Irapuato City Guide 2019

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City Guide: Irapuato

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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 Irapuato

Discovering Irapuato 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 Irapuato. 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. Irapuato is a municipality of the Mexican state of Guanajuato. The state is located in the center of the nation and after the city of León, Irapuato is the next largest city in Guanajuato. Irapuato was founded in 1547, the subsequent population became an active party in México’s colonial and revolutionary era. Due to the proximity to major rivers, Irapuato has long been an agricultural community. The livestock and crops raised in the area, especially strawberries are famous throughout México.

On behalf of the Dwellworks team, we welcome you to Irapuato and hope you will find this information helpful.

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Discovering Irapuato

Table of Contents Orientation ..................................................................................................4 Neighborhood Overview .............................................................................6 Travel..........................................................................................................7 Shopping ....................................................................................................9 Arts and Culture........................................................................................10 Recreation and Outdoors..........................................................................11 Education..................................................................................................12 Health .......................................................................................................13 Safety and Security...................................................................................14 Utilities and Services.................................................................................15

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Orientation Irapuato is a Mexican municipality situated at the foothills of the Arandas mountain in the south- central region of the state of Guanajuato. The city lies between the Silao River and the Guanajuato River, a tributary of the Lerma River, at 5,656 feet above sea level. In the pre-Hispanic era, the site was inhabited by the Chichimecas, a group of semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers. Later on, the Tarascans conquered the region and initiated the establishment of a permanent settlement. Nowadays, the city is the second-largest in the state only behind León, with a population of 34,256 inhabitants. Economically, its dynamism is higher than the state capital. It’s central location and excellent connections have made in recent years Irapuato the main communications hub of the state. Additionally, it is one of the logistics center and transportation in the Southwest Guanajuato. Along, Salamanca city and other cities such as Celaya, Silao and León, Irapuato is part of an urban-industrial area known as the Bajio Zone corridor. Irapuato is the administrative capital of Region VI and headquarters of Military Region XII and the Diocese of Irapuato. It is internationally known for the wide variety of horticultural industries especially the production of vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, asparagus and strawberries. High-quality produce manufactured in the area is exported and widely distributed in the world. Several fortune 500 companies and food industry corporations have settled their operations in Irapuato, contributing to the city’s thriving economy. Weather Daytime temperatures are mild and pleasant, hovering between 60°F and 70°F all year round. At night, winter temperatures can dip down to 40°F, though freezes are rare.

Season Spring Summer

Description

Average High 29°C (84°F) 28°C (82°F) 23°C (73°F) 19°C (66°F)

Average Low 17°C (62°F) 19°C (66°F) 11°C (52°F)

Warm

Hot

Fall

Warm

Winter

Cold

8°C (45°F)

Summer brings rain, about four inches fall in July, and about three and a half inches in August. Sudden summer storms in the mountains can send waters rushing down the Silao and Guanajuato Rivers, river torrents are monitored and directed by dams that prevented floods for over two centuries.

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Time Zone Irapuato 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 The state of Guanajuato is divided into 46 municipalities. Guanajuato City is the capital city of the state. Irapuato is situated between the Silao and Guanajuato rivers. The municipality has an area of 845.16 km² (326.32 sq m) and includes numerous smaller outlying communities. The city's main industry is agriculture and it is famous for its strawberries and the raising of pigs and cattle. The fruits and flowers of Irapuato's luxurious gardens are well known throughout Mexico.

Highways Frequently traveled highways to exit the city:

+ Highway 45, from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua to Panales, Hidalgo + Highway 90 from Irapuato, Guanajuato to Zapotlanejo, Jalisco + Highway 43 from Salamanca, Guanajuato to Morelia, Michoacan + Highway 110 from Armeria, Colima to Xoconostle, Guanajuato

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Neighborhood Overview There are different types of housing in México, from spacious houses on landscaped, private lots to high-rise apartments in a bustling city. Rental properties can be found in four to five distinct neighborhoods. Some good options for housing are: + Villas de Irapuato : More than just a residential area, it features important educational institutions such as Tecnológico de Monterrey, Instituto Cumbres, Kipling, as well as a Convention Center, pharmacies and self-service stores, and to provide an adequate recreational and balance area to reside

+ Pontevedra: An exclusive and secure neighborhood of the city, it is located at the entrance of Villas de Irapuato

