Guadalajara City Guide 2017-18

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City Guide: Guadalajara

www.dwellworks.com

The information contained in this publication is provided by Dwellworks, LLC and its affiliated entities (the “Company”) as a service to relocating employees and should be used for general informational purposes only. While the Company undertakes to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information in this publication, the Company cannot assure its accuracy or completeness and does not commit that it will undertake to update the information. This publication, in its entirety, is the sole copyrighted property of the Company and may not be modified, reproduced, sold, or otherwise distributed without the express written consent of the Company.

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Discovering Guadalajara

Discovering Guadalajara ¡Bienvenidos! Welcome!

Whether you are a veteran or a novice, relocation can be both an exciting and challenging experience. This Dwellworks resource guide is intended to provide important information to consider as you relocate to Guadalajara. Your assigned Destination Services Consultant will assist you as you transition into your new community. Additionally, your consultant will expand on the topics covered in this guide according to the guidelines of your authorized program. Guadalajara has become a great cultural center in Latin America, from traditions surrounding the mariachi music that originated there, the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra, unique cuisine that combines pre-Hispanic and Spanish influences, to festivals with different themes that receive international recognition. Some of these festivals include: Festival Cultural de Mayo, International Book Fair, the Guadalajara International Film Festival, and Festival International of Contemporary dance, “Onésimo González.” On behalf of the Dwellworks team, we welcome you to Guadalajara and hope you will find this information helpful.

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Discovering Guadalajara

Table of Contents Orientation ..................................................................................................4 Neighborhood Overview .............................................................................5 Travel..........................................................................................................6 Shopping ....................................................................................................8 Arts and Culture..........................................................................................9 Recreation and Outdoors..........................................................................10 Education..................................................................................................11 Health .......................................................................................................12 Safety and Security...................................................................................13 Utilities and Services.................................................................................14

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Discovering Guadalajara

Orientation Founded by Spanish colonists in 1532, Guadalajara is the capital city of the central state of Jalisco. The city It is filled with historic buildings and public parks that mark the passage of time and significant events the city has witnessed. Although much of its architecture dates from the Independence period, it is considered a colonial city. Guadalajara has a population of 1.5 million people, and when including the metropolitan area, the population rises to 4.5 million people, making it the second largest metropolitan area in México after México City. The economy of Guadalajara is largely based in the information technology industry; many international companies have come to Guadalajara for this reason. This has helped transform the city into an industrial capital in México. Other growing local industries include shoes, textiles and food processing, pharmaceutical and the software industry among others. Weather Guadalajara has moderate weather year-round; there are dry mild winters, and warm, wet summers. The highest temperatures are 91 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in May. The coldest month is January with temperatures ranging from 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The months of most precipitation are from July to September, whereas for the rest of the year, the climate is rather arid. Time Zone Guadalajara falls in the Central Time Zone (GMT/UTC -6h during Standard Time and GMT/UTC - 5h during Daylight Saving Time). Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 a.m. local time on the first Sunday of April and falls back to Standard Time at the same time on the last Sunday of October. City Design and Layout Guadalajara is only one of the 125 municipalities of Jalisco and the metropolitan area of Guadalajara is integrated by other municipalities: Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, Zapopan, Tlajomulco, El Salto, Juanacatlan, Ixtlahuacan, and Guadalajara. The city of Guadalajara is divided into several districts. The main areas of interest to tourists are Downtown “Centro Histórico,” Minerva, and Chapultepec areas. These are located on the East- West axis centered on Av. Vallarta (named Av. Juárez in downtown) and stretch from Plaza Tapatía/Plaza Mariachis on the East side to the to the Minerva Fountain. Season Spring Summer Description Average High 29°C (84°F) 30°C (86°F) 27°C (80°F) 24°C (76°F) Average Low 12°C (54°F) 16°C (61°F) 14°C (58°F) Warm Dry Fall Hot and Rainy Winter Cold 9°C (49°F)

