Mexico Car Service

Car Service in Mexico City

2009-06-08T17:25:00.003-05:00

Visiting Mexico city? Planning to get lost in Mexico City? Know any locals in Mexico City? Worried about your safety in Mexico City? Need transportation in Mexico City? Staying at a hotel in Mexico City?

I know Mexico City like a native. I am a native of Mexico City. Tired of writing all this saying Mexico City. We don't say Mexico City here, we say Mexico, or D.F.

I provide car/taxi service, chofer (chauffer for you) service, passenger van service in Mexico City. My car is a passenger van that seats eight people comfortably. You probably aren't familiar with this type of car service, but it is quite popular here in Mexico. Basically, I pick you up at a hotel or wherever and take you wherever you want to go. I drop you off and stay with the van. You don't have to find a taxi, worry about parking or even be punctual. Car service in Mexico City is all about you. It is as if you had a car, but without any of the hassles - and there are a few here in Mexico City.

Most of my clients are Gringos (I say that with affection!) and I help make their time in Mexico more enjoyable and more efficient.

Live like a native - well at least an upper-class executive native.

Okay, so you see my van, you see me (the cool guy in shorts) and you see some happy customers.

Car Service for Businessmen

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Car service for businessmen in Mexico City is my bread and butter. You really do need a service like this in Mexico City. I am sure you have been told not to take a taxi on the street and the services from the hotels can be quite expensive, particularly if you want them to wait for you.

Most executives in Mexico City will expect you to have this type of service and will secretly assume that you are not very important if you don't. But the reality is that you will likely be very frustrated if you rely on limited services for taxis, have to wait while they are called, or want to detour to see a little more of our wonderfully busy Mexico City.

So what is a typical day for a businessman and his car service, chofer (did you still say chaffeur?), or other transportation service?

9:30 AM Pickup at your hotel in Mexico City

10:15-10:30 AM Arrive at meeting

12:30-1:00 PM Head off for lunch in Mexico City

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Lunch (maybe later)

4:00 PM Afternoon meeting

6:00 PM Back to Hotel

7:30 PM Cruise by the main plaza (Zocalo) or the Mariachi Plaza (Garibaldi - watch your wallet!)

9:00 PM Dinner (Did you make reservations? Try Aguila y Sol)

11:00 Back to hotel

One additional note, I am unable to accept anything other than cash, though Euros, dollars or Mexico pesos all are welcome. I can provide receipts upon request.

Car Service from the Airport

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I can stand outside of the international arrivals area in Mexico City holding a sign that has your name on it and look at every passenger that arrives and wonder if it is you. For your part, you will need to look at the signs, usually 10-50 at any given moment within the small exit area of 10 meters (34 feet for the non-scientists or Europeans.) You will likely spot me before I figure out who you are. Of course, feel free to carry your own sign.

You will have already collected your luggage by this point, so I will dutifully offer to help you carry it (I hope that you remembered the old adage about packing light!) We will proceed to my van in the parking lot - it's a complicated system and there really is no way to circle around and pick you up there. But this is a great opportunity to begin to understand our culture and experience the little everyday issues that we take for granted.

I will then drive you to your first meeting in Mexico City or to the hotel or lunch. Since I stay with the van, you can actually do these things and relax, because I will be watching your luggage - much easier than trying to hide it in the restaurant and an hour faster than going by the hotel in Mexico City .

The mechanics are that I need to know: a spelling of your name that you will recognize on a sign, the airline, flight number, and departure city so that I can track any delays and the number of passengers.

I usually provide this service as part of a bigger package (remember the 4.5 hour minimum) and I start my time clock from the time I arrive at the airport - usually 30 minutes before your flight is scheduled to arrive and about 1 hour before you walk out of Customs. Parking is extra.

As a note, the taxi services (there are 2 legitimate ones) from the airport in Mexico City to your hotel are generally considered safe and clean. For some reason, they charge substantially different prices beginning around $15 for a taxi for 2 people (maybe a tight 4) and may charge $20-25 (depends on service and exchange rate.) You must buy a ticket at the ticket counter (challenging to find only because of the hustle and bustle at the exit) and then go to the correct taxi line in front of the terminal. The multitude of drivers and luggage handlers will seek you out and direct you there once you get close. Riding with me to you hotel provides a barrier from the endless offers of assistance from our underemployed economy. Just remember to reserve your hotel room, because I can't help with Expedia, Orbitz or Travelocity. (I can perhaps save you money using my Travel Agency credentials at a local hotel.)

