Is Mexico City Safe? The short answer is Yes, this city in general is safe to visit with some safety precautions that I will share in this friendly Guide for you to have in consideration when traveling to Mexico City.
The Amazing Reasons to visit Mexico City
If you’re looking for an amazing vacation destination, you can’t go wrong with Mexico City, Mexico. This vibrant city is full of culture, history, and amazing food. Plus, there’s plenty to do in Mexico City no matter what your interests are.
One of the best things about Mexico City is that it’s a very affordable place to visit. You can find plenty of hotel rooms and Airbnbs for very reasonable prices. And since the city is so large, there’s always something new to explore, even if you’ve been here before.
For foodies, Mexico City is a paradise. There are countless amazing restaurants to choose from, serving everything from traditional Mexican food to international cuisine in which Mexico City has now 3 of the Best Restaurants in the World located here. Plus, the city has some of the best street food in the world. If you want to try something truly unique, be sure to check out the markets in Coyoacan, Mercado Juarez or Mercado de Jamaica.
And of course, no trip to Mexico City would be complete without a visit to one of its many beautiful parks or plazas. Chapultepec Park is one of the largest parks in the city and is home to several museums, including the National History Museum. Or you could spend an afternoon relaxing in Alameda Central, one of the oldest parks in the city.
You will have a great time and as long as you follow some of these safety precautions and general insights of this city you will have a blast. I Promise!!
Is Mexico City safe for Americans and visitors Worldwide?
Yes, Mexico City is safe for Americans and all visitors. The crime rate is much lower than it was in the past and the police force is much stronger. There are also a number of programs in place to help keep people safe. If you are traveling to Mexico City, I would recommend following the safety tips from the Four Seasons Mexico City.
US State Department Advisory for Mexico City
There are no restrictions on Travel for U.S. Goverment employees in Mexico City, you can check the State Department Notifications and Updates on Mexico City Here.
Mexico City Crime Rate Going Down in the last 5 Years statistics
The Mexican government has been working hard to lower the crime rate in Mexico City and it has been successful. In the last five years, the crime rate has gone down by 13%. The police force has been beefed up and they have been working diligently to keep the streets safe. The city has also implemented a number of programs to help keep people safe.
Security Measures Taken in Mexico City to reduce Crime
So, what security measures are in place to keep residents and visitors safe in Mexico City?
For starters, the city has a large police force that is visible on the streets. There are also security cameras throughout the city, and many businesses have security guards.
Additionally, the Mexican government has put into place a program called “Safe Cities”. This program includes measures such as increasing lighting in public areas, installing security cameras, and providing training for law enforcement.
The “Safe Cities” program has been successful in reducing crime in Mexico City. In the three years since it was implemented, the murder rate has decreased by 25%.
Of course, no city is completely safe from crime. But, overall, Mexico City is a safe place to visit and live. If you take precautions and use common sense, you will likely never have any problems.
Types of Common Crimes in Mexico City
Here are some of the most common crimes in Mexico City, and what you can do to avoid them:
1. Robbery: Robberies can occur anywhere in Mexico City, but they’re most common in areas that are known to be dangerous, like Tepito and La Merced. If you’re planning on visiting these areas, be sure to take extra precautions, like keeping your belongings in a safe place and avoiding walking alone at night.
2. Carjackings: Carjackings are relatively rare in Mexico City, but they do happen. The best way to avoid this type of crime is to be aware of your surroundings and to not leave your car unlocked and unattended.
3. Assault: Assault is another common crime in Mexico City, especially in areas that are known to be dangerous. If you’re assaulted, the best thing to do is to hand over your belongings and cooperate with the attacker. Resistance will only increase the chances of getting hurt.
4. kidnapping: Kidnappings are unfortunately quite common in Mexico City, especially among wealthy Mexicans. If you’re planning on visiting Mexico City, it’s important to take precautions to avoid this type of crime. Be sure to not go out alone at night, and avoid walking in deserted areas. If you’re traveling in a car, keep the doors locked and the windows up at all times.
Safety Tips to follow in Mexico City
This is a comprehensive Guide and Tips for you to consider when visiting Mexico City that you should consider when visiting this city. Locals alike also use these safety cautions in there daily lives.
General Tips for Navigating Mexico City Safely
1. Avoid walking alone at night. Mexico City is a big city and there are areas that are best avoided after dark. If you must walk alone, stick to well-lit and busy streets.
2. Don’t flash your valuables. Mexico City is a prime target for pickpockets and thieves. Keep your money, credit cards, and other valuables hidden away and out of sight.
3. Know where you’re going. If you’re unfamiliar with an area, it’s best to take a taxi or Uber instead of walking around. This will help you avoid getting lost and potentially putting yourself in a dangerous situation.
