FAQ
Do you have any advice about the airports at México City and Querétaro?
For the México City Airport:
If you need to use the restroom, do so before picking up your luggage from the baggage claim area. Do not let your luggage out of your sight even for a second, bag snatching is not uncommon. Once in the main terminal, do not talk to cab drivers and others who come up to you. Ignoring them is best, as they may try to convince you to take a cheap cab to your final destination. This will cost you more than you bargained for, and may not be safe. If you need to take a cab, there is a Taxi Stand inside the main Terminal where you can buy the taxi tickets and then proceed outside to where the authorized taxis are located.

For the Querétaro Airport:
This is a new and small airport, not many flights arrive here so it is very calm and it has very few people. To take a taxi look for the taxi stand and buy your taxi ticket there. The trip is about 25 min. to downtown. (Approx. $ 20 USD one way)

Is there a bus from the México City airport to Querétaro?
Yes, there is a direct first class bus and it is a 3 hour trip. Buses leave directly from the Airport.
Price: $22 USD approx one way. (This price may vary) Buses are called: Primera Plus (Aeroplus).
Most older teenagers and adults are able, by themselves, to take the bus to Querétaro, then to get a taxi at the Querétaro Bus Station to take them to their home stay.

To find the buses:
You should leave the international customs area and find and escalator on your right. On the second floor, you will notice the food court to your right. Proceed directly through the food court and take a right into a windowed hallway. Straight ahead you will notice the "ticket sales" stand. Here you may purchase your bus ticket to Querétaro.
Once you buy your ticket you can either take the elevator or the escalator to the floor below where you'll find the bus boarding areas. There you will find clearly marked signs which indicate the destination areas; look for the one that says "Querétaro".

About $ 25 US one way Bus schedules from Mexico City
Bus schedules from México City Airport to Querétaro's bus station:
6:15, 7:00, 8:00, 9.00 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 12:45 13:30, 14:00, 14:30 15:00, 15:30, 16:00 16:30, 17:00, 17:30 18:00, 18:30, 19:00 , 19:30, 20:00 20:30,21:00, 21:30, 22:00, 22:30 •• (This is the last bus so please make sure you will arrive to Mexico City at least an hour and a half before so you will have enough time to go through customs). ••

On arrival to Querétaro bus station, students can take a taxi to their accommodation. (Approx $5 to $7 USD/one way, this price may vary). When you go out of the customs area, there is a taxi ticket counter. Buy your ticket there and proceed outside of the airport were you will see the taxi line. Have your homestay address ready. It is about a 40 min ride to the city.

What documents are required to enter México?
This varies by nationality and by age, so please check with your airline or travel agent when booking your flight. US and Canadian citizens are required to have a valid passport. When entering México, you will go through Immigration, where they will check your documents and stamp your tourist card (a blank card will be given to you on your flight). Note the number of days you will be in México on this card. Be sure to put the correct number of days or longer (you can stay up to six months). Do not lose this card, as you must turn it in to leave the country. You are also required to carry it and photo ID, with you throughout your stay in México. We recommend making a photocopy of your passport or birth certificate to store in a separate location. It makes replacing them much easier. For further questions talk to your airline or contact the Mexican Embassy. You will need a visa only if you will be in México longer than 6 months.

Are additional documents required for persons under 18 years?
If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent must provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent must provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities. In cases in which a minor child is traveling to México alone or in someone else's company, then both parents (or the sole documented custodial parent) must provide notarized consent. If a child traveling to México has a different last name from the mother and/or father, the parents must provide evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, that they are indeed the parents.

Do I need a Health Insurance?
When you come to our school we require you have PROOF OF MEDICAL INSURANCE. If you do not have medical insurance, you will be asked to sign a document in which you release OLÉ of any responsibility for not having insurance during your stay. We recommend that you acquire one for the length of your stay. This is a company we have worked with before: The agency is HTH Worldwide Insurance Services (www.hthstudents.com)

What immunizations shots are required for México?
No vaccinations are generally required to enter México but you may want to check with your local physician for recommendations several weeks before traveling. It is generally recommended that you be up to date on booster doses for tetanus, diphtheria and measles. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and children ages 11-12 years, who did not receive the series as infants. To avoid getting sick, it is recommended that you wash your hands often with soap and water; you might even want to bring hand sanitizer with you (use after handling money). Also, don't eat food purchased from street vendors, and eat only pasteurized dairy products. Eat only thoroughly cooked food and if eating raw fruits and vegetables, only those that have been peeled. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.

Where can I buy Pesos?
The easiest way is with a bank card which works in ATM machines here just as it does in other countries. You can also get pesos at the Méico City and Querétaro Airports, in the main terminal.

