Arrival at Mexico City airport
You will arrive at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. Clearing immigration and customs may take around one hour.
It is essential that you keep your stamped immigration form in a safe place; you will encounter big problems to leave the country without it.
A CIMMYT driver will be arranged for you. The driver will be waiting outside the arrival gate with a yellow CIMMYT sign. Since there are 2 arrival gates at the airport the driver will go back and forth between the gates, so if you don’t see him right away wait for some minutes until he is back from the other gate.
The mobile phone number of the CIMMYT driver who will pick you up will be send to you.
Below are two numbers for you to call in case you need assistance:
- Johanna Braun +52 55 2130 0898
- Cesar Valdez +52 595 114 9091
Please, do not accept help from anybody in the airport to call CIMMYT, nor from public drivers offering ‘free’ services. In case of no other option you should hire ONLY official airport transportation at the airport; “Yellow Cab Service” is recommended. Transportation tickets can be purchased at the airport near the international exit.
Security
- CIMMYT emergency number 24/7
- +52 595 11 098 76 global
- 0180 44 09876 in Mexico
- Ext. 5558 inside CIMMYT
Please use usual precautions during your travels or while being in Mexico.
Before traveling
- Include the CIMMYT Emergency number in your phone contacts.
- Install the International SOS app and be aware of the services of International SOS.
- Carry along a copy of your personal health record. Include a letter from your doctor explaining your need for medications, including any over-the-counter medications, in English and the language of your destination (Spanish if possible). Make sure you have copies of your prescriptions.
- Bring an official doctor's prescription for any non-over-the counter-pharmaceutical.
When traveling
- At the airport, do not accept help from anyone other than airline staff and immigration officers.
- Only use CIMMYT transport. Taxis are a suitable means of transport for short journeys in most urban areas, but should only be obtained through the Fleet Management Unit or your program’s assistant.
Stay safe
- CIMMYT issues travel restrictions to certain countries and regions in Mexico. Information can be obtained from the Risk Management Unit. Staff and students are expected not to travel into restricted regions for official purpose or leisure. While people may have different risk perceptions, if something happens to you, the entire community is affected. Before traveling, ask the Risk Management Unit for advice.
- Exercise common sense while out in the streets, especially in areas less frequented by tourists and visitors. That means keeping a low profile and being aware of the people around you.
- Do not travel on foot after dark, or in unfamiliar areas.
- Use the cash machine at CIMMYT to withdraw money. If it is not possible, money should be withdrawn from ATMs or exchange bureaus during daylight hours and inside shops and malls.
- Do not carry credit cards for which you have no PIN code.
Keep your valuables safe
- Be cautious with your cash. Only carry what you'll need for the day. Keep your valuables hidden.
- In case you bring any valuables, the Finance Department has some safe boxes available.
Be prepared in case on an emergency evacuation. Note locations of fire exits and stairs. Identify the emergency exit and evacuation routes.
How to make a phone calls in/to Mexico
- Calling Mexico landline from abroad: + 52 - city code - phone number
- Calling Mexico mobile phone from abroad: + 52 - city code - phone number
- Calling Mexico landline from within the country: - city code - phone number
- Calling Mexico mobile phone from within the country: city code - phone number
- Making international calls from Mexico: 00 (or '+') - country code - city code - phone number
Medical assistance
Medical service is provided to staff and visitors at no charge. Dr. Cuauhtémoc Marquez and Dr. Gladys Lecona are located on the lower floor of the main building, next to the Finance Department and can be contacted via ext. 5558 Monday to Friday 09.00 – 17.00hrs. Outside of these hours, please contact the Medical Service number 595 957 0120 or the CIMMYT Emergency number.
When traveling, you may experience unfamiliar health issues. Consult travel health information available on the internet and ensure your immunizations are up to date. If you are getting sick, please get medical advice early. For example, gastrointestinal issues may quickly result in dehydration. Also, dogs, cats and bats in Mexico may carry the Rabies virus. Please consult a doctor even if you only get a scratch by an animal.
Workhours
CIMMYT workhours are from 08:00 to 17:00 hrs. If you are not expected to come to CIMMYT or are sick, for security reasons, please inform your supervisor or his/her program assistant.
Smoking policy on campus:
Smoking is not permitted inside any CIMMYT building. Smokers should step well outside of and utilize the indicated smoking areas.
Power Supply:
The power supply at CIMMYT headquarters is 120V-60Hz, with two-pin Standard American electric plugs. Please bring your own adaptor. A limited number of adapter plugs are available at the Hospitality Management area at the Maya Building for use-and-return.
Weather and dress:
Mexico City and El Batán are situated 2,200 m (7,575 ft) above sea level. The rainy season is June-September. Dress code is informal. A sweater and/or jacket for evenings and early mornings are usually required. Please bring comfortable shoes for tourist excursions or social outings. Hats and sunblock are also advisable. For field work and in the Lab you will need closed shoes.
Weather data – Mexico City (21 years average)
|
(C°) |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Average high temperature |
21 |
22 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
24 |
23 |
23 |
22 |
22 |
22 |
21 |
|
Highest temperature |
30 |
28 |
31 |
31 |
32 |
32 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
32 |
31 |
|
Average low temperature |
7 |
7 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
11 |
8 |
7 |
|
Lowest temperature |
-3 |
-1 |
-2 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
2 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
-2 |
|
Average Precipitation (mm) |
10 |
10 |
13 |
28 |
58 |
157 |
183 |
173 |
145 |
61 |
5 |
8 |
Cashier
You can exchange US dollars for/to Mexican pesos at the Cashier on the lower floor of the main building. The Cashier is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 am to 11:30 am and then from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
ATM
The ATM machine is located in the main building, between the two back entrances. Please note that the ATM will charge bank fees on all transactions made with international cards.