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Discovering Guadalajara

Highways Modern highways keep Guadalajara well-connected to México City (to the northwest) and the major beach resorts of Manzanillo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. The main highways are Fed 15 which connects the city northwestward to Sonora and eastwards to México City via Morelia. Fed 80 D leads northwest toward to Aguascalientes, and Fed 54D leads southward to the coast via Colima. Inside the city, there are 10 principal avenues that connect north to south and west to east. These include: Lázaro Cárdenas, Av. Vallarta y Juárez, pheripheral Gómez Morín, Av. López Mateos, Federalismo, Av. Alcalde, av. Patria, Independencia, Revolución, and the highway to Chapala. Neighborhood Overview The primary residential zones in Guadalajara lie exclusively in the west side of the city, in the Zapopan County. In the northwest, there is Puerta de Hierro/Andares and Patria featuring residential houses in gated communities and luxury apartment buildings such as Atlas Colomos, Villas Magna, Coral and Palmas, Colinas de San Javier, and Lomas Del Valle. There are also new apartment buildings like Providencia with restaurants and cafes within walking distance. Toward the west there is Valle Real, one of the most preferred neighborhoods for transferees, and Rancho Contento with a rustic golf club. To the southwest there is Las Fuentes, Bugambilias, El Palomar, El Manantial and Club de golf Santa Anita.

Outside of the downtown area, interesting neighborhoods are: Tlaquepaque, Tonalá (located southeast of downtown and known for their handicraft shops and markets), and Zapopan (located northwest of the downtown). Zapopan is the largest municipality in the state; this region features several shopping malls, comfortable neighborhoods, private universities, and multiple parks.

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Travel Getting In By Plane

“Libertador Miguel Hidalgo” International Airport (IATA: GDL) is located south of the city along Guadalajara-Chapala Highway. Along with México´s main domestic carriers-Aero México, Volaris, Interjet and Viva Aerobus- other major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta, and United also provide service in Guadalajara. By Bus For getting from México City to Guadalajara, there is one first class service from the México City airport or from the Northern Bus Terminal of México City, the company is ETN ( etn.com.mx ). Getting Around Public transportation is not the most recommended method of transportation for expats living in Guadalajara. Taxis and cars are preferred. By Taxi It is advised that you never take a taxi from the street; rather, you should call a taxi company to send a taxi to your location. There are many safe taxi companies throughout the city. Some of these companies include:

Companies

Telephone

Taxi Guadalajara Taxi Caballeros

01 800 002 TAXI www.taxiguadalajara.com

(33)3838-2808 (33)3122-5805 (33) 3688-5289

Taxi Minerva Taxi Atasa

UBER

Phone app

There is also the smart-phone app UBER, which allows you to request a ride from safe taxis all over the city. Once requested, you’ll get picked up in minutes. Rather than pay the taxi driver directly, you pay through the app using your credit card or PayPal account, thereby eliminating the need to carry cash. When you arrive at your location, UBER sends you an email with the receipt for that ride. By Car Driving in México can be a challenging experience to foreigners at first. Mexican drivers tend to be more aggressive than drivers in Europe or the United States. You should always be alert and on the lookout for drivers changing lanes or trying to get around you. Keep in mind that people often do not use turn signals; therefore, your turn signal probably will not have any effect on other drivers, so be extra careful and make sure you have enough space to change lanes. Do not expect other drivers to slow down for you.

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Always be cautious at stop lights and intersections even if you have the right of way. Pedestrians tend to cross highways and streets at any point, so regardless of signs, watch out for people crossing.

Helpful Hint: U.S. Driver’s licenses are valid in México. If you are planning on living in México for more than one year, you must get a Mexican Driver’s License.

If you ever need to rent a vehicle, you have several options: Companies Website

Telephone

Avis

www.avis.mx

01800 2-88888 01800 462 83 43 01800 201 20 84 01800 830 1010 01800 709 5000

Budget Europcar

www.budget.com.mx www.europcar.com.mx

Sixt

www.sixt.com.mx

Hertz

www.hertz.com/rentacar/car-rental/México

By Bicycle There is a public bike system that works well. There are many areas with special streets for bicycle traffic. On Sunday mornings, Vallarta Avenue, Guadalupe Avenue, and others are closed to transit for “family rides,” a time when families can bike, skate, or walk peacefully on the streets. By Foot Besides the downtown area, the city does not offer a proper design for walking, so it is not recommended to walk around the city. The historic downtown area, however, is great for walking.

Weekend Trips México has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, if you have time to visit, these include: Cancun, Cozumel, Ixtapa, Isla Mujeres, Las Bahias de Huatulco, Los Cabos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Escondido, Tulum and Puerto Vallarta which is also in Jalisco, a 4-hour drive away from Guadalajara.

