Some excerpts from the website of Hostel Catedral that might be useful
Vaccines No vaccines are required when you visit the city. Currency The national currency is the Mexican peso. The US dollar Mexican peso exchange rate is constantly changing. We suggest consulting the following page for the current rate: The
banks and the
Currency Exchange locales are normally open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Take your precautions when changing your money. Always exchange enough to take into consideration these time restraints. Credit Cards The credit cards that are most in use are Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard and American Express. These are accepted in the majority of places. Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral only accepts Visa and Mastercard. ATMs In the Historic
Center area, there are a number of
banks, ATMs and
Currency Exchange locales. Temperature The midday temperature varies depending on the time of the year but is normally between 1729 degrees Celsius/62-84 degrees Fahrenheit. In December, the temperature can drop another 7 degrees. The nighttime temperature drops about 5 or 6 degrees from the midday temperature. This variation is due to the altitude but has no effect otherwise. Electricity The voltage is 110 watts.
Taxis Like any great metropolis, it is advisable to know what means of transport is available. Travelers normally use the metro or
taxis, which is why we have compiled some recommendations in case you decide to use a
taxi in Mexico City. -The plates of the
taxi should have a green band at the bottom of the plate. -The number should begin with an L, which means libre (free
taxi). -The driver must have his
taxi permit in plain view within the
taxi. Make sure it is not expired and that it has a recent photo of the driver. -The driver must put on his meter at the beginning of the drive to make sure that you are getting charged the exact amount. Sitio
Taxis (
taxis working for a company; usually found in
airports and bus terminals) -The
tickets must be bought in authorized
ticket booths within any of the above places. -The
ticket vendor must indicate where you are to take the said
taxis. -The plates of the
taxi should have an orange band at the bottom of the plate. -The driver must have his
taxi permit in plain view within the
taxi. Make sure it is not expired and that it has a recent photo of the driver. -At some point of the drive, the driver will ask you for a part of your
ticket. Do not give him the whole
ticket. This is a receipt and will be necessary in the event that you would like to make a complaint. -If you bought your
ticket in the authorized booth, further payment to the driver will not be necessary. If this should happen, take down the plate numbers so that you can make a formal complaint to the company. Metro The most important thing to remember about taking the metro is to keep all valuables and personal documentation (passport, visa, credit cards and money) in front of you, whether it be in your bag or in your pocket, and within sight at all times. With respect to luggage, try not to occupy too much space in the cars. ¿Do I need to be a member of Hostelling International or have an ISIC card to be able to stay in the Hostel? HMJC-You do not need to be a member of Hostelling International to be able to stay with us. But remember, if you have a Hostelling International, ISIC or Backpackers VIP card, you can obtain a discount in dormitory rates. ¿Does the Hostel have
currency exchange services? HMJC-No, the Hostel does not offer this service, which is why we recommend changing your money at the
airport or at any
currency exchange locale. The Hostel accepts payment in Mexican pesos or in US dollars (exact dollar amount). ¿What time is check out? HMJC-Check out is at 11am. Make sure you avoid having to pay an extra night and do your check out beforehand. ¿Is it
safe to walk around the area at night? HMJC-The area is relatively
safe but like in most big cities, take the necessary precautions. If you need more information, please ask the receptionist on duty. ¿If I should happen to go out, how do I get back into the Hostel at night? HMJC-The Hostel is open
24 hours a day. The main doors are closed at 11pm for the
safety of the guests. If you should find the doors closed, use the door bell and the
security guard on duty will open the door. ¿Is there a
taxi service at the Hostel? HMJC-Yes, the Hostel provides this service with different prices, depending on where you need to go. ¿Is it possible to receive international
phone calls at the Hostel? HMJC-Yes, but only in the Reception Area. You must arrange it with the person who is to call you so that you are in Reception when they call.
