.FAQ
Is Querétaro a safe city?
Querétaro is considered one of the safest and cleanest cities in México. It is a growing and thriving economic center with a charming and historic "old town." Companies from around the world have discovered Querétaro and are establishing corporate offices there. It is the center for Peace Corps Mexico. As in any city you should take normal precautions. Click to read article:
What documents are required to enter México?
This varies by nationality and by age, so please check with your airline or travel agent when booking your flight. US citizens are required to have a valid passport. When entering México, you will be given two forms by the airline: a customs declaration and a tourist form (Mexico Visitor's Permit).
You are also required to carry your Visitor's Permit and photo ID, with you throughout your stay in México. We recommend making a photocopy of your passport or birth certificate to store in a separate location. It makes replacing them much easier, should it be necessary. For further questions talk to your airline or contact the Mexican Embassy. You will need a visa only if you will be in México longer than 6 months.
Are additional documents required for persons under 18 years?
If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent must provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent must provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities. If a minor child is traveling to México alone or in someone else's company, both parents (or the sole documented custodial parent) must provide notarized consent. If a child traveling to México has a different last name from the mother and/or father, the parents must provide evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, that they are indeed the parents.
Do I need a Health Insurance?
Olé Language School requires each student to have PROOF OF MEDICAL INSURANCE.
What immunizations shots are required for México?
No vaccinations are generally required to enter México but you may want to check with your local physician for recommendations several weeks before traveling.
Where can I buy pesos?
The easiest way is with a bank debit card which works in ATM machines. There are ATMs everywhere in México. We recommend you use those ATMs connected to banks. They are located in small rooms separated from the main bank lobby, so you can access those ATMs even after hours. You can also exchange dollars for pesos at the airport exchange windows in the main terminal and at the exchange office in Querétaro.
What is the exchange rate?
The rates change daily, but The Universal Currancy Converter (www.xe.net/pca/) can give you the latest rates.
What is the weather like in Querétaro?
In Querétaro the temperatures are moderate - generally in the 70's and 80's during the day, but sometimes it can be hotter. Warm evenings in summer and cool evenings in winter. It rains fairly often and unexpectedly during the summer. For current information, before you pack, check www.weather.com.
What are typical business hours?
Government offices and businesses are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and again from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Museums and archeological sites are usually open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm but museums are usually closed on Mondays.
When and how much should I tip?
Airport pick-up service drivers do not expect to be tipped. You do not tip your host family, but if you'd like to bring them a little gift from home or take them for a beverage sometime during your stay, it would be a nice gesture. If eating out, your servers will appreciate a 10% tip or 15% if the service was excellent.
What should I pack?
Pack light. Dress is informal so casual clothes are appropriate. Lightweight layered clothing is a good idea as is something warmer for nights and in higher elevations. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sun block are musts. Because of unexpected rain, bring a rain poncho or jacket and a travel umbrella. Be sure you have shoes that walk well when wet.
For class you will want pens, pencils, spiral notebooks and a Spanish dictionary.
Bring any medications you might need. Be sure to put them in your carry-on luggage. Hand sanitizer is helpful to have when you can't wash your hands.
Querétaro is considered one of the safest and cleanest cities in México. It is a growing and thriving economic center with a charming and historic "old town." Companies from around the world have discovered Querétaro and are establishing corporate offices there. It is the center for Peace Corps Mexico. As in any city you should take normal precautions. Click to read article:
What documents are required to enter México?
This varies by nationality and by age, so please check with your airline or travel agent when booking your flight. US citizens are required to have a valid passport. When entering México, you will be given two forms by the airline: a customs declaration and a tourist form (Mexico Visitor's Permit).
- It will ask for your address while staying in Mexico. Use your home stay address.
- Note the number of days you will be in México on this form. Be sure to put the correct number of days or longer (You can stay up to six months.)
