Summary
- Stick to tourist areas like the Historical Center, Polanco, Condesa, and Roma Norte to ensure safety in Mexico City.
- Only use official taxis and rideshares like Uber, Cabify, or Beat, and avoid hailing taxis on the street.
- Beware of tourist scams, keep valuables concealed, and use ATMs inside banks and major establishments. Avoid raw fruits/vegetables and street food.
Mexico City is a vibrant, colorful, and exciting destination for travelers from all over the world. It is also one of the best cities in Mexico for digital nomads. However, as with any large city, visitors should be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Following some essential safety tips, travelers can ensure their trip to Mexico City is safe, enjoyable, and incident-free.
Knowing what areas to avoid, using authorized taxis, being wary of scams, and taking other simple precautions will help people travel wisely and safely. Remember, Mexico City is generally very safe. With some common sense and preparation, visitors' time exploring this fantastic city will be unforgettable for all the right reasons. Despite being a safe state, following these Mexico City safety tips will help travelers avoid any isolated issues.
10 Stick To The Main Tourist Areas
Travelers should stick to tourist areas like the Historical Center, Polanco, Condesa, and Roma Norte. These are considered safer neighborhoods to stay in and explore. People should avoid less populated areas like Tepito, Doctores, Guerrero, and Iztapalapa, where tourists can become targets.
Visitors should stay away from unfamiliar colonies or neighborhoods, especially at night. Tourists should research any areas they plan to visit in advance. Travelers may consider booking a hotel in a well-populated area close to the sites they want to see.
Tourists should always confirm the safety of a neighborhood before visiting. Ask the hotel or check travel advisories.
9 Only Use Official Taxis And Rideshares
Travelers should only take radio taxis or app-based ride-shares like Uber, Cabify, or Beat. Tourists should avoid hailing taxis on the street, as some deceive passengers. Hotels and restaurants can call authorized taxis for visitors.
Before getting in, travelers should confirm the cab has working door handles and seatbelts. Uber offers a "Share My Trip" safety feature that travelers can enable. Vacationers shouldn't take rides from anyone soliciting outside tourist sites or the airport—pre-arrange airport transfers with official services only.
Avoiding public buses and vans also minimizes the chances of travelers becoming victims of theft.
Tourists should only get into a taxi with official licensing and markings.
8 Watch Out For Tourist Scams
Travelers should watch out for scams in big cities and petty crimes targeting tourists. Pickpockets often operate around crowded sites, markets, and on public transit. Keep wallets secure and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Fake police may stop visitors and ask to inspect their wallets for counterfeit bills. Tourists can politely refuse or insist on going to the police station.
Vacationers shouldn't accept food or drink from strangers as a general tip. Visitors should also be cautious of new "friends" inviting them to bars or isolated areas.
Travelers should not engage with scammers or go to secondary locations with them.
7 Avoid Flashing Valuables
Tourists should avoid flashing expensive cameras, jewelry, and smartphones, as these can attract thieves. People should only carry minimal cash and one credit/debit card. Travelers should leave valuables locked in the hotel safe when possible.
Visitors should keep cell phones concealed and avoid leaving devices unattended. Vacationers may consider using a spare wallet with only small cash when sightseeing. It is also important to keep the most important travel documents like passports locked up safely.
A photocopy of the passport can help if it gets stolen or lost.
Travelers should leave irreplaceable items at home. Use secure bags for carrying valuables.
6 Use ATMs Wisely
Travelers exploring Mexico City should use ATMs inside banks and major establishments, not ones on the street. Scams involve ATMs trapping cards or dispensing fake bills, so travelers should take out larger sums less often to limit risk. Tourists should avoid using card readers that appear tampered with or damaged as well as cover the keypad when entering their PIN.
Before traveling, ask your bank about travel notices to prevent withdrawals if the card is stolen. Keep an eye on card statements for unauthorized charges, and carry a small amount of local currency as a backup if issues arise.
Tourists should not use ATMs that look damaged or insecure.
5 Be Careful With Food And Water
Mexico is not one of the countries with the cleanest drinking water. For this reason, travelers should only drink bottled water and avoid raw fruits/vegetables and street food to reduce the risk of illnesses like traveler's diarrhea. Visitors should ensure the seals are intact when purchasing bottled drinks to avoid tampering.
Travelers should also avoid ice cubes in restaurant drinks as they may be made with tap water. Mexico City has quality medical facilities, but requiring medical treatment would disrupt the trip. Getting sick can also leave tourists vulnerable to crimes like theft. Take precautions to stay healthy, safe, and balanced while traveling.
Travelers should only eat cooked foods from reputable vendors.
4 Use Caution When Alone
Visitors should use caution when exploring alone, especially at night or in isolated areas. Tourists should stick to well-lit main streets and avoid deserted areas. People should leave expensive jewelry and watches at the hotel. Attacks are rare, but muggings do occur.
Travelers may consider joining group tours at night. Don't respond or engage with anyone who shows up with teases. Vacationers should be wary of new "friends" who take special interest in them.
Avoid protests and demonstrations as they can turn dangerous. Getting separated from the group in an unfamiliar area can leave tourists vulnerable; always be alert to the surroundings.
Avoid being out alone late at night. Stick to busy, well-lit streets.
3 Stay Informed On Safety Issues
Besides mastering safety and self-defense tips for travelers, those visiting Mexico City should research the current safety situation before the trip. Monitor the news for security risks, travel advisories, health warnings, planned protests, or crime waves.
Register with the embassy/consulate in Mexico City, so they can reach out in emergencies. Read up on local laws and customs to avoid trouble. For example, drug laws in Mexico are strict, with severe penalties.
Do not buy or use illegal drugs during the visit. Avoid situations like fights or arguments that could escalate. Remain respectful and use common sense.
Check embassy websites and news outlets for the latest local conditions.
2 Be Careful As A Pedestrian
Visitors should stay vigilant when crossing roads as a pedestrian as drivers don't always yield to those on foot. Only cross at designated corners/crosswalks when there is a walk signal, and keep alert for reckless drivers.
Use pedestrian bridges where available and refrain from assuming vehicles will stop, even at lights or signs. When traveling with kids, teach them the importance of road safety. Take extra care at night with poorly lit streets and roads. If possible, avoid being out walking late at night; don't jaywalk or attempt to cross highways/busy multi-lane streets.
Assume vehicles will not stop for pedestrians, even at crosswalks.
1 Carry Emergency Contacts And Navigation
Travelers should always carry a charged cell phone and the hotel's business card, as well as program emergency numbers like the police and embassy. Don't rely solely on maps on the phone in case it dies; have a backup paper map for navigation.
Learn basic Spanish phrases to ask for help or directions if needed. There are several free language apps travelers can use. Practice the route from the hotel to key sites to avoid getting lost. Arrange a check-in system with family/friends back home and keep them updated on plans. Staying in touch provides added safety.
Have emergency numbers programmed and a backup battery/charger for the phone.