This was just distributed on the GNSO list. It is from the meeting web site: http://mex.icann.org/node/2002#safety. I would think that this should be quickly sent to Summit participants as well, before they leave home. Alan
Some tips that may be useful! As you begin planning your travel to the upcoming Mexico City meeting please take time to review the security advisories below (which are also posted to the ICANN meetings web page). SECURITY ADISORY FOR MEXICO CITY MEETING As in any other big city, it is important to take responsibility for your personal safety and exercise precaution.
BEFORE YOU GO Think preventively when packing for your trip; consider leaving behind expensive jewelry, watches, and items of sentimental value. A smaller, inexpensive camera may be a better choice than larger, expensive models. You may not need to take an ATM card if your credit card and a limited amount of cash will suffice. Make a Xerox copy of your passport to carry in your luggage separately from your actual passport. Consider storing a digital scan of your passport (and/or other critical documents) with family, friends, or your employer so that it could be emailed to you in an emergency. Avoiding crime is often a matter of keeping a low profile. Consider exchanging some currency to Pesos before you begin travel and avoid displaying large amounts of cash if you use the exchanges at the Mexico City airport. ICANN will have a travel desk on site where you can make arrangements for some site seeing after our conference has finished. ICANN will provide late afternoon to late evening shuttles stopping at the Sheraton, Melia and Embassy Suites for your convenience and safety. Taxis are inexpensive and available through the hotel concierge - avoid hailing taxis on the street, particularly the green and white cabs.
GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT TO YOUR HOTEL Taxis are regulated and passengers should pay in advance at the taxi counter in Arrivals. Taxi fare from the airport to the Meeting venue and nearby hotels should be approximately 127 Pesos. Use only the clearly marked "AUTHORISED TAXI" service. These cars are white and yellow with black airplane stickers on the doors. A drawing of a car on the ticket will tell you what type of car the ticket is valid for. It is not recommended to walk outside the airport terminal in search of cheaper taxi service unless you have pre-arranged your service. Do not use the Green and White taxis.
TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT The following schedule is for Meet & Greet services at the airport. These services will be provided in both terminals at the Mexico City International Airport to welcome you and help guide you to the taxi desk.
Thursday, 26 Feb 11:30 - 00:30 Friday, 27 Feb 5:00 - 23:30 Saturday, 28 Feb 7:00 - 23:00 AIRPORT/HOTEL CAR TRANSFERS: Cars can be hired for $900 Mexican pesos (round trip) for up to 3 passengers per car for hotel/airport transfers.
Contact: <cgonzalez@sheraton.com.htm>cgonzalez@sheraton.com.mx
Venue hotel address: HOTEL SHERATON CENTRO HISTORICO (main venue) Av. Juarez, No. 70. Col., Centro, Mexico City, CP 06010 Mexico tel +52 55 5130 5300
DURING THE MEETING When leaving your hotel room to go out at night, take only the cash you need for each excursion and consider leaving your credit cards, watch, and jewelry behind in the hotel room safe. Keep your ICANN conference badge with you for quick reference to the venue address and emergency telephone numbers, but avoid wearing your badge on the street. Be aware that laptop bags and exposed mobile phones are tempting items for thieves. Use the available after hours shuttle buses between the hotels or request a taxi from the hotel and ask the concierge for a street map. Keep low profile. Avoid taking the Metro and hailing taxis or asking strangers for directions on the street.
Use Common Sense. If you must walk at night, walk with companions, avoid the empty streets and keep to the major thoroughfares, even if that means walking a few extra blocks. What may look like a safe side street in the daytime, may pose greater risks after dark.
Many pickpockets and street criminals employ distractions by accomplices. Avoid stopping to help someone in a busy place, even if it's a child or elderly person. If you are accosted on the street, keep your cool, hand over your valuables, and don't try to fight back. The person confronting you may not be alone. Be careful near traffic. Automobile accidents are not uncommon and vehicles do not defer to pedestrians. Some sidewalks in older areas may be in need of repair - so watch you step and avoid distractions such as talking or texting on your phone while walking.
Avoid crowds of demonstrators. Demonstrations near the meeting venue are common, and usually peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence and police arrest unexpectedly.
If you need to use a cash machine, use those located in hotels or banks. Avoid cash machines on streets or less busy areas. If you need help, ask an employee at the bank or hotel.
Keep your belongings in sight particularly in open areas like restaurants, bars, parks, and even in the rooms at the Meeting venue. Don't leave purses, laptop bags, or cameras hanging on chairs or on the floor.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND ADVISORIES Australian Government: <http://smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Mexico#Safety_and_Security> http://smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Mexico#Safety_and_Security U.S. State Department: <http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html>http://travel.st ate.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html Solutions Abroad: <http://solutionsabroad.com/en/cities/mexico-city/security-in-mexico-city.. http://solutionsabroad.com/en/cities/mexico-city/security-in-mexico-city... Trip Advisor: <http://tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150768-c4640/Mexico:Public.Safety.And.Sec.. http://tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150768-c4640/Mexico:Public.Safety.And.Sec... Safety Tips Article from Business Week: <http://businessweek.com/1998/25/b3583208.htm>http://businessweek.com/1998/ 25/b3583208.htm
ALAC-Internal mailing list ALAC-Internal@atlarge-lists.icann.org http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/alac-internal_atlarge-lists. icann.org ALAC Wiki: http://st.icann.org/alac At-Large Website: http://atlarge.icann.org