Cost of Car Service in Mexico City

2009-06-08T17:20:00.000-05:00

For you, a good deal. Sí Señor (or Señora or Señorita as the case may be.) No really, it is actually a good deal.

Basically, I charge $22 per hour for the car, gas and me. Special 30% discount until September 1st with code GREGORIO There is no extra charge for anything except hard costs that I incur such as parking and tolls (few in Mexico City - mainly on the major freeways in other parts of the country where I am compelled to charge extra for the gasolina).

So that is a good deal when you think about the fact that vans are more expensive in Mexico City than in the U.S. and that gasoline is about the same price & that traffic and a big van combine for a big expense. The big difference is my salary is low and for those economists out there, my ROI on the capitalized value of the van is low.

I do need for you to commit to at least 4.5 hours per day, since I make a 2-hour drive from the suburbs at my own expense. But wait, that's not all! $220 will get you a 12-hour day. (No taxes, though I love propinas (tips!)) That is cheaper than many hotel rooms in Mexico city and certainly cheaper than your airline ticket to Mexico City.

One additional note, I am unable to accept anything other than cash, though Euros, dollars or Mexican pesos all are welcome. I can provide receipts upon request.

Hotels in Mexico City

2009-06-08T17:19:00.000-05:00

The Four Seasons Mexico City provides that sophisticated and understated elegance, charm and service that casual and business guests love. Located at the entrance to Chapultepec Park in Mexico City, it is equally distant from everything. The breakfast pastries at the buffet are divine, the power breakfast is over in the more formal area (known as 500). The hot chocolate is wonderful, using Mexican Oaxacan chocolate that has a hint of cinnamon. At dinner in 500 (pronounced Quinientos), order anything with a sauce. By the way, you can drink the water from the tap here. Oye, don't miss a margarita on the rocks on the patio with a trio playing and singing around 6 pm.

Mexico City is not a city for walkers, but the best located hotel (that is modern) for exploring the old downtown area is the Sheraton. It is located near "Bellas Artes".

Polanco has the W and it is the new hip place to stay. It has no real lobby other than the bar, but if you are young and on the prowl, go for it. The Mexico City Marriott (JW) is next door and first class in that Marriott way. The Intercontinental Presidente is down the street and is a large enjoyable place with lots of good places to eat at any hour. The Nikko is popular around the corner, though I personally never understood why. The great thing about Polanco is that it has lots of restaurants, but with a driver, you can stay anywhere.

If you need a cheaper place, try Expedia or Orbitz or the special rates section on the hotel's website. They have some great weekend rates.

At the airport, both the Hilton and Camino Real (formerly Marriott) are convenient and comfortable for a late arrival with a connection, but they really offer none of the flavor of Mexico City. Since Mexico City is a late night dining place, I recommend staying in town (or at least going into town) if you arrive by 7:30 PM or earlier.

Spending your money

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Credit cards are fairly widely accepted throughout Mexico. That said, you will discover that you will need to use cash more frequently here than back home. You will find that some places expect cash, some give a discount for it (10% seems standard), some charge extra if you don't use it and some places are indifferent. The exchange rate will likely be 1-2% better than at the exchange houses though there is usually a 3% commission charged by the credit card company.

ATMs are widely available and the fee structure is reasonably equivalent to other places. The bank here charges a few dollars/euros & the bank back home adds another fee of its own. The upside is that you don't need to walk around with a lot of cash and your exchange rate will likely be 1-2% better than at the exchange houses.

Where to exchange money? I recommend changing a substantial portion of your cash at the Mexico City airport, but choose when & where carefully. Never change more inside of customs than you need for there. They charge about a half peso premium for their location. Once you exit customs, there are about 20 places to change money (Dollars and Euros both accepted). The rates vary greatly and can change frequently. Generally, the rates are better in the international terminal rather than near the domestic flights. I have found that the best rates tend to be off of the main hall and upstairs near the food court. Rates are generally better during the day than at night, Rates are better on weekdays than weeknights and Sunday is the worst day. For that reason, limit your exchanges if you arrive late Sunday night.

A word to the wise: most inspection for counterfeit bills is done by young employees with no tools, Technically if they suspect a false bill, they must retain it (without compensating you) and submit it to the Bank of Mexico. Since you know that your bills are real, make it easier by not presenting old, damaged, marked-up or other bills which are not perfect.

If you are traveling in other parts of the country, the exchange rates might be the same (i.e Oaxaca) or they might be substantially lower (Cancun or Puerta Vallarta). The rate will never equal the rates in the paper or web unless you use a credit card & pay a commission. Pesos are expected in most places except Cancun and by hotel bellboys.

