Safety in Mexico City, Mexico

Safety in Mexico City

We absolutely visit and play tourist in Mexico City, but we also understand that any city of its size -- over 20 million here -- is going to have its share of crime. We don’t want to downplay that, to be sure, but we also feel that by preparing well and keeping certain things in mind, you can fully enjoy this incredibly rich capital city without fear. The goal is not to make yourself a target. Here’s what we recommend you consider for your trip to Mexico City:

Before Arriving:

Don't bring or wear jewelry, especially gold.
While you certainly will want to bring a camera to capture your memories, a general rule of thumb is not to bring anything you can't part with.
Make copies or scans of your passport and travel documents. Leave them with a trusted friend whose phone number you know, or even better, email them to yourself. Same for the international contact numbers for any credit, debit, or bank cards you might bring. (U.S. toll-free numbers don't work from Mexico.)
Don't bring any more cards than you need. Honestly, you won't need most of what's in your wallet, so leave any social security, grocery store, or frequent customer cards at home.
Credit or ATM cards are the easiest way to get money (and usually give you the best exchange rate), but have a back-up plan. Consider bringing only cards that have lower limits, or asking your bank to temporarily lower withdrawal and credit limits just for the trip.
Let someone at home know your specific plans but don't share them with people you meet while traveling.
We swear by a money belt or pouch -- one of those things that goes under your clothes (not a fanny pack!).

Once You're in Mexico City:

Use ATMs during the day, and in the bank or in a store, not the stand-alone ones. Put your money away as soon as you get it (not in the street).
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like markets or busses. Tourist areas such as Chapultepec are particular favorites of pick-pocketers and robbers. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go; it just means avoid paths or tunnels where you might be alone, and be especially aware of your environment.
Ask your Spanish school which areas you shouldn't go to. There are some rough areas of Mexico City that should be avoided.
Put only the cash you need immediately in your pocket. Put the rest of it, your cards, and your passport in your money pouch under your clothes, or in the hotel safe if there is one. Especially in Mexico City, we suggest you do not carry a purse. If you must, make sure that your valuables aren’t in it.
Generally try not to look like a tourist. This one's hard because, well, you are, right? So it's more like, if going to carry a camera and open your map, do so as discreetly as you can. Another tip for not being a target: Don’t walk down the street talking on your phone or with earphones.
Take a sitio or called taxi. Don't just hail one. Go to the official taxi stop or have your school or hotel call an authorized cab for you. This is particularly important in Mexico City.
Watch the traffic! Pedestrians may have the legal right-of-way but expect the driver to think otherwise. We’ve heard that more people are killed by or in vehicles, especially in Mexico City, than by any other external cause. We believe it.

The website Travel.State.Gov offers the U.S. Department of State's take on safety and travel in Mexico. We also like the Is It Safe To Travel To Mexico? blog.

Have a question about safety in Mexico City? Ask us.