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Shopping Shopping Centers

There are shopping malls in most neighborhoods in the city that sell clothing, electronics, and sportswear, in addition to specialty shops and restaurants. There are also many shopping centers throughout the city that have a great variety of goods. Some options for malls include:

Mall

Address

Andares

Av. Patria corner Boulevard Puerta de Hierro (Newest and most exclusive mall in Zapopan)

Plaza Galerías La Gran Plaza

Av. Rafael Sanzio #150 Av. Vallarta # 6503

Galería del Calzado

Av. México #3225

Plaza del Sol

Av. López Mateos Sur # 2057

Grocery Supermarkets

There are many supermarkets available in San Luis Potosí including Comercial Mexicana, Chedraui, Soriana, Costco, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Superama, and City Marked All these stores offer the same products plus local produce; in some cases, with a larger selection than you would find in many places in the United States. Markets You might see open air mobile neighborhood markets known as markets on wheels. They are normally held on a specific day of the week in a location. Other local markets include “Mercado de Abastos” at Av. Lazaro Cardenas #2305. Here you can great prices, high quality merchandise and items that you just cannot buy anywhere else.

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Arts and Culture Museums, Cultural Centers, and Art Some museums to visit in Guadalajara are: + Casa Museo López Portillo + Museo de Arqueologia de Occidente + Hospicio Cabanas (a magnificent building, exhibit of Clemente Orozco murals)

Tourist Attractions Places to visit in the city of Guadalajara: + The Historical Center of Guadalajara

- Catedral Metropolitana, La Asunción de María - El Cabildo Eclesiástico - El Expiatorio, Templo del Santisimo Sacramento - Escudo de Armas de la Ciudad de Guadalajara

- Fuente de la Inmolación de Quetzalcóatl - Mercado Libertad o San Juan de Dios + Enjoy a train ride on Tequila Express, and Jose Cuervo Express visiting the agave fields and national beverage distilleries. A great way to see Guadalajara is on the Turibus, a panoramic passenger double deck bus that travels through some of Guadalajara’s most beautiful areas. This bus offers a fun experience to oversee, from the comfort of your seat, the great city. Users can get on and off the bus at any of its stops, they can stay at a place they find interesting and get back on another Turibus a few hours later. Read more: http://tapatiotour.com.mx/# Places of Worship The population of Guadalajara is mainly Catholic. There is a catholic church for every neighborhood – San Javier de las Colinas, Nuestra Sra de Bugambilias, Santa Rita, Guadalupe, and Santísimo Redentor in Chapalita, La Madre de Dios in Providencia, Church at El Palomar, even inside the gated communities as in Valle Real, Santa Anita Golf Club. Even though there is an overwhelming majority of Catholic people, the city has places of worship for different religions; there is an important Jewish community as well as several other denominations.

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Recreation and Outdoors Sports Clubs The city has public and private sports clubs. Private sports clubs may have an application

process and waiting list. A few top rated clubs are: + Guadalajara Country Club: www.gcc.com.mx + San Javier Club Private, A.C.: www.clubsanjavier.org.mx

There are also many gyms all around the city with various types of classes offered. Memberships are available, or you can pay per visit. A few community favorites include: + Human Sport Gym Club: http://humansportgym.jal.mx/cruzdelsur.html + Gym Guadalajara: www.gymguadalajara.com + Country Gym: http://countrysportgym.wixsite.com/countrysportgym/sucursales

Arts and Culture Places to visit in the historical center of Guadalajara: + Catedral Metropolitana, La Asunción de María + El Cabildo Eclesiástico + El Expiatorio, Templo del Santísimo Sacramento + Escudo de Armas de la Ciudad de Guadalajara + Fuente de la Inmolación de Quetzalcóatl

+ Mercado Libertad + San Juan de Dios

Popular museums in Guadalajara: + Casa Museo López Portillo + Museo de Arqueología de Occidente + Hospicio Cabañas (a magnificent building exhibit of Clemente Orozco murals) Entertainment and Dining Guadalajara has an extensive dining and nightlife scene. The city offers a wide variety of restaurants, as well as many world class restaurants. Many restaurants specialize in a type of cuisine, and many of the restaurants stay true Guadalajara´s roots by serving traditional “mestizo” food, which is combination of Mexican and Spanish foods. Some of the city´s best restaurants and dinning locations are in Downtown area. Great food is one of the major benefits that this city can offer.

Parks Some of the largest and most popular parks in the city include: + Parque Metropolitano + Bosque de Los Colomos

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Education Schools

The Mexican public school system is very limited; expatriates coming to México with children generally enroll their kids in private schools. There are a wide variety of options for private schools, from religious to non-denomination and same sex as well as co-ed schools.