4. Be aware of your surroundings. Mexico City can be a chaotic place, so it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings. This includes being aware of your belongings and keeping an eye out for any suspicious characters or activity.
5. Stay in a safe area. There are certain areas of Mexico City that are safer than others. If you’re not familiar with the city, it’s best to stay in a safe and well-known area, such as Polanco.
following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Mexico City.
Avoid Taking a Taxicab in Mexico City
Mexico City is one of the largest and most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city is also one of the most dangerous, with a high crime rate. In addition, the Mexico City taxi system is notoriously unsafe and unreliable.
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, don’t take a taxi – take Uber instead. Uber is a safe, reliable, and affordable ridesharing service that has quickly become popular in Mexico City. With Uber, you can request a ride with just a few taps on your smartphone, and you’ll always know exactly how much you’ll pay upfront. Plus, your Uber driver will be background-checked and insured.
So why risk your safety by taking a taxi in Mexico City? With Uber, you can rest assured that you’ll get a safe, reliable ride.
Using Public Transportation Safely in Mexico City
One of the best ways to get around Mexico City is by metro. The metro is cheap, efficient, and relatively safe. Of course, like any big city, there are always going to be pickpockets so you need to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close. But as long as you’re vigilant, you should be fine.Also be aware ot the Metro Stations you are heading, some of them can be daunting or feel unsafe to move around compared to other stations like for example Polanco or Reforma.
Another option for getting around Mexico City is by bus or the famous Metrobus Line which is a bus line that goes through Reforma Avenue and Insurgentes which are 2 of the most important and biggest avenues in Mexico City, Imagine a Metro but with a bus concept.Generally Speaking, the Metrobus is a safe transportation to use and you will notice that there is at least one cop in every station in which the Metrobus Arrives. Price for the Metrobus is $21 MXN which includes a Metrobus Card and a $6.00MXN fee per ride.
Again, the city has an extensive bus system that can get you just about anywhere you need to go. The buses are a bit more crowded than the metro, so pickpocketing . But as long as you keep your belongings close, you should be fine.
Dealing With Pickpockets and Common Scams in Mexico City
I want to share just a few of the common types of Scams and suspicious people that offer some shady services that you should avoid:
Watch Out for the “friendly” local who wants to show you around. They may seem harmless, but their goal is to separate you from your money. Another is the fake taxi driver. These drivers will try to overcharge you, so only use official taxis.
Also if you’re at the City Center, avoid people offering you to visit their Rooftops, Nightclubs or Bars, they tend to be tourist traps and will overcharge you everything even a surprise cover fee. This normally happens in Centro Histórico Rooftops and the Zona Rosa Neighborhood where they will offer you to enter to some shady nightclubs or Free Drinks and then charge you overpriced charges or Hidden Fees.
Also If you happen to be at The Centro Histórico and someone approaches you and offers to shine your shoes or take a picture of you and offer it for 1 Dollar Beware, these are also common Scams where these scammers will try to charge you overpriced fees for a simple shoe shine or when they take a photo of you they will say its 1 Dollar ($20MXN)or taking the picture but that the actual Paper print is worth $100 MXN and if you dont pay they will likely call gangsters and force you to pay. Avoid at all costs these Too Good to be true Offers.
If you’re careful and aware of your surroundings, you’ll have a great time in Mexico City without any problems. Enjoy your trip!
3 Recommended Hotels to Stay in Mexico City
When it comes to choosing a hotel in Mexico City, there are many options to consider. The Ritz Carlton Mexico City, Camino Real Polanco and The Four Seasons Mexico City are three of the best hotels in the city, each offering its own unique amenities and accommodations.
The Ritz Carlton Mexico City is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. Located in the heart of the financial district, this hotel offers five-star accommodations and services. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the cityscape from the rooftop pool, dine at one of the many on-site restaurants, or relax in the spa.
Camino Real Polanco is another great option for those looking for luxury accommodations. This hotel is located in the fashionable Polanco district and features an on-site spa, fitness center, and swimming pool. Guests can also enjoy a meal at one of the hotel’s three restaurants or take advantage of the 24-hour room service.
The Four Seasons Mexico City is a great choice. This hotel is located in Paseo de la Reforma and offers comfortable rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant called Zanaya or take a dip in the rooftop pool. There World Class Suites are also one of the highlights of the Four Seasons Hotel.
You can also check my 13 Best Hotels in Mexico City Guide where I recommend really good options for you to stay in Mexico City
Safety Numbers In Case of an Emergency
If you do find yourself in a situation where you need help, there are a few numbers you can call:
For medical emergencies, dial 066.
For the police, dial 060.
For the fire department, dial 080.
For any other emergencies or immediate police assistance, dial 911.
