Roma Norte Mexico City Budget Guide
Emergency Numbers: Police:
911| Medical / Fire:911| Local Currency:MXN(1 USD ≈17MXN)
Map of Budget Spots
Section titled “Map of Budget Spots”Cheap Beds & Emergency Accommodation
Section titled “Cheap Beds & Emergency Accommodation”| Name | Type | Cost / Night | Address | Tips & Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel Home | Hostel | 350 MXN | Calle Tabasco 303, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX | One of the most budget-friendly options in the immediate Roma Norte area; requires booking in advance. |
Cheap Groceries & Free Meals
Section titled “Cheap Groceries & Free Meals”- Supermarket Discount Hours: Not common
- Best Cheap Eats: Tacos de canasta sold by street vendors on the corners of Orizaba and Alvaro Obregon.
Discount Supermarkets
Section titled “Discount Supermarkets”| Supermarket | Best Budget Buys | Address (Google Maps) |
|---|---|---|
| OXXO | Instant Maruchan noodles, bread, and canned tuna | Av. Álvaro Obregón 151, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX |
Free Meals & Food Banks
Section titled “Free Meals & Food Banks”No free meal centers or food pantries located directly in this district.
Free Water & Public Restrooms
Section titled “Free Water & Public Restrooms”Free Drinking Water Points
Section titled “Free Drinking Water Points”No dedicated public water refill fountains recorded in this specific area.
Free Public Toilets
Section titled “Free Public Toilets”| Location | Address (Google Maps) | Hours & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plaza Río de Janeiro Public Restrooms | Plaza Río de Janeiro, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX | Located within the park area, often maintained by local park staff. |
Free Wi-Fi, Workspaces & Showers
Section titled “Free Wi-Fi, Workspaces & Showers”Places with Free Wi-Fi & Power Outlets
Section titled “Places with Free Wi-Fi & Power Outlets”| Place | Address (Google Maps) | Wi-Fi & Desk Details |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks (Alvaro Obregon) | Av. Álvaro Obregón 130, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX | Reliable Wi-Fi, multiple power outlets, though purchase is expected for long stays. |
Note: Public Wi-Fi here is unencrypted. If accessing bank or work portals, keep NordVPN on. Grab the student rate (via Student Beans verification), or lock in the 2-year plan to save the most.
Cheap Showers & Public Baths
Section titled “Cheap Showers & Public Baths”No cheap public bathhouses or drop-in showers found inside this district. A budget gym day-pass is often the best alternative.
Getting Around Cheaply
Section titled “Getting Around Cheaply”- Best Way to Move Around: Walking and ECOBICI (shared bike system)
- Standard Fare:
5MXN - Transit Scams to Avoid: Unofficial taxis (taxis de sitio without proper markings) often overcharge tourists.
SIM Cards & Internet
Section titled “SIM Cards & Internet”- Best Budget Carrier: Telcel Amigo / Bait / Virgin Mobile
- How to Keep Data Costs Low: Telcel Amigo starter SIM at OXXO; top-up of 50 MXN keeps the line in Active/Grace phase for up to 120 days.
Safety, Scams & Areas to Avoid
Section titled “Safety, Scams & Areas to Avoid”Common Local Scams
Section titled “Common Local Scams”| Scam | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Fake Police | Never show your wallet or passport to anyone claiming to be police on the street; ask to go to the nearest station. |
Areas to Avoid at Night:
Section titled “Areas to Avoid at Night:”None