You are also required to carry your Visitor's Permit and photo ID, with you throughout your stay in México. We recommend making a photocopy of your passport or birth certificate to store in a separate location. It makes replacing them much easier, should it be necessary. For further questions talk to your airline or contact the Mexican Embassy. You will need a visa only if you will be in México longer than 6 months.
Are additional documents required for persons under 18 years?
If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent must provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent must provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities. If a minor child is traveling to México alone or in someone else's company, both parents (or the sole documented custodial parent) must provide notarized consent. If a child traveling to México has a different last name from the mother and/or father, the parents must provide evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, that they are indeed the parents.
Do I need a Health Insurance?
Olé Language School requires each student to have PROOF OF MEDICAL INSURANCE.
What immunizations shots are required for México?
No vaccinations are generally required to enter México but you may want to check with your local physician for recommendations several weeks before traveling.
Where can I buy pesos?
The easiest way is with a bank debit card which works in ATM machines. There are ATMs everywhere in México. We recommend you use those ATMs connected to banks. They are located in small rooms separated from the main bank lobby, so you can access those ATMs even after hours. You can also exchange dollars for pesos at the airport exchange windows in the main terminal and at the exchange office in Querétaro.
What is the exchange rate?
The rates change daily, but The Universal Currancy Converter (www.xe.net/pca/) can give you the latest rates.
What is the weather like in Querétaro?
In Querétaro the temperatures are moderate - generally in the 70's and 80's during the day, but sometimes it can be hotter. Warm evenings in summer and cool evenings in winter. It rains fairly often and unexpectedly during the summer. For current information, before you pack, check www.weather.com.
What are typical business hours?
Government offices and businesses are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and again from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Museums and archeological sites are usually open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm but museums are usually closed on Mondays.
When and how much should I tip?
Airport pick-up service drivers do not expect to be tipped. You do not tip your host family, but if you'd like to bring them a little gift from home or take them for a beverage sometime during your stay, it would be a nice gesture. If eating out, your servers will appreciate a 10% tip or 15% if the service was excellent.
What should I pack?
Pack light. Dress is informal so casual clothes are appropriate. Lightweight layered clothing is a good idea as is something warmer for nights and in higher elevations. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sun block are musts. Because of unexpected rain, bring a rain poncho or jacket and a travel umbrella. Be sure you have shoes that walk well when wet.
For class you will want pens, pencils, spiral notebooks and a Spanish dictionary.
Bring any medications you might need. Be sure to put them in your carry-on luggage. Hand sanitizer is helpful to have when you can't wash your hands.
Will I need an electrical converter?
Electrical current in México is the same as in the USA and Canada. However, to be sure, you may want to purchase an adapter before you go or plan to buy one in Mexico.
Will my cell phone work in México?
Yes, but it will be very expensive due to roaming charges. Let your provider know where you are traveling and ask about plans that reduce roaming charges. It may be less expensive to call from phones in México, using a phone card you can buy at OLÉ or at different stores in the city. However, the best option is using the app WhatsApp. This is an inexpensive and very effective way to stay connected by text and phone to the group and to the school and staff. You can even call home easily with WhatsApp as long as your contacts also have downloaded the app.
How much spending money will I need?
This is difficult to say without knowing your spending habits, but students generally budget enough for an occasional meal, incidentals, shopping, nightlife, etc.
Does OLÉ have a doctor on staff?
There is no staff doctor but OLÉ does provide each student with an emergency directory which includes contact information about local doctors. Each doctor will charge the student directly even if you have medical insurance. In most cases, to receive your reimbursement you have to send the receipt to your insurance company. Querétaro has medical facilities similar to other major industrialized cities. In addition, pharmacies are staffed with "mini-clinics" and the services of a nurse practitioner or doctor. The clinics are free and medications quite reasonable. There is a clinic very near Olé
Can I get internet connection in Querétaro?
Yes, OLÉ offers free WIFI service, although it is slow.
What meals are included with the homestay?
