About Mexico City

General information about Mexico City

Sophistication and cultural heritage await visitors at Mexico City (CDMX). At the heart of Mexico, this metropolis blends its rich Aztec heritage with colonial splendor and modern avant-garde.

In the Historic Center, the iconic Templo Mayor and Metropolitan Cathedral are integrated into a skyline of elegant skyscrapers, while the Zócalo offers a glimpse into the city’s deep history. Meanwhile, exclusive neighborhoods such as Polanco, Roma, and Condesa invite exploration of chic cafes, high-end restaurants, and designer boutiques.

With over 150 museums, including the prestigious National Museum of Anthropology and the charming Frida Kahlo Museum, the cultural richness of Mexico City is an unmissable destination for attendees of IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024.

We invite you to dive into the opulence and culture of CDMX through our microsite, designed exclusively to capture the essence of this unique city.

  • Official name: Estados Unidos Mexicanos (United Mexican States)
  • President: Andrés Manuel López Obrador (until September 30, 2024) President-elect: Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (starts duties on October 1, 2024)
  • Territory size: Approximately 1.964 million km²
  • Population: Approx. 129 million 
  • Language: Spanish 
  • Government system: Federal Republic 
  • GDP: Approx. $1.2 trillion (USD) 
  • GDP per capita: Approx. $9,600 (USD) 
  • Top trade partners: United States, Canada, China, Japan
  • Currency: Mexican peso (MXN)
  • Mexican Independence Day: September 16, 1810
  • Telephone prefix: +52
  • Metropolitan population: Over 21 million 
  • Altitude: 2,250 meters above sea level 
  • Founded: 1325 
  • Time zone: Central Standard Time (CST) 
  • Climate: Subtropical highland

Weather

During the month of September 2024, Mexico will experience minimum temperatures of 12°C and maximum temperatures of up to 22°C.

For an accurate current weather forecast, check out the 14-day weather forecast page for Mexico here.

Water

In Mexico City, drinking water directly from the tap is not recommended because it does not meet drinking standards. It is advisable to opt for bottled water or water that has undergone filtration processes in restaurants and other establishments.

Exchange rate

• Approximately 1 USD = 17.10 MXN
• Approximately 1 EUR = 19.23 MXN

Consult exchange houses here.
*Updated July 12, 2024.

During your stay

Hotels

Restaurants & nightlife

Museums, historic sites & natural landmarks

If you require assistance from the consulate of your home country, click here.

National Drill 2024 in Mexico City

What will happen during the drill?

At 11:00 a.m., the seismic alert will sound across the city, signaling a potential earthquake. When you hear the alarm, follow the instructions from security personnel and move to the designated assembly points.

Purpose of the drill

The national drill is designed to prepare the population for emergencies, such as earthquakes, and to reinforce the culture of civil protection in Mexico, enhancing overall response capabilities.

Forms of payment

The most commonly used payment methods in Mexico are as follows:

Cash: At street stalls, cash is the most common and accepted form of payment.

Debit or credit card:

We suggest verifying the accepted payment methods at the establishment before making a purchase or consumption.

Transportation

Mexico City stands out for its cultural and touristic richness, while also facing challenges in mobility due to its dense population. For visitors, it’s essential to know how to get around the metropolis.

Fortunately, there are several options for safe, fast, and economical transportation to access its main attractions. From the historic metro to new modes of transportation, there are effective ways to explore the city without the hassle of driving in traffic or getting lost.

Here are some transportation recommendations to make your stay in the great CDMX easier:

Exclusive Benefit for Attendees

Uber Transfers

We are pleased to offer a special benefit, courtesy of our client Uber, to facilitate your transfers during the IBA Annual Conference in Mexico City.

Benefit Details:

• 15% discount on up to 4 Uber Comfort or Uber Black rides
• Valid from September 14 to 20, 2024
• Applicable for rides to and from Centro Banamex
• Maximum discount of $80 MXN per ride

To activate your discount code, please enter your email address in the section below.

This benefit is exclusive to those who have registered for our event on September 19 at the National Museum of Anthropology.

Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a comfortable and safe ride, courtesy of Uber.

Mexico’s Independence Day Celebration

September 15 & 16

September 15th marks the commencement of Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations, rooted in a tradition spanning over a century. This day honors the moment in 1810 when priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla mobilized a nation with the Cry of Independence, setting the stage for Mexico’s fight for freedom.

To learn more, click here.

At the heart of the festivities is the ceremony at the National Palace, where the President’s homage to the independence heroes, echoed by the collective “Vivas” from the Zócalo crowd, vividly brings the nation’s history to life. This ceremony, also know as “El Grito”, takes place on September 15 at 11:00 p.m.

From indulging in iconic dishes like ‘Chile en Nogada’ and ‘Pozole’ to enjoying the spectacle of fireworks that light up the night sky, Independence Day is a testament to Mexico’s national pride and cultural richness.

We invite our international visitors to immerse themselves in the Independence Day celebrations and discover the rich cultural heritage that Mexico has to offer.

As we approach the celebration dates, we will update the following options to ensure you have the latest information on where to join in the festivities.

Celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and deep-rooted traditions of this nation. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious evening or a night filled with traditional festivities, there’s something for everyone.

El Balcón del Zócalo

Offers unparalleled views of the Constitution Plaza, complete with special dining and accommodation packages.

Arango

Delight in traditional dishes and enjoy the view of the Monument to the Revolution.

Terraza Cha Cha Chá

Celebrate with live music and drinks against the backdrop of the lit Monument to the Revolution.

St. Regis

Experience luxury with welcoming cocktails, dinner, and cultural entertainment.

Balta

Savor traditional Mexican flavors in a festive and colorful setting.

Von Wobeser y Sierra, S.C.
Paseo de los Tamarindos 60, Mexico City 05120 | +52 (55) 5258 1000 | vonwobeser.com