The bilingual schools north of the city include: + ASFG + Thomas Jefferson Institute + American Academy

+ Canadian School + Colegio Aleman + Cumbres y Alpes San Javier

The bilingual schools south of the city include: + Thomas Jefferson Institute + John F. Kennedy Kinder and Primary + Centro Escolar México CEM

+ Cambridge + Valle Verde

+ Eleanor Woodward School A.C. + Alpes y Cumbres Bugambilias + Lincoln School

The bilingual schools south of the city include: + Liceo Frances + Colegio Educare + Colegio Pierre Faure

Additional Useful Information Academic documents must be translated, notarized, and certified. It is recommended that transferees start this process as soon as they know that they will be transferred to México. The admissions process starts online; schools require that only parents complete the admission process to ensure confidentiality. Academic documents must be translated, notarized, and certified. It is recommended that transferees start this process as soon as they know that they will be transferred to México. The school calendar goes from August to June with breaks for Christmas and Easter week (including the Catholic Holy Days).

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Health Health System

Healthcare in México is usually very good, and in some places, it is top of the line. Most doctors and dentists in México today received at least part of their training in the U.S. and continue to travel to the U.S. and Europe for ongoing training. First-rate hospitals are located in at least every medium to large city throughout México. Healthcare in México is also generally less expensive than what one can expect to pay in the U.S. and other first world countries. Hospitals All major hospitals accept well-known health insurance and are staffed with people who speak English. Some of the well-known hospitals include:

Hospital

Address

Telephone

Norte: Av. Empresarios # 150 Col. Puerta de Hierro, Zapopan Sur: Av. Adolfo López Mateos Sur 1401Col. Las Amapas, C.P. 45640 Tlajomulco de Zúñiga

Norte: 01 800 263 CMPDH 01 (33) 3848 4000 Sur: (33) 3040 7000 01 800 087 4677

Puerta de Hierro

Ángeles del Carmen Calle Tarascos 3435, Monraz, 44670 Guadalajara Hospital San Javier Av. Pablo Casals 640, Prados de Providencia, 44670 Guadalajara

(33) 3813 0042

(33) 3669 0222

Calz Lázaro Cárdenas 4149, Jardines de San Ignacio, 45040 Zapopan Av. Dr. Ángel Leaño 500, Los Robles, 45200 Zapopan Calle Colomos 2110, Ladrón de Guevara, 44620 Guadalajara Avenida Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, 44100 Guadalajara Av. Manuel J. Clouthier # 669, Col: Jardines de Guadalupe, C.P: 45040 Zapopan Terranova, Prados Providencia, Guadalajara Calle Justo Sierra 2130, Ladrón de Guevara, 44600 Guadalajara

Real San José

(33) 1078 8900

Ángel Leaño

(33) 3648 8484

México Americano

(33) 3648 3333

Sta. María Chapalita Niño Obrero 1666, Chapalita Oriente, 45040 Zapopan

(33) 3678 1400

Bernadette

(33) 3825 4365

(33) 3620-1002 (33) 3620-2019

Jardines de Guadalupe Terranova Sanatorio Guadalajara

(33) 3641 2040

(33) 3615 0079

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In Case of Emergency In case of emergency, dial 066, 080, or dial the emergency line for the hospitals listed above. The best option, in case of health emergency, is going directly to the hospital listed above, or to call a service of ambulance.

Safety and Security At Home

Normally your company will provide a security briefing prior to your move to México. In some cases, they will also hire a security specialist to review the property before signing any lease.

Some neighborhoods do offer gated communities, but it still advised that residents be aware and cautious always. It is important to realize that break-ins are always a possibility no matter where you go or how well your security may be. On the Streets Regarding safety, it is recommended to keep a low profile and exercise caution as in any other major city in the world. Be aware of where to go and not to go. In the Car In case you are in an accident, do not move your vehicle. Immediately call your company lawyer and insurance agent. Then wait for a police officer.

Use extreme caution always; many accidents occur when it rains because the roads are extremely slick and hazardous. Be a cautious driver.

Traffic Tickets: If you are pulled over for a traffic violation, be polite, accept the ticket, and ask where you can pay it ( Donde pago? ). Do not offer a bribe. If you offer a bribe and the policeman does not accept it, you could be required to pay a fine as well as the ticket. Emergency Contact + Emergency – 066 + Fire Department – (33)12017700 ext. 7701 and 7791 + Police – (33) 38141515.

