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Home » North America » Mexico City

Is Mexico City Safe for Travel? (TOP Safety Tips 2024)

After 3 trips and more than 12 months today travelling around this glorious country, I was finally convinced to go to Mexico City. To my great surprise, I stayed for one whole month. And as a self-proclaimed city-hater, I fell deeply in love with this magical place.

The reputation of Cuidad de México (or CDMX) as a ‘safe’ place isn’t a good one. Of course, like all major cities, it’s no stranger to crime. 

Combine that with the occasional natural disaster and a huge population, you’re probably asking “Is Mexico City safe?” or “How dangerous is Mexico City?” You may also be wondering, is it even worth visiting? 

Mexico City is an amazing assault on the senses. Bustling, beautiful, and bold, the Mexican capital has astonishing experiences waiting for travellers. From Aztec ruins and opulent palaces to a whole galaxy of tasty street food to try!

I want to assure you, staying safe in Mexico City is absolutely possible . Thousands of people are doing it right now. 

But some safety tips and street smarts will go a long way. From solo women travellers to the up-to-date travel advisory, here’s your one-stop shop Mexico City safety guide.

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Mexico City Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Mexico City.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated April 2024

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Is Mexico City Safe to Visit Right Now?

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The short answer is yes , it is safe to visit Mexico City. However, I must also make it clear that you MUST be careful at all times.

There are certain things you need to be aware of while visiting Mexico City to ensure you have a safe trip. Mexico City recorded 4,204,414 international visitors by 2022 according to Gobierno de Mexico Tourism with majorly trouble-free visit.

The city’s historic centre, or Centro Historico , is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with a cathedral, palace, and the largest square in the Americas – the Zocalo. But just like Mexico’s safety , the city isn’t considered super safe. 

At least, I can’t send you there outright without mentioning some reasons for concern. The current Mexico travel advisory from the USA remains ‘ exercise increased caution ‘. This big, bustling city may be the economic centre of Mexico but… there are higher levels of petty crime and violent crime in Mexico City compared to other major cities.

Natural disasters also affect the city’s safety. Earthquakes are common and unpredictable in Mexico City.

But I want to put your mind at ease: despite its bad reputation, Mexico City sees millions of tourists every year. The vast majority of these visiting Mexico City do so completely safely. 

Gang-related violent crimes are rarely targeted at tourists and visitors. Plus, that happens in certain neighbourhoods of Mexico City that you probably won’t be visiting.

Mexico City also has one of the highest police officer-per-resident ratios in the world. So security is taken very seriously in touristy areas where violent crime is extremely rare.

Though, like most major cities, these areas are where petty theft will occur. Thieves are usually active around busy tourist areas.

It’s safe to visit Mexico City, but show caution as you go. So how do you do that? Let me take you into a little more detail.

Check out our detailed where to stay guide for Mexico City so you can start your trip right!

Safest Places in Mexico City

When travelling to a monster city like Mexico City, it is invaluable to know a little bit about the safe areas to stay in before you arrive. Beyond being much safer, certain areas are just much more fun and well-connected. 

Generally (and this rule applies to many areas of Mexico as a country), more tourists mean it’s safer. Well-lit tourist areas, with lots of police officers, mean lower crime rates. 

The following areas are also pretty safe to walk around at night too. Though if you are moving between areas, please don’t walk.

• Centro Historico – the city’s historic centre is home to several historic buildings and a veritable shit ton of museums, this is where the city was first founded. While wandering the pedestrian-only streets, violent crime is extremely rare – though pickpockets and petty crime are still rife. 
• Coyoacán – the more chill and open barrio of Mexico City and once home to Frida Kahlo, this neighbourhood is very visitor-friendly. 
• Roma Norte – the centre of art and quirky culture in Mexico City, Roma Norte has a unique feel. There are a plethora of bars, restaurants, and cafes to wander between but it is full of bloody hipsters because it’s the coolest place to stay in Mexico City.
• La Condensa – with wide avenues and well-maintained European-style buildings, this neighbourhood attracts many young professionals and travellers. It also has a thriving nightlife scene.

Dangerous Places in Mexico City

Now to the “not-so-nice” areas that you should avoid while in Mexico City. Some people may refer to them as the “ dangerous areas of Mexico City ” and they wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. There’s very little reason for you to go to these non-tourist areas anyway, but it’s always good to have a rough idea.

I recommend the following as places to avoid in Mexico City:

• ANYWHERE at night: I can’t stress this enough. As mentioned above, there are some select places that are okay to be in at night. But if you’re moving between places, absolutely exercise increased caution with public transportation. Or, just get an Uber. Ask your accommodation about the local area, like if it’s okay to walk back from the closest Metro station for example. 
• Iztapalapa: Especially if you’re a female traveller (but I’m absolutely discouraging any other sexes too), avoid this area completely. Most rapes and assaults have been recorded in this neighbourhood.
• Tepito: This area is right outside the historical centre and is famous for petty theft and pickpocketing. Known to be the black market of Mexico City, you can do some budget shopping in Tepito, but leave all your valuables at home.
• Others: Tlalpan, La Lagunilla, Mercado Merced, Doctores, Ciudad Neza, Xochimilco, and Tlatelolco – do not visit these areas alone or without a local guide!

Keeping your money safe in Mexico City

 One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.The best solution? Get a money belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Like many places, travelling safely requires more than pure luck. It’s important to clue yourself up with travel safety tips for Mexico City. 

This is not an extensive list: you should remain vigilant and have your wits about you at all times. But here are some pointers that will help you out. 

• Blend in – try and look like someone who knows what they’re doing, even if you don’t.
• Get an eSIM card for Mexico – this helps with lots of things.
• Don’t look rich – expensive jewelry, iPhone 14 Plus in hand, nice camera… all things that thieves want.
• Watch out on public transport – Pickpocketing is the most common crime in Mexico City. Use a money belt to keep some cash hidden .
• Ask about areas to avoid – there are dangerous areas in Mexico City.
• At night, DON’T walk – especially when intoxicated and/or alone.
• Further to that, ONLY take official taxis – Ubers are the safest in Mexico City. 
• Remember the emergency number – 911. 
• Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
• Be careful near roads – Look both ways, twice. Drivers can be reckless. 
• Learn Spanish – you don’t have to be fluent but even a bit will go a long way. 
• Only use ATMs in the daytime – inside shops or banks.
• Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
• Steer clear of people trying to scam you – distraction techniques, luggage helpers, petitions etc. (More info coming on scams in Mexico City.)
• Don’t resist if someone tries to rob you – having no phone or watch is better than no life.
• Get an Earthquake App – this will alert you.
• Carry ID – even a copy. Police can ask for this and if you don’t have it, you can be detained.
• Stay away from drugs – the source of many problems in Mexico. It’s better for everyone to save it for another time. 
• Get good travel insurance !
• Don’t be consumed by dangers – but be aware. 

Yes, you can travel to Mexico City solo. Though, Mexico City is not exactly the safest place in the world .  

And by yourself, you’re going be a bit more of a target. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t go alone. Follow these tips and you’re setting yourself up for a great time.

• Make friends . There’s safety in numbers. 
• Stay in busy, well-lit areas . When there are people around, a mix of locals and tourists, it’s always a good sign. 
• Choose a top-rated hostel . Stay in popular tourist neighbourhoods. You won’t be short of choice in Mexico City. 
• Let people know your travel plans . Ideally, friends and family back home. At the very least, someone you can trust nearby. 
• Stay vigilant of your surroundings. This basically goes double for a solo traveller in Mexico . Petty crime is common in the tourist areas and metro of Mexico City.
• Don’t get too drunk . Don’t lose yourself. 
• Plan your way home before you leave . Especially if you’re coming back after nightfall. 
• Plan where you’re going beforehand . Don’t go walking into neighborhoods you know nothing about. Plan an itinerary and stick to it.
• Keep money in different places and have an emergency credit card . Always have a backup.
• Chat with the staff at your hostel or guesthouse . Ask them for their tips and recommendations (and practice your Spanish).
• Know your limits . Rest as you need to, sleep well, and know when to call it a day.

Generally, just be sensible. Exploring Mexico City is a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone , but at the end of the day, your safety is always paramount. So don’t push yourself too much!

Yes, Mexico City is safe for solo female travellers . I don’t want to scare you, because you are a strong, independent woman. Many solo female travellers go to Mexico City all the time, and have a great experience! 

But it’s my duty to make you *aware* of some safety concerns that solo women face in this enormous powerhouse of a city. I have debated this situation long and hard and – depending on who you ask – you will have a completely different answer. 

Unfortunately, not all solo female travellers in Mexico City are or feel safe at all times. But there are many things you can do to maximize your safety!

• Trust your spidey senses! – if your gut says something is wrong then it probably is. 
• Check out good hostels for women – read reviews, make friends, and share experiences and tips. Use female-only dorms if you prefer.
• Make use of female-only transport – not essential but it may make you feel safer. Taxis, buses, trains, and metros all have female-only areas.
• Dress accordingly – Mexico is still a relatively conservative country. I love breaking boundaries but this is not the time or place. Observe what other women are wearing and follow suit.
• Again, DO NOT WALK HOME ALONE AT NIGHT – there’s way more to do in daylight hours anyway.
• Don’t leave your food or drink unattended – spiking occurs.  
• Don’t open the door for anyone – the hotel or hostel will let in other guests. It’s not your job. 
• Be aware of dangers, but don’t get consumed by them .   Try to stay rational.
• If someone bothers you, LET EVERYONE KNOW ! Should it loud and make a fuss.
• You don’t have to be polite – or answer questions, or tell the truth. Saying “no” is always okay too!

Centro Historico

With lots of historical landmarks, great shop and beautiful architecture, Centro Historico is an amazing neighborhood to visit.

Yes! Mexico City is safe to travel for families. It’s actually pretty kid-friendly too, considering it’s one of the world’s major cities.

There are loads of museums and parks, filled with families. Basically, there’s a ton of stuff to get involved with – starting with street vendors selling tasty churros, of course.

Though, walking around with strollers isn’t very easy at all. The city is often crowded and surfaces are uneven. And don’t expect to find many baby-changing facilities – except in chain restaurants and museums.

The sun is very strong here though too. Being at a high altitude, even when it doesn’t feel too hot, the UVs are still beating down hard.

Following the other safety tips above, Mexico City is a safe place for families to visit.

So first, no standard driver in Mexico City has done any kind of formal driving instructions or test. So now imagine the chaos and danger that can cause. Always exercise increased caution around the roads – because they really aren’t paying attention to red lights, one-way streets, pedestrians… you get the picture. 

For that reason, I absolutely DO NOT recommend driving in Mexico City. That’s the end of that. 

Okay, so how do you get around Mexico City safely?

Well, your best option is the Mexico City Metro. The metro carries 5 million passengers a day with 12 lines and 195 stations. 

It’s the second biggest in North America, after NYC. It’s cheap, it works well enough, and it’s (usually) the fastest way to get about. You get a Metro card from any station for 15 pesos (about $0.80 USD) and each ride costs 5 pesos (about $0.30 USD). 

Though be aware: pickpockets are VERY active. Harassment also occurs, ranging from people just asking for money to more serious offenses (which are more uncommon).

Like most places in the world, taxi drivers are a bit shit. Be aware of taxi scams (more info coming up) which again range in the seriousness of offenses. They generally just love to hike up the prices. 

ONLY use official taxis. Ask at your accommodation where your nearest Sitio is. 

DON’T hail taxis on the streets. Better yet, opt for Uber or Didi . 

Uber is safe in Mexico City and actually a much better option. It’s cheaper, you have all the details of the driver recorded, and you can track your journey. 

The buses work well if you have some patience. All kinds of buses run across the city.

Generally, public transport in Mexico City is safe but very busy.

In the big city, you should be prepared for scams. Knowing about these really changes your experience of safety in Mexico City. The scale varies from common scams that will just be a minor inconvenience to larger-scale scams. 

Here are some things to look out for: 

• Taxi scams – ranging from overcharging tourists to express kidnapping. Taxis have also been known to take people hostage and force them to take money from ATMs. This is why I stress: only use official taxis or a trusty taxi app like Uber .
• Fake ATMs – if you want to avoid having your card and/or pin number stolen, only use official banks. 
• Sauce scam – a mysterious liquid lands on you and a *friendly* stranger comes over to assist… and take your phone and wallet. 

If anyone seems overly friendly or asks too many personal questions, I would regard this as suspicious. Remember, you owe people nothing. 

How safe Mexico City is sometimes just comes down to luck. Always prioritize your safety and don’t feel bad to dismiss people at any time.

Like almost all major cities, unfortunately, crime happens in Mexico City. It varies a lot, but tourists are absolutely susceptible to (uncommon) violent and non-violent crimes. 

By following usual safety protocols, and exercising increased caution – as I recommend for anyone travelling anywhere – it’s very unlikely these crimes will affect you. This is only to make you aware of what could happen. 

The most common crime in Mexico occurs in the form of petty crime, such as pickpocketing – which happens mostly on public transportation and the Mexico City Metro. This is easily avoided with basic safety precautions and common sense.

Violent crimes do happen but they aren’t common. Kidnapping is rare , but not impossible. 

This is more avoidable by not looking rich. The richer you look, the higher someone would expect a ransom. Men are not exempt from this – so don’t think that this comes down to gender either.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Mexico City without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

To maximize your safety in Mexico City, getting good travel insurance for Mexico is essential. If things go wrong, and they can, this is your guardian angel.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

For a travel destination like Mexico City, there are lots of different things you have to consider when it comes to safety. We’ve listed the most common question, answers, and facts to make your trip as easy as possible.

What areas should you avoid in Mexico City?

Iztapalapa and Tepito are areas you should avoid in Mexico City, especially as a female traveler. Tepito is the black market and can be safe, but a lot of pickpocketing is happening here.

Is Mexico City safe to live in?

Yes, Mexico City is safe to live in. But make sure you do thorough research into the safest areas of the city to stay in. Centro Historico is one of the safest areas in Mexico City. Roma and Coyoacán are great too.

Is the water in Mexico City safe to drink?

No, tap water is not safe to drink in Mexico City. Unfortunately, water safety is not up to scratch. Stick to bottled water which you’ll find at your accommodation or any shop, anywhere.

Is it safe to walk at night in Mexico City?

No, walking around at night is not safe in Mexico City. If possible, only travel by taxi after dark. If you go out, make sure to stick with a group of friends instead of walking around alone.

This article is not designed to scare you away from this wonderful city. With the correct precautions and attitude, Mexico City is safe for foreigners, American tourists, solo women, families, and anyone else who wants to visit!

Despite all of these crazy things to think about, I would absolutely encourage you to go. Because that’s the point of Mexico City. It’s chaotic. It’s noisy and boisterous and loud and one of the most exciting cities on the planet. 

When you’re using your common sense and travel smarts, going to Mexico City is just as safe as anywhere else. If you’re backpacking Mexico already, don’t skip over this magical city. You’ll find I would recommend these safety tips for almost anywhere on the planet: exercise increased caution, stay in your lane, trust your gut, and prioritize your safety at all times. Besides that, you’re in for one hell of an experience. 

Once you’ve stepped foot across the threshold, you understand why people are attracted to visit Mexico City. You’re dropped into the middle of a mighty city with ancient history, deep culture, and insane food. 

Don’t forget your 911 emergency number. Oh, and get that travel insurance before you go. Then, of course, keep an extra eye on your stuff on the metro.

But once you’ve mastered the Mexico City Metro, you can pretty much call yourself an experienced traveller. Plus, if you can take on Mexico City, you can take on anywhere. The world is your oyster! 

Looking for more info on traveling to Mexico City?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in Mexico City
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Don’t forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
• Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Mexico City travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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11 Comments

Just got back from Mex City. I’m in my 60s. Polanco during the day was very nice to walk through. No hassles. Advice: always use Didi or Uber to travel, Always! it’s Cheap & safe. always use caution crossing streets, drivers never give way to pedestrians. If you are white, you will be a target for sellers and beggars constantly. You will also be followed/shadowed at times by pick pockets. If someone is over friendly or on the other hand seems too quiet, you need to be concerned. Other than Polanco and Roma Norte during the day, you have to walk with caution at all times. I have relatives there so I’m rarely alone. Mexico is wonderful with fantastic people. Unfortunately there is a very small group of criminals who target other Mexicans and especially foreigners.

They are super valid points to make. Thanks for sharing! I wouldn’t always recommend Didi or Uber just because the traffic is sometimes SO bad that I would be sat in traffic for ages. If you’re close to a Metro station, I would recommend the Metro for speed. But for safety, this is the best way to be extra cautious, for sure. Speaking in Spanish helped a lot with being shadowed too! Making friends with locals and having them with me while walking around the city made a world of difference.

To Cynthia, I can sure you “echar una paja” is used in Spain.

Please make your research and do not invent stuff and mislead people: There are NO hurricanes in Mexico City. It is a city with 2,250 m above sea level, surrounded by mountains and in the middle of the country. There has NEVER been a hurricane in Mexico City.

Hello, I think the writer, in this case, was making the point that harsh weather taking place outside of Mexico City still has the potential to affect the weather/rain in the capital. We were not suggesting in any way that Mexico City experiences (or ever has) actual hurricanes. cheers!

Is it safe to visit the Mexico City now-November to December?

November is a very popular time to visit Mexico City. All we’d say is exercise the usual travel precautions as outlined in our guide.

Amigo maybe you want to correct the phrase for ‘no straw please?’ In Mexico we don’t say ‘paja’ but ‘popote’. In Spain ‘paja’ means straw.. In Mexico it means j*r* off.

My daughter and myself would like to visit Mexico City for the Festival of the Dead. Will it be sort of save if keeping your tips in mind. No commitment from your side – only opinion please. thanks.

Most visits end trouble free, common sense and wise decisions are a must. Note that the larger crowds at DOD will likely attract criminals, unguarded valuables etc will be easy picking.

The best place to be for the Day of the Dead is Pátzcuaro Michoacán

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Update April 12, 2024

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Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Is Mexico City Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Mexico : Safety by City

• Aguascalientes
• Cabo San Lucas
• Chichen Itza
• Guadalajara
• Isla Holbox
• Isla Mujeres
• Mexico City
• Nuevo Laredo
• Piedras Negras
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Morelos
• Puerto Vallarta
• Queretaro City
• San Luis Potosi
• San Miguel de Allende
• Zihuatanejo

Mexico City is the capital city of Mexico, divided into 16 boroughs all of which tend to preserve some of their original and unique characteristics.

Centro Historico part of the city is where many historic colonial landmarks, and the famous Aztec Templo Mayor, can be found.

Mexico City is a metropolitan city with 26 million people living in the region and most tourists will spend the majority of their time going around the city.

Frequently visited areas of Mexico City are the Centro, the old city center, and Zona Rosa, the new business and entertainment part.

• Warnings & Dangers in Mexico City

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

You can feel completely free in Mexico City, as long as you remain watchful and stay in the touristic areas. The crime statistics show that crime is possible and frequent in Mexico City, but tourists are rarely targeted. Pay attention when approached by some people, since they might be thieves trying to rob you. If you do not want to look like a tourist, do not wear shorts, even though it is extremely hot.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

Because thieves operate on buses and subways, special attention should be paid if you happen to travel via the B line of the subway. The only safe taxi companies are Uber, EasyTaxi or Taxiaviso. Tourists should never catch cabs in the street. Metro is reliable and runs underground. Driving around by car is the least advised way of going around the city, due to the complicated road structure and reckless drivers. Be aware that traffic signals are not respected.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpocket risk in Mexico City is high, especially in the crowded streets. In order not to attract the attention of thieves, it is advisable not to wear expensive things around with you and avoid isolated areas. It is always a good idea to keep a copy of your passport and visa with you and leave the original in your hotel room or safe.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Mexico is prone to natural disasters and it has experienced many very strong earthquakes. Mexico City is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, which contribute to its air pollution.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The chances of being mugged or kidnapped in Mexico City exist and express kidnappings are usually performed by fake taxis. The best advice is that you never resist since they aim to force you to withdraw funds from your credit or debit cards, and not to injure you. However, if you resist, there might be more serious consequences.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There is no risk of terrorism in Mexico City since it is believed that the terrorist will not attack it.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Touristic places are attractive to scammers, who may try to scam you by doing magic tricks. Unlicensed taxis are the most usual scammers, who overcharge tourists or even take part in kidnappings. Be aware that groups of strange teenagers might try to distract you, while others will take your valuables or wallets.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Mexico City is a dangerous place for women that are not watchful enough and are not experienced travelers enough. It is advisable not to walk alone at night, and always travel by the women reserved cars in the subway and train.

• So... How Safe Is Mexico City Really?

