the USA

Taxis :
Taxis registered with the city authorities are painted in yellow, orange or green and display the driver's credentials and a fare table inside. You should only ride in those with a working meter or if not, agree on a fare before getting in the cab. In Mexico City , especially, do not hail cabs on the street as it may be difficult to differentiate between licensed and unlicensed cabs. Only take cabs from a taxi base station (“sitio” in Spanish), hotels, airports, or call using a radio taxi service. In most other cities, “rogue” taxis are not a concern, but do check with your hosts, the hotel or your Mexican friends if in doubt.

Visa Application : Singaporeans do not have to apply for a visa when traveling to Mexico on vacation. However, students must apply for a student visa (FM3) at Mexican Embassy in Singapore, or do it when they are in Mexico. Some nationalities additionally require visas stamped in their passports; non-Singaporeans are advised to check with the Embassy regarding requirements and fees.

Personal Safety : The small towns and cities outside of Mexico City itself are very safe. In Mexico City, as in any large city, be cautious about pickpockets and keep an eye on cameras and bags in crowded places. Try not to wander around in the streets on your own late at night, especially if the streets are almost deserted.

• Travel guide
• CIA Fact book about Mexico
• Mexico Travel (Ministry of Tourism)