Any tips for travel in Mexico City as far as safety goes? Or is it no worse than a major US city?

Question

Thank you every one, I really appreciate all the feedback

Answer 1

Ok
I spent just lot of months in Mexico City awhile back. Its really not the bad. Just try to stay in areas that are more for tourist then citizens. Keep cash out of sight and carry only what you need. Drink bottled water there are many good brands in Mexico. If you want to drink soda drink a local kind do not
buy an american kind (like in a can cause it will make you stick out like a thumb). There are special booths now open for questions or directions one is in DF Mexico by the Palacio De Bellas Artes (major site seeing spot).
If you need to change your american money to pesos try this restaurant Sanborns, plus great service and food they will take your dollars and change them to pesos. (Yes they do give the correct change) If your in DF this one is right in front of Palacio De Bellas Artes.
Call taxis from your hotel don't pick them off the street, the safe one are called Sito Taxis.
Well that is about all
Have a safe and fun trip!!

Answer 2

I have been through some training regarding safety when traveling for business overseas and believe it or not, Mexico City is one of the top cities that are considered unsafe for an American to travel to. Sorry - I know that is pretty harsh, but very true. I was surprised, it out-ranked the middle-east. There are 2 things you want to watch out for - use only a reputable well-known cab company. Some cab drivers will take you out of the way where you will be "robbed" at a stop light when some thugs jump in and rob you as soon as the cab stops. The driver will act as though he is fighting for you, but he is actually part of it. The #1 thing to be careful of is standing outside of your hotel and being picked up to be robbed. What they do is steal your ATM/Debit card and credit cards and keep you with them for several days until they empty out all of the accounts. They will beat you up during the process and dump you off when they have all your money. The best rule of thumb is to have a plan/itinerary and stick to it. Don't wander off on your own and don't linger anywhere you shouldn't be.

Answer 3

It is not a major US city. The Police are corrupt but they will take a bribe instead of locking you up for a traffic ticket. Brush up on your Spanish and understand the currency exchange rate. On the bright side, it's a nice place. Armed guards are everywhere in the city but the people are friendly for the most part and the food and places to see are great.

I've been there and have always been told to never take a cab, so I contract with a private transportation firm to haul me around. Never had any problems. I stay in a "name brand" hotel. The pyramids are nice if you have a day to go see them. Other than the many armed guards with semi-automatic weapons strolling the streets, it's just a very big city.

With the previous responses, don't carry a wallet and keep your cash in your front pocket!

Answer 4

Do not travel alone in any major city while looking like a scared tourists. Walk and act with confidence and enjoy this awesome, though crowded, city. It is unwise to travel alone until you become familiar with how thing s work there.

In Mexico City, simply blend in. Comfortable clothes and backpacks are common even among well-to-do citizens. Women- please do not wear heels or you will have very unhappy feet because you will be on them all day (you have been warned). It is very wise to use your "Common Sense" in crowded street market places.

If you want to eat the very excellent street food which is everywhere, visit your health department for some shots and eat everything. Worry about the diet tomorrow :)

Answer 5

my boyfriend was born and raised in mexico and still living there, and he's from mexico city. this is what he asked me to watch out for when we went there together...and some thing that he does....1) never hail a cab. always call for one ahead of time. and NEVER take the subway. 2) never stay in a budget motel, the reliable services a nice hotel can provide you are worth the extra money. and sometimes workers at budget hotels will arrange to receive a cut if a cab driver they call, robs you. 3) don't carry a lot of money with you, but always carry some. this way if someone robs you, you won't make them angry by having nothing to give them. and keep this money in a button pocket. 4) don't dress flashy or wear jewerly that looks nice. and don't carry namebrand purses or bags 5) wear sunglasses when it makes sense too...keeps you from looking so american. 6) don't talk to people about how much money you have, or about your job if it sounds important (this seems obvious, but...even saying something like, "oh yeah, my dad went to law school too!" may make you sound like a good target.

something else..he asked me to always lock my door as soon as i got in the car, and to sit in the middle of the backseat...i don't know why. maybe do this in the cab.

they say that mexico city is no worse than new york city or something...but at least according to my bf, the rumors exist for a reason...you should not dismiss them, and you need to realize the danger is very real. kidnapping and holding people for randsom is no joke, and it's not hyped, it really happens. you should never be caught somewhere that even looks unsafe. i think people who live there, and those who have spent a lot of time there feel comfortable because they know exactly what to do, where to go, and what to recognize. but admit your weakenesses...you don't know those things. so just be on guard.

oh yeah...and don't fully trust the police officers. honestly, in most of mexico i think it's reasonable to assume you can trust them...they may take your money, but they won't put you in danger. in mexico city....nu uh.

Answer 6

Mexico City is awesome, I love it!! Just be careful the way you would be in the USA, don't do anything stupid, and more than anything, don't carry money in your pockets, especially on the metro. Pickpockets abound, so beware! Have a great time! If you have any questions about the DF (Distrito Federal as it's sometimes called) drop me an e-mail and I'll do what I can. I've been there at least 10 times and just bought a ticket for November. Have a great trip!

Answer 7

I have traveled to different parts of Mexico all my life, and have come across a couple of problems. Hope you don't go through any of those. 1.) Don't drink the water, have ice, or any other beverage that isn't in a can
2.) if you are driving- a car accident is a crime, so you will go to jail if the cops are called
3.) Have small bills (under $20) in your wallet or purse, cuz u will eventually have to pay off at least one cop
4.) if there is a female in the car, when you come to a red light, make sure her purse isn't visible cuz they crack your window and run off with your purse, while you're stuck at the light.
5.) don't have any jewelry on you, it attracts their attention
6.) put a lock on your luggage, bags, and don't leave anything valuable in the hotel
7.) Please be very careful, have careful fun. In Mexico, you are guilty until proven innocent.

Answer 8

Mexico City is one of the most dirtiest cities in Mexico and also the most difficult for us americans. The exchange rate for money is 1of our is approx 10 of theirs but check around for exchange rates and do not always use the first one or the same one. If you are walking around do it in the daylight and use a taxi at night. Do not fall for people you see on the street peddling for money and do not talk to a stranger out on the street if you get lost ask someone in a hotel or resturant, most hotels have people who speak english and spanish. do not leave valuables in your room if in a hotel or money either, yes the police are corrupt down there but they (mexicans) believe all americans are rich. they are just trying to survive on their paychecks which equals about 30-80 american dollars a week. do not give kids your money for doing things for you if you feel you must a couple of pesos is alot to them

Answer 9

When traveling anywhere in the world I think is best not to carry any expensive parafernalia unless you need to. Do not show you have plenty of money unless you want to impress some girl but do it private. Low profile always works.

Stay out of unknown places and do not walk on the street when empty and dark.

Answer 10

Dont wear any jewelry...and Dont keep any certain amount of money on you...Stay alert all times...It also depends wear you travel in the City....There are places like the ghetto there and also nice places...
Stay Safe~