When in Mexico City, do not be afraid if you see a lot of police force patrolling since the historic center is patrolled in the early evening for the tourists to feel protected.

Being an extremely crowded place, Mexico City is prone to pickpockets and bag snatchers so it is advised to be aware of your surroundings.

Mexicans are usually very friendly and helpful, but some will try to use this to rob you, so do not trust everyone.

Taxi robberies are frequent, but 95% of the total kidnapping victims are nationals.

Another advice is not to leave anything of value inside your car and do not try to show that you are a tourist.

One of the keys to maximizing your safety in Mexico City is to blend in.

• How Does Mexico City Compare?
• Useful Information

Whether you will need a visa or not when coming to Mexico depends on your nationalities. Citizens of the US, Canada, the EU, Israel, and Japan do not have to obtain it.

The Mexican Peso is the official currency of Mexico and this country is not so expensive, which makes it even more attractive for tourists. Mexico City is the most expensive city in Mexico, but still, a very cheap one compared to other metropolises in the world. ATMs can be found everywhere and it is safer to use ATMs during daylight hours and inside shops or malls.

Mexico City has a very good climate, which allows tourists to come throughout the whole year. The period from December to April is the high season. Mexico City has two seasons, dry one from November to April, and the rainy season from May to October.

Benito Juarez International Airport is the one that most travelers use when arriving in Mexico City by air. It is located in the eastern part of the city and has two terminals. There are frequent flights to and from larger cities in the world. Another airport in Toluca International Airport, 50 km southwest of Mexico City. Other major Mexican airports are in Cancun, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana.

Travel Insurance

Before going anywhere abroad, it is advisable to invest your money in travel insurance that covers all the possible incidents.

Mexico City Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Mexico - Safety by City

Explore mexico city.

• Things to Do in Mexico City for Two Whole Days
• Where to Next?

18 Reviews on Mexico City

A beautiful place.

Mexico City is a beautiful place to visit. It might not be the safest around but I personally like it very much. Been there a few times already so I know the lay of the land and know what to look out for.

Is it safe?

Can you share more from your experience of being there a few times before? I am going there for work in about 2 months, is it safe for a family with kids to visit? thanks.

Been a couple of times, never felt unsafe even when traveling outside of the city. It’s a huge city so have your wits about you and you’ll be fine. There are certain areas to avoid but that’s the case with most major cities. Food is amazing, people are very friendly…not many speak English like they do in Cancun or PVR but overall a mazing city to explore.

Feels safe if you're aware of surroundings

It felt quite safe, especially compared to other places I’ve lived like Whitechapel in East London. I went by myself for a week (I’m a young women who doesn’t look Mexican) and it was fine – I just stayed in the popular areas, visited the major museums and the big park, and only walked around Roma Norte and Condesa at night by myself (no other areas). Otherwise, after dark I took Ubers (no taxis). I dressed nicely but nothing expensive and when in doubt, kept my phone out of view. Ubers are pretty cheap there so I didn’t take the metro at all – I don’t know what that’s like. Everyone was very friendly and I enjoyed my visit.

I would just say be street smart (don’t show it or talk about it if you have money, don’t carry your passport around, don’t get drunk by yourself, don’t explore random neighbourhoods you’re not familiar with, don’t talk to random people in the street, go in a store if you need directions, wear a cross body bag that closes and not a backpack, don’t dress like an American tourist – too casual, gymwear etc.)

My only big issue was that I had a lot of stomach problems even though I only went to restaurants recommended by friends so if you have a delicate stomach read reviews before eating somewhere and take probiotic supplements before and during your trip.

Act like a local. Stay in good neighborhoods.

Mexico city is a amazing city lots of things to do And have fun. Museums. Historical places. Great Gastronomical choices. Great night life.be courteously to Mexicans. dont be arrogant. act like a Mexican. Respect the culture. And way of Life of Mexican.and you will have a great time In this great city I’m Colombian. From USA and I feel safe in Mexico than in my own country I love Mexico and the Mexican peopke🇲🇽👍😍

México city a must visit!!!

Mexico city is a beautiful City with so much to see and do. The tours from and in Mexico City are fantastic. Teóteuacan or Sun and Moon pyramid’s are a must see! The food is fantastic the people friendly! Plan a trip today. You will not be disappointed.

Should I visit?

I want to know if I should visit Mexico City or not, is it fun? are there good stuff to see? I wish I could just travel anywhere without fear, but I am concerned with all the horror stories I have heard on Mexico and drug cartels. do you think Mexico city is ok for me to visit?

Overall, I would say it is not “safe” but it is also not “unsafe”. If you stay in an area that has money, you have nothing to worry about but if you are going on a budget vacation, then you REALLY need to research where you are staying and the surrounding areas. There are lots to do, see, and plenty of great places to eat!

Most of the country (75%) is safe, most of the violence in the whole country is related to drug and is always between the cartels/gangs. Mexico City is just like any other city, it has its good and bad parts but most of them are good. Don’t be closed minded and ignorant, not the whole country is ran by cartels or violence, 50 million people visit Mexico and 99.99% of them don’t experience or see violence.

Reading this review

I get mixed feelings when reading this review, on one hand, the overall risk is medium, however, from everything I’ve heard of Mexico I always thought it was more dangerous than that, I going to go there anyway, just can’t help but feel like it might not be safe for my kids, we live in a small town where safety never felt like an issue before. any advice you can share will be appreciated, thanks!

Safe if you don’t go outside tourists hotspots

Having lived in MC for half a year when I got to explore both the good and the bad.

Areas populated with tourists are safe, you might see the occasional pickpocket but a trained eye will immediately catch it. If you travel by subway be careful when people are shoving into you, this is a go-to method to get close to you so they can empty your pockets. You can either keep your hand in the pocket where your phone/wallet is or use a waist bag, there’s a ton of cool ones now, not your usual dad waist bag. A paper copy of your id is enough, you don’t need to lug around the real deal, that’s another thing to worry about.

Avoid buying things in the street: expensive jewelry that has massive discounts to phones, you might find yourself having to go to the police station to declare how stolen goods ended in your possession. The same goes for tickets to spas or other activities, you should buy these directly from the source, not in the middle of the street.

Taxis are one of the things that annoyed me the most, they overcharge like hell and very often the conditions are awful, with unclean cars and reckless driving. We switched to uber after finally deciding we had enough, best decision ever!

Since things are usually happening here, I would check the travel advisory recommendations for the city before booking a trip. If they say to avoid a certain area/barrio, do just that. Don’t risk your life for the perfect Insta pic.

Their street food is an absolute must, the spicier the better. One word of caution though: scan the area and go for the vendor that seems to put more thought into preparing the meal, you want to look for clean hands, avoiding touching the food directly, fresh-looking ingredients etc.

Areas worth checking: Santa Fe, Xochimilco, Roma, Centro Histórico, San Ángel, Coyoacán.

Mostly Safe, One of a kind city

I have visited CDMX many times for prolonged periods and can say this city is not only extremely unique and beautiful, but it is actually very safe in the popular areas (which are the only areas most visitors will be in anyway).

Areas like Condesa, Roma Norte, Reforma, Polanco, Lomas, and Pedregal are safe during the day and night. There are many wealthy residents and tourists walking with expensive bags and such during the day in these areas.

You’ll find a near-infinite number of art and design galleries, historic museums, amazing restaurants, ancient sites, open plazas with fountains, and my absolute favorite feature of the city, the greenery! CDMX is covered in trees, plants, flowers, etc to keep the dust and dirt in place, but it ends up adding the most memorable charm to many neighborhoods. Condesa’s Calle Amsterdam has a center walkway covered in greenery and is one of the most memorable places to take a Sunday stroll before breakfast.

Polanco is the best place to go shopping or out for lunch, especially if you want to be seen. People dress their best in Polanco, and you’ll see many luxury stores and expensive cars up and down the main shopping avenue.

My favorite neighborhood, and the safest in the city, is Lomas (there are actually several Lomas, but they’re all safe).

Politicians, celebrities, actors, etc all live in Lomas, and as such, it is very quiet, safe, and has some of the best restaurants and small boutiques.

If you have a higher budget, I’d definitely recommend staying in Polanco or Lomas. El Centro is really stunning, and the architecture cannot be missed, but it is not as safe or clean as the rest of the popular areas of the city. You’ll find some of the best bars and clubs here, and many trendy rooftop lounges and restaurants favorited by locals and visitors alike.

However, El Centro, being the tourist hotspot of the city, attracts pick-pockets and wandering eyes (much like NYC’s Times Square).

In general, like most major international cities, you should use common sense to blend in when necessary, but in most popular areas, this is not a problem. Definitely come prepared with some Spanish, as many people do not speak English well, but they will try. Overall, if you’ve ever thought about visiting CDMX, do it! Deserves a higher score.

However, do NOT go to any bad areas. Luckily, they are easy to avoid and you most likely won’t even drive/Uber through one as they are not near the city center. These areas are not safe for tourists, especially ones who do not speak Spanish.

Police in México is very corrupt

I was mugged by mexican police, they said that was cheaper for my use the taxi on the taxi station, the put me inside the taxi, when I asked the price was higher than taxis from the street, don’t trust the police from there. If you just go to tourist places is normal like majority of countries.

AVOID TAXIS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Well, we travelled to Mexico City in a group of six and stayed in a hotel near to Zócalo. In the first night, we went to Condesa. When we were coming back to our hotel, we stopped a taxi on the street. The taxi driver was so fucking disrespectful. talked about sex during the whole travel and mocked about our accent, because we pronounce “Moya” (the name of the street) differently. After that, the taxi driver left us “near” to our hotel (like 6 blocks away) at 10pm. There were no people on the streets. It was really, really scary. A couple of days after, we went to Bosques de Chapultepec by metro. Another disgusting experience. Two men tried to sexually harass us. The train was crowded and no one said nothing about that, acting like that was normal. We got scammed too. On our last day, we walked nearby the hotel by day. We arrived to Làzaro Cardenas street. People there sell stolen items, mainly Apple products and cellphones. One of us wanted to fix her iPhone battery and left it. We came back on a hurry because we had to go to the airport and she got her phone with the new battery. Surprise: they replaced the original display of the phone with a fake one, so Face ID didn’t work correctly. This is a sad story, because Mexico City is a gorgeous and very interesting place to visit. Such a shame, I would really love to come back, but this makes me think twice about that…

Nice city I think it should have a higher security rating, maybe 60%

City duality makes and breaks it.

If you’re a non-NA white person you’re going to have a completely different experience to a Filipino or African American. Customs are more likely to reject you if you are from another developing country than a Western country, especially if you are a single woman. South Asians, Africans and Muslims are also more likely to be rejected. Make sure you have proof of exit/return before arrival.

Do your research on the area you want to stay in, every Barrio offers something different. Stayed there in BJ for 2-months. Lovely, family-orientated Barrio, never had any issues with crime. Centre is beautiful during the day, but menacing at night. The Police in tourist areas like Roma Norte or Coyoacan won’t usually bother you, though if you go further out into parts of Tlalpan, they’re thugs that extort and beat locals. That being said, don’t be afraid to leave tourist hotspots if you have a local friend or guide, just make sure you take some measures to blend in (dress like the locals, try speak Spanish, no flash etc).

Metro is very modern and clean, with segregated carriages for Women/Kids. Anthropology museum is world-class, as is the museum of fine arts in the centre. Very car-centric city, so best take an Uber if you don’t want to use the metro or trolley-bus. Walk in the parks, not between Barrios.

The quality of fruit and veg you can find here is far better and cheaper than Europe. The tacos, tamales, café de la olla, cremas, crepas and drinking chocolate are top-notch. The meat and bread are similar to the rest of North America. Don’t eat the salmon. Most of the processed food is crammed full of sugar and fat. The local cheese tends to emphasise texture over taste. The country as a whole has foods and drinks you might never have heard of, like agua jamaica, or cempasuchil ice cream, so check them out while you can.

Sadly, pollution is dismal, tap-water is pathogenic, and the random tamales peddlers blasting down the street can take some getting used to. There were some obvious signs of drug problems, people lying unconscious and scarred outside the Jamaica markets, vendors drinking on the job, and the homeless… Sporadically, surrounding the centre, you may stumble across a refugee camp on the city street, usually the widows or orphans of cartel violence from other parts of the country.

Overall Mexico City is a city of vibrance and violence. In the right places, you will never want to leave; in the wrong places, you’ll count your stars back to the airport.

Best experience in a Major Crowded city…lived in Paris for 5 years, but this place is packed, though the Metro is not as stinky. As someone else mentioned above, there are separate carriages for women and children. Been to the most touristy places in el Zocalo, Coyoacan (Frida Kahlo house),Mercado Ciudadelas, walked at night from a Walmart, and had absolutely no problems, not from thugs, nor corrupt police. I used a blend of Ubers and Metro, since sometimes you might even get faster using the latter (and cheaper of course 5MXN!)

3 happy years spent as a solo female. Even took the metro and metrobus. Stay in female cars tho as I’ve had 2 guys rub up against me in a sexual way. And once someone pulled the equivalent of $2 out my pocket at 5am on NYE… I had like $50 in the other and just felt blessed! LOL Walked home from Condesa at 3am with NO issues. Some areas have prostitutes but they’re harmless and usually only in low income areas. The only unsafe areas are the HOOD (La Languila, La Merced, etc.) But I’ve been to La Merced 2X without issue. I am AA and dont look local

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Article Contents

• Mexico City : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Is Mexico City Safe?

Mexico City is an amazing destination with a vibrant culture, multi-layered history, and many fascinating sites to explore. There are many good reasons to visit Mexico City , and there’s no need to avoid visiting due to safety concerns. As one of the largest cities in the world, of course, there is crime, but you can take some precautions to ensure that your time in Mexico City is enjoyable and safe. Read on for tips for minimizing risks during your next trip.

Travel Advisories

The U.S. State Department’s Travel Advisory lists Mexico City at Level 3 , indicating travelers should exercise increased caution. Some Mexican states have higher Travel Advisory levels, including the neighboring state of Mexico. The Travel Advisory alerts travelers to petty crime occurring in both tourist areas and non-tourist areas and the fact that the city sees both violent and non-violent crime. They advise being cautious, especially at night and outside the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol routinely. 

Is Mexico City Dangerous?

Mexico City is not a totally safe destination, but travelers who practice safety precautions are unlikely to encounter problems. Using common sense, avoiding certain areas, and employing the same strategies when traveling in any big city are important. There is a significant police presence, particularly in places of tourist interest. Criminals do not specifically target tourists; victims typically are targeted based on an appearance of prosperity, vulnerability, or a lack of awareness .

The Mexico City neighborhoods of Centro Histórico, Roma, Juarez, Polanco, San Rafael, Condesa, Zona Rosa, and Coyoacán are well-traveled and generally safe. You may want to avoid the neighborhoods of Merced and Tepito or practice high levels of caution in those areas, and places like Nezahualcoyotl and Iztapalapa, which are not places of tourist interest, are best avoided. 

A few types of crime you should be aware of when traveling in Mexico City are express and virtual kidnappings .

• Express kidnapping is when a person (often a taxi driver or someone posing as a taxi driver) abducts their victim temporarily and forces them to withdraw the daily maximum allowed amount from an ATM. They may hold the person until midnight to withdraw the full amount the following day. In express kidnappings, the victim is usually not injured: the kidnappers' goal is to get cash, then they let their victim go. To avoid being a victim of express kidnapping, use secure transportation instead of hailing cabs on the street, maintain an awareness of your surroundings, and avoid being out by yourself at night. Also, don't carry extra debit or credit cards on you; leave them in your hotel safe.
• In a virtual kidnapping, no one is actually abducted. This is an extortion phone call, and the victim is the person who receives the call. Usually, they're told that a loved one has been kidnapped, and there may be the sound of a crying/pleading voice, ostensibly the person's loved one calling for help. The caller may confuse the victim and trick them into giving away important information. Virtual kidnappers may use information obtained from social media to target potential victims. To avoid being a victim of this type of crime, avoid posting your precise whereabouts in real-time on social media, keep family and friends advised of your travel plans, and don't give any personal or family information over the phone.

Is Mexico City Safe for Solo Travelers?

Solo travelers report feeling safe in Mexico City. Try to learn some Spanish before you go—at least a few phrases that will come in handy. Make sure a friend or family member has a copy of your itinerary and has an idea of your general whereabouts. Have a set time to check in with them. Stick to tourist-frequented areas, and keep an eye on your possessions when you’re out and about.

Is Mexico City Safe for Female Travelers?

Women travelers generally feel safe in Mexico City, but it’s wise to take some extra safety precautions. Young women travelers, in particular, and any woman traveling alone may be catcalled and subject to unwanted advances. As much as possible, travel mainly during the day. Carry your essentials in a cross-body bag instead of a purse. If you’re out at night, stick to areas that are well-lit and where other people are. Be cautious in bars: keep an eye on your drink, and be wary of accepting food or drinks from strangers. Read our tips for women travelers to Mexico for more ideas on how to deal with these issues.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Mexico City is overall a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ visitors. Same-sex marriage was legalized in Mexico City in 2009, and the law protects against discrimination based on gender identity. There’s a thriving gay scene , and travelers are unlikely to experience harassment.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Mexico City is generally a welcoming and safe destination for BIPOC travelers. Although 1.2 percent of Mexico’s population identifies as Afro-Mexican or of African descent, they have only recently been officially recognized in the Mexican Constitution, and the majority live in Veracruz, Guerrero, and Oaxaca states. Travel blogger Tina Hawkins writes about her experience of being Black in Mexico City and having people point and comment about her hair and skin in a curious manner, but not in a way that felt threatening to her.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Mexico City is a wonderful destination with good value, a rich cultural heritage, and wonderful museums and sites to visit. Travelers should exercise the caution required in any destination. 

• Taking the metro in Mexico City can be a convenient and effective way to get around. During peak times, crowds are intense, making it easy for pick-pockets to rob items without you even noticing. Don’t carry valuables beyond the necessary, and make sure they’re tucked away and won’t be easy to access if you’re packed into a crowded subway car. On some lines, there’s a car reserved for women and children at the front of the train. 
• Use an authorized taxi for transportation from the airport or bus station. Instead of hailing a cab on the street, use Uber or ask your hotel to call a taxi for you; they’ll make a note of the taxi number that picked you up. 
• It’s best to use ATMs in bank branches during business hours, and the second-best choice is at the airport or your hotel. Avoid using ATMs on the street or in isolated areas.
• Keep a low profile. Leave your valuables at home or make use of your hotel safe. Don’t wear expensive jewelry, watches, or other items that look expensive and may draw attention to you. Keep your cell phone and camera tucked away when not in use. Try to blend in as much as possible.
• Know what to do in case of an emergency . The emergency phone hotline in Mexico is 911, and dialing will connect you with a bilingual operator for the Ángeles Verdes .  

U.S. State Department, "Mexico Travel Advisory." September 8, 2020.

Overseas Security Advisory Council, “ Mexico 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Mexico City .”  August 1, 2020.

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Is Mexico City Safe to Visit in 2024? A Local’s Guide

Is Mexico City safe to travel to? You might be worried about safety if you are planning a trip to the Mexican capital this year or in the near future. After all, Mexico on the whole isnt a destination that people necessarily associate with being super safe, and it is often in the media for all the wrong reasons.

In short, yes, Mexico City can be a safe place to visit but you need to take precautions while traveling here just as you do with any major city. You are in good hands here because I have been living in Mexico for the last two and a half years and have spent a lot of time in and around Mexico City. 

In this post, we will cover everything you need to know when planning your trip and how to stay safe during. If you still have any questions at the end, you are welcome to reach out to me.

Table of Contents

Is Mexico City Safe to Visit in 2024?

Historically, many people thought that Mexico City was a bit of a dangerous city. I live in Merida in the Mexican Yucatan and even when I told Mexicans from other parts of Mexico that I was going to CDMX, they were a little concerned. 

For me personally, Mexico City is one of my favorite cities in the world. I have fortunately never felt uncomfortable there or had anything bad happen to me. (And I am a solo female traveler). 

Since the global pandemic, more and more remote workers from across the world have started traveling and moving here, and word about how great the city is has finally gotten out.

Where to stay in Mexico City

There are more than 300 different barrios in Mexico City, each of which has its own unique culture and charm and is like a little independent village in itself. As a first-time visitor, you want to base yourself somewhere central and safe. 

Consider booking a hotel or an Airbnb in the neighborhoods of Polanco, Roma Norte/Sur, Coyoacan, Condesa, Anzares, or Zona Rosa. When booking accommodation, check the reviews that have been left by previous guests and look at the property’s location on the map to make sure that you are not basing yourself in a potentially shady area. 