+ San Antonio de Ayala: A residential neighborhood where you can enjoy the community atmosphere formed between neighbors, children playing outside and events designed for integration between settlers

Other neighborhoods: + Piamonte + Trento + La Giralda + Mision + San Marino

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Travel Getting In By Plane

Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) is located 25 minutes from Irapuato City. This airport also serves other major cities nearby, including León and Guanajuato City. Some main airlines are:

+ Aereo Calafia + Delta Air Lines + InterJet + Magnicharters + Aeromexico Connect + Viva Aerobus + Volaris + United Airlines + American Airlines

By Bus You have a diversity of economic bus companies and one first-class service offering travel options from the Northern Bus Terminal of Mexico City to Guanajuato City. Main Bus Companies: + ETN: www.etn.com.mx + Primera Plus: www.primeraplus.com.mx Getting Around There are several options for traveling via public transportation. We recommend you do not use public transportation. However, in case you do, be sure to ride with caution, keeping in mind that it can be crowded, arrive sporadically, and sometimes be unsafe. By Car Before driving, it is recommended that you obtain a Mexican driving license. In order to issue a Mexican Drivers’ License, you must be over age of 18 and appear in person to the office. Driving licenses can be obtained at the following locations: + Blvd. Villas de Irapuato Local 98 Planta alta Cibeles Tel: (01 462) 6 26-06-84 Schedule: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a 16:00 hrs

Blvd. Díaz Ordaz S/N esquina Pedro Martínez Vázquez Col. Eucaliptos C.P. 3660 Tel: (01 462) 6 24-17-66 Schedule: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a 15:00 hrs

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You will need to bring a copy and the original documentation of the following items: 1. Official ID (Passport) 2. Proof of residence (telephone or water receipt) 3. Proof of payment (Fee) varies for the number of years the license will be granted. Check with your Consultant for the most current pricing 4. For foreigners, it is necessary to present a document that attests to his/her legal stay in the country 5. Medical certificate including the following requirements: blood type, visual acuity, and the persons' motion ability to drive a motor vehicle. (Issued by an institution such as Red Cross, ISSSTE, IMSS, General Hospital, Health Center) Always be cautious at stoplights and intersections even if you have the right of passage. Pedestrians tend to cross highways and streets at any point, so, regardless of signs, watch out for people crossing. Driving in México can be a challenging experience for 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; your turn signal probably won’t have any effect on other drivers, so be extra careful and make sure you have enough space.

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

Telephone 1800-500-2847 01800-462-8343 01800-201-2084 01800-830-1010 01800-709-5000

Avis

www.avis.mx

Budget Europcar

www.budget.com.mx www.europcar.com.mx www.sixtMéxico.mx www.hertz.com/rentacar/car- rental/México

Sixt Hertz

By Bicycle Due to the extension of the city, the use of bicycles is not recommended; but the city offers multiple parks with bike tracks, visited especially during the weekends by the local families. One of these parks is Irekua Park. Weekend Trips Irapuato has several destinations nearby where people go to spend their weekends: + León

+ San Luis Potosi + Aguascalientes + México City + Guanajuato City + San Miguel de Allende

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Shopping Shopping Centers

The shopping malls in the city that sell clothing, electronics, and sportswear, in addition to specialty shops and restaurants. There is a Home Depot in Irapuato. There are also many local shopping stores throughout the city that have a great variety of goods.

Some options for malls include: Mall

Address and Hours

Blvd A Villas de Irapuato No. 1443, open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Héroe de Nacozari 1655, open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Plaza Cibeles

Plaza Delta

Plaza Murano

151, Las Heras 2da Secc.

Grocery Supermarkets

There are many supermarkets available in Irapuato including Sam’s Club, Walmart, Soriana, Superama and Comercial Mexicana. 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 particular location. Local markets in Irapuato will sell the famous produce in addition to seafood, canned goods, and other specialty products.

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Arts and Culture Museums, Cultural Centers, and Art Irapuato celebrates art and culture often. Don’t miss the celebrations for: + Independence Day on September 15 and 16 + Day of the Dead, Dia De Los Muertos on November 2 + Christmas on December 24 and 25 + New Year on December 31 and January 1

Tourist Attractions Places to visit in the city of Irapuato: + Irapuato Zoo + Museum of the City + Irekua park

Arts and Culture Independent studios offer classes in art, music, dancing, and more.