The host families provide three (3) meals a day: breakfast (desayuno), lunch (comida), and dinner (cena). On Sundays most mothers do not cook, but you can make use of the kitchen to prepare your own meal. The main meal in México is the "comida" and occurs at about 3:00 pm and "cena" is a light snack (a piece of fruit, a taco or sandwich) served about 9:00 pm To get past "hungry time" about noon, you'll want to purchase and carry snack items with you during the day.
Do the families provide laundry service for personal items?
Host families will let you use the washer but you must buy your own soap. There is also laundry service available at the school with reasonable charges and free pick-up and overnight delivery service to the school.
Does my host family provide towels and sheets?
Yes, and they will launder them once a week for you.
Are the rooms at the homestay air-conditioned?
Rooms are not air conditioned but a fan can be provided.
What happens if I get lost in the city?
Keep the name of your family, address and phone number with you at all times. Make note of key landmarks (especially churches) near your home. Also keep the cell phone number of the Carlson & Affiliates coordinator. In case you get lost you can always take a taxi and show them the paper with the address.
Electrical current in México is the same as in the USA and Canada. However, to be sure, you may want to purchase an adapter before you go or plan to buy one in Mexico.
Will my cell phone work in México?
Yes, but it will be very expensive due to roaming charges. Let your provider know where you are traveling and ask about plans that reduce roaming charges. It may be less expensive to call from phones in México, using a phone card you can buy at OLÉ or at different stores in the city. However, the best option is using the app WhatsApp. This is an inexpensive and very effective way to stay connected by text and phone to the group and to the school and staff. You can even call home easily with WhatsApp as long as your contacts also have downloaded the app.
How much spending money will I need?
This is difficult to say without knowing your spending habits, but students generally budget enough for an occasional meal, incidentals, shopping, nightlife, etc.
Does OLÉ have a doctor on staff?
There is no staff doctor but OLÉ does provide each student with an emergency directory which includes contact information about local doctors. Each doctor will charge the student directly even if you have medical insurance. In most cases, to receive your reimbursement you have to send the receipt to your insurance company. Querétaro has medical facilities similar to other major industrialized cities. In addition, pharmacies are staffed with "mini-clinics" and the services of a nurse practitioner or doctor. The clinics are free and medications quite reasonable. There is a clinic very near Olé
Can I get internet connection in Querétaro?
Yes, OLÉ offers free WIFI service, although it is slow.
What meals are included with the homestay?
The host families provide three (3) meals a day: breakfast (desayuno), lunch (comida), and dinner (cena). On Sundays most mothers do not cook, but you can make use of the kitchen to prepare your own meal. The main meal in México is the "comida" and occurs at about 3:00 pm and "cena" is a light snack (a piece of fruit, a taco or sandwich) served about 9:00 pm To get past "hungry time" about noon, you'll want to purchase and carry snack items with you during the day.
Do the families provide laundry service for personal items?
Host families will let you use the washer but you must buy your own soap. There is also laundry service available at the school with reasonable charges and free pick-up and overnight delivery service to the school.
Does my host family provide towels and sheets?
Yes, and they will launder them once a week for you.
Are the rooms at the homestay air-conditioned?
Rooms are not air conditioned but a fan can be provided.
What happens if I get lost in the city?
Keep the name of your family, address and phone number with you at all times. Make note of key landmarks (especially churches) near your home. Also keep the cell phone number of the Carlson & Affiliates coordinator. In case you get lost you can always take a taxi and show them the paper with the address.
Additional Links:
OLÉ Center for Spanish Language and Culture
Querétaro
Learn more about Mexico
Unesco World Heritage Site; Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro
Peace Corps, Mexico - Headquarters in Querétaro
iPhone Apps;
Querétaro App
What's App
Spanish Dictionary and Translator - SpanishDict
OLÉ Center for Spanish Language and Culture
Querétaro
Learn more about Mexico
Unesco World Heritage Site; Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro
Peace Corps, Mexico - Headquarters in Querétaro
iPhone Apps;
Querétaro App
What's App
Spanish Dictionary and Translator - SpanishDict