Polanco and Anzares

The upscale district of Polanco is one of the most exclusive areas in Mexico City. Its tree-lined streets and promenades are lined with designer stores and chic coffee and brunch spots that attract a well-heeled crowd.

There are some gorgeous luxury hotels here like the Wild Oscar and the W Mexico City as well as the contemporary Museo Soumaya which is worth checking out for the architecture alone, even if you don’t consider yourself a “museum person”. 

The leafy, sleepy district of Coyoacan was once its own independent town until it was engulfed by the expansion of CDMX. For decades, it has been the residence of choice for countless artists, writers, and creatives and it isn’t difficult to understand why.

Even acclaimed artist Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera lived here, in Casa Azul, and they would frequent the local Coyoacan market where they would shop for fresh produce for their famous dinner parties.

Think of Coyoacan as the Mexico City answer to New York’s Greenwich Village. It is a little far out of the center but it is safe and easy enough to take Ubers to and from the area. 

Roma Norte/Sur and Condesa 

The Roma and Condesa neighborhoods of Mexico City are known as “barrio magicos” for the special charm and culture they offer. They can be found south of the Paseo de la Reforma and their cobblestone streets boast brightly colored colonial mansions that have been converted into quirky coffee shops, independent art galleries, and boutique stores. 

Over the last few years, this area has become a bit gentrified, but it is simultaneously one of the safest and most popular areas to stay in. 

Zona Rosa 

Zona Rosa is something of a haven for foodie travelers as it is here where you will find many of the best restaurants in town. The district runs close to the sprawling Chapultapec Park, Mexico City’s answer to New Yorks’s Central Park, and the largest urban park in North America.

There is also an interesting part of this barrio called “Pequeña Seoul” or “Little Seoul” because it is home to many authentic Korean restaurants. With tons of stores selling sought-after Korean cosmetics and skincare products and eateries serving DIY Korean barbecue and specialty dishes like bulgogi and bibimbap, this is a nice place to grab food if you have been in Mexico a while and fancy a change. 

Know which areas to avoid

Mexico City is not a city where you can wander around freely, blindly following Google Maps. Even in the historic center, you can easily find that you are in an area that is perfectly safe, take a wrong turn, and wind up somewhere that you really don’t want to be. 

A couple of blocks away from the Palacio de Bellas Artes is Plaza Garibaldi – a small square encircled with bars and restaurants that is known for its mariachi performers. While it is safe during the day, it is sketchy at night, and there are often vans filled with riot police around the block. 

Venture a couple of blocks more and you will end up in the notorious Tepito district – a dangerous marketplace known for being somewhere that criminals go. Always have a set plan of where you want to go and how you are going to get there. 

In particular, you want to exercise caution in or avoid the below areas

Tepito market is a region where most Mexicans, and even the police, will not venture. There is a saying that “you can buy everything in Tepito except your dignity”. Some of the stalls here simply sell fake designer handbags and sneakers, etc but as you go deeper in, it becomes more sinister. 

Guns, drugs, and weapons are for sale. The area is notorious for petty crime and it is known that cartel members come here to hire hitmen. Shootings, drug busts, violent assaults, and robberies have happened here in the past. If you have a phone or a camera in your hand when you enter, you may not leave with it and tourists are really not welcome. So if you come here to try and film something for your Tiktok you will attract a lot of angry looks.

Itzalapapa 

Itzalapapa is a huge barrio in the eastern part of Mexico City that is home to the largest concentration of street art murals in Latin America, as well as a cable car network similar to that in Medellin. Unfortunately, for now, at least, it really is not a safe place to go. 

Crime rates here are extremely high, particularly gender-based violence against women. Femicides and assaults here were so bad, that the government invested in street lights and surveillance to make the main avenue, Ermita Iztapalapa Street, the most illuminated in the world. 

Colonia Doctores 

As a tourist, you might head into Colonia Doctores to catch a lucha libre wrestling match at the Arena Mexico. But you really don’t want to spend any time in this area aside from going directly to and from the arena in an Uber.

Robberies, including armed robberies, happen frequently and even local chilangos consider this a place to avoid. 

Colonia del Valle

Colonia del Valle is an area in the Benito Juarez borough of CDMX that can be interesting to explore by day but is definitely best avoided by night. The barrio has the highest rates of kidnapping in CDMX which is primarily a concern for locals, rather than international tourists, but points to a wider seedy underbelly of the area. 

Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl 

Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl is a vast area east of Mexico City, past the city’s main airport. Truthfully, you are unlikely to find yourself here as a tourist anyway. 

This is one of the poorest areas in the state and while it is unfair to make a sweeping generalization, generally speaking, poverty creates violence, and crime rates across the board are higher here. 

Colonia Populares 

Due to a huge disparity of wealth in Mexico City, the rising cost of living, and an overpopulation problem, informal neighborhoods known as “Colonias Populares” have sprouted up over the city in recent decades. They are generally best avoided as inquisitive tourists are not really welcome, and there is a greater risk of petty theft, etc. 

For instance, from the Palacio Bellas Artes (a very touristic area filled with travelers and police), a five-minute walk takes you to Plaza Garibaldi – a small square known for its live mariachi performers. However, the area between the two squares is not a good neighborhood. 

Centro Historico

Centro is probably the only part of Mexico City that you are likely to visit as a tourist where you need to practice increased caution. Again, common sense is key. Don’t wander down uninviting, sketchy-looking alleyways, and always be aware of your surroundings.  

A lot of homeless people and drug users loiter around the Plaza de la Concepcion and in the streets that veer off from Plaza Garibaldi. 

Crime in Mexico City

Mexico City sees a moderate level of crime and crime has been on the rise here over the last few years. According to a report by Statista, there were 32,078 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021 and 46,032 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022 , representing a whopping 43.63% increase year over year. 

Still, the data is arguably skewed by incidents in neighborhoods that you would have no reason to venture into as a tourist (Tepito, Iztapalapa, etc), and clashes between criminal groups. As a tourist, the main things that you need to be concerned about are petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and other opportunistic crimes. 

In 2023, thefts and robberies on the street or on methods of public transport were the main crimes reported which accounted for almost a third of all crimes in the capital. Crimen in Mexico is another interesting reference point and displays a list of the safest and most dangerous places 

A good way to gauge how safe a certain city “feels” is by browsing the crime and safety rates on Numbeo. The site interviews residents of various global cities to determine how safe they feel in the places they live. 

Cities are awarded a safety rating from 0 to 100 where 0 would be very unsafe, and 100 is safe. The Numbeo crime index is rated in a similar way, with 0 meaning few crimes and 100 meaning a high level of crime. 

We can look at this to see how Mexico City compares to other cities in Mexico, the US, and elsewhere in the world. 

Is the cartel in Mexico City?

It is realistic to assume that cartels such as the Sinaloa cartel and Jalisco New Generation cartel have a presence in Mexico City as they do in many cities and states across the country. While you may hear narco-related news from the city occasionally, any conflicts that do happen are generally restricted to instances between members of criminal groups and do not target tourists. 

In some parts of Mexico, including ultra-popular tourist destinations like Cancun and Tulum, there have been instances where tourists were caught up in the crossfire of clashes between cartels and killed by ricocheting bullets. 

There have been no such instances in Mexico City in recent years. The chances of being at the wrong place at the wrong time are fortunately very slim here anyway, but you probably have a greater probability of something happening in Cancun, where cartels are literally fighting over the territory, than in CDMX. 

Check your government travel advice for Mexico City 

I always tell people that they should check their government travel advice before traveling anywhere new for the first time and that includes Mexico. Although it is a bit sternly worded, the US Department of State has a great safety advisory page for Mexico that offers a state-by-state breakdown of what the situation is like in each of the country’s 32 states.

This is a good resource to periodically check before and during your trip as it is updated in real-time to reflect changes in entry requirements, security warnings, etc. There are currently no warnings in place for Mexico City and the wider Estado De Mexico, aside from a general warning to exercise precautions. 

You can also find the Canadian government travel advice for Mexico here , and the UK government travel advice here , although they are somewhat less comprehensive. 

Getting around Mexico City 

During the day, it can be safe and fun to get some steps in and explore Mexico City on foot. To get between different districts, museums, and tourist attractions, you can opt to take an Uber or ride the subway. 

Taking the Subway in Mexico City 

For whatever reason, many tourists are absolutely terrified of using the metro in Mexico City. While it is better to avoid using it at night, particularly in quieter outskirts of town, it is really no more dangerous than taking the subway in other major cities and it is definitely safer than other Latin American subway networks. 

You can get a CDMX metro card known as the “integrated mobility card” for the city’s network of buses, light rails, and metos for just 15 pesos and journeys cost less than a dollar. Watch your belongings as you would anywhere and you will be fine. 

Using Uber in Mexico City

Uber is a great way to get around in Mexico City and in Mexico, locals tend to prefer ridesharing apps over street cabs. There is more accountability via apps like Uber as you can see the driver’s past reviews and journeys, rating, etc.

You should avoid taking random street taxis in Mexico City. Not only are you likely to be ripped off and overcharged, but express kidnappings are a risk here.

This happens when an unsuspecting tourist gets into a cab and the driver locks them in the car and holds them at gun/knife point while forcing them to hand over their valuables and driving them around the city making them make the maximum withdrawal from ATMs. This is not a possibility that you want to entertain, and Uber is considered much safer here. (Plus you have the added benefit of it being cheaper too).

Always double-check the license plate number before you get in the car. When someone accepts your fare, it is a good idea to click on their driver profile and see how many journeys they have done and what their rating is. If someone has done thousands of journeys and they have a rating of 4.9, you can feel pretty comfortable that they are reliable. If they have done very few rides and/or have a low rating, you can cancel and select another driver. 

Is it safe to drive in Mexico City? 

Driving in Mexico City is not unsafe per se, but it can be a bit chaotic, and is perhaps not the best introduction to driving in Mexico if this is your first visit here. Honestly, for most Mexico City itineraries, you really don’t need a car and even taking day trips out from CDMX to places like Teotihuacan and Xochimilco is generally much easier with public transport. 

The city is extremely congested and getting anywhere can mean being stuck in traffic for long periods of time, especially at rush hour. To combat this, CMDX introduced restrictions known as “hoy no circula” which mean that certain vehicles cannot drive during certain hours (and this often includes international/tourist cars since locals need to commute). 

If you are sure that driving here works out convenient for you, there are a few safety pointers that you should keep in mind. 

• Always check Google Maps and be mindful of the route you are being taken. There are some neighborhoods you really don’t want to pass through
• To get to Puebla state and other parts of Mexico, you might need to pass through Itzalapapa. Along the main roads in daylight, this is fine
• Driving at night is generally best avoided in the city and you should never drive interstate/between cities at night, largely because the roads often do not have street lights, making it difficult to see stray animals and hazards
• Drive around with the windows wound up where you can. People often ask for money at stoplights and thefts/crimes are not unheard of
• Never leave anything in your car, even if it isnt something super valuable like a jacket, backpack, etc. Be mindful of where you park your car. 

Take a guided tour to get your bearings

Taking a guided tour is a great way to get your bearings in a new city and it can help you feel a lot more confident if you are nervous about being in Mexico City. Better yet, exploring with a CDMX local means that you have an expert on hand to help you discover districts, markets, and restaurants that you would not have found independently and whom you can ask questions about your itinerary.

From street food tours to history walks, there is something for everyone.

Best Mexico City tours for 2024 and beyond

Tons of reputable tour companies operate in Mexico City and a selection of some of the best tours they offer is summarized below .

Book your places online in advance to avoid disappointment!

• From Mexico City: Teotihuacan air balloon flight and breakfast
• Teotihuacan and Tlatelolco day trip by van
• Mexico City tour: Xochimilco, Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo house
• Mexico City street art bike tour with snacks
• CDMX Authentic downtown food tour
• Mexico City market tour
• Mexico City: Tacos & mezcal night food tour
• San Miguel de Allende day trip from Mexico City
• Puebla, Cholula and Tonantzintla day trip from Mexico City

Is Mexico City safe for solo travelers? 

Mexico City can be a safe destination for solo travelers of all ages, backgrounds and genders. I have traveled to the city numerous times as a solo woman and have never felt uncomfortable. 

The city also has a great Digital Nomad and international social scene so it is very easy to meet like-minded people if you are looking to socialize during your time here. (Check out one of the many Facebook groups dedicated to people living in Mexico City, or seek out a Meetup event). 

Since there are so many different people from different backgrounds and cultures living here, you wont stick out or attract weird looks for being foreign or solo. 

Is Mexico City safe for solo female travelers?

This entire article and website has been written by me, a solo female traveler based in Mexico. I am a big advocate for never letting your gender or physical appearance make you feel that you cannot do something and that includes traveling to Mexico City. 

Violence against women is an issue in Mexico, although I have personally never had anyone act less than chivalrous towards me in real life. Mexican women tend to dress quite modestly here. 

Even during the summer months they wear things like jeans and t-shirts to avoid unwanted attention. It is a good idea to follow suit. 

Since I dress quite feminine, I usually wear things like dresses and stockings with trench coats. Wearing shorts and t-shirts or skimpy summer dresses is a surefire way to attract unwanted attention. 

Earthquakes and natural disasters 

Earthquakes do happen in Mexico from time-to-time and unfortunately Mexico City is one of the worst places for them. The entire country sits in the world’s most seismically active zone known as the “Pacific Ring of Fire”.

Mexico City is particularly susceptible to quakes because it sits on the border of five tectonic plates: the Pacific plate, the Cocos, the North America Plate, the Caribbean plate, and the Rivera plate. Add to that the fact that the city was built on the site of an old, dried-up Aztec lake which is constantly sinking and you have a recipe for disaster and an understanding of why the ground here is often shaking. 

Tremors here are pretty common and if you downloaded a seismic warning app during your time in the city, you would just drive yourself mad with worry because there are small tremors almost daily. Mexico City has had some much larger, destructive quakes though and it pays to read up on what to do in the event of an earthquake. 

A lot of hotels here do have earthquake and evacuation procedures on the walls of their rooms. Many modern buildings in central neighborhoods have been built to withstand quakes. 

Is Mexico City safe at night? 

There are some wonderful speakeasies, cocktail bars and rooftop bars in Mexico City and it would be a shame to miss out on them. You need to practice extra caution at night – take an Uber back to your accommodation rather than walk, watch your alcohol intake and keep an eye on your drinks, etc but a lot of this is mostly common sense.

Practical safety tips for visiting Mexico City

I have summarised some general safety tips for visiting Mexico City below. A lot of these things are good practice wherever you travel but they are worth reiterating here. 

• Don’t venture into known dangerous areas like the Tepito marketplace just to be “brave” or document it for social media. Don’t walk around with your phone or camera out in the open in these areas
• Try not to dress flashy and draw attention to yourself. You will see many well-dressed people in upscale chic Polanco and in the popular neighborhoods of Roma Norte, Sur, and Condesa but elsewhere, leave the designer bags and branded clothing at home
• Don’t wear things like flip flops and shorts and t-shirts as it is a surefire way to stick out as a tourist in Mexico City and attract unwanted attention. (Also because the floors are often gross, especially in the metro stations so wearing open shoes is a no-no)
• Consider purchasing a theft-proof backpack or moneybelt like those offered by Pacsafe , especially if you spend a lot of time in Latin America. These bags are slash-proof and water-proof and come with a TSA-approved mesh locking system as well as other handy security features
• Don’t hesitate to try the street food! Skipping it would mean missing out on a huge part of local food culture. Eating at street food stalls is not always synonymous with getting sick. Choose popular stalls where locals are lining up to be served – it’s a good indicator that it’s a decent place!
• Use Mexico City Facebook groups to connect with locals and expats for any questions you need to ask, recommendations, and if you want to be social and meet people for coffee, etc! 

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance 

It is imperative to purchase comprehensive travel insurance wherever in the world you travel. Unfortunately, even with all the preparation and caution in the world, you can never really know what’s around the corner. 

Purchase a comprehensive policy that has at least $250,000 US dollars worth of medical coverage. Medical bills in Mexico can still quickly add up, even if they are cheaper than in the US and elsewhere.

Always read the small print and ideally, purchase a policy that comes with additional coverage for things like loss/theft of luggage and electronics, cancellations and repatriations.

Be sure to print out/screenshot the first page of your travel insurance plan and keep the policy reference number safe. Should you need assistance overseas, this will be the first thing that you are asked for. 

Can you drink the water in Mexico City?

You cannot drink the water in Mexico City or anywhere in Mexico for that matter. Although the water in Mexico is purified at the source, it often gets contaminated en route to your tap. 

The risk of getting very sick from congesting contaminated water is very high so this is simply not worth the risk. Most hotels will leave a couple of bottles of water in your room each day. 

Some have potable water on-site. If they do, there will be signs saying “agua potable”.

It is a good idea to purchase a reusable water bottle like a Life Straw. These keep your water cool throughout the day and help you minimize plastic waste. 

Just purchase large, multi-liter water bottles from Oxxo, 7/11, or Mexican supermarkets. Then, keep it in your hotel fridge and top up your reusable bottle each day.

Gentrification and attitude to remote workers and expats in Mexico City 

Since the global pandemic, a lot more remote workers have started relocating to Mexico City on both a short and long-term basis. Since people have historically been a little nervous about safety here, international travelers often stick to the same few areas (namely, Condesa, Roma, Polanco) and rent Airbnbs so that they can be safe, central, and close to other expats. 

This has caused rental prices in these areas to soar, to the extent that an unprecedented wave of gentrification through Mexico City is pushing locals out of their barrios where they can no longer afford to live. While this is definitely a global issue, it is new for Mexico. 

A lot of people are not happy about it, and the topic has blown up on social media, encouraging people to plaster aggressive “go home gringo” signs around different areas. This is a sensitive topic, and while we should be ethical travelers, ultimately it is for the government to introduce regulations for Airbnb, etc. 

Try to avoid conversations on this sensitive issue.

Is Mexico City safe? Final thoughts 

Mexico City can be a safe place to travel provided that you take precautions and make your safety your priority. 

Mexico, in general is safe for assertive travelers . Don’t listen to the opinions of people who have never traveled to a destination themselves. You don’t need to hear their ignorant stereotypes or sweeping generalizations about somewhere they haven’t even visited. 

Follow the tips in this post and use the same common sense that you would in any other big city and you will be fine.

Do you have any more questions or concerns about planning your trip? Please dont hesitate to reach out to me via email, social media, or via the comments below.

I will do my best to get back to you as soon as I can. Safe travels and enjoy Mexico.

Buen Viaje! Melissa xo

Melissa Douglas

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Mexico City Safety 2024: How Safe is Mexico City for Travel?

Welcome to Mexico City, the heart and soul of Mexico and one of the largest cities in the world ! So, how safe is this metropolis? Should you pay a visit?

Absolutely. Mexico City isn’t among the most dangerous cities in Mexico . But before boarding a plane, there are a few things you need to know about staying safe in this city.

Like any bustling city, it’s essential to exercise extreme caution simply because you’re much more vulnerable when you’re visiting a foreign location. Let’s learn why Mexico City continues to be an alluring destination and show you how you can ensure you stay safe on your trip.

Unveiling the Reality: A Comprehensive Look at Mexico City’s Crime Rates

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico. And as the capital, it wears many hats. It’s the political powerhouse of the country, a cultural epicenter, and the nation’s beating heart.

The U.S. State Department has granted travelers the green light to travel there, and every year, Mexico City welcomes approximately 3.5 million visitors .

However, like in any bustling metropolis, travelers should “Exercise Increased Caution” during their stay. The city is a vast metropolis and there is both violent and non-violent crime there, so there’s still a risk of trouble.

Mexico City Crime Rates

The crime in Mexico City is moderate, 67.95.

The criminal activity in Mexico City is usually concentrated in specific neighborhoods, meaning that if you stick to the safe zones for tourism, you are good to go. Cartel presence is certainly felt, but their strongholds are elsewhere, like the border town of Tijuana .

Mexico City Safe Areas

The safest neighborhoods to visit in Mexico City are:

• Santa Maria La Ribera
• Roma Norte/Sur
• Centro Histórico

Travelers feel most at peace in these city districts, but as with any tourist hotspot, there is still the possibility of scams or petty crime — so exercise caution.

Mexico City Dangerous Areas

The most dangerous neighborhoods in Mexico City are:

• Colonia del Valle
• Ciudad Neza

Each of these neighborhoods is notorious for different crimes. For example, Tepito is regarded as Mexico City’s “black market” whereas Iztapalapa had increased incidents of violence against women.

Overall, this is a broad generalization of a massive and diverse metropolis, and crime can happen virtually anywhere and at any moment. So never let your guard down, even in Mexico City’s safest neighborhoods.

What Are the Police Doing to Protect Mexico City?