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Utilities and Services Upon moving to México, transferees are generally responsible for arranging their telephone, cable, and internet. There are several providers that offer different plans.

Helpful Hint: Be flexible and patient, repairs usually take longer than expected.

Telephone There are only a few companies in México that provide telephone landlines; each has its own offers on plans and prices. The companies you can hire for this service are Telmex, Telecable, Megacable, Totalplay, Axtel and ATT. The international telephone country code for México is +52, and the city code for Guadalajara is (33). Therefore, local telephone numbers have the following format: +52(33)0000-0000. In the case of mobile phones, the format is +52-1-(33)0000-0000. If you are making local calls, the +52 or +52-1 prefixes should be dropped. Mobile Phones Companies that offer mobile plans are Telcel, Iusacell, ATT, and Movistar. International calls are very expensive, so most people use internet-based telephone or calling cards as an alternative. Roaming charges are also extremely high. Almost all the cell phone plans include unlimited calls to México, USA, and Canada. It is recommended that before leaving your home country, you contact your cell phone service provider and ask for international coverage. Your provider will be able to activate an international plan for a minimal charge. Upon return to your country, you can cancel the international coverage and the plan charges will be prorated on your bill. The international coverage allows you data usage and reduces the charges for texts and phone calls.

Television The following are cable television providers in México:

+ Izzi: In addition to watching TV at home, for a small monthly fee, Izzi allows users access to online streaming of their channels on any computer or tablet with their “Veo” application. www.izzi.mx/productos + Dish México www.dish.com.mx/#!/home + SKY México www.sky.com.mx/sky

+ Telecable + Total Play + Megacable

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Internet High-speed internet providers include Telmex, with its Infinitum product, and Megacable, which provides Internet via cable and is usually a bit faster for uploads and downloads. Infinitum users also have access to the Prodigy Wi-Fi access from thousands of hotspots around México. Additionally, many cafes and restaurants in the city have free Wi-Fi for customers. Other options include Power Net, Axtel, and Total Play

On-demand Internet providers of streaming media in México are: + Netflix + Cinepolis Klic + Crackle + Clarovideo + Veo

Yard and Trash Servicies Waste collection vehicles make frequent stops around each neighborhood in the city; residents are responsible for leaving their trash bags outside the house before the vehicle passes. It is expected that you give the waste collectors a weekly tip for their services. If they are municipal workers, however, you do not have to pay; only give them a tip around Christmas. Unless you live in a gated community, you will need to hire a private company or a gardener to do your yardwork. Gas A private company usually distributes gas and the building administration charges the tenants. Houses normally have a private contract with gas companies and receive the service depending on their consumption. Transferees will not need to make these arrangements given that apartments and houses have normally been occupied by previous tenants so there is already a gas company that provides the service. All bills can be paid online, at banks, or even at supermarkets. Electricity and Water Water and electricity bills always stay under the landlord’s name. The bills are paid every 60 days. The electricity and water companies are government owned. For this reason, there is a lot of bureaucracy that can create frustration when dealing with inaccurate invoices or meter readings.

Helpful Hint: Transferees should maintain records showing proof of payment of all services, particularly water and electricity.

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Hiring Household Help It is common for people in Guadalajara to hire household help. Many houses and apartments have living space should you choose to hire a live-in maid; however, there is also the option of just having a maid during the day for cooking and cleaning. Many people also hire drivers and gardeners. Dwellworks does not provide assistance hiring household help. We recommend you talk to the owner of the property to see if he or she can recommend people who have worked in the house or apartment before. Or, check with other expats from your company who have hired these services. The safest way to hire a maid is through friends who can give you recommendations.

Helpful Words + Hello / Hi - Hola

+ See you later - Hasta luego + Good Morning, Good Day - Buenos días + Good Afternoon - Buenas tardes + Good Evening, Good Night - Buenas noches + Good Bye - Adiós

+ Yes - Sí + No - No + Please - Por favor + Thank you - Gracias + You are welcome - De nada

We hope that you find this information useful. If you have any specific needs or require additional information, please contact your Dwellworks Destination Consultant. Enjoy yourself and have a wonderful stay in Guadalajara!

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Juan Salvador Agraz #50Â Suite 601 A Corporativo Santa Fe 50 Colonia Â Santa Fe, C.P. 05348

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