Knowing What Activities to Avoid in Mexico City
When it comes to travel, there are always certain risks involved. No matter where you go in the world, there are always going to be some activities that are best avoided.
1. Walking around alone at night – Mexico City is not safe at night. There are a lot of criminals out and about looking for easy targets. If you must go out at night, make sure to go with a group of friends and stay in well-lit, busy areas.
2. Displaying valuables in public – If you walk around with your valuables on display, you are just asking to be targeted by criminals. Keep your valuables hidden and out of sight.
3. Carrying large amounts of cash – It is never a good idea to carry around large amounts of cash. If you are mugged, the chances of getting your money back are slim to none.
4. Accepting drinks from strangers at Shady Bars – This is a common way for people to drug and rob victims. If you accept a drink from a stranger, you could end up in a very dangerous situation.
5. Going to ATMs in isolated areas – ATMs are often located in high-traffic areas, but there are also some that are located in more isolated areas. Avoid using ATMs that are in isolated areas, as they are more likely to be targeted by criminals.I always suggest my readers to look for ATM’s that are located in Shopping Malls or commercial districts that tend to be safer to get some cash in town.
6. Getting into cars with strangers – It is never a good idea to get into a car with a stranger, no matter what the situation is. There have been many cases of people being kidnapped or robbed after getting into cars with strangers especially at night.
7. Wearing expensive jewelry – If you wear expensive jewelry, you are just asking to be targeted by criminals. Leave your expensive jewelry at home and only wear cheaper jewelry while in Mexico City.
8. Hiring unlicensed tour guides – There are many unlicensed tour guides in Mexico City who will try to take advantage of tourists. Only hire licensed tour guides and make sure to do your research beforehand.I recommend reliable tour operators like Viator or Get Your Guide for booking your Tours or Workshops in Mexico City
Viator Recommended & Safe Tours to do in Mexico City
Neighborhoods Where You Should Feel Safe
In Mexico City, there are many different neighborhoods that you can visit. However, not all of these neighborhoods are going to be safe for you to visit. In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at some of the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City so that you can have a great time while you’re visiting without having to worry about your safety.
One of the safest neighborhoods that you can visit in Mexico City is Polanco. This neighborhood is located in the central part of the city and it’s known for being one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in all of Mexico City. Because of this, there are a lot of security guards and cameras throughout Polanco. This makes it a very safe place for you to visit, especially if you’re a solo traveler.
Another safe neighborhood in Mexico City is Condesa. This neighborhood is located just west of Polanco and it’s known for being a very trendy and fashionable area. There are a lot of young people who live in Condesa and because of this, the neighborhood has a very safe and relaxed atmosphere. This is a great place to visit if you want to experience the nightlife in Mexico City.
Neighborhoods You should Definitely Avoid in Mexico City
Here are some neighborhoods you should avoid when visiting Mexico City:
One of the first neighborhoods you should avoid is Tepito. This area is located in the central part of the city and is known for being a hotbed of crime. Drug trafficking, kidnappings, and murders are all relatively common in Tepito. The area is also known for being home to a number of street gangs. If you’re looking for a safe and peaceful place to live, Tepito is definitely not the right choice.
Finally, you should also avoid the “Alcaldia” or District of Iztapalapa. This area is located in the eastern part of the city and is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in all of Mexico City. While Iztapalapa is safe during the daytime, it can be quite dangerous at night. There have been a number of reports of robberies and assaults in this area, so it’s best to avoid it if you can.
Avoid at any cost thinking of going to the Suburbs of Mexico City or heading to the State of Mexico’s neighborhoods like Ecatepec, Neza and Naucalpan. Many Criminals that commit Crimes in Mexico live in these areas that are close to Mexico City.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Mexico City Safely
I’ve been living in Mexico City my whole life so I can guarantee that this will be a helpful guide for you to consult when visiting town.Like I said, Mexico City is one of the most populous cities in the world, and with that comes a certain amount of crime. But if you’re smart about the way you go about your business, you can avoid any problems and have an amazing time with all the Things to do in Mexico City and also my favorite part which is its Amazing Food.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT AND ACCOMMODATION: I highly recommend Expedia.com for flights,stays and Car Rentals for your Destination
BEST HOTEL DEALS: If you’re looking for the best hotel Deals, I’ve found that Booking.com is the best for you to book your hotel stay from any destination around the world.
BOOK THE BEST TOURS AND EXPERIENCES: Looking for things to do in the City you are visiting? I always book the Best Tours and Experiences through Viator.com
BEST TRAVEL INSURANCE:Many People ask me about the Best Insurance when Traveling. I always recommend SafetyWing as they offer multiple flexible policies – especially if you are traveling for a long time or a digital nomad.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR VISA? Figuring out how and when you need a visa can be Challenging. iVisa is a very handy and user-friendly service.
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