Mexico City’s police force comprises over 84,000 police officers, making it one of the largest in Latin America.

The police force is divided into several categories. The Federal police, for example, monitors Mexico City’s highways and defends federal buildings and airports. Mexico City police maintain peace within the city borders, and each of the 23 municipalities agglomerated within Mexico City has its own local police department.

Overall, the task of these police forces is to control a roiling metropolis of 20 million people — which sadly is uncontrollable. Nevertheless, tourism is very important for the capital, so officers prioritize the safety of its visitors.

Navigating the New Normal: Ensuring COVID-19 Safety in Mexico City

Passengers don’t require a negative COVID-19 test to enter Mexico City.

Many Mexico City hospitals, clinics, and laboratories provide private COVID-19 testing. Generally, PCR testing cost between 950 and 4500 MXN ($53 and $250), whereas viral antigen tests cost between 200 and 1000 MXN ($11 and $55).

The American Red Cross has a list of safety precautions you should follow to enjoy a healthy trip to Mexico City and avoid the transmission of COVID-19. The primary ones are social distancing and frequently washing your hands.

Perils of Nature: The Risk of Natural Disasters in Mexico City

Three natural forces endanger Mexico City: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes.

Earthquake Information and Precautions

Mexico City is subject to earthquakes due to its position on the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, where numerous tectonic plates intersect.

One of the worst earthquakes in Mexico City happened on September 19, 1985. The earthquake had an 8.1 magnitude and completely destroyed the capital.

Earthquake trackers reveal that minor tremors and major earthquakes continue to happen in Mexico City. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency has information on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. As an added precaution, you can install the 911 CDMX app on your smartphone to receive an earthquake warning 60 seconds before it occurs.

Volcanic Eruptions Information and Precautions

Mexico City is near several volcanoes, including Popocatépetl, Iztacchuatl, and Tláloc.

Popocatépetl is the only one of the three to have periods of increased activity, and its most recent eruption occurred in June 2022 .

The principal concerns linked with volcanic eruptions in Mexico City include ashfall, potential disruption to air traffic, and respiratory difficulties caused by small particles in the ash.

Visit the Mexican Disaster Prevention Centre’s website for the most recent reports on volcanic eruptions.

Hurricane Information and Precautions

Mexico City is protected from the direct impact of storms due to its higher altitude and inland location. It may, however, suffer the indirect effects of a hurricane, such as increased rainfall and flooding.

Such a severe storm happened in 2011 , causing significant flooding in Mexico City and forcing almost 2,000 families to flee their homes.

Another flood occurred in 2018 , which officials labeled the year’s worst storm. The three-hour storm poured 53 millimeters of rain on the city. The flooded streets buried automobiles and damaged several dozen homes, and the severe winds pulled down and destroyed many trees.

In 2021 , two people died from a flood, and one was reported missing. The storm was said to be so severe that the streets turned into a full-blown river.

For the most recent weather forecasts , check out The National Hurricane Service, and in the event of a natural disaster, be sure to follow the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s safety tips .

Breathing Safely in Mexico City: Carbon Monoxide Awareness and Prevention

If someone inhales carbon monoxide gas for too long, they can become poisoned. What’s worse — one cannot detect the presence of carbon monoxide gas since it has no color or smell.

Carbon monoxide gas may leak from a defective appliance, such as a water heater, stove, or furnace, and if inhaled for a more extended period, it can be deadly.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, weakness, chest discomfort, and loss of consciousness.

Mexico City had a case of carbon monoxide poisoning. In November 2022 , three Americans got poisoned by a gas leak while sleeping in their Airbnb.

Even though CO poisoning can be lethal, such a tragedy is preventable with today’s cutting-edge technology. For starters, you can book an accommodation that has a carbon monoxide detector. If the hotel or rental property doesn’t have one, or if it breaks, purchase a backup detector and pack it with you.

Mexico City’s Weather Patterns: What to Expect?

Mexico City enjoys two seasons: wet and dry.

The dry season in Mexico City begins in November and lasts until April. Around this time, the city has warm weather and very little rainfall.

The daily temperatures in the dry season range from the low-70s°F (low 20s°C ) to the mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C). The temperature at night significantly drops, ranging from 45°F (7°C) to 54°F (12°C).

The wet season starts in May and lasts until October. Mexico City is the warmest during this time of year but has the most rainfall and humidity.

The average highs during the day range from the low 70s°F (low 20s°C) to mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C). At night, the temperature drops to 56°F (13°C).

The rainiest months in Mexico City are June, July, and August. However, It’s crucial to remember that just because it rains more frequently during the wet season, it doesn’t mean it rains every day or all day. Mexico City still enjoys sunny days this season; the rain typically starts in the afternoon.

Weather Overview in Mexico City

Mexico City’s summer season spans from June through August. Summers in this region are hot, rainy, and humid. The average daily temperature is around 65°F (18°C), and the maximum it can reach is 67°F (25°C). At night, the temperature drops to 56°F (13°C).

Mexico City’s fall season begins in September and wraps up in November. During this period, Mexico City shifts from the wet season to the dry season, so rainfall is still present but gradually decreases towards the end of the season. The average daily temperature may reach up to 64°F (18°C), and the maximum it can reach is 73°F (23°C). The nights become colder, with a minimum temperature of 47°F (8°C).

Mexico City’s winter season begins in December and concludes in February. Although snowfall is uncommon in Mexico City, the nearby mountains may receive some snow around this period. During the day, average temperatures may reach up to 60°F (15°C), the maximum being 75°F (23°C). Winter nights in Mexico City drop to 45°F (7°C).

Mexico City’s spring season lasts from March until May. In the spring, temperatures steadily rise, and the weather becomes drier with occasional showers. The average daily temperature is around 67°F (19°C), and the maximum is 80°F (26°C). Nights are cooler, with temperatures dropping to 50°F (9°C).

When Is the Best Time to Visit Mexico City?

There is never a bad time of year to travel to Mexico City.

The peak tourist season is between March and May when the weather is sunny and pleasant for outdoor activities, not too cold like in the winter and not too rainy like in the summer.

June, July, August, April, and December are the least busy months. Due to the rainy season in Mexico throughout the summer and the holiday season in December and April, many travelers choose another time to travel. However, many hotels offer discounts around this time, so if you like a more relaxed traveling experience, this may be the perfect month to visit Mexico City.

Between September and November, tourists can participate in some of the city’s most popular festivities and cultural events , such as the Day of the Dead. The weather begins to get chilly, but it’s still pleasant.

In January and February, you’ll need a jacket, since these two months are one of the coldest of the year. So if you are a winter person who enjoys chilly weather, January and February are the months to visit Mexico City. 

March marks the beginning of spring. This is the time of year when the city’s landscape is most charming. Mexico City is famous for its purple jacaranda trees, which bloom in late February and early March, so if you visit during this period, you’ll be in for a treat.

Exploring Mexico City Solo or With a Family: Is It a Good Idea?

Mexico City is a safe place to visit solo and with your family. However, the Mexico Travel Advisory advises that you use caution while there. Here are some pointers for safe city navigation.

Essential tips for staying safe:

• Learn some basic Spanish
• ADO is a super reliable bus company (they accept only pesos)
• Uber and DiDi are excellent cab services
• Get a Mexican SIM card.
• Don’t drink tap water
• Know the emergency phone numbers: 911 for police, 066 for ambulances, and 080 for fire services
• Book your stay at a reliable hostel, hotel, house-sharing, or rental unit ( Booking and Airbnb are reliable online booking services)
• Don’t draw money from a public ATM to avoid getting your money stolen. Instead, go to a bank or a supermarket

Tips for traveling alone:

• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid confrontation
• Drink responsibly
• Don’t leave your drink alone to avoid someone putting a narcotic in it
• When you’re out and about, avoid wearing pricey items like jewelry
• If you are given illegal substances, simply decline them
• Never wander alone at night
• Dress appropriately, especially if you are a female solo traveler
• Contact the resort’s staff for whatever help or guidance you need during your stay
• Notify friends and relatives of your vacation schedule and daily plans

Tips for traveling with your family:

• Never split as a group
• Always keep an eye on your children
• Consider renting a car rather than taking taxis
• Find a hotel that provides a variety of activities for your family
• Pack a first-aid kit
• Drink responsibly so you can keep track of your surroundings and children

Take basic precautions, keep vigilant, follow our safety tips, and you’ll have a great holiday!

If you’re wondering if Mexico City is safe, the answer is YES, Mexico City is a safe traveling destination.

The United States State Department has designated Mexico City as a place where travelers should exercise extra caution due to crime — typical advice for every bustling metropolis.

Yes, Mexico City does have some dangerous areas where criminal activity dominates, but if you stick to the tourist areas where people feel the safest and where the crime rate is at its lowest — your trip to this capital will be unforgettable!

Mexico City has a lively arts scene, a buzzing nightlife, and a rich culinary tradition . So, now that you understand safety, it’s time to start making travel plans!

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Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know.

A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government.

By Elisabeth Malkin and Isabella Kwai

Two Americans found dead after they were attacked and kidnapped near the border. Airports shuttered amid gang violence in Sinaloa. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancún.

A number of recent security incidents have raised concerns about the risks of traveling to Mexico, where more than 20 million tourists flew last year to visit the country’s beaches, cities and archaeological sites, or to obtain health care .

Ahead of the spring break holiday, a popular time for American tourists to visit the country, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel alert , urging visitors to exercise caution by avoiding dangerous situations and drinking responsibly, among other recommendations. “Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations,” the alert said. And the State Department has warned tourists to steer clear of six states, including the state of Tamaulipas, where the recent kidnapping occurred — and to exercise increased precautions in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Tulum and Mexico City.

An overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation in Mexico, and tourists are largely sheltered from the violence that grips local communities. But the attack and kidnapping of four Americans in the border city of Matamoros, two of whom were later found dead, along with recent disorder in Cancún and violence in early January that forced the closure of three airports in northwest Mexico, is prompting questions about whether the country’s broader unrest is spilling into other destinations.

What happened on the border?

On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveling in a white minivan crossed the border from Brownsville, Texas, into the city of Matamoros, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. One of the Americans was scheduled for cosmetic surgery.

Soon after the Americans crossed the border, gunmen fired on their vehicle and then abducted the group in a pickup truck. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived.

The Americans were attacked as a result of “confusion,” according to Irving Barrios, the state prosecutor in Tamaulipas. Matamoros has a long history of violence and highway shootouts, though that reputation has partially subsided in recent years. Then, in late February, one gang moved into the city to wrest control of drug sales from another, said Eduardo Guerrero, the director of Lantia Intelligence , a security consulting company in Mexico City.

“There are places in the country where the situation can change abruptly from one week to another,” he said. While the motives in the attack remain unclear, the Americans had “very bad luck,” Mr. Guerrero said, because they likely stumbled into a battle between the two gangs.

What happened earlier this year in Cancún?

Uber has been challenging the taxi unions for the right to operate in Cancún and won a court decision in its favor on Jan. 11. The ruling infuriated the powerful unions, which are believed to have links to local organized crime figures and former governors. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers.

The conflict generated widespread attention after a video of taxi drivers forcing a Russian-speaking family out of their rideshare car went viral, and after unions blocked the main road leading to Cancún’s hotel zone. That prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a security alert .

Mr. Guerrero said that the authorities will try to negotiate some kind of compromise, but there was a probability of more violence ahead.

Have authorities curbed violence that might affect tourists?

As a rule, criminals in Mexico are careful not to kill tourists, Mr. Guerrero explained, because doing so “can set in motion a persecution that can last years,” the consequences of which can be “very dissuasive,” he said.

But the rule doesn’t always hold. And in two popular destinations for foreign tourists — Los Cabos , at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and the Caribbean coast — local and state officials have recently sought help from the United States to take on organized crime that threatened to drive off tourists.

A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancún. Two visitors were killed in crossfire between local gangs in Tulum; a gunfight on a beach in Puerto Morelos sent tourists running for cover into a nearby hotel; a hit man gained entry to a luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen and killed two Canadian tourists believed to have links to organized crime.

The federal government sent National Guard units to patrol the beaches, and Quintana Roo state authorities asked U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to provide intelligence, Mr. Guerrero said. Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement.

The joint approach led to a lull in gangland gun battles in Quintana Roo’s tourist areas, and experts say that drug sales to meet foreign demand no longer take place on the street, although they are continuing more discreetly.

The success in tamping down drug violence in Quintana Roo follows a similar improvement in Los Cabos a couple of years ago when U.S. authorities also collaborated with local officials in the state of Baja California Sur. The murder rate soared in Los Cabos in 2017 amid cartel wars, and although tourists were not targeted, that year police chased gunmen into the lobby of a luxury hotel in San José del Cabo, and a cooler containing two heads was left in a tourist area.

What about tourist areas in other states?

Even in states where crime is very high, tourist areas have generally been spared. San Miguel de Allende, a haven for U.S. retirees, is an island of relative peace in a state, Guanajuato, that has been riddled with cartel violence .

The Pacific Coast state of Jalisco, home to the resort of Puerto Vallarta, picturesque tequila country and the cultural and gastronomic attractions of the state capital, Guadalajara , is also the center of operations of the extremely violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel . The cartel’s focus of violence is in the countryside; Puerto Vallarta and the beaches to its north, including the exclusive peninsula of Punta Mita and the surfers’ hangout of Sayulita, are all booming — and, despite drug sales, the cartel’s control seems to limit open conflict.

Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors , and concerns about violence there have receded. The city’s police force has been successful in reducing violent crime, particularly homicides, and the number of killings has been cut almost in half over the past three years.

Are there any other safety concerns?

Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. Kidnapping and carjacking are a risk in certain regions and many businesses that cater to tourists operate under extortion threats. While tourists may not be aware of underlying criminal forces, their power sometimes spills out into the open in spectacular shows of violence.

The attack in Matamoros is only the most recent example. Mexican border cities, which have long endured waves of violence, are not typically tourist destinations, although Americans often cross the border to visit family, seek out cheaper health care or dine at restaurants.

Three airports in the state of Sinaloa, including the beach destination Mazatlán, were closed on Jan. 5 amid gang violence after Mexican security forces arrested Ovidio Guzmán López, a son of Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the crime lord known as El Chapo, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. A stray bullet fired by cartel gunmen shooting at a Mexican military plane as it landed at the airport in the state capital, Culiacán, clipped an Aeromexico plane preparing to take off for Mexico City. Nobody was hurt and the plane returned to the terminal.

In August, gunmen positioned burning cars and buses to block roads around Guadalajara in response to a military raid on a meeting of criminal bosses. In October, a local politician was shot and killed in an upscale steakhouse in suburban Guadalajara as terrified diners crawled to safety.

Pierre de Hail, the president of Janus Group Mexico, a risk management company in Monterrey, is skeptical that security has improved. “There is too much random risk,” he said. “It’s all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

What precautions should tourists take?

Mr. de Hail recommends researching the resort and news from the area you’re visiting. The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. As of early March, the department had issued its strongest possible warning — Level 4: Do Not Travel — for six states, including Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur are at Level 2, indicating that visitors should exercise increased caution. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.)

The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently. Mr. Guerrero suggests searching on the internet before traveling for news of recent outbreaks.

Mr. de Hail also suggests buying travel insurance in case of a medical emergency or theft, and recommends that tourists keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention, he said, warning that it is easy to misread situations.

As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. He recommends making a copy of your passport, remaining alert while walking home at night and not leaving your drinks unattended. “I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars,” he said.

He added: “If you’re staying in a place that has a report of strikes or demonstrations, don’t go there. You’re a fish out of water.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Isabella Kwai is a breaking news reporter in the London bureau. She joined The Times in 2017 as part of the Australia bureau. More about Isabella Kwai

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

• Mexico City
• Copper Canyon
• Guadalajara
• San Cristóbal de las Casas
• San Miguel de Allende
• 5 Days in Mexico City
• 10-Day Baja California Road Trip
• 10-Day Copper Canyon by Train
• 10-Day Guanajuato Road Trip
• 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip
• 10-Day Oaxaca Road Trip
• Cozumel Island
• Isla Mujeres
• Holbox Island
• Playa del Carmen
• Punta Allen
• Puerto Escondido
• Hot Springs
• Mayan Ruins
• Mountains and Valleys
• Wildlife Experiences
• Best Mexican Foods
• Best Mexican Movies
• Best Books about Mexico
• Mexican Artists
• Mexico Fun Facts
• Mexico Historical Facts
• Mexican Holidays
• Day of the Dead in Mexico
• Pueblos Mágicos in Mexico

Is Mexico City Safe for Travel in 2024? 

• by Nellie Huang

Are you heading to the capital city and wondering , is Mexico City safe? Here I share my research, personal experience and safety tips.

For years, Mexico City was a name associated with violence and drug cartels. The first wave of violence in Mexico came in the 1980s and 1990s when the cartels came into the picture. The second (and worst period in Mexico’s history) wave rocked the country  from 2006 to 2012 when the entire country was drowning in violence due to the narco wars.

But today’s reality is completely different – Mexico City is no longer a crime-ridden metropolis. Crime rates have dropped enormously and the city has done a good job keeping the streets and its people safe. The capital city is no longer the same dangerous place it was a decade ago.

Like in many parts of  the world, safety in Mexico City is a complex subject. In this article, I will break down the topic, share statistics based on my research and discuss where is safe in Mexico City and how to stay safe in Mexico City. 

Table of Contents

Mexico City Safety Reports 

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Let’s first take a look at some statistics to see whether if it’s actually safe to visit Mexico City these days. According to Numbeo , Mexico City has a moderate crime index of 68.9 – which is relatively high compared to other cities such as New York City (49.8) or Guadalajara (62.11). The safety index for Mexico City is at 31.7, which relatively lower than Houston (36.68) or Monterrey (51.84). 

Mexico City still has high rates of corruption, armed robbery and theft. See the statistics in the screenshot for details. But keep in mind that Numbeo gets these data from surveys conducted among members of the site. While the survey questions are extensive, the responses may not be as accurate.

Another source of data, Crimen En Mexico , show that Mexico City is the 10th safest state in the country , after Yucatan, Baja California Sur, Chiapas and Coahuila. [Check out the safest cities in Mexico .] This website uses data from monthly crime reports published by the Mexican government, which means it’s actually quite accurate.

In recent years, Mexico City’s homicide rate has been relatively stable, with improvements noted. According to data from the Mexican government, the homicide rate in the city has been on the decline since 2018.

Robbery and theft are common crimes that threaten the safety of Mexico City, but they have been decreasing. It’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Incidents of robbery and theft tend to occur more frequently in certain areas, so as long as you stay informed about safe and unsafe neighborhoods, you can feel safe in Mexico City.

As of 1 January 2024, the U.S. Department of State does not have a travel warning against Mexico City (just to exercise increased warning). On this list , Mexico City is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico .

It’s essential to emphasize that Mexico City safety has improved tremendously in the last decade. Increased police presence, enhanced surveillance systems, and the implementation of neighborhood-specific security measures have helped create safer environments for residents and visitors. Mexico City’s commitment to addressing these issues has shown very good results in recent years.

The government and local authorities have implemented various measures to improve safety in Mexico City. Nowadays there is a notable police presence in tourist areas, and authorities have also improved lighting, public transportation security, and the monitoring of public spaces. These measures aim to ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy Mexico City with greater peace of mind.

Dangers of Mexico city

Despite the positive changes, there are still some issues that plague Mexico City from time to time. It’s best to be aware of these potential dangers of Mexico City.

Mexico City still struggles with economic inequality and poverty. These issues are usually linked to higher crime rates. In impoverished neighborhoods, limited access to education and job opportunities can lead to criminal activities. As a result of this, certain areas of the city experience higher rates of theft, robbery, and other crimes.

Mexico City’s rapid population growth has become an issue. The city has a population of over 22 million people , which leads to overcrowding and the expansion of informal settlements, known as “colonias populares”. The challenges of maintaining law and order across its diverse neighborhoods have become a serious issue for the government.

TIP : It’s best to avoid places known by locals as “ colonias populares ”, since these are not the safest places to visit.

Another, and probably the most important factor related to Mexico City safety, is drug-related violence. In the past, drug cartels battled for control of drug trafficking routes, causing violence to occasionally erupt in the city. While Mexico City was not a primary battleground for these cartels, sporadic incidents of violence did occur.

Corruption is a big deal in Mexico City. Corruption affects the actual efforts to combat crime effectively and erodes public trust in law enforcement. Efforts to improve law enforcement transparency and accountability have been ongoing, but addressing corruption is a complex and long-term endeavor.

Where is Safe to Visit in Mexico City?

