Some local tips

Food and water: Mexican cuisine is among the best ones in the world, but those visiting for the time should take some precautions. There are some spicy sauces (salsas picantes) which could be very agressive to unaware mouths: before adding any sauce to your food, try a small amount of it in a piece of bread. Also, to avoid traveller's diarrhea (or any other stomach disease), do not drink tap water and do not eat raw fruits or vegetables without skin. Drink only bottled water.

Money: The Mexican currency is the new peso represented by the symbol N$. The currect exchange rate with the U.S. dollar is about N$ 7.5 = 1 USD but this changes more rapidly than what we would like (the dollar always going up). Please make sure you have some pesos with you BEFORE leaving the airport, where there are plenty of currency exchange offices. Once in Mexico very few places take U.S. dollars or traveller's cheques. Foreign credit cards are accepted only in major restaurants, stores and hotels.

Best exchange rates are found in CASA de CAMBIO (exchange houses) open only on weekdays usually from 9 am to 5 pm. Most banks open only on weekdays usually from 9 am to 5 pm as well. The airport has several 24 hour money exchange counters. U.S. cash or travellers cheques are easier to change into pesos than other type of currency.

Climate: Although it enjoys plenty of sunshine as most of our country, Puebla is located at an altitude of 7100 feet (2200 meters). Note that the air is thin and it can get cold at night. The temperature can vary from 5C (41F) in the morning and at night to 27C (80F) in the daytime. There is usually no rain at this time of the year.

Language: Spanish is the predominant language in Mexico. Because Puebla is not overly frequented by tourists, not too many people speak English. We strongly advise you to have a good dictionary and a phrasebook when you venture out.

Health: Come prepared if you have a medical condition that can be affected by high altitude. As for risk of traveller's diarrhea, there are many precautions you can take to reduce your risks. Please refer to a good travel guide for details. A restaurant guide to Cholula and Puebla will be distributed at the Congress.