4-6 Person Dormitories With Lockers. Our dormitories are for 4 or 6 people. The majority of our dormitories have
bathrooms. Each bed has a designated locker for the
security purposes of our guests. We have single-sex dorm
rooms, co-ed/mixed and special
rooms for group reservations. At Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral, we worry about our guests, which is why
breakfast is included for all our guests. We offer a
buffet-style
breakfast which includes
coffee,
tea, milk, fruit of the season, cereal, yoghurt, toast, butter, honey and jam. We know that communicating with your country or looking up information about your
trip is of vital importance. That is why we have 20
computers at your disposal,
24 hours a day. All guests may make use of this
kitchen to prepare their food. This way, the guest may save money and interact with other guests, exchange recipes, converting this experience into an international gastronomical laboratory. Although our objective is to promote cultural exchange, Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral also has
private rooms for three people. We recommend reserving in advance. Our reception is open all day and night so that you can check in at any hour of the day. Our receptionists are bilingual or multilingual; with the capability of helping you with any question you may have and give you the service you deserve. Items necessary for a traveler may be obtained here, such as locks,
telephone cards (national and international), personal hygiene items, Hostelling International memberships and travel guides. Services such as reservations in other HI Hostels as well as access to tourist information is also available. Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral has a variety of dishes and beverages that you can enjoy at a reasonable price, whether it be
lunch,
dinner, something to tide you over or a toast (tequila, beer or a
cocktail) to new-found friends. We have
safe-
deposit boxes for our guests. This service requires a deposit which will be given back when the guest no longer is in need of the service. Our
security team is trained to handle any sort of situation that may occur. At Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral, we have separated the public areas from the areas exclusive to guests, providing
safety during your stay. Guests are free to come and go as they please, round the clock and may check in at any hour of the day. On the
terrace of the Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral, you can sit and sun while enjoying a lovely view. Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral has a marvelous
terrace bar where you can enjoy a variety of beverages, meet people from other parts of the world and enjoy an incredible view of the Zocalo. At Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral, you can book
tours to a variety of places, both in and out of Mexico City. All
tours are conducted by bilingual anthropologists who have been certified by the Department of Tourism and will make your
tour a phenomenal life experience. The Hostel has a branch of the Mundo Joven Travel
Shop on its facilities, the best travel agency in the country, specializing in youth tourism. You can buy everything from an airplane
ticket to travel insurance. Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral has a comfortable
TV room for exclusive use of all guests to watch
movies from the Hostel archive or to watch regular programming of Mexican
television.
How to get to Hostel Catedral. If you decide to take the metro, each
ticket costs $2 MX pesos. All metro lines are color-coded and stations are marked with an M symbol. Below is a detailed explanation on how to get here. Go to the metro station which is located on the southwest corner of the
airport. Get on the platform that reads Direccion Politecnico (yellow line). Get off at Oceania to switch lines. Get on the B Line (green/grey). Get on the platform that reads Direccion Buenavista and get off at San Lazaro. Switch lines to get on Line 1 (pink). Get on Platform Direccion Observatorio. Get off at Pino Suarez. Switch to Line 2 (blue), platform Direccion Cuatro Caminos. Exit the station and look for the Metropolitan Cathedral. Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral is located on the street directly behind the Cathedral. From the Taxquena Bus Station (South). Line 2 (blue) is right outside the bus terminal. The station is called Taxquena. Get on the platform that reads Direccion Cuatro Caminos. Get off at Zocalo. From the TAPO Bus Terminal (East): Line 1 (pink) is right outside of the terminal. The station is called San Lazaro. Get on the platform that reads Direccion Observatorio. Get off at Pino Suarez. Switch to Line 2 (blue). Catch the train from the Direccion Cuatro Caminos platform. Get off at Zocalo. From the North Bus Terminal: Line 5 (yellow) is right outside the bus station. The station is called Autobuses del Norte. Get on the platform that reads Direccion Pantitlan and get off at La Raza. Switch lines and get on platform Direccion Universidad of Line 3 (pea green). Get off at Hidalgo. Switch lines to Line 2 (blue) and catch the train from the Direccion Taxquena platform. Get off at Zocalo. From the Observatorio Bus Terminal (West): Line 1 (pink) is right outside the bus station. The station is called Observatorio. Get on the train from the Direccion Pantitlan platform and get off at Pino Suarez. If you decide to take a
taxi, we recommend going with an authorized
taxi service within the
airport. The fare depends on where you are going.
Taxi fare must be paid in Mexican pesos. Remember: Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral is located in the Historic
Center (Centro Historico). From the Benito Juarez
Airport. Go to the authorized
taxi ticket booth, located in front of International Arrivals. Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral is located in the Historic
Center (Centro Historico). This is Zone 3. Car and van rentals are available. We recommend the former. From the Taxquena Bus Terminal (South). Go to the authorized
taxi ticket booth located within the terminal. There are several different booths but all offer the same price and service. Fare must be paid in Mexican pesos. There is an extra night fee for
taxis taken between 11pm and 6am. rices are generally affected by transportation companies so prices are subject to change without previous notice. From the TAPO Bus Terminal (East). Go to the authorized
taxi ticket booth located within the terminal. There are several different booths but all offer the same price and service. There is an extra night fee for
taxis taken between 11pm and 6am. Prices are generally affected by transportation companies so prices are subject to change without previous notice. From the North Bus Terminal. Prices are generally affected by transportation companies so prices are subject to change without previous notice. From the Observatorio Bus Terminal (West)