Just like anywhere you go, Mexico City has pockets of unsafe areas as well as districts are safe to visit. Mexico City’s Historic Center, in particular, is a safe and vibrant area teeming with cultural attractions and museums, it’s also where the Day of the Dead celebration s are held, one of the most well-known  Mexican holidays .

Here are some other areas in Mexico City that are safe to visit:

Polanco is often regarded as one of the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City. Known for its upscale shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, this area tends to have lower crime rates than other parts of the city. Here you’ll find large green spaces and some of the best museums in Mexico City ., including the Museo Soumaya. It’s particularly popular with those traveling Mexico City with kids.

Condesa and Roma are trendy neighborhoods known for their bohemian atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. While they have experienced some safety concerns in the past, increased security measures have made them safer in recent years. These neighborhoods are enjoyable to explore during the day and have a thriving café culture.

Zona Rosa is a nightlife hub with a variety of bars and clubs. While it can be a fun place to spend an evening, it’s important to be cautious, especially late at night. Stick to well-traveled areas and consider using reputable transportation options to return to your accommodation safely.

Located in the far south of Mexico City, Coyoacán is a historic neighborhood with a unique, small-town feel, cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and lively markets. It’s famous for being the former home of famous Mexican artists , Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and you can visit their museums, Casa Azul (Blue House) and Anahuacalli, to learn more about their lives and work. 

While these areas are generally considered safe, it’s always advisable for travelers to exercise standard precautions and stay aware of their surroundings when visiting any city.

What are the Unsafe Areas in Mexico City?

It’s important to know that Mexico City is massive, and there are neighborhoods with higher crime rates, especially in the outskirts of the city. It’s best to avoid places known by locals as “colonias populares”, since these are not the safest places to visit.

Iztapalapa, a vast neighborhood in southern Mexico City, is a complex area with some of the city’s highest rates of violence against women, both domestic and otherwise. Avoid this area, especially the particularly perilous La Joya (also known as El Hoyo) region.

Tepito, situated just off the Centro Histórico in Mexico City, holds a notorious reputation as the city’s black market hub. Its notoriety is well-founded, primarily due to the sprawling tianguis (street markets) that dominate the area. While it’s intriguing, it’s important to be cautious when exploring Tepito. 

Colonia Doctores is famous for hosting lucha libre wrestling at Arena México , which is an exciting experience but the area isn’t safe especially for solo travelers. Opting for an Uber might be a safer choice. After evening lucha events, it’s advisable to promptly secure a taxi without lingering longer than necessary. For what it’s worth, we came here for a lucha libre show and didn’t feel unsafe at all.

Colonia del Valle presents a paradox in safety guidelines for Mexico City. Despite having the highest rate of kidnappings in the city, it appears safe on the surface and offers numerous attractive destinations to explore. However, the kidnapping statistics should be viewed in context; it is predominantly a concern for local residents rather than passing travelers. 

Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, commonly referred to as Ciudad Neza, once harbored parts of Mexico’s largest slum and remains one of the capital’s poorest districts. Consequently, crime and gang violence rates are elevated. It’s important to remember that these assessments are broad generalizations of a vast and diverse part of the city.

In general, Mexico City is an easy place to travel for solo travelers — the tourist trail is well marked, flights here from US and Canada are super cheap, and it’s easy to meet other travelers. Many Mexicans speak English and they’re always helpful and willing to help foreigners. Uber works real well too, which makes it safe and easy to get from one point to another easily.

If you’re traveling solo or you’re nervous about traveling Mexico for the first time, you can join free walking tours or book day trips from Mexico City . They give great insights to a city, and they’re a great way to meet other travelers. Check out these tours in Mexico City .

Going out in Mexico City at night can be safe if you exercise caution and adhere to certain guidelines. Like in many major urban centers worldwide, there are areas of Mexico City where nighttime safety can be a concern due to issues such as petty crime and occasionally more serious incidents.

Practice common sense, staying in well-lit, populated areas, avoid displays of wealth, and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods. While Mexico City has vibrant nightlife [check out our recommended rooftop bars in Mexico City ], it’s important to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

I always enjoy traveling in Mexico City and never felt unsafe at any time. I have visited Mexico City a few times with my husband and daughter, and we have never had any safety issues. We have also ventured out at night with no problems.

Mind you, we tend to stick to the historic center, Polanco, Condensa and Coyoacán – areas that are considered safe. We’re mindful of where in Mexico City we visit and we avoid staying out late. We also speak Spanish , which is definitely an advantage when exploring Mexico. 

My husband is from Spain but can pass for a Mexican – we don’t look like tourists and try to blend in (at least in my opinion). We also make sure not to carry too much cash with us and always keep our passports in the hotel’s safe. 

1. Stay Informed

Before visiting Mexico City, research the current situation and read the latest news to see if there have been any shootings or drug-cartel activities. Staying informed can help you make safer choices.

2. Blend In Try to avoid looking lost and try not to hang your camera out in public. This only applies for the not so safe areas.

3. Use Reputable Transportation 

Opt for authorized taxis or ridesharing services instead of hailing random cabs from the street. We use Uber often in Mexico City and have found it to be very safe.

4. Be Cautious with ATMs 

Use only the ATMs that are inside a bank and avoid withdrawing large sums of money, especially at night.

5. Keep An Eye Open For Scams

Overcharging happens often in restaurants and shops. Always check your bill. If you believe something is not right with the price and you feel like you’re being scammed, you can always negotiate. 

6. Don’t Travel with Valuables

Avoid traveling with your valuables or at least hide your important belongings when in your hotel or Airbnb. Just a few months ago a friend of mine got US$500 stolen from her baggage in a hotel in Mexico City. 

7. Avoid Risky Areas at Night

If you plan to explore the city after dark, stick to well-traveled streets and avoid isolated or unsafe areas.

8. Stay Connected  

Keep your phone charged and stay in touch with someone you trust, especially if you’re exploring alone.

9. Try to Travel in a Group

If you’re traveling Mexico City solo, try to connect with other travelers through meetups and avoid going around alone.

10. Call #911 or *0311

The number for any kind of emergency in Mexico City is #911. And if you need any kind of information you can call *0311. Both are available 24/7 during the 365 days of the year.

Regardless of whether you’re in Mexico City for a week or a year, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance. If something unfortunate occurs, such as theft, medical emergencies or even natural disasters ( Mexico City is prone to earthquakes ), having insurance will ensure you get compensated. 

Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

Mexico City was once considered a dangerous place for visitors – but that’s a thing of the past. Crime rates have decreased substantially, and the city has implemented various measures to enhance security.

As a visitor, I always felt safe in Mexico City. I won’t deny there are neighborhoods with high crime rates, but most parts of the city are safe for tourists to explore. Mexico City is one of the most beautiful cities in the world so definitely don’t miss it!

Just take steps to ensure your safety in Mexico City. Stay informed, use reputable transportation services, be aware of the most common scams. I hope my article has given you enough information to decide for yourself if Mexico City is safe for visitors. Let me know in the comments field if I’ve missed anything.

Read my articles on Mexico below:

• 20 Safest Cities in Mexico
• 5-Day Mexico City Itinerary
• Best Museums in Mexico City
• Best Rooftop Bars in Mexico City
• 22 Best Day Trips from Mexico City
• Visiting Teotihuacan, Mexico City Pyramids
• Day of the Dead in Mexico City

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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Should travelers worry about being kidnapped in Mexico? Travel experts discuss safety in Mexico.

The high-profile case of four U.S. citizens being kidnapped in Mexico sent shock waves through the nation. Two were killed last week after getting caught in the crossfire of cartel violence in the border city of Matamoros. 

Many are wondering what's next for the popular tourist destination, and whether Mexico is safe for travel. 

The four Americans – one woman and two men from South Carolina – crossed the southern border for cosmetic surgery last Friday when a cartel shootout erupted.

Social media videos show the gunmen pulling the Americans from their car and driving away, all during daylight. Mexican officials announced Tuesday that they had found two dead. the other The two survivors were escorted back to the U.S.

Is it safe to take a taxi in Cancun?: Here are the safest ways to get around, per travel agents.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

With 2 Americans dead in Matamoros: A cartel-scarred Mexican border town wonders what's next

Violence around border cities is not unusual and can involve Mexicans or migrants with little public attention, but it typically doesn't involve Americans. Officials said the abduction was probably a case of mistaken identity , but the FBI is investigating further.

Meanwhile, questions arose on how the Mexican and U.S. governments will respond, which could affect regular travel to Mexico. A heavy-handed response could likely mean "a wave of violence where it gets worse before it gets better," said Michael Ballard, director of intelligence at Global Guardian , a firm that specializes in travel security. 

Currently, the travel advisory for Mexico warns Americans of crime and kidnapping. On Tuesday, White House press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the State Department takes it "seriously" when it comes to providing "clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world ... so they can make informed travel decisions." 

Is Mexico safe to travel to?

In 2021, nearly 29 million American travelers  headed down to Mexico. That same year, about 75 American citizens died by homicide in Mexico, according to the most recent U.S. State Department statistics. 

Mexico is "a tricky place" when it comes to travel and safety because "the security landscape and the security dynamic is so different state to state and city to city," according to Ballard. 

Unlike some other countries, Mexico's travel advisory assesses each state individually. 

The agency issued a "do not travel to" warning for the Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas state because of violent crime.

"You probably don't want to go to one of these border cities" because cartels "contest these ports of entry pretty heavily and fight for their economic control," Ballard said.

When it comes to the "do not travel to warning," Jean-Pierre said, "We've been very clear about that. The State Department, again, has put that out. We urge Americans to read these alerts before traveling."

Popular tourist spots like Quintana Roo, Nayarit and Mexico City have warnings of "exercised increased caution when traveling to" and Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is, has a "reconsider travel to." Travelers can "exercise normal precautions" when traveling to Yucatan, which includes the popular attraction Chichén Itzá.

How likely is it to encounter cartel violence? 

"I don’t think anyone can ensure 100% clearance on (avoiding cartel violence), unfortunately. We know that Mexico has been plagued by drug violence, and cartels are in many parts of the country, just as in other nations," said Vanessa Karel, a Latinx entrepreneur who founded Greether , a travel startup that helps women travel with fewer risks. 

"However, it is well documented that some areas have a higher presence of violence. Please do your due diligence on which areas these are," she said. Steer clear of these areas and avoid taking part in anything drug-related, Karel advised. 

Ballard agreed and offered this analogy: "Getting struck by lightning is a really rare occurrence, but if you are standing on top of a tree in a thunderstorm, those odds go up. That's how I view being in and around some of these higher-risk cities in Mexico, the border cities."

Getting caught in cartel activity is less common somewhere like Cancun than it is in Colima.

Because Mexico's economy heavily depends on tourism dollars, cartels "tend to stay away from harming or hurting Americans because they know the response would be pretty severe," Ballard said.

The Mexican government has also implemented several initiatives to maintain safety in high-tourist areas, like deploying tourist police forces to high-traffic visitor areas. These officers are easy to spot and usually speak English.

"Travelers will have fewer risks by staying at highly rated hotels, areas and booking tour guides to show them around," Karel said. 

Should people be worried about being kidnapped in Mexico?

Being "in the wrong place at the wrong time" is the main risk for Americans and cartel activity, Ballard said. It's rare for Americans to be kidnapped by cartels for ransom.

He does warn of occasional "express kidnappings," which happen not just in Mexico but in other countries too. In this situation, a tourist who is likely drunk and wandering around downtown gets kidnapped, driven around to ATMs and forced to withdraw money. Usually, they end up being let go. 

As long as you stay in resort areas and use common sense, it should be relatively easy to keep safe. 

Check out USA TODAY's 17 travel safety tips from the CIA .

What should you do if you witness or encounter cartel crime? 

If you do witness or encounter cartel crime such as an express kidnapping or carjacking, Ballard said, you should report the case to the U.S. Embassy or to the local equivalent of 911. "You definitely want to have a record of something like that out there." Unfortunately, response times can be slow depending on where you are, he said. 

According to the State Department , if something happens, you'll probably be relying on local resources. 

Global Guardian clients, he pointed out, have a 24/7 panic button on the Global Guardian app, which will connect users to a safe haven, like a hospital. 

In some cases, he said, your response depends on the situation, and it may be best to cooperate. 

Top safety tips

Karel's top rule for traveling to Mexico is "to plan on going to places that are designed for you to go. If you are trying to visit an area that not even locals feel comfortable going to, don't attempt it, and please, simply avoid it," she said. 

She also advised people to have situational awareness. "We are concerned that travelers going to Mexico think they can go just about anywhere, especially when they don’t blend as a local," she said. Visitors "should be aware of how much they stand out and how little or how much they know about the area they are going to."

Here are some other safety tips when traveling in Mexico:

• Travel during daylight hours and avoid walking around unknown areas, especially at night.
• Don't walk around with jewelry or your head down looking at your phone because that makes you an easy target to get robbed, Ballard said. 
• "Please ask trustworthy travel businesses and, most importantly, check travel advisories and what the tourism boards say. T they are there for a reason, and a lot of us are fighting to make cities safer and more sustainable," Karel said.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , a free service for U.S. travelers to receive safety alerts about their destination from the U.S. Embassy in real time.
• Before departing on your trip to a high-risk area, the State Department recommended you share important documents and points of contact with someone at home, and create a communication plan if something were to happen. 
• Share your location via your smartphone with someone at home while you are abroad. 
• Consider purchasing travel insurance for kidnapping or ransom. Depending on the plan, it can cover ransom payments, emergency evacuation costs, and payment for any negotiations needed. 

Contributing: Michael Collins, USA TODAY

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]. 

11 things to know before going to Mexico City

Oct 20, 2023 • 8 min read

From dealing with altitude to tipping well, we share local tips on what you should know before traveling to Mexico City © Tais Policanti / Getty Images

With a population of over 21 million people, Mexico City  is a densely packed metropolis with Indigenous origins dating back to the 1300s, when it was called Tenochtitlan.

This beautiful yet chaotic city is my hometown. After a lifetime spent here, CDMX (as it's often referred to) still surprises me with its sense of community and how locals – known as chilangos –  own and enjoy public spaces such as parks and plazas. People-watching is a thing here, and just going out for the sake of walking around and having a late-night snack is a form of social entertainment.

In recent years, Mexico City has become a sought-after destination for travelers seeking to indulge in Mexico's rich culinary heritage, admire the city's stunning architecture, or stroll around the central and most picturesque neighborhoods such as Roma, Polanco, Juárez and Condesa.

Yet, throughout my years as a travel writer and fixer in Mexico , I still hear questions that reflect particular misconceptions about the city. So, here are some answers to help you plan your trip to Mexico City and feel more confident and at ease before boarding the plane.

1. What should I pack for Mexico City?

Mexico City is privileged in the weather department since it enjoys a consistent temperature averaging the low 20°Cs  most of the year . Summer is considered the rainy season. It will likely rain during the evening from late June until mid-October, either a massive 20-minute downpour or just a sprinkle here and there, but rest assured: it will rain. 

Pack a light, waterproof jacket, but skip the umbrella. If you get caught in the rain, street vendors sell umbrellas for 60 pesos on average. Pack comfortable shoes since you might do lots of walking as you explore the city . Bring a button-down shirt or a summery or casual dress if visiting high-end restaurants. Chilangos tend to be dressier and chic when going out.

2. Some restaurants and museums should be booked months in advance

The Mexico City dining  and bar scene is lively and includes some of the best restaurants in North America, and the world. You should book lunch or dinner reservations in advance if you have Pujol or Quintonil on your list of places to eat. 

If traveling to Mexico City with friends or family, it's also worth booking lunch and dinner reservations in advance because it will be harder for sought-after restaurants and bars to accommodate walk-ins of large parties.

Buy tickets to the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Luis Barragan House with plenty of time, and plan the itinerary of your trip around the reservations that are harder to get.

February to early May and September to December are usually the busiest months to visit Mexico City, so plan around that if you prefer to avoid crowds.

3. How long should I stay?

Plan a four- to five-day trip to have enough time to explore the city's most popular neighborhoods and attractions. If you wish to visit Teotihuacan  – an archaeological site located 39km  northeast of Mexico City  – or Xochimilco's Cuemanco ecological area in the southern part of the city, set aside an entire morning for each activity since it can take around 1.5 hours to reach each destination coming from the central areas of the city.

The National Museum of Archaeology and the Chapultepec Castle deserve at least four or five hours of your time. Allow a full day to walk around  Centro Histórico (Mexico City's downtown area), visiting sites such as  Bellas Artes , the Diego Rivera murals , Catedral Metropolitana  and Templo Mayor .

Give yourself some time to experience Mexico City's pace of life. It can be hectic but quiet enough to enjoy a coffee or a cocktail and unwind.

4. How much should I tip and when?

Mexico City is a predominantly working-class city, and there is a lot of economic disparity in the service and hospitality industry. Consider a 15% tip as the standard and even 20% based on the full tab at restaurants, bars and coffee shops or the amount paid for booking experiences and services. 

Service staff at restaurants and bars will ask if you wish to add a tip before swiping your card. On the other hand, if you decide to take a tour or hire a city guide, tip with cash, preferably in pesos. 

Tipping an Uber driver is not common, but if you hire a personal chauffeur throughout your trip, tipping will be expected. If you visit a supermarket and someone assists you in packing your groceries, tip 10 to 15 pesos.

5. Mexico City is not cheap

Several international travelers and remote workers have been called out on social media for posting: "Mexico City is so cheap!". If you earn USD, Euros or GBP, you will find that your income or travel budget goes further in Mexico City than, for example, New York, San Francisco, or London. 

However, Mexico City is not cheap for Mexicans, and the cost of living has risen considerably for locals in the last five years, especially in housing costs due to short-term rentals and Airbnb. Chilangos are generally welcoming and hospitable, but comments from tourists about the lower relative costs in the city are unlikely to be appreciated.

6. Mexican street food is delicious, but not very accommodating

Unfortunately, strict veganism or vegetarianism, gluten intolerance, severe allergies or other religious or cultural-related food restrictions will be hard to accommodate in most places, especially when visiting street food stands. 

Taco stands or quesadilla vendors might cook vegetarian dishes with lard or near animal proteins; some mole and salsas could have peanuts or other nuts. Most local markets have sections where traditional butchery is on full display. If you're a meat-eater, be open to the idea and exercise a degree of flexibility. You might end up trying delicious Mexican food.

When visiting a taco stand, locals might warn you about the spiciness of the salsas, and it might be a bit more spicy than what you are used to. In Spanish, picante means spicy. 

Mexican eateries –  fondas  – cook mostly from scratch and always have a vegetarian dish on the daily menu. Corn tortillas are everywhere in Mexico City, so you will be good to go if your restriction is gluten.

Nowadays, most restaurants are mindful of food restrictions and allergies and might make suggestions based on their current menu. But expect them to keep a dish the same, accommodating your request in the best way possible.

7. How safe is the water?

A good rule of thumb is that you can brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water. Depending on the city borough, the quality and sanitation of the tap water might change. 

Consequently, Mexico City residents drink only filtered or bottled water. Since 2014, Mexico City restaurants have been required by local authorities to serve filtered water to consumers at no extra cost.

Any ice used to prepare drinks, aguas frescas (fruity beverages) and cocktails is made with filtered water. Coffee shops and juice stands prepare beverages with filtered water as well. 

8. What about crime? Is Mexico City safe?

The answer to this question really depends on where you are coming from. Strolling around central neighborhoods like Roma, Polanco, Coyoacán or Condesa is way safer than walking, for example, in certain areas of cities such as San Francisco, Philadelphia, Phoenix, LA, Washington DC or Chicago. In recent years, Mexico City's government has increased security patrols in most areas, and overall, the city is safe. 

As in any major city, be aware of your surroundings and always be mindful of your belongings. Watch out for petty crime and pickpocketing in tourist areas. If you end up in a crowded place like a soccer stadium, a concert or a music festival, keep your valuables close to you. Leave any flashy jewelry or watches at the hotel.

If taking public transportation like the Metro (as the subway system is called) or buses, be aware of pickpockets. Stay away from regular taxis and opt for Uber instead.

There are, for sure, neighborhoods in Mexico City where even residents advise caution, so always refer to local intel if you are planning to explore the outer areas of the city. If an area feels edgy and unsafe, staying away is best.

9. Don't drink alcohol in the streets and avoid weed

Drinking in the streets of Mexico City is illegal. Mexico City is not Tulum , Cancún or Los Cabos. If you get caught by the police drinking alcohol in the streets, you may face a fine or jail time. 

In 2009, the Mexican government adopted legislation to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs  for personal and immediate use. However, it's best to avoid consuming any type of drugs in Mexico to avoid the legal gray matter. 

