Queretaro Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Major mobile providers include Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar. Telcel generally offers the widest coverage.

Staying Connected

Purchase a local SIM (chip) at official stores, OXXO, or sometimes the airport. Your passport is necessary for registration.
Prepaid plans, like Telcel's "Amigo Kit," are affordable. They start from around 200-300 MXN for unlimited calls/texts in Mexico, US, Canada, plus data for 30 days.
Consider an eSIM for easy setup: Airalo eSIMs. Or a portable Wi-Fi device: Solis Wi-Fi.

Internet & Wi-Fi Availability

Wi-Fi is widely available and generally reliable in hotels, guesthouses, cafes, restaurants, and many public squares.

Accessing the Internet

Many establishments offer free Wi-Fi for customers.
Mobile data coverage is generally good in Querétaro City and surrounding towns.
Coverage might be spotty in the Sierra Gorda.

Postal Services

Correos de México (Mexican Postal Service) offers postal services, but can be slow and unreliable for international mail.

Sending Mail

For important documents or packages, use international courier services.
DHL, FedEx, or UPS offer faster and more reliable delivery.
Consider sending postcards as light, simple mementos.

Language & Translation

Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in major tourist-oriented hotels and some restaurants.

Bridging the Gap

Many locals appreciate any effort you make to speak Spanish.
Download the Google Translate app's Spanish offline pack for use without internet.
A small Spanish phrasebook can be helpful for common situations. Or try Rosetta Stone.

Essential Spanish Phrases

Greetings & Politeness

Hello: Hola (OH-lah)
Goodbye: Adiós (ah-dee-OHS)
Please: Por favor (por fah-VOR)
Thank you: Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Questions & Needs

Yes / No: Sí / No (see / noh)
Do you speak English?: ¿Habla inglés? (AH-blah een-GLAYS?)
I do not understand: No entiendo (noh en-tee-EN-doh)
How much is it?: ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?)

Takeaway

Learning a few basic Spanish phrases greatly enriches your travel experience and connection with locals.

Business Hours & Schedules

Knowing typical operating hours for businesses and services.

Banks

Generally open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some branches open on Saturday mornings.

Stores

Non-mall stores typically Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Smaller shops may close for lunch (2:00 PM-4:00 PM).

Shopping Malls

Usually open daily, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Restaurants

Hours vary. Breakfast places often open from 7:00 AM. Lunch (the main meal) is typically 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Meal Times

Dinner begins around 7:00 PM and can extend until 11:00 PM or later.
Weekends often see later dining hours.
Cafes may open earlier for morning coffee.

Museums

Most museums operate from Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Culture & Art Access

They are generally closed on Mondays.
Check specific museum websites for current hours and special exhibitions.
Some may have extended hours on certain days.

Banking & Holidays

ATM Locations & Safety

ATMs are widely available 24/7 at banks, shopping malls, and convenience stores.
For security, it is best to use ATMs located inside bank branches during business hours.
Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card issues.

Public Holidays

Major public holidays: January 1, February 5, March 21, May 1, September 16, November 20, December 25.
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday (Semana Santa - dates vary) also affect services.
Banks, government offices, and some businesses close. Public transport may have reduced schedules.

Planning Your Day

Always check ahead if you plan to travel or visit during a holiday period, as closures can impact your plans. Querétaro does not experience widespread seasonal closures, but some smaller businesses might close for a few days around major holidays.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Observe local customs to enhance your interactions and show respect.

Greeting Customs

A polite "Hola" or "Buenos días/tardes/noches" is customary when entering a shop or interacting with people.

Social Interactions

Handshakes are common for formal greetings.
Women often greet with a kiss on the cheek (usually the right cheek first) with friends and acquaintances.
Use the formal "usted" when addressing strangers, elders, or people in positions of authority, unless invited to use the informal "tú."

Appropriate Attire

Generally, dress is casual and comfortable for daily activities. See section 3.1 for detailed clothing recommendations.

Dress Code

For churches and religious sites, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is recommended.
Light, breathable fabrics are practical in warm weather.
Comfortable walking shoes are practical for cobblestone streets.

Dining & Tipping

See section 7.1 for dining customs and section 2.3 for tipping expectations.

Restaurant Practices

When entering a restaurant, wait for the host to seat you.
It is polite to keep your hands above the table while eating.
To request the check, make eye contact with your waiter and say "La cuenta, por favor."

Photography & Taboos

It is acceptable to photograph public spaces and monuments. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children.

Respectful Practices

Some museums or religious sites prohibit photography or flash photography; look for signs.
Avoid discussing sensitive political issues or making negative comparisons to Mexico with locals.
Be mindful of public displays of affection; discretion is advisable in conservative settings.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Considerations

Mexico is generally more traditional than some Western countries.
Women do not face significant restrictions on dress or movement in Querétaro.
Common sense safety precautions apply, especially when alone at night.

LGBTQ+ Community

Querétaro is considered a progressive city in Mexico.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal.
Discretion is advisable in more conservative settings or smaller towns outside the city.

Religious Site Etiquette

Dress & Demeanor

Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees.
Remove hats when entering churches.
Maintain quiet and respectful behavior during services.

Respectful Conduct

Do not disrupt worshippers or ceremonies.
Check for photography restrictions inside.
Observe local congregants for cues on appropriate behavior.

Cultural Courtesy

Your interactions become more positive and memorable.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges may find navigating Querétaro to be an unique experience.

Infrastructure

The historic center, with its cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, and uneven surfaces, has significant challenges for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Navigating the City

Newer areas of the city and modern shopping malls have better infrastructure.
These modern areas include ramps and elevators.
Historic areas might involve steep inclines in some sections.

Accessible Transport & Attractions

Newer Qrobús units are low-floor and generally more accessible, but bus stops and connections may not be fully accessible.

Getting Around

Public transportation options vary in their accessibility.
Some newer museums or cultural centers may offer accessibility features.
Older buildings, while charming, may have stairs and limited ramp access.

Visual Impairments

Specialized services for travelers with visual impairments are limited.

Support for Vision

Some major public spaces might have tactile paving.
Audio cues are not widespread throughout the city.
Navigation tools with audio assistance can be helpful.

Hearing Impairments

Support services for travelers with hearing impairments are limited.

Support for Hearing

Communication apps can bridge language and hearing differences.
Visual aids and written communication are beneficial.
Consider carrying a small notebook for written exchanges.

Resources & Organizations

Information Sources

Contact local tourism offices for up-to-date information.
Inquire directly with hotels regarding their specific accessibility features before booking.
Check attraction websites or call ahead for details on ramp access and elevators.

Specialized Travel

Seek specialized travel agencies focusing on accessible travel.
Confirm any specific needs with airlines prior to travel.
Local support groups for disabilities might offer valuable insights.

Accessibility Advice

Proactive planning and direct communication with service providers greatly ease travel for individuals with accessibility needs.

Queretaro Travel Tips