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Recreation and Outdoors Sports Clubs + Life & Fitness + Club Campestre Irapuato Country Club

+ Educational Aquatics Swimming + Club de Golf Santa Margarita

Entertainment and Dining Options for entertainment in Irapuato include: + Fountain of Dancing Water + Irapuato Zoo + Plaza Cibeles Mall + John Paul II Monument + Irapuato Cathedral + Miguel Hidalgo Square + Dolphin Fountain + Sun Clock + Canyon of the Bats A few top-rated restaurants in Irapuato are: + Hacienda de Torres + Argentino Steak House + La Imperial Athletics

Irapuato has a local soccer team called Irapuato FC. Their nicknames are La Trinca (The Lashers) and Los Freseros (The Strawberries). The Estadio Sergio León Chavez is stadium that has many uses, including holding 25,000 people for soccer matches. The soccer season goes from July to May. Parks Some of the most popular parks around the city include the following: + Parque Ecologico Irapuato + Parque Irekua + Area Verde Las Brisas

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Education Schools

The Mexican public school system is very limited; foreigners coming to México with children generally enroll their kids in private schools. There is a wide variety of options for private schools, from religious to non-denomination and same-sex as well as co-ed schools. Private Schools Some private schools in Irapuato include: + Centro Educativo Alexander Bain Irapuato www.ibo.org/en/school/003891 + Instituto Kipling de Irapuato www.ibo.org/en/school/004315 + Colegio Atenas, A.C. paginas.seccionamarilla.com.mx/colegio-atenas/colegio- catolico/guanajuato/irapuato/-/moderna + Colegio Americano del Centro sccacc.edu.mx Additional Useful Information 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 locations, 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. High rated 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: + Centro Hospitalario MAC Dr Javier Castellanos Coutiño 516, Tel: 462 622 8400 + Hospital Médica Insurgentes Av. Insurgentes No. 258, Tel: 462 135 1100

+ Hospital Ciudad Médica Avenida Estrella 205, Tel: 462 635 0300 + Red Cross Calle Avenida Casimiro Liceaga 404, Tel. 462 627 1545

In Case of Emergency In case of emergency, dial 911 , or dial the emergency line for the hospitals listed above. The best option, in case of an emergency, is going directly to the hospital listed above, or to call a particular service of an ambulance.

Ambulancias Irapuato Apibe Telephone: 462 175-89-76 Address: Av. Jardines De La Hacienda 219 - Irapuato, Guanajuato.

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Safety and Security At Home

Normally your company will provide a security briefing prior to your move to México. In some cases, they 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 and realize that break-ins are always a possibility regardless of where you go or how good 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 at all times; 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 doesn’t accept it, you could be required to pay a fine as well as the ticket.

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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, Cablevision, or Axtel. The international telephone country code for México is +52, and the city code for Irapuato is (462). Therefore local telephone numbers have the following format: +52(462)0000- 0000. In the case of mobile phones, the format is +52-1-(462)0000-0000. If you are making local calls, the +52 or +52-1 prefix should be dropped. Mobile Phones Companies that offer mobile plans are Telcel, Iusacell, and Movistar. International calls can be very expensive, so most people use internet-based telephone or calling cards as an alternative. Almost all of the cell phones include unlimited calls to México, USA, and Canada. For telephones, there are also plans for international calls. Ask for the options before making a contract with the company. Roaming charges are also extremely high. It is recommended that before leaving the 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.)

+ Dish México + SKY México + Cablecom + Total Play + VE TV

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

Internet High-speed internet providers include Telmex with its Infinitum product and Cablevision, which provides Internet via cable and is usually a bit faster for uploads and downloads. Infinitum users also have access to the Prodigy WiFi access from thousands of hotspots around México. Additionally, many cafes and restaurants in the city have free WiFi for customers. Other options include Poder Net, Axtel, and Quadsys. Yard and Trash Services 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 lawn. 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 Irapuato to hire household help. Many houses and apartments have a room for the maid in case 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 ex-pats from your company who have hired these services. The safest way to hire a maid is through friends who can give you recommendations. Always keep your valuables in a safe place, with lock, because no matter the recommendation is better to keep them safe.

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 Irapuato!

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