[lac-discuss-en] Fwd: [ALAC-Internal] Fwd: Mexico City Security Advisories

Mon Feb 23 07:25:20 CST 2009

For your information.  Many thanks to Alan for posting.
Carlton
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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Alan Greenberg <alan.greenberg at mcgill.ca>
Date: Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Subject: [ALAC-Internal] Fwd: Mexico City Security Advisories
To: alac-internal <alac-admin at icann.org>

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 at sheraton.com.htm>cgonzalez at 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.state.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
>
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