Now back to the beginning, I recommend that you ask your hotel (if it is not a US chain) after check-in if there is a discount for cash & if so exchange money before check-out. At smaller hotels, I recommend asking at check-in. Ten percent buys a few margaritas.

Restaurants in Mexico City

2009-06-08T17:17:00.005-05:00

Mexico City has a great number of cosmopolitan restaurants. They are modern, full of life and serve a wide variety of food. First, I want to warn you to be careful what you eat in Mexico City. We use many spices (not necessarily hot) that your digestive system may not be accustomed to having. We also have less developed refrigerated delivery and storage systems.

That said, eat anything you want at the Four Seasons (great breakfast buffet.) Everywhere else, use some caution. Careful about the amount of grease you eat (think chips, fries, pork, etc.) I recommend against eating any kind of uncooked green salad. So what can you eat?

Aguila y Sol at 42 Moliére, Polanco 5281 8354 is a very popular gourmet Mexican restaurant with great food, a fun atmosphere, and exotic fruit margaritas. Popular with locals. Look for an apple in all the art there, and then ask them why.

The renowned Patricia Quintana has a restaurant - Izote at 513 Presidente Masaryk 5280 1671 which is less upscale (though first class) that serves more traditional Mexican dishes and is quite popular with locals. I always find the atmosphere a bit subdued for a crowded restaurant with such tasty food.

La Valentina has a nice design and is widely recommended. I consider it to be a tourist trap. Among similar types of restaurants, I prefer Villa María (Polanco district (at the corner of Homero and Galileo, Homero No. 704) 5203 0306. Try the Sopa/Crema de flor de calabaza (squash blossom soup!)

Two of the traditional recommendations with great settings are San Ángel Inn and Hacienda de los Morales. Actually, despite the tourist aspect, they both generally deliver on their promise. A pitcher of margaritas at San Ángel Inn on the patio is a memory to cherish. Note - it can be very formal and a jacket may be required for dinner.

El Péndulo (make sure to see the pendulum) is an interesting bookstore and music store, and a good alternative for coffee at any hour or a good breakfast. It has locations in Condesa (Av. Nuevo Leopn 85), Zona Rosa (Hamburgo 126), Polanco (Alejandro Dumas 81) and 2 others in less touristy areas.. The one in Condesa in across the street from a fun bar and the one in Polanco.

Café Tacuba, the restaurant, not the band, is a downtown (near Bellas Artes) classic. Go for lunch. It is relatively cheap and you may not like the food, but it is Mexico past and present.

Sunday night - try Fonda El Refugio for basic Mexican dishes. Last time I ate here, it was Salma Hayek (and her group) at her table and my group alone in the restaurant. The prices are not high, but they are high for traditional food. Ninety-five percent of restaurants are closed on Sunday. La Tecla (Condesa) is similar and more popular with the Mexico City crowd. Not really fancy, but solid dependable traditional mexican dishes.

L'Olivier Masyryk 49, Polanco 5545 3133 (and any of his other French-oriented restaurants) provide a good experience and some of the most reasonably (not cheap due to ...) priced wine in Mexico City. It is also the place to celebrate with champagne.

La Buena Tierra in Condesa is a good place from breakfast or to have a sandwich and smoothie for lunch. You should also allow a few minutes to walk around this 2 block area and check out the other two dozen restaurants. Near the corner of Tamaulipas and Michoacán streets, there is a good nutella crepe available, several espresso bars, and multiple ethnic spots.

There are two great Argentine steak houses - Cambalache (Insurgentes, Close to the corner with Felix Cuevas, Col. Del Valle) (open on Sunday?) and Rincón Argentino (Masaryk in Polanco) and I choose based on the types of potatoes I want. I recommend that you order meats and potatoes for the table and share some of each. Make sure to choose an Argentine wine.

Try to have lunch (2pm-6pm) at Fishers. It has great seafood with cold beer/cerveza (Pacífico for seafood) and a very busy local setting. Try the seafood tostadas or seviche. I love the busy crowded atmosphere.

Ligaya is a small, elegant, quiet spot in Condesa that has a limited but tasty international atmosphere. Moderately pricey but romanticly small and refined.

Specia has a good international menu and is said to have the best duck in Mexico City. It has a great atmosphere and is as fun as the Polish/Eastern European food is solid. Big at lunch and dinner.

El Mosáico, Michoacán 10 (between Amsterdam and Insurgentes) next door to Specia, is very popular. While I like it & its atmosphere, it reminds me of a fancy deli. There just aren't many of those in Mexico City. Lunch is more popular here.