10. Stay hydrated to help with the altitude

Mexico City sits in a valley in the high Mexican central plateau with an elevation of 2240m. You might notice you are more tired than usual after a day or two of arrival. Drink enough water and stay hydrated at all times. You might also experience that alcohol hits you faster here, and it is all because of the high elevation. 

Luckily, you can find bottles of electrolytes in every OXXO or 7-11 store. Locals call them electrolitos , and once you recognize the bottles, you will catch them everywhere. Electrolitos come in different flavors: coco, lime, strawberry etc, and are great for curing a hangover. 

11. There’s a chance of earthquakes 

Mexico City experiences earthquakes occasionally, and the city and its residents are prepared to handle the situation. Mexico has a sophisticated seismic alarm system that gives up to a 60-second warning before an earthquake hits the city. 

If you hear the alarm, stay calm, don't run, and follow the locals' lead to a safe place to see the earthquake through. Hotels, restaurants, government buildings, apartment buildings, offices and schools follow a safety protocol. 

Mexico City schedules earthquake drills once a year to reinforce first responders' safety measures and allow residents to practice earthquake safety protocols. If you happen to be in Mexico City during an earthquake, staying calm is the most crucial step to staying safe.

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Is Mexico City Safe for Travel in 2024?

Written by Becca

Updated on February 10th, 2024

Mexico City is worth visiting during travel, but how safe is it? See safety info in Mexico City for women, solo travelers, tourists and expats living in CDMX, discover common scams.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Posted in Mexico

Table of contents

• Is Mexico City safe for travel?
• Is there crime in Mexico City?
• What are the safest areas of Mexico City?
• Which areas of Mexico City should you avoid?
• Scams in Mexico City to watch out for
• Safety items to bring to Mexico City
• Safest ways to get around Mexico City
• Food & Water Safety in Mexico City
• Safest Types of Accommodation in Mexico City
• General safety tips for traveling in Mexico City

Mexico City is one of our favorite travel destinations for its culture, food, number of things to do and great memories we have there.

But is it safe?

We’ve had friends and families raise their eyebrows when we mention that we’re going to go to Mexico City, and go back to Mexico City, and go back again.

To be honest, in all our time there, we’ve personally never experienced any crime: no small crime, and no big crime, either.

However, there are a good number of things to know about your safety when it comes to taking a trip to Mexico City. Safety can pertain to health, crime, money, scams and more.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the safest areas of Mexico City, the areas to avoid, the safest ways to get around Mexico City and general safety tips that we’re glad we’ve used over the years. Let’s go!

Is Mexico City safe for travel?

In short, we give this question a big “yes:” we’ve spent more time in Mexico City than in other places to which we’ve traveled, and we love the city for a reason (because it’s awesome and so much fun to visit).

We even recommend it as a great city for first-time travelers .

But also in short, there are a few things to know when it comes to safety, so we’ll be sure to touch on those things.

For solo travelers

Mexico City is surely somewhere I’d travel alone, and I’d even say it’s safer than places to which I have traveled by myself, like San Jose, Costa Rica.

If you are trying to go to Mexico City as a solo traveler , I’d have no doubts for you. I’d recommend staying in a fun hostel where you can meet other travelers, and to use a Mexico City travel guide to figure out what to do each day in the well-traveled neighborhoods .

If you’d like the companionship of a group, check out a group tour! There are so many to choose from, like this mezcal tour in a small group. All these reasons make Mexico City one of the best destinations for solo travelers in the world.

For female travelers

Women travelers may have a few more questions than men, and that could be because Mexico has a more ‘machismo’ culture than Western countries like the US, Canada and Europe.

What I will say is that for myself, as a petite American woman (who speaks near-fluent Spanish), walking around areas like Roma Norte and Condesa feels completely safe to me. I’ve also walked on my own around Centro, gone shopping in the Mercado San Juan on a lunch break and I’ve taken the metro alone!

These areas (which we will comment on soon!) are common areas for expats, digital nomads and travelers to stay in.

If you’d like the confidence and security of a group, try an intimate guided tour or excursion of Mexico City’s most crowded areas like in Centro. And if you have time to pick up some solo travel items before you go, see my list of the best products for solo woman travelers .

For couples

Mexico City is a great place for couples, and safe as well. Dan and I have spent seven weeks in Mexico City as professionals working remotely, and we took a “purely vacation” trip to CDMX, so we could enjoy some time as a couple.

If you’re into romance, there are tons of bars we recommend where you can cozy up with a cocktail or live jazz (can you believe it?) and entire lists of excellent dining and entertainment experiences for date nights as well.

For couples, Mexico City is very safe, especially if you’re always traveling in a pair, and if you pay attention to the general safety tips we recommend below!

For families

Mexico City is a family-friendly place, and you can see this in the mothers with children eating at Neveria Roxy, having birthday parties in Bosque de Chapultepec and sitting down for brunch in Polanco.

Mexico City is a place we’d love to take our children some day, to visit all the museums, teach them about what they see in all the markets and let them play in the playgrounds in the big leafy parks.

Is there crime in Mexico City?

The truth is that yes, Mexico City has crime. The other truth is that as a visitor, you won’t be spending time in the neighborhoods that are magnets for crime, because those neighborhoods are not welcoming to visitors and do not have places of interest for the value of your trip.

Types of crime

Mexico City has various types of crime, from petty crime like iPhone pickpocketing to larger crime pertaining to drugs and cars.

The truth about crime in Mexico City is that we witnessed some during our last trip. Our friend, who is a savvy traveler and always keeps a foot on her bag strap in restaurants and cafes, was in a coffee shop in the Condesa neighborhood, and paid a bill with a barista while taking her view off her bag for about ten seconds.

All it took was ten seconds for a thief to run by, snag her bag without her ever even seeing , and leave, with her laptop, Kindle, AirPods and wallet all inside. The story continues with a bit of a chase, as she was tracking the location of her AirPods through AirTags location tracking, but unfortunately did not receive any of her things back even after speaking with two teams of police who tried to help.

What to do if you experience crime

If you experience crime in Mexico City (and we say this from recent experience because we had to help our friend whose backpack got stolen), call 9-1-1. If you speak Spanish, that is great, for speaking to the operator and describing your predicament. If you do not speak Spanish, they can transfer you to the English-speaking operator.

If you experience crime, find the nearest police officer or police team and report your issue. Police in Mexico City typically do NOT speak English, so have your best Spanish and/or your translation app ready.

Lastly, if you experience crime in Mexico City, enlist the help of your embassy. It’s a good idea to have your country’s embassy information at the ready, and you can usually call to talk to someone about obtaining a police report from a reported issue, or, a replacement of your passport if it was stolen.

What are the safest areas of Mexico City?

There are many safe areas of Mexico City where you can spend your trip. We’ve spent time in various neighborhoods and have personally never experienced crime, although as we’ll touch on, crime is a possibility and we have to be transparent about that.

This area is where you’ll find hotels, trendy nightlife , restaurants and lots of expats. Roma Norte is an area right next to Condesa (see below), and is popular with expats, travelers, digital nomads and young families.

Condesa is a beautiful neighborhood with art deco architecture where you can visit Parque Mexico, check out the boutique shops and visit lots of nice cafes .

Polanco is an upscale residential area north of Bosque de Chapultepec known as a place where expats and young families live. There is lots of luxury shopping and a great dining scene.

Coyoacan is a kind of hipster neighborhood in the southwest of Mexico City, and it’s accessible by metro. This is where you’ll find the Frida Kahlo Museum, Coyoacan Market and a lovely central park and fountain.

Juarez is one of Mexico City’s newest trendy neighborhoods, and has great cafes, restaurants, yoga studios, architecture and pedestrian streets.

Other safe areas for visitors

Other safe (but less central) areas include Lomas, Santa Fe, San Miguel Chapultepec, Napoles, Del Valle, Escandon and Narvarte. Any of these areas would be nice to stay in, although it depends if you’re going to CDMX to visit a friend, or family, or if you’d prefer to be in the center of the city to do sightseeing.

Which areas of Mexico City should you avoid?

The areas to avoid in Mexico City are the ones where tourists don’t have a reason to go, so that’s good news!

At all costs, you can avoid the following areas: Iztapalapa, Ecatepec, Tepito, Guerrero, Lagunilla, Tlahuac and basically all the outskirts of the city. You could also avoid certain areas of Centro depending on the time of day.

Nighttime is never suggested for walking around alone if you’re outside the safe areas mentioned above. If you need to go to these areas, it is advised to be very careful. Go in the daytime only, dress down, with no sunglasses or jewelry visible, and go with at least one other person.

If you do wish to walk around at night, we suggest going with a local guide who is fluent in Spanish who can guide you around typical things going on in the city after dark. Try a guided walk like this!

Thanks to our friends Rachel and Diana, for helping us out with this list, and more info you’re finding here!

Scams in Mexico City to watch out for

There are a few common scams to look out for in Mexico City. Some of them may seem familiar if you have done a lot of traveling. Be aware of the types of scams and how to not fall for them, listed below.

The Mustard Scam

This scam is increasingly common, especially toward foreigners. Someone will squirt mustard at your back, and in making you think it was bird poop, a team of two nice-looking people (could be women, or nicely-dressed men) will come to “help you clean it off” with napkins or wipes, and in the meantime, will take your wallet or any of your other things that can be quickly swiped.

Serial scam artists

Expats have reported a serial scam of scam artists, usually women, who pretend to be your friend, complain about having bad roommates or some type of excuse, and they follow you and ask for money. They may make a plea to ask to stay with you for safety and guilt you into providing her with a place to stay. Ultimately, these women will steal from you, so never invite any strangers home to where you’re living or staying!

Cell phone scam

Scam artists will look for foreigners who look busy texting on their phones while walking down the street and they’ll bump into you so you drop your phone. The aim is to crack the screen, so that you feel obliged to go to their shop or market and ‘have your screen repaired.’

The ‘repair shop’ will be in the back room of a store or market, where a group of individuals will surround you and demand that you pay an exorbitant high fee, or, if you say you cannot afford the price, they will request that you hand in your phone to them as compensation. If this happens to you, involve the police immediately.

Text money scam

There have been reports of visitors checking out for a purchase on their phone, when they receive a text message, asking to verify the purchase or enter bank information. After going through the requests to “unblock a credit card,” scammers are able to withdraw money from your account (for example, 9000 pesos) without even having access to the actual card.

Lesson: never open text messages that ask for bank information in Mexico!

Metro boarding/exit scam

If you’re boarding or leaving a train car on the CDMX metro, beware of groups of people that may push you around. Have your bag close to your body or worn on your front, and do not have anything in your pockets while riding the metro. Groups of men may push you around and while you are distracted, take your wallet or phone. You’ll probably never see your phone again.

Safety items to bring to Mexico City

You can never be too safe, especially in one of the world’s biggest cities! Here are some ideas to make your trip as safe as possible.

With a money belt , keep the bulk of your money and credit cards hidden, and close to your body. This is handy in case you fall victim to any of the scams above!

Purse with a zipper

Having a purse with a zipper like my any of these fanny packs (which has both a high-quality zipper and a magnetic flap) is an extra layer of security when compared with a simple open-top tote bag.

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Dummy wallet or second wallet

I learned about a dummy wallet, or fake-out wallet, from my friend Joe, when we were traveling in Nicaragua!

Having a “dumb wallet” in your pocket in addition to a money belt where all your real things of value are kept will help in case your pockets get swiped in the Metro or if someone comes up to you demanding for your wallet.

Keep about $5 worth of money in your dummy wallet, and no credit cards. This type of wallet will make a thief happy, and will keep your real money stash even happier. Here’s a super cheap wallet to get before your trip.

Apple AirTag

Apple’s new AirTags help to keep track of and find your items alongside friends and devices in the Find My app. We saw these become immediately useful when our friend’s backpack was stolen in Condesa.

We were able to track the location of her AirPods that had an AirTag on them and it was incredible. A simple one-tap setup instantly connects your AirTag with your iPhone or iPad.

Wire-style lock

Our friend Jimmy says he never travels without a retractable wire lock , especially in Mexico, due to theft of laptop bags being common as soon as you step away from your bag in a cafe.

The great thing about a product like this is that it is super lightweight and mobile, and it could be the single item that prevents your purse, bag or backpack from being stolen from a restaurant or coffee shop. (You can also use them on buses, on airplanes and in airports.)

Safest ways to get around Mexico City

There are loads of safe ways to get around Mexico City, from walking, to Uber to taking the metro. We’ve done them all, with no problems!

We like walking in Mexico City! We find it to be a great option, especially if we’re on an itinerary of locating all the photography spots in a certain neighborhood.

Uber is a great method of transport in Mexico City because you can use your travel credit card in the app just like at home, and the fares are super affordable. As it regards safety, you’ll always be able to see your driver’s name and rating, and if you leave something in the car, there’s a way to get back in touch.

The Mexico City Metro

The Mexico City Metro is a robust transportation system. We have mostly used Line 1, from Insurgentes (Juarez) to Salto del Agua (Centro).

If you are female, choose the women & children metro train car at the left of the platform.

While the metro is generally safe, there are a few stations to avoid, according to locals: Pantitlán, Tacubaya, Cuatro Caminos, and most of Líneas A and B.

As for when to travel on the metro, service ends at midnight each night. Metro service is reliable, safe and pretty convenient all day long if you are smart, not flashy and know how to blend with people and keep an eye on your belongings.

According to local Mexico City friends of ours, any time could be good or bad, depending on your luck. You should exercise increased caution after 10 pm.

As a resource, you can learn more about the Mexico City Metro at this metro map page .

Food & Water Safety in Mexico City

Dan and I have experienced different issues with food in Mexico City (and sometimes, none at all!). Most recently, I got sick in Mexico City from we’re-not-sure-what, and we’re not even aware of what I could’ve avoided to have not gotten food poisoning. While in Mexico City for nearly seven weeks the time before, I did not get sick from food once.

You could be totally in the clear during your trip, despite eating every type of taco from the street, or you could get food poisoning at a five-star restaurant (I mention that this happened to my friend, in my tips for how to avoid getting sick while traveling ). It’s luck of the draw, and there are a few tips for playing it safe with food.

Eat fully-cooked foods

If you have a weak stomach, consider only eating foods that are fully cooked-through. This includes runny egg yolks in your chilaquiles, unfortunately. You can ask for “huevos revuletos,” which means scrambled eggs.

If you think your stomach may have an issue with things like cut fruit from the street, other street food or salsas that have been sitting out in the heat for a while, avoid these things.

For ideas on restaurants where I’ve eaten, check out my Mexico City taco guide .

Never drink the tap water. Even locals don’t drink the tap water.

Never drink the tap water! NEVER, ever drink from the tap. It will be bad news for your stomach and for the rest of your trip.

Only drink bottled water

Yes, only drink bottled water! You can always buy bottled water at a 7-Eleven or OXXO convenience store, if not a restaurant, cafe, shop or vendor.

Watch out for street food

Generally, street food is safe because it’s fully cooked (especially meat) and isn’t sitting for too long. Go to food carts during popular times to make sure that the food hasn’t been sitting for many hours.

Cross contaminating your cooked food after toughing raw food can happen everywhere. People working in food carts aren’t trying to make you sick by any means. If you have a very serious allergy, it may be best to avoid street food because food is rarely made to order, and is often made in batches.

When you visit a food cart, observe if the vendors are actively dealing with any raw food. Most of the time raw food is added to the grill all at once.

Another thing to watch out for is the “public” salsa. You’ll sometimes see cups of salsa at a small table or a counter somewhere. If you want to play it safe, avoid these salsas, because many people have dipped in them, and they may have been sitting out since morning.

If you have a strong stomach (we had no problem with these salsas!), you can be sure that they’ll be delicious and authentic.

Watch out for ice in your drink

If you are choosing to buy a drink from a street vendor with a little cart or with a homemade concoction of fruit juice or coffee, we suggest foregoing the ice.

You can never be sure if the vendor is making ice from 100% completely filtered water, or if they are mixing it and diluting it with tap water, which is likely to make anyone ill.

At sit-down restaurants, especially in areas that cater to visitors and tourists , ice in your drink will more than likely be from a filtration system or bottled water from jugs, which is very common.

Roll the dice

You can be super safe, overly cautions, only eat and drink packaged foods and still get sick. When you travel, there’s a balance of having a good time and enjoying yourself vs. second guessing everything you consume.

If you know you have a weak stomach, be on the cautious side, and if you’re an experienced traveler, you probably already have your own tricks.

If you’ve never had issues before while traveling, you can be assured that Mexico City is generally an okay place in terms of food safety.

Safest Types of Accommodation in Mexico City

We typically have a lot of trouble deciding among Airbnb, Hostelworld and Booking.com for hotels.

We’re well-rounded in that during our three different visits to Mexico City (ranging from seven days to seven weeks), we’ve stayed in apartment rentals, hotels and hostels, too. There are safe options for all these types of places to stay.

Hotels are a sure way to go about staying in Mexico City if you look closely at reviews and at location. Make sure the hotel’s location is mentioned in the reviews by other travelers, and do your research regarding what’s nearby in terms of restaurants, cafes, things to do and even your country’s embassy.

We stayed in a great hotel during our last trip called Condesa Cibel, in Roma Norte. The location was super safe, as was the security (each guest is given a front door security code).

You can book on Booking.com , which was what we did, to be sure of seeing all the amenities.

For Airbnb rentals , read the listing’s reviews as it regards safety, access to the host, and noise complaints.

After reading several instances of street and club noise for a listing in Juarez, we decided against staying at a property we had been eyeing for its great location and amenities.

We’re both tried-and-true hostelers who have had great luck staying in hostels over the years! Given the size of Mexico City, it will not surprise you that there are tons of hostels to choose from. Here are a few:

• Selina Mexico City Downtown : In regard to safety, the hostel has a security person at the main door who checks bracelets. The area itself is in Centro/Downtown, so keep that in mind. The hostel is near a big market and a metro station.
• Wanderlust Mexico City : This hostel is located in Roma Norte, which is an area we like to stay in!
• Hostel Home : This one has great reviews and is located in Condesa, near Parque Mexico, one of our favorite locations.

General safety tips for traveling in Mexico City

Here are some of the safety tips I’ve employed that can keep you safe during your trip!

Never leave your bag out of sight

Even though Dan and I have remained unscathed in all our days and months spent in Mexico City, all it takes is a span of three seconds for a thief to snatch your entire purse or backpack when you’re seated at a cafe or restaurant outside.

If you’re traveling alone, take your bag with you if you get up to pay a bill or go to the restroom. If you are indoors and feel a bit secure but you’ll be leaving your bag out of view, you can still use a travel-sized retractable bag lock to clip your backpack to a chair or table. Lock the zippers with a small zipper lock .

If you are traveling with someone else, always have that person watch your entire purse or bag when you get up. They should keep a foot on the backpack strap or have a purse strap wrapped around their wrist or ankle.

Always count the change you receive in cash

Don’t be afraid to ask for more change if you feel like you didn’t get enough. If you receive the wrong change, it really could have been an honest mistake. This has happened to us with street vendors as well as proper stores.

When in doubt, stick to tourist areas

Mexico City is very, very, very big, and we can’t stress that enough. As a visitor, there are so many interesting things to do that it’s not even possible to do it in three months, which is the amount of time Dan has spent in CDMX over the years!

Your best bet is to stick to the places outlined in some of our Mexico City photo spots guide, and we assure you that there’s no need to wander off the traveler path.

Learn some conversational Spanish and emergency words

During emergency situations, pre-download Google Translate, one of our favorite apps for travel and make sure the Spanish dictionary is also installed.

If you have slow (or no) cell service and need to translate something, you won’t want to be stuck.

A few words that may help in emergency situations are:

• ¡Socorro! (help)
• ¡Ladrón! (thief)
• ¡Ayúdame! (Help me!)
• ¡Emergencia! (Emergency!)

Take Uber rather than regular taxis

Ubers are generally safe in Mexico City, and you can pay with your credit card (make sure you don’t get international fees, and read our guide to traveling internationally with money ).

If you pay with your credit card, you should never have to pay cash. You should never need to give your Uber driver any cash.

Note: apps like Cabify may differ in this regard. We recommend sticking strictly to Uber, and you’ll see that the rates are very affordable when compared with your home region.

Always be aware of your surroundings

There’s never any harm in being completely aware of your surroundings as a traveler, no matter where you are. Mexico City is very safe, but as we mentioned, crime can happen to anyone, even someone who has been in Mexico City for a month already.

Always be aware of anyone walking to close to you, following you, looking at you intently or trying to talk to you. If you find that someone is following you or watching you, ask for help from a local or dial 9-1-1 on your phone.

Get travel insurance

In our explainer for travel insurance , we talk all about how travel insurance can help you with issues specifically related to your trip, whether you’re the victim of crime or whether you have an unexpected health mishap.