What is the exchange rate?
The rates changes daily, but The Universal Currancy Converter (www.xe.net/pca/) can give you the latest rates.

Are there ATM machines in México?
Everywhere in México. You can take maximum per day $3000.00 pesos.

What is the weather like in Querétaro?
In Querétaro the temperatures are generally in the 70's and 80's during the day, sometimes it can be hotter. Warm evenings in summer and cool evenings in winter. Check www.weather.com.

What are typical business hours?
Government offices and businesses are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Museums and archeological sites are usually open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, but museums are usually closed on Mondays.

When and how much should I tip?
Airport pick-up service drivers do not expect to be tipped. You do not tip your host family, but if you'd like to bring them a little gift from home, or take them for a beverage sometime during your stay, it would be a nice gesture. If eating out, your servers will appreciate a 10% tip or 15% if the service was excellent.

What should I pack?
Dress is informal, so casual clothes i.e. jeans and shorts are acceptable. Lightweight layered clothing is a good idea as is something warmer for nights and higher elevations. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as is a hat and sun block. For class you will need pens, pencils and spiral notebooks and a Spanish dictionary is helpful. Bring any medications you might need; be sure to put them in your carry-on luggage. Hand sanitizer is helpful to have when you can't wash your hands.

Will I need an electrical converter?
Electrical current in México is the same as in the USA and Canada. The sockets, though, may not work with your appliance's plug, as some do not have the grounding plug hole, or it may have two equally sized flat slots, not accommodating a plug with a wider grounding prong. If necessary, purchase an adapter before you go, or you can buy one here in México.

Will my cell phone work in México?
Check with your plan to see what calls will cost. It's probably less expensive to call from phones here using a phone card you can buy at OLÉ or at different stores in the city.

How much spending money should I bring?
This is difficult to say without knowing your spending habits, but students generally budget an average of USD $ 10-20 per day for incidentals, shopping, nightlife, etc.

Is Querétaro a safe City?
Querétaro is considered one of the safest and cleanest cities in México, but as in any city you should take normal precautions.

Does OLÉ have a doctor on staff?
There is no staff doctor but OLÉ does provide each student with an emergency directory which includes contact information about local doctors. Each doctor will charge the student directly, even if you have medical insurance. In most cases, to receive your reimbursement you have to send the receipt to your Insurance Company. Querétaro has medical facilities similar to other major industrialized cities.

Can I get internet connection in Querétaro?
Yes, here at OLÉ we offer this service for free. Students can access the internet via OLÉ school computers. Wireless internet is available for students who bring their laptop (you must have a wireless card installed in your computer).

What meals are included with the homestay?
The host families provide three (3) meals a day: breakfast (desayuno), lunch (comida), and dinner (cena). On Sundays most mothers do not cook, but you can make use of the kitchen to prepare your own meal. The main meal in México is the "comida".

Do the families provide laundry service for personal items?
Yes, host families will let you use the laundry machine but you must buy your own soap. There is also laundry service available. The charges are reasonable and they provide free pick-up and delivery service.

Does my host family provide towels and sheets?
Yes, and they will launder them once a week for you.

Are the rooms at the homestay air-conditioned?
Rooms are not air conditioned; but a fan can be provided.

What happens if I get lost in the city?
Bring the name of your family, address and phone number with you at all times. In case you get lost you can always take a taxi and show them the paper with the address.

Can you provide some interesting links?
Consejo estatal para la Cultura y las artes
www.coneculta.gob.mx/

Información Turística del Estado de Querétaro
www.intelnet.com.mx/queretaro/turismo/index.html

Querétaro
www.queretaro.gob.mx

What to do in Querétaro
www.de-paseo.com/home/home.htm

Buses from the airport to Querétaro
www.flecha-amarilla.com

Documents required to enter México
www.migracion.gob.mx/paginas/faq/faq.htm#soyextranjero

Some suggestions our students have made:
• Bring student ID. It can get you discount in many places and can sometimes lower the price of bus tickets. You can also get an international student ID at OLÉ.
• Bring good shoes as big sizes are very difficult to find in the stores.
• Bring any special medicines.
• If you bring cash, make sure the bills are crisp and new with no extra marks or writing on them as Banks will not change them like this.
• Ask the taxi driver in Querétaro what the fare will be before you get in (most fares $2 to $5 USD). Buses are good too.
• Movie theatres are cheap and clean. Wednesday 1/2 off.
• International calling cards are approx. $10 USD ($100 pesos) and you can call around 55 min to the USD and other countries.
• If you use the Laundry service, it can average around $10 USD per week.
• It rains fairly often and unexpectedly during the summer, so bring a rain jacket or a small travel umbrella.
• The school has many great activities available. Try to take advantage of them.