MP Bistro at 10 Andrés Bello has great duck tacos and a big Sunday lunch. Sort of Asian. It is just behind the Intercontinental (JW Marriott & the W) near the Auditorio Nacional. For late night gourmet, join the crowd at the pricey Au Pied du Cochon at the back entrance to the Presidente. It also has the most expensive wines (actual price - not the markup) in Mexico City.

Bros Oyster Bar (pronounced Bross) at Lope de Vega 226 Polanco 5250 1325 has a pretty wide menu with prime rib, steaks and fish. I would never eat oysters in Mexico City, but they have plenty more. This is a fun business restaurant with good food, a fun atmosphere, and an expense account tab if you order the Pescadero Reserve wine ($50 wholesale in the states X 2.5).

Sanborns - Casa de los Azulejos - adjacent to Palacio de Belles Artes - typical Denny's food, but oh what history these 400-year-old tiles have. Inexpensive breakfast in the historical downtown area.

Los Danzantes is a good lunch spot. It is located on the main plaza in Coyoacán, which is a great old plaza in what once was a separate city. Even better, walk 2 blocks towards Frida Kahlo's house (same direction as Trotsky's house) and have churros and a cappucino or chocolate caliente at one of several spots.

Le Pain Quotidien (Amsterdam No. 309) offers the great bread here that it offers around the world. For breakfast, have a bowl of organic yogurt with fruit or an omelette (goat cheese?) For lunch, try the ham tart or roast beef along with vegetable soup. I let you decide on what you want for dinner.

My personal 2-day eating plan for restaurants in Mexico City!

Breakfast - Four Seasons buffet Second choice: La Buena Tierra Third choice: El Péndulo

Lunch - Fishers

Dinner - Águila y Sol

Breakfast - churros and a cappucino or chocolate caliente in Coyoacán

Lunch - San Ángel Inn or Hacienda de los Morales (switch with dinner if you can't handle margaritas at mid-day)

Dinner - Rincón Argentino for the ceiling Second choice: Cambalache

Recos from the Four Seasons magazine: Article here

Mexico City's Nueva Cocina Restaurants

Aguila y Sol, Moliere 42, Mon–Sat 1:30-11:30 pm, Sun 1:30-5:30 pm

El Tajin, Miguel Angel de Quevedo 687, Mon–Sun 1–6 pm

Izote, Av Presidente Masaryk 513, 55/5280-1671, 55/5280-1265, Mon–Sat 1 pm–midnight; Sun 1–6 pm

Naos, Palmas 425, Mon–Wed 1:30–11:30 pm, Thurs–Sat 1:30 pm–midnight, Sun 1:30–6 pm

Pujol, Francisco Petrarca 254, Mon–Sat 1:30–5 pm, 7–11:30 pm

Cinco de Mayo

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Long live the Revolution! (November 20th) Long live our independence! (September 16th) Cinco de Mayo is a bigger holiday in the United States than in Mexico, but like most big things, we are adopting it and making it our own. Every year it becomes a little less about the Battle of Puebla and more a reason to party, spend time with friends, go to a restaurant or whatever. Just make sure that you don't drink and drive.

What to do in Mexico City

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This list only includes places not highlighted in tourist guides.

Bazar del sabado - The Saturday gathering of artists to sell there on works to locals in the park around the plaza in San Angel. It is amazingly cheap for real art, but the point to see first hand the true Mexican style - modern! There is a much smaller version at Parque Sullivan on Sundays.

Xochimilco offers a version of Venice where you can see how Mexicans celebrate their lives. Call ahead and for a nominal charge you can have your significant other's name painted on the boat. Then sit back and have a cerveza.

Museo de Dolores Olmedo - Great grounds and plenty of Diego Rivera

Garibaldi Park around 8 pm. - This has been the historical center of roaming Mariachis in Mexico City. Locals drive by and hire a band to come and play at their parties. Lately, the groups playing for 100 peso tips in the park have been joined by norteño groups and trios. The area is a bit seedy, but you should be fine at this hour if you hide your wallet and don't drink tequila. It is fun and quite an experience.

Ride the subway. Just buy a ticket and ride 4 or 5 stops. Live a little.

The castle in Chapultepec - learn that the US & Mexico fought a major war and that the US marched into Mexico City. Some think that gringo originated at this moment when the Mexicans told the soldiers dressed in green "Green Go Home". Not likely, but a good legend.

If you want tourist items try Fonarte or the central market.