We recommend two providers for travel insurance:

• Safety Wing : travel insurance on a monthly basis, ideal for long-term travel
• World Nomads : pay up front on the website for coverage during the dates of your trip and in the country where you are headed

Don’t let your guard down while on guided tours

We’ve done plenty of tour experiences in Mexico City, like the Eat Like a Local Food Tour and going in a hot air balloon over Teotihuacan, recommended in my best day trips from Mexico City . Purchasing a guided tour experience is an excellent thing to do in Mexico and in Latin America, to ensure you’ll be going to safe areas and that you’ll be with a local expert who speaks fluent Spanish.

While on guided tours, you may go to villages, crowded markets or other environments. While it is rare to experience crime of any sort on a guided tour experience, petty theft like a phone being snatched from your pocket in a city market is always a possibility, so always use general safety tips to secure your belongings!

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Is Mexico City Safe To Visit in 2024? Travel Warnings And Safety Tips

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

Updated On: April 4, 2024

It’s impossible not to love the sheer scale of Mexico City. The Mexican capital is one of the world’s largest cities. It’s a place of dense population, street food, architecture, and fascinating community dynamics. If you want to experience Mexico as a tourist, head to Cancun. If you want to experience Mexico as a society, head to Mexico City. The history is astounding, with day trips to the Teotihuacan Pyramids and countless museums like Chapultepec Castle in the city center. There’s no doubt about it: Mexico City is an incredible destination for passionate travelers.

Table of Contents

Is Mexico City Safe to Visit?

However, many people ask, “Is Mexico City safe?” How do you go about staying safe in Mexico City? As the largest city in Mexico, it’s no wonder people worry about safety levels. Mexico City is a big city, and like all big cities you must take standard precautions to avoid petty theft and crime. But it also has some specific crime rates to note, so it pays to research first before visiting Mexico City.

Staying safe in Mexico City doesn’t have to be something to worry about. In this guide, we’ll give you the rundown on the question of ‘Is Mexico City safe?’ but also guidance on how to make it a safer experience. Statistics speak for themselves, but there’s a lot within your control. Get ready to take a more proactive approach to staying safe while visiting Mexico City.

Short Summary

Mexico City is generally safe, but it’s important to say that crimes do occur throughout the city. Let’s give you an overview of safety in the city to start with.

Usually, non-violent and petty crime is in touristy areas, like the Centro Historic, which ranges from pickpocketing on public transportation to more serious mugging incidents. The city center has some of the safest neighborhoods. If you stick to these ‘safe’ areas, you can stay safe in Mexico City. For instance, avoid carrying too much cash, walking alone at night, and not leaving drinks unattended.

The tourist areas have a good police presence, which deters violent crimes. Mexico City is reasonably safe if you stick to the daylight hours and specific neighborhoods. You can have a wonderful time so long as you practice common sense.

On the other hand, the non-tourist areas and neighborhoods associated with cartels can be dangerous. Examples include Tepito, which is home to La Union Tepito, a cartel organization involved in human trafficking and extortion. Even police presence in Tepito is unhelpful, with some officers taking bribes to turn blind eyes to crime.

Mexico Travel Advisories

Most visitors have a safe trip to Mexico City. It is a good idea to stay on top of general travel advisories, which you can find on government websites like Gov.UK , Travel.State.Gov for the US, and Travel.gc.ca for Canada. When embarking on solo travel, you should be particularly mindful of these when loved ones back home could lose contact with you or not be aware of your movements.

In this section, we’ll look at some of the 2024 travel advisories for Mexico as a whole. Remember to look at your government’s guidance for advice that is as current as possible. These advisories can change daily, for instance, telling you to exercise increased caution over political rallies or gang-related tensions.

Here are a few to keep in mind as of 2024:

• Avoid the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas due to the increased risk of crime and kidnapping.
• Be mindful of the lingering impact of 2023’s Hurricane Otis around Acapulco.
• Avoid Tijuana and sections of the Baja California Sur peninsula due to rising tensions.
• Avoid Chihuahua due to current high crime rates.
• Avoid traveling at night.
• Be alert even in tourist areas on the Mayan Riviera, like Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen.

And now that the general Mexico advice is out there, what about Mexico City specifically?

Mexico City’s Current Safety Situation

As we said, safety can change day by day. It depends on things like political movements and social events. Elections can spark chaos, even in a ‘safe destination’. And riots or incidents can spark cartel violence. So, what is Mexico City’s current safety situation  right now?  Regarding staying safe in Mexico City, knowledge of current affairs is key.

Currently, Mexico City has no elections, controversial political scandals, or warring cartels in tourist areas. There are no inflammatory events, so this is a safe time to visit Mexico City.

However, those visiting the city in June 2024 should remember that it is the period of the Mexico General Elections. This is a time when tensions can rise with protests and unrest. If you are visiting during this period, it’s wise to monitor the news and know that you may need to adjust your trip and avoid protesting crowds while out.

You should also monitor the news for any outbreaks of rival cartel violence and take standard precautions at all times. Several cities in Mexico require extra care for tourists. Still, Mexico City is the country’s largest city, so it naturally has more risks and petty crime.

Best Practices For Staying Safe in Mexico City

When you visit Mexico City, many ways to stay safe are dictated by you and your behavior. Of course, random incidents that are totally out of your control can occur. But as a general rule, you can avoid incidents by proactively staying safe in Mexico City – so why wouldn’t you?

In this section, we’ll introduce you to the top seven practices to stay safe in Mexico City. We’ll cover everything from tap water to money belts and everything in between. These are the vital tips you will want before visiting Mexico City.

1. Avoid Drinking Tap Water

First things first, make sure you remember to avoid drinking tap water. Tap water in Mexico City is not suitable for drinking. This goes for brushing your teeth and cooking; just buy bottled water and look for recycling points to ensure plastic is reused. The last thing you want is an upset stomach or a serious waterborne disease.

As a general rule, when traveling through Mexico, tap water is not considered safe for consumption. It often does not get sent through filtration or purification systems, meaning there are bacteria in the tap water system. Tourists should not drink tap water, and even locals abide by this practice – instead, drinking bottled water.

The flip side to this is that you want to drink plenty. Staying hydrated is really important, especially in Mexican summers. Don’t drink tap water, but make sure that you drink plenty of bottled and recycle plastics accordingly.

2. Wear a Money Belt

Money belts are fantastic. A popular way to reduce the risk of petty crime and pickpocketing is to wear a money belt. These lie flat around your stomach under your clothes. Then, if you are a victim of pickpocketing or mugging, you can keep your valuables undetected.

Things like money belts are just common sense. You can also leave valuables in your hotel safe and avoid bringing lots of money out and about while sightseeing. Some people carry decoy purses or cards, too – which is a great idea should you be targeted.

3. Learn Basic Spanish

Learning a little Spanish is a great way to stay safe in Mexico City. Mexico City is full of action and is a fast-paced tourist destination. Learning a bit of Spanish, be that ‘por favor’ or some simple directions or phrases, can make a huge difference.

When communicating, you can avoid high-risk areas and take advice from helpful people you meet around the city. It also prevents you from hanging out and looking vulnerable on your phone or simply struggling to communicate. The more capable you are and the less distracted or confused you look, the less likely you are to draw attention to yourself. And this means a lesser chance of being targeted by criminals.

4. Learn the Safe Neighborhoods

Learning safe neighborhoods should be a vital practice when visiting any city. In Mexico City, though, this is especially important, as some neighborhoods are rife with drug cartels. Even locals don’t venture into specific areas, so when you add higher risks, such as solo travel and carrying valuables and obvious luggage, you can see why knowing your neighborhoods makes a safety difference.

A few examples of neighborhoods to avoid in Mexico City are Tepito, Ciudad Neza, and La Merced Market. The neighborhoods that are really safe and popular among travelers are Roma, Centro Historico, and Condesa.

5. Consider Group Tours

Another top tip is related to solo traveler experiences. If you are a solo traveler and need help tackling Mexico City, join a group tour. There are so many capacities in which you can do so – whether you book a single-day tour, a fully guided multi-day trip, or a walking tour around the city center. You could spend your time in a group the whole time or your first day in a group to get a feel of the city. Think of this option as a safety blanket.

One thing to consider as a solo female traveler is that it’s wisest to head out at night in a group. So, if you are looking to do some after-hours exploring, you can join a guided pub crawl.

6. Have Great Travel Insurance

This is a big one. Travel insurance can make or break your trip if the worst occurs. It covers everything from hospital treatment to gear cover and flight cancellations. Brilliant, right? Travel insurance is one of the best things to remember when preparing a visit to Mexico City.

Insurance costs as little as $5 or so for a few days and can cover you for millions in damages. Shop around and see what policy best suits you.

7. Pick a Different ‘Party Destination’

Finally, while Mexico City has excellent nightlife, you can pick a different party destination. You could visit somewhere like Cancun. Or you could head elsewhere outside of Mexico – heading to US cities. If you want somewhere to enjoy late-night partying in a safer environment, reconsider.

Tailoring your activities to a destination is a great practice when traveling in general. If you want to take fewer safety precautions in terms of nightlife, visit Mexico City for its daytime activities and pick somewhere else for its nightlife.

Transportation Safety

As one of Mexico’s major cities, you’d need public transport at some point. There is a metro system and buses. But is public transportation safe in Mexico City? We’d say generally it is safe, as long as you are aware of pickpockets. Exploring Mexico City by public transport is great for your budget, but you should be mindful of safety and the time you use it.

Public transport in Mexico City is rife with petty theft. Tourists are mainly targeted because they are less familiar with theft tactics and often carry so much luggage that they are vulnerable to pickpocketers or bag snatchers. Reduce the amount of luggage you take on public transportation and always ensure valuables are secure – ideally hidden under your clothes in a money belt.

Another thing to remember when using public transport in Mexico City is that it’s more dangerous at night. You can use most transport safely in daylight hours with some common sense. However, we’d recommend skipping Mexico City’s public transport system at night. Opt for a licensed taxi in a group instead. The safest ones are called Sitio Taxis.

If you use public transport in Mexico City, try to know beforehand how they run and where you are going. This way, you won’t flounder at stations looking like a sitting duck for petty crime. Here’s an overview of the city’s public transportation system:

The metro runs until midnight seven days a week for journeys as cheap as 5 pesos a ride. There are twelve lines, and the trains have around nine cars, which remain busy in peak hours. You buy tickets and enter through turnstiles. Google Maps should tell you which route to take pretty effectively, and downloading offline maps or screenshotting your directions will help you avoid lingering in stations. Are you a solo female traveler? Keep an eye out for children and female-only carriages in peak hours – which tend to be the first three cars.

The buses are a bit more hassle than the metro in Mexico City. However, some brilliant female-only buses help prevent harassment in crowded buses. These are ideal for solo female travelers in Mexico City. The bus system is also really budget-friendly.

If you would rather opt for taxis, consider a few different categories of taxis. To stay safe when using taxis rather than public transport is equally important. So keep these three taxi types in mind:

Turismo taxis

Turismo taxis are unmarked luxury vehicles. These are typically booked as transfers online through platforms like Viator and Get Your Guide or affiliated with hotels. Turismo taxis might be unmarked, but they are still safe and associated with formal companies. Because most are booked in advance, you pay premium prices.

Sitio taxis

Sitio taxis are marked taxis and are sent out by radio dispatchers. These are your traditional taxis. They are a little more expensive than your metered and libre taxis. However, the sitio taxis are safer because they are more regulated. Sitio taxis focus on guided experiences and transfers, with a more personable service than a quick A to B drop-off.

Red cabs and libre cabs

These taxis rely on a meter and are the most basic taxis you can get. It can work out budget-friendly, but be aware that Libre taxis are less regulated than the sitio and Turismo options.

Food and Drink Safety in Mexico City

You are visiting Mexico City – of course, you will try some of the delicious things to eat and drink. In fact, a  food tour  is one of the best things to do in the city. The downtown area especially is full of street vendors selling delicious street food. And you can sample Mexican food like tacos as well as tasty cocktails.

Food and drink in Mexico City are super tasty. So, what should you consider from a safety perspective?

The first major consideration should be tap water. The tap water in Mexico City is not safe. It is often not filtered properly, meaning bacteria is left in the water, which you then drink. To avoid this, be mindful of eating fruit and vegetables washed in non-bottled water. You should also avoid ice in drinks.

In 2014, authorities made it a requirement that restaurants in Mexico City serve filtered water to guests for free, which has helped. Many more formal restaurants use filtered water when cooking and preparing dishes. But it’s still essential to watch these things to avoid getting sick. It’s your choice how hesitant or risk-taking you’d like to be regarding the age-old tap water debate.

Finally, eat at places with good reviews. If there’s a restaurant repeatedly making everyone sick, you can bet Google will hear about it. People are quick to leave scathing reviews, so make sure that you check out Google reviews before dining somewhere. You can also do a quick in-person scan – in general, the busy restaurants are the ones where people aren’t getting sick.

Health and Medical Safety in Mexico City

We’ll answer this section in two parts. First, we’ll look at the general health risks in Mexico that you should be aware of when staying in Mexico City. Then, we’ll look at the specific health and medical risks of staying in Mexico City itself.

Generally speaking, you should be aware of two viruses in Mexico: Zika and Chikungunya. The Zika virus is spread by mosquitos and causes a rash, headache, and joint pain, often accompanied by red eyes. It is unpleasant but not fatal, although it can carry risks to pregnant women. The Chikungunya virus is also spread by mosquitos, causing similar symptoms. It can also cause chronic chikungunya arthritis, though, which is long-lasting. Mexico also has dengue fever, which is spread by mosquitos and causes flu-like symptoms. Dengue fever can worsen, causing shock and internal bleeding, so early detection – and, ideally, prevention – is vital.

As you can see, the main cause of these three medical concerns in Mexico is the presence of infected mosquitos. The risk of mosquitoes in Mexico City is generally considered low, as there’s no great body of water and areas of undergrowth. But you can still bring mosquito repellent to be on the safe side.

So, what are Mexico City’s specific concerns? Well, the biggest health and medical risks in Mexico City are related to its pollution. The city has high levels of air pollution, which can aggravate respiratory and heart conditions. You can take preventative steps like wearing masks. Or, if you struggle with existing conditions like asthma, ensure that you bring all personal medication and treatments.

Be mindful of unfiltered and impurified water in Mexico City, too, which can cause bugs like Cyclospora or salmonella. The best way to avoid the dangers of unfiltered water in Mexico City is to  not drink unfiltered water.  Always buy bottled water and use it to drink, brush your teeth, cook, and make hot drinks. The last thing you want is chronic diarrhea when trying to enjoy sightseeing in beautiful Mexico City.

Is Mexico City safe health-wise? It is safer than most coastal areas and places thick with vegetation, where mosquitos thrive. You are less at risk of Zika, Chikungunya, or dengue fever exposure. However, you can still bring mosquito repellent, just in case. You should primarily be mindful of waterborne diseases and air pollution, especially if you are predisposed to respiratory illnesses like asthma.

Is Mexico City Safe for Solo Travelers?

Mexico City isn’t the safest city for solo travelers. However, if you are experienced, savvy, and willing to prioritize safety, you can visit the city safely as a solo traveler.

The main issue for solo travelers in Mexico City is that they are more at risk of petty and violent crime. Solo travel naturally leaves you more vulnerable. For instance, if you look at Google Maps, nobody focuses on protecting your bags. Or if you are walking through an unsafe neighborhood looking at Google Maps to find a way out, there’s nobody to pay attention to what’s happening around you. Safety in numbers is a legitimate safety net you often cast aside on a solo trip.

That’s not to say it can’t be done, though. Mexico City can be great fun for solo travelers, like any major city. We’ll first look at solo travel and then concentrate on Mexico City for solo female travel.

Generally, solo travel is safe if you stick to safe neighborhoods and minimize going out after dark alone. Similarly, if you use common sense and pick marked taxis, you should be fine getting around the city. Little things make a big difference, though, like choosing well-located accommodation and learning directions before you leave your hotel so you aren’t glued to Google Maps.

If you stay at a hostel, you can soon meet new people and join forces with other travelers to head out as a group anyway. We advise staying in a hostel or organizing group tours and experiences. If you arrive in Mexico City on a solo trip and feel uncomfortable, you have a safety blanket and the option to enjoy the city in a group.

But what about solo female travelers? Is Mexico City safe for solo female tourists? We’d say yes only when you are taking precautions. While the city is generally safe for solo female tourists, many activities and ways of getting around  are  safer in groups. For instance, you can ride in the female-only carriages on the Metro, but it’s safer to travel with a group. Similarly, it’s definitely not safe for a solo female tourist to walk around much of Mexico City after dark. If you want to make it safe, you will spend your time sightseeing during the day around the city center, taking guided day trips to explore other attractions.

The question is not so much ‘Is Mexico City safe for solo female tourists? ‘ but how you are planning on visiting the city. Are you going to be happy making compromises to make your experience safer? We wouldn’t call Mexico City safe for solo female tourists if you want to go out alone and have a carefree experience. If this is the case, consider booking a group tour instead so you can relax a little and enjoy your getaway more.

Is Mexico City Safe: FAQs

Now that you know all about staying safe in Mexico City, it’s time for some FAQs. As a major city, it’s helpful to compare Mexico City to other cities that may be more familiar. Often, it’s the fear of the unknown that can provoke more anxiety.

In this section, we’ll provide a better insight into whether Mexico City is safe by using comparisons and more general perspectives.

Is Mexico City safer than New York City?

Mexico City is marginally more dangerous than New York City, but not by much. Mexico City and New York City are similar in that crime is concentrated in specific areas. Both experience gang-related violence. If you know which neighborhoods to avoid, both New York City and Mexico City are relatively safe.

Is Mexico City safer than Los Angeles?

Mexico City is more dangerous than Los Angeles. As a whole, it is muggings that make Mexico City more dangerous, with more street robbery incidents than in Los Angeles. However, Mexico City is still safe in the safer neighborhoods and with common sense exercised.

Is Mexico City cheap or expensive?

Mexico City is one of the more expensive cities in the region. But with that said, its affordability is still miles above that of EU or US cities. Living costs – including rent – are around 60% lower for those living in Mexico City rather than New York City. And for those just visiting, you are looking at a $20 average for a meal in New York City versus a $9 average for a similar standard restaurant in Mexico City.

Is Mexico City nice to live in?

Yes, Mexico City is a nice place to live for expats. The city is full of things to do, providing great affordability and a fantastic job market. The tasty Mexican food is another huge plus. And it’s no wonder that a large percentage of people are relocating to the Mexican capital.

Should you Travel To Mexico City Now?

As you can see, staying safe in Mexico City is mostly easy. For such a big city, the risks are minimal. Just be mindful of public transportation, have good travel insurance, use common sense, and take extra care if you’re a solo traveler. So, is Mexico City safe? For the most part, we’d say yes. Mexico City is safe when you proactively take the necessary safety steps.

It is easily one of the  best places to visit in Mexico.  But that’s not stopping you from venturing to other small towns and other cities after you visit Mexico City. Check out  the cenotes  on the Yucatan Peninsula and  Mexico’s incredible beaches.  We advise using Mexico City as a launchpad to experience even more of the region.

The best way to stay safe in Mexico City is to do your neighborhood research. Take out great travel insurance and take standard precautions to stay safe. Take particular care if you are a solo traveler, especially a solo female traveler.

You can enjoy amazing food and fantastic sightseeing in safe neighborhoods with plenty of tourists. It’s equally important to remember that Mexico City is a wonderful experience. It has a historic center, ancient city ruins, and delicious cuisine.

Plan your travels to Mexico with these resources

• Is Cancun Safe to Visit? Travel Warnings And Safety Tips
• Is Tulum Safe To Visit? A Comprehensive Guide to Safety and Security
• 21 Amazing Things to do in Cancun
• 30 Best Puerto Rico Beaches To Visit
• 34 Best Things to Do in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
• 27 Incredible Things To Do In Puerto Rico in 2024

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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1 thought on “Is Mexico City Safe To Visit in 2024? Travel Warnings And Safety Tips”

Thank you for providing such valuable insights into the safety aspects of visiting Mexico City in 2024. Your thorough analysis of travel warnings and safety tips offers a comprehensive guide for anyone considering a trip to this vibrant destination. Your dedication to ensuring travelers’ safety and well-being is commendable, and your expertise in navigating potential risks is invaluable. Keep up the excellent work in providing essential information for travelers worldwide!

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U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico Ahead of Spring Break

The warning is asking travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed."

marako85/Getty Images

The United States is warning travelers heading to Mexico to be aware of their surroundings ahead of the spring break holiday season.

