Corrupt cops, kidnappers, shootouts, criminals posing as taxi drivers....i've heard all the rumours but is Mexico City really that unsafe for tourists?
2006-09-12 00:51:18 · 22 answers · asked by Darren S 1 in Travel ➔ Mexico ➔ Mexico City
It is the kidnapping capitol of the world. Holding people for ransom is big business down there.
2006-09-12 00:53:30 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I spent some time in Mexico City last year and was really surprised at how nice it was.
Apart from the pyramids, other highlights include the worlds biggest indoor market and the basilica de guadalupe (where an image of the Virgin Mary appeared on a cape).
There are quite a few nice restaurants and bars. Make sure you go for lunch in the house of tiles, which is beautiful.
Obviously in any big city you have to be careful but I didn't find it any more threatening than London (and the metro is much better and cheaper than our underground). The main problem in Mexico City is the huge amount of traffic.
And it probably helps if you learn a bit of Spanish. I can only speak very basic Spanish but managed to get by okay.
2006-09-12 08:07:21 · answer #2 · answered by peacock 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that media exagerates a lot of stuff. Of course there are some danger zones, but it goes the same for all big cities in the world. We're above 20 million mexican living in a valley, you can't expect that everyone of them is a law abiding citizen.
I do think that it is safe, but just be informed on what you can and can't do when you come here.
If you want a taxi, go to a sitio, which are taxis that have a base somewhere, they're pretty much safe. Usually at the hotels you can find them, and some corporate buildings.
Shootouts? I guess you could say we have as much as Los Angeles, California.... You know, all the movies and such...
As some one said, right now it's not the best time to come. Since Interlonas has been on Reforma, traffic's gone through hell, so you will spend a lot of time moving.
2006-09-14 00:47:14 · answer #3 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is about as bad as some other cities of close to 20,000,000 people but not nearly as bad as others. It is NOT the "kidnapping capital of the world," (that idiot has just been watching too many Denzel Washington flicks.)
As others have put it you do need to take precautions, be careful, etc., just as you do in any huge city. The police corruption is improving, but not fast enough. There are only a few "pirate" (criminal) taxis, but they are indeed scary.... The political situation is resolving, anyway there was never any violence directed at ordinary people and especially NOT tourists!
There are probably much less "shootouts" here than in New York, Chicago, LA or Cleveland (its a LOT harder to carry illegal guns here)
I have lived here for 13 years and take lots of taxis, walk the streets (during the daytime) and have never had a problem (my wife was, however robbed once in a taxi in a low class suburb..) If you use caution, you will be fine and it is a wonderful city to see.
(Of course, if you like to go drinking in back street clubs with nasty looking total strangers, smoke crack and wave wads of US cash around, well........ then only God can help you......)
2006-09-13 20:58:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It all depends, I mean it's like any other place. There is more crimes in some areas than in others. I have been there a couple of times, because my family from over there. I went to San Luis Potisi and it's nice , but i would really never go with my car and friends the only reason i went was beacuse of my family. On the way back we hit a horse!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank god for international insurance. But the federal which are the police wanted to take our truck so we had to bribe them and give them money to let us take it with our belongings. I mean it is very corrupted, that why million of immigrants come to the US you need to have money to get away with stuff ,and many people dont have that. Poverty it really exist down there. That why Mexico the way it is. All that corruption, kidnapping, and rape, murders............... It is sad but it does exist.
2006-09-12 14:24:09 · answer #5 · answered by roxannafw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Pachuca 55 miles from Mexico City and visit it occasionally. I've lived in many large cities in the USA and Latin America. Mexico City can be dangerous if you're unaware. Keep your head up, your hands on your belongings and then I'd say it's no more dangerous than downtown Houston...but..of course there are areas you should avoid altogether. None of these dangerous places are usually listed in travel guides so don't worry so much. There's too much that's worthwhile seeing to pass on Mexico City completely. I recommend the Museum of Anthropology, the Castillo of Chapultepec and the Bellas Artes theater for starters.
2006-09-14 15:43:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mexico city is like any other major city in the world, It has its criminals and its good honest people. As long as you practice common sense and stay in tourist zones then you shouldn't have to worry about much. Just remember to not walk around flaunting how much money you have. Don't wear super expensive clothing or jewelery if you're just going to be sight seeing. Make sure you know where your wallet and purse is at all times. There are very good pickpockets in Mexico City that will get your wallet or watch without you even noticing. Don't keep all your money or credit cards in your wallet. I typically like to keep my passport travelers checks and most of my daily spending cash in a money belt. I then carry a smaller amount of spending cash in my wallet. This way if you do happen to get mugged they think they have all your cash and will leave you alone. Anyway just be smart about where you go and what you do. Be aware of the people around you but try not to let people know that you're being overcautious. That will just bring you the unwanted attention you're trying to avoid.
2006-09-12 20:10:54 · answer #7 · answered by nurep13 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am of Mexican decent, so I watch alot of Spanish language news. There is alot of crime in Mexico City. But it is not any worse than any other city here in the U.S. The only thing that is worse is that the cops are sooooo crooked, you can pay them off. That is why the people there feel so unsafe, you can't trust even the police.
It is sad, because there are so many beautiful places to visit there. People will be reluctant to go because of the rising crime.
2006-09-12 16:53:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was there for a week in 2004 and was fine, no troubles at all. Very friendly people and an amazing place to go. Do be carefull about eating the streetfood around the Zocalo though, it is delicious but i got the worst food poisoning ever. I won't go into detal.
2006-09-13 16:38:13 · answer #9 · answered by beany 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like in all the great cities, certain insecurity in the streets exists, but not so exaggerated, single is necessary to take certain precautions like not bringing jewels visible, cash, and other preventive measures, the tourists can be sure that is a great city, and will be safe dont worry.
2006-09-12 09:29:19 · answer #10 · answered by sigma 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No worse than any other city on the planet.
But things are a bit tense since the whole presidential election. The Socialist candidate refuses to accept their loss, accusing the winning conservative party of the same illegal political tactics used by the Ultraliberal PRI ever since the Republic was born.
2006-09-12 07:54:35 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