Whether you are consumed with general surrogacy questions, or would like more information on our specific surrogacy programs, we are here to help you.
For travel information:
Travel Documents
Be sure to leave a copy of your passport with a relative or friend in the US while traveling to Mexico, as well as the phone number and address for the local US consulate. If your documents are lost or stolen, you'll need to contact the consulate. You may also scan it, and leave a passport scan in your personal email as a draft, this way, in the event you need it, you can access it right away from your e-mail account.
Cash, Debit and Credit Cards
Call your bank and credit card companies before traveling to Mexico to let them know you will be traveling abroad; otherwise they may block transactions. For debit and credit cards, you can ask to set a daily spending or withdrawal limit as well as request that they contact you via telephone about any suspicious charges. Having a daily withdrawal limit can be a safety net. ATMs are best avoided unless physically inside a bank. Have all of your card numbers and the customer service numbers written down in a secure place in case you need to report lost or stolen cards to have them deactivated quickly.
America may run on plastic, but this is not always the case in Mexico. It's safest to always carry some cash on you for times when you won't be able to use a credit card, and you should exchange your currency before you go. Not only will you typically get a poor exchange rate by changing money at an airport currency exchange, but you're also alerting others that you're a foreigner.
Attire
Nothing screams "foreigner" more than a pair of shorts and flip-flops. Unless you're vacationing at the beach or hanging out at a resort, wear pants and sensible shoes so you don't stick out. Try not to carry your camera around your neck. You should try to avoid wearing or traveling with expensive-looking jewelry or watches that can make you easily identifiable as a tourist — and a target.
Tech Gadgets and Cellphones
As hard as it is, try not to walk around with your face buried in your smartphone. As a precaution, the best place for it is in your pocket or in an interior secure pocket of a purse or other bag that is not a backpack.
Wireless data also can be very expensive in Mexico, but you should have it in case of emergency if you can; contact your wireless provider so you're clear on the cost, whether you need an international data or calling plan, and anything else you might need to know about using your cellphone while traveling.
Transportation
In Mexico, it's important to call on a taxi only at a designated places because those taxis are registered and designated safe. Typically, the registered taxis are maroon and gold Nissan's and can also be called via radio dispatch. These taxis are slightly more expensive than the green libre taxis but are much more secure.
Depending on the city you're visiting, there may be limited public transit options.
Advice
Trust your receptionist at the hotel and concierge for indications — they are familiar with the city.
Be on your guard at the airport and bus stations, and remember to keep your bag between your feet when checking in. Avoid pedestrian underpasses that are empty or nearly so. Crowded metro cars and buses are favorite haunts of pickpockets. Stay alert and keep your hand on your wallet and you’ll be fine.
For more information, contact our CARE Surrogacy team.