Sports Bar in Mexico City

2009-06-08T17:11:00.000-05:00

Yuppies Sports Bar (Génova 34 esq. Hamburgo) in Zona Rosa on a pedestrian street, has new TV's, small TV's, old TV's, well they are the place to go if there is a game on that you need to see and it didn't make the channel list at your swanky hotel or just want to hang out in this kind of atmosphere. They have satellite reception and can show multiple channels at once. So what you say? Well, notice as you walk around and see multiple TV's that they are all on the same channel. Even though that might be the game or show of interest, it is not chance at work but a single receiver with a splitter for multiple TV's.

First, assume that some soccer game, even a replay is more interesting to everyone except you than your game. This is true of NFL games, NCAA championships, and as unbelievable as it might sound: hockey. But Yuppies Sports Bar will put it on a TV for you. I don't recommend eating the Mexican version of American sports bar food, but last time I checked, a cerveza was about $3. Pretty reasonable if you really want to see the game.

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Latte places for coffee

2009-06-08T17:10:00.001-05:00

Espresso, lattes and cappuccinos exist in our cosmopolitan hub. The flavor varies from spot to spot, so you need to know if it is atmosphere, to go, or a fix that you are after.

Starbucks has arrived in the city and you can find it every day on a new corner. If you must, try the one in front of the Angel on Reforma or just off Avenida Michoacán en Condesa. Update - 12 new locations with 3 within a block of each other in Zona Rosa & 2 at the airport.

You can get a good cup at the small bars in Palacio de Hierro (Condesa), any Pendulo (Polanco, Zona Rosa & Condesa) several small spots between the Zocalo (Main plaza with the Cathedral) and Bellas Artes. Most desert places and nicer restaurants can meet your need.

Then there are the dozen spots along Avenida Maseryk and elsewhere in Polanco or the 3 spots near the corner of Tamaulipas and Michoacán streets in Condesa, on the main plaza in San Angel, any of several palces in Zona Rosa or near the Four Seasons or have churros and a cappucino or chocolate caliente in Coyoacán near Freida Kahlo's house. Just don't expect her to join you!

Who is this masked car service driver?

2009-06-08T17:09:00.002-05:00

I hope that you understood the Zorro reference - or else you should worry about having a masked driver in Mexico City.

I am your personal driver. I have never participated in NASCAR. I am, like most Mexicans, of humble origins, and challenged on a day-to-day basis by this monster we love known as Mexico City.

My name is Oswaldo Malpica. My service is quite originally named Executive and Tourist Transportation MALPICA. I have been a driver for over 10 years and know the unwritten and written rules of making a car service in Mexico City work for you.

I live in the State of Mexico which is technically not considered Mexico City, but in reality is at the beginning of the morning traffic jam. That traffic jam in my area starts at about 4:30 AM. But remember that I am here to make your life easier and more enjoyable and not to complain. We Mexicans understand that happiness does not come from complaining.

My English is not nearly as good as the writing here. Alas, I asked for help from a long time customer. I will communicate with you though. I do know a fair amount about Mexico city's history and sights.

Contact Info

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I am the guy on the left with no cap. (The guy with the cap got a #3 haircut - You don't want to ask for that.)

My (Oswaldo) mobile phone number from the US is (011)(521)(55)41-30-57-91 . Inside of Mexico, try the last 10 digits. Don't you like how we divide the numbers into groups of 2 instead of that very logical way you have of 3 numbers followed by 4 more?

You can email me at maced2005(place at sign here)hotmail.com. (Leaving out the @ keeps search spiders from gathering my address and sending me spam.) Unfortunately, I do not have email service at home and I only get to check my account a few times a week - so please tell me before you send any important information.

It is a great way for you to send me your airline flight number, arrival time, spelling of your name and information on your hotel reservation in Mexico City.

Your family drives you crazy, I just drive you

2009-06-08T17:07:00.001-05:00

My 15 passenger van holds 14 people (ha, the manufacturer counts the driver.) I can remove the back seat and fit your family and their luggage. Lots of people take their kids on vacation but never figure out how to enjoy it with them. It has been my experience that kids and even businesspeople of all ages really seem to bond by sharing the adventure. And it seems that a large part of that glue comes from the less glamorous side: the transportation. Kids and adults willingly accept the necessity of climbing into & out of the vehicle. They choose seats that invariably result in conversations. They feel a connection to locals that a taxi doesn't give them. They ask me questions which I try to answer - even if they may sometimes lack cultural sensitivity. I love my country and its people and I want you to love it as well.

I have clients that tell me that years after their kids have grown up, they don't remember where they went, what they saw or bought, but rather their memories center around the conviviality (a Mexican word!) of their time in the van.