The warning , which was issued this week by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, reminds travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed” as “thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break” each year. The embassy continued that “while the vast majority travel safely,” visitors should be aware of issues with crime, drugs, unregulated alcohol, drownings, and more. 

“Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations,” the embassy warned. “U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.”

The warning also reminded American travelers that drug possession and use is illegal in Mexico, including medical marijuana. It also advised that unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, that counterfeit medication is common, and that guns are illegal in Mexico.

When it comes to the country’s popular beaches, the embassy reminded travelers some beaches may have strong rip tides and “may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.”

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a similar spring break warning last year .

The U.S. Department of State classifies different states in Mexico under different warning levels. While travelers can “exercise normal precautions” when traveling to the Campeche and Yucatan states, the State Department warns them to “exercise increased caution” when heading to places like Baja California Sur (where Los Cabos is), Mexico City, and Quintana Roo (where Cancun is) due to crime.

The State Department also asks American travelers to “reconsider” going to the state of Jalisco, which is home to popular destination Puerto Vallarta , due to the danger of crime and kidnapping.

The State Department recommends Americans who do travel to Mexico keep people at home informed of their travel plans and enroll in the department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to both receive alerts and make it easier to locate them if an emergency occurs.

Travelers heading to international destinations can view all current travel advisories on the State Department's website at  travel.state.gov .

• Is Mexico City Safe? According to a Researched Traveler

by Nichole | Last updated Apr 12, 2024 | Mexico

Loaded question. According to our parents, the answer is no because they are instantly afraid we will be scooped up by the drug cartels. Ask the TripAdvisor or Reddit community, and the answer will usually be the same. If you are street smart, it’s just as safe as walking around in your U.S. hometown. So, which is it? Is Mexico City safe or not?

My husband and I were in Mexico City for 6 nights as first-time visitors. I’m going to share 1) how we determined if Mexico City felt safe for us and 2) our honest travel experience during our weeklong stay. 

* Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are from first-hand experience that I feel will deliver value to you! Thank you for your continued support.

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3 Safety Factors to Consider

01- state department travel advisory, #2- latest news, 03- community forums, firsthand experience in mexico city, mexico city by foot, 01- roma norte, 02- roma sur, 03- condesa, 04- polanco, 05- coyoacan, 06- el centro, in between neighborhoods, mexico city by uber, final thoughts, related content.

I am guilty.

When I first considered Mexico City, my thoughts (just like my parents) immediately went to the drug cartels and episodes of Narcos on Netflix .

I am human after all, and Mexico City was once a dangerous place.

But after seeing recent traveler’s positive travel experiences, I decided it was time to challenge this negative perception.

By the way, I am a middle-aged traveler (yikes, I hate to admit this because in my mind I’m “29” forever, lol!) and have visited 6 continents and 32 countries from Cambodia to Zimbabwe to Chile.

My definition of risk in my 20s is much different than now. I offer this background, so you understand the person sharing this Mexico City safety perspective.

Alright, let’s quickly review the 3 safety factor checklist I used to determine if Mexico City felt safe to visit.

Then we’ll chat about why you probably landed on this post … firsthand travel experience in the 7 most popular Mexico City neighborhoods. 

Photo obtained from the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Map for Mexico City

If you do not know this already, the U.S. Department of State posts travel advisory ratings on all countries that range from a 1-4.

1 = Exercise normal precautions (white)

2 = Exercise increased caution (yellow)

3 = Reconsider travel (orange)

4 = Do not travel (red)

We only travel to destinations labeled a 1 or 2.

It is important to know that different ratings can exist in the same country. For example, Mexico has all the ratings … 1, 2, 3, and 4!

Always look at the whole picture to make your decision. Even in my hometown city, there are places I would walk (and not walk) after dark.

Know your 1, 2, 3, and 4s!

If you look at the map above, you will see Mexico City is yellow and labeled a level 2 (exercise increased caution). But if you go outside Mexico City, it’s labeled a level 3 (reconsider travel).

Stick to the donut hole in the middle.

U.S. Department of State Check: PASS

Courtesy of Shutterstock 

It’s always important to understand what is going on in a country financially, socially, and politically to help you determine if you should go or out.

Interestingly, a lot of money is being poured into Mexico from the auto industry. Ford opened up a new campus after a huge investment. Other foreign automakers are following suit including the successful Chinese electric automaker BYD .

This financial investment could translate into more jobs and improved quality of life, which potentially means more stability. Of course, this is all speculation.

I also look for any news on crime targeting tourists. It’s one thing if you hear about shootings between drug cartel members, but it’s an entirely different thing if you hear about tourists being shot in well known tourist sections.

The latter situation would be a deal breaker.

For example, we drove all around Tulum, Cancun, and Puerto Morelos years ago and loved it! We even took the boat over to Isla Mujeres to swim with whale sharks , which was a major bucket list item for me (#16 of 77 travel experiences). 

But recently, I heard news about tourists getting caught in the crossfire of drug cartel disagreements in touristy areas.

The situation would need to change if I were to consider traveling to this area again. By the way, despite that news, the Cancun area is still considered a Level 2 (aka safe in the U.S. Department of State’s eyes).

I was surprised then when I found NO recent news of any hard crime against tourists in Mexico City.

Tragically there were a few deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning occurring in Airbnbs but no hard crimes such as assaults or shootings.

And yes, I am embarrassed to say I did buy a travel carbon monoxide detector for this trip “just in case.” Yes, I am fully aware this could happen at any property in any city without proper ventilation.

Politically, Mexico City has been relatively stable. There are elections though coming up, so it is important to stay updated as things can change.

Current News Check : PASS

Recent traveler experiences are invaluable.

Although you can get “fake news” or trolls reporting false information, TripAdvisor Forum and Reddit communities are good sources to check on a fellow traveler’s personal experience.

Always check to see if the person posting has other comments and reviews to gauge legitimacy. A one-time poster is always suspicious.

Now usually, you will get the same answer if you ask if a place is safe in these forums. The common reply is to take all the normal precautions like you do back at home, and you’ll be fine.

Occasionally though you will have a traveler reporting a personal incident.

This doesn’t pertain to Mexico City, but I wanted to share an example of how I use these forums.

I had read about a recent case where a traveler had their belongings stolen while staying at an Airbnb on one of the Caribbean islands we were preparing to visit. I will not disclose which one because it was an isolated incident and no one was harmed.

That did not deter us.

Again, it’s the shootings and personal harm in a well-known tourist section that worry me not the isolated cases of petty theft.

When we went to that Caribbean island and stayed at a vacation rental, we took extra precautions like never leaving any personal items outside to invite unwanted visitors. And always making sure our rental car was clear of our gear.

When I researched Mexico City though, I could not find any negative incidents of personal harm.

Community Forum Check : PASS

CDMX sign in Mexico City

Alright, now the juicy part. We felt we had researched enough to give us a sense Mexico City was safe with the usual precautions. 

Did our research match our experience?

We spent 1 week in Mexico City.

Here’s our experience as first-time visitors to Mexico City WALKING around (we walked almost everywhere!) and as an UBER passenger.

Map of Best Mexico City Neighborhoods

First things first.

Know your neighborhoods. Just like in my hometown, I know where to walk and where not to walk.

If you do not know where the sketchy parts are located, then definitely stick to the tourist sections like we did (minus one uneventful but briefly nerve-racking situation which I’ll discuss at the end where I didn’t follow this advice).  

Here are the 7 neighborhoods we visited in Mexico City:

Plaza Rio de Janeiro in Roma Norte in Mexico City

Out of all the neighborhoods in Mexico City, Roma Norte was my favorite!

Think romantic intricate Art Deco architecture and tree-lined streets.

We stayed in one of the BEST boutique hotels (in my opinion!) with a foodie secret on the BEST street in Roma Norte … Colima Street.

White mole and fermented carrots at Restaurante Rosetta in Roma Norte

My husband and I felt completely comfortable walking around everywhere in Roma Norte day and night. We visited:

→   Numerous cafes ( Café Memorias de un Barista , Buna , Libertario Coffee Roasters (our favorite), etc)

→   Restaurants & bakeries ( Restaurante Rosetta , Panadería Rosetta , and Contramar (watch the Masterclass on Contramar’s Chef Gabriela – love her food!) 

→   Cocktail bars ( Licorería Limantour , Tlecan (super friendly bar), and 686 Bar ).

* If you love a well-crafted cocktail, do not miss my top 6 bars in Mexico City !

Is Roma Norte Safe? YES

The diving street between Roma Norte and Roma Sur is Coahuila Street.

We did not experience Roma Sur in the late evening, so I cannot speak for that time frame.

However, I can vouch for our experience in the daytime, which was fantastic! 

Enjoying a delicious tamale at Tamales Doña Emi in Roma Sur, Mexico City

In the morning, we walked from our hotel in Roma Norte down to Tamales Doña Emi in Roma Sur for breakfast.

They have some of the best tamales I have ever had! We love tamales so much that we even booked a Tamale Cooking Class while in the city.

Best barbacoa tacos at El Hidalguense in Roma Sur, Mexico City

Later on in the day, we also enjoyed some of the best barbacoa tacos we have ever had at El Hidalguense . Ask to sit on the rooftop overlooking the street.

Mexican cuisine is just incredible. Don’t miss my ultimate self-guided taco tour if you want to experience the best tacos in the city!

No problems at all in Roma Sur.

Is Roma Sur Safe? YES

Parque España in Condesa, Mexico City

Condesa is also another beautiful Mexico City neighborhood with a hipster vibe and leafy parks.

Strolling Avenida Amsterdam in Condesa quickly became one of our favorite activities. This shaded, pedestrian-only pathway is shaped like a horse track. In one section, it is sandwiched in between two beautiful parks, Parque España and Parque Mexico. Incredibly peaceful.

This may be TMI, but Parque España in Condesa has one of the cleanest public restrooms I have been to.

My husband and I had just finished our coffee class, and we started to walk back to the hotel. I hate public restrooms, but it would have been a very uncomfortable walk back. I rolled the dice and was pleasantly surprised.

The bathroom is located right next to a children’s park. The bathroom attendant was friendly and efficient. 5 pesos was well spent. 

Coffee Tasting Class in Condesa, Mexico City

Highlights of the Condesa neighborhood:

→   Enjoying some of our favorite tacos ( Tacos Don Juan and El Pescadito )

→   Sipping an Old George Sour at our favorite cocktail bar in Mexico City

→   Participating in a Mexican coffee tasting class hosted in a local’s home who happens to be a coffee tasting judge

Yep, I’d say we felt pretty safe in Condesa!

Is Condesa Safe? YES

Chapultepec Park in Polanco in Mexico City

Polanco is the fancy modern neighborhood of Mexico City. Think luxury car dealerships and high end clothing stores. It’s very nice and safe but does not possess the local charm of Roma and Condesa.

However, if my parents or in-laws asked where they should stay in Mexico City, Polanco is where I would book their hotel. 

Famous 3264 Days Mole Madre at Pujol in Polanco

We enjoyed two great experiences here:

→   Our foodie pilgrimage at Pujol , the restaurant that put Mexico on the culinary world map

→   Wonderful stroll through the large, sprawling Chapultepec Park (known as the Central Park of Mexico City)

Is Polanco Safe? YES, SUPER SAFE

Fuente de los Coyotes (Coyote Fountain) in Coyoacan in Mexico City

Awe, Coyoacan, how I love this cute colorful, artsy city.

We did Uber there just because of the distance from our hotel in Roma Norte, but once there, we loved walking around this neighborhood with its cobblestone streets. We always felt safe.

My husband and  I had an incredible coffee from one of the best cafes in Mexico City, Cafe Avellaneda , before strolling past the famous Coyote Fountain.

Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan, Mexico City

Of course, we had to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum to view some of Frida’s classic artwork and her incredible avant-garde dresses. Book tickets in advance! 

If you do not know who Frida Kahlo is, check out the PBS Documentary Becoming Frida Kahlo .

Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious chicken tostado at the well-known food stall, Tostados Coyoacan at the Coyoacan Market.

We loved the vibrant vitality of this cute little Mexico City neighborhood, which had a nice mix of locals and tourists.

Is Coyoacan Safe? YES! 

The famous Diego Rivera mural at Museo Mural Diego Rivera: Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Central 

El Centro is the business and historic center of Mexico City.

Lots of history and culture! It is known for the Zocalo square, world-class museums, and incredible local restaurants that are foodie institutions.

Enjoying a pastry from Pasteleria Ideal in front of the Palacio de Bellas Artes in El Centro in Mexico City

We walked all over El Centro but stuck to the touristy areas. There is a lot to see, and you should dedicate a full day to take it all in. Highlights we enjoyed …

→   Zocalo (main city square)

→    National Palace (the Diego Rivera murals are truly masterpieces!)

→    Museo Mural Diego Rivera (it is worth it to see this one iconic art piece)

→    Palacio de Bellas Artes (great place to sit and enjoy a pastry, check out the fine art, or attend a concert)

→   Alameda Central (beautiful park)

→   Foodie stops including Tacos de Canasta Los Especiales (incredible basket tacos), Pasteleria Ideal (the pastry choices are overwhelming!), Taquería Los Cocuyos (Bourdain-approved taco shop), and El Cardenal (amazing breakfast in a beautiful building).

We Ubered to/from El Centro. Doctores is a neighborhood in between Roma Norte and El Centro that I didn’t feel comfortable walking near.

When I had researched the Is Mexico City Safe? question before our visit, I found a local who shared her perspective.

What I really appreciated is she shared what Mexico City neighborhoods to avoid . This included Iztapalapa, Tepito, Neza, Ecatepec, and Doctores. That’s the info tourists are craving to know, so thank you!

So, yes, I avoided walking anywhere near Doctores, and Ubered to/from El Centro.

Once in El Centro though, I felt completely comfortable walking in between the tourist sites. However, we did not venture too far off the beaten path.

Again, if we were touring with a local guide , no problem since they know the good streets and the not-so-good streets.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing are a possibility here, much like in Barcelona, Spain (known as one of the world’s top pickpocketing cities , a fact my sister can unfortunately attest to), so be aware of your surroundings.

Is El Centro Safe? YES, WITH CAUTION

Bazar Fusion in Juarez, Mexico City

Situated a short 15-minute walk north of Roma Norte, this Mexico City neighborhood has more of a local eclectic hipster vibe.

It is located south of Paseo de la Reforma and north of Avenida Chapultepec. Refer back to my Mexico City Neighborhoods Map for orientation.

Enjoying a Mexican wine tasting at Wine Bar by CMB in Juarez, Mexico City

There are several wonderful sights we explored in Juarez:

→    Chocolateria La Rifa (great Mexican hot chocolate where you pick your % of cacao)

→    Bazar Fusion (cute little shops where I found some beautiful handpainted mezcal cups)

→    Tamale Cooking Class (where we learned to make salsa and delicious homemade tamales in a local’s home!)

→    Wine Bar by CMB (where we tried award-winning Mexican wine)

→   Hanky Panky (one of the World’s Best Bars !)

→    Handshake Speakeasy (another top cocktail bar, #11 to be exact according to the World’s Best Bars)

Is Juarez Safe? YES! 

Bike riders out on a Sunday near Angel of Independence  in Mexico City (so sad we missed doing this!)

I have one other experience to share, which occurred somewhere in between the southern end of the Juarez neighborhood and the far northern end of the Roma Norte neighborhood.

Quick story. My husband and I love fun bike rides.

When we were in Lima, Peru years ago, we found out the city shuts down certain roads to pedestrians and bikers on Sundays . We rented a bike and had a blast buzzing away on the streets normally reserved for cars.

We discovered Mexico City offers a similar experience. They shut down Paseo de la Reforma Street on Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm.

Sign us up!

Our plan was to rent bikes and cycle from the Angel of Independence to Chapultepec Park in Polanco.

Unfortunately, we failed at our attempt. We read about how to rent bikes from Ecobici and downloaded the app . It just wasn’t our day.

The app was glitchy and was not accepting payment. We called our credit card company, who said it wasn’t them. They authorized the charge on their end.

We went to the Ecobici Service Center near the Angel of Independence and through Google Translate explained our situation. Apparently, we were not the only ones because there were two other American couples with the same problem.

The Service Center was not able to help us but suggested purchasing a Mexico City Metro Card at a metro station to use as payment.

I put “metro station” into Google Maps, and we followed the route.

The route Google took us was a little dicey. The only thing I remember was at one point we were the only tourists walking up a ramp to find this metro station. We turned the corner, and two guys seemed genuinely shocked to see us there.

There were several homeless makeshift tents in the direction we needed to pass under to get to the metro station. It didn’t feel right, so we walked right back out. Gotta listen to those spidey senses, whether it’s warranted or not. It’s good until it’s not.

Since this was not my hometown and I was not with a local guide, I had no idea if this section was safe or not. Just like in any city including mine … one street is fine and the next one over … not so much.

Would something bad have happened? Most likely not, and it was probably safe. Why chance it though and ruin a perfectly good vacation?

Walking on Paseo de la Reforma Street in Mexico City (this was my favorite section besides the one with the Angel of Independence)  

We abandoned our Sunday bike ride idea and decided instead just to walk the 2.5 miles on Paseo de la Reforma Street to Chapultepec Park. Beautiful walk!  All the locals were out and enjoying that fresh air, and we felt completely safe.

I hope Ecobici has resolved their glitchy app because we really want to do that bike ride when we come back to Mexico City!

Check with a LOCAL to determine SAFETY in non-tourist sections

Courtesy of Shutterstock: Driving in an Uber

Taking Uber in Mexico City was a very pleasant experience. We had excellent drivers all with great ratings.

It was fast and affordable. It reminded us of our Uber experience in Cape Town, South Africa, another city where travelers often question is it safe.

Here is where we Ubered either because of distance or out of precaution:

→   Mexico City International Airport to/from hotel: DISTANCE

→   Hotel to/from Coyoacan: DISTANCE

→   Hotel to/from Pujol: DISTANCE

→   Hotel to/from Centro: DISTANCE + PRECAUTION

→   Handshake speakeasy to Hotel: PRECAUTION (due to later hour)

→   Hanky Panky cocktail bar to Hotel: PRECAUTION (due to later hour)

→   Baltra Bar to Hotel: PRECAUTION (due to later hour)

Otherwise, we walked everywhere!

Is Uber Safe? YES!

In summary, did we feel safe in Mexico City?

But as first-time visitors …

✔️   We stuck to the tourist areas only (besides that one situation)

✔️   Did not wear flashy clothing or jewelry

✔️   Kept our valuables like our phone well hidden

✔️   Took Uber when we felt we needed to especially at night

✔️   Accomplished our sightseeing in the day

✔️   In bed by 9/10 pm (hey, we’re also older-ish)

Always use common sense, and remember to check a destination’s current events since things can change.

We went to Mexico City for the food and culture, and it SURPASSED our expectations. Even the Michelin Guide is taking notice and will be announcing their top foodie picks in early 2024!

If you decide to book that trip, I strongly suggest making Roma Norte your home base, particularly on Colima Street. Stay at Casa Izeba , an incredible boutique hotel with an amazing rooftop.

And if you love Mexico City, you are going to LOVE Oaxaca for these 19 reasons .

I hope this perspective helps as you make your own travel safety decision.

Safe and happy travels!

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Is Uber Safe in Mexico City in 2024? Important Safety Tips

Planning a trip to Mexico City and wondering if Uber is safe to use? You’ve come to the right guide!

As a travel blogger that lives in Mexico , I’ve visited Mexico City and taken Uber many times, both with friends and as a solo female traveler.

If it’s your first time visiting Mexico City, it’s natural to wonder about Uber safety, especially if you’re traveling solo or don’t speak the language. 

In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about Uber safety in Mexico City , as well as further details about Uber and transportation in the city.

So after reading this complete guide on Uber in Mexico City, you should be prepared to zip around the country’s capital on your next trip!

Ready to find out if Uber is safe in Mexico City? Let’s get started!

Is Uber Safe in Mexico City?

Yes, Uber is typically very safe in Mexico City. Uber is allowed to operate in Mexico City, which makes it a safe, reliable, and inexpensive form of transportation.

I’ve taken Uber in Mexico City many times and have never had any issues or safety concerns. 

Uber is always my preferred method of transportation in Mexico City, as it’s very easy to use and a great way to get to popular attractions around Mexico City like Xochimilco or Teotihuacan .

Plus, I feel more comfortable taking Uber in Mexico City than a random taxi on the street, as everything is tracked in the app and you can see Uber ratings from past rides.

However, as in any destination, you should use common sense and if your Uber driver has a low rating or you notice any suspicious activity, you should cancel the ride.

But as long as you take basic safety precautions, you should feel very comfortable taking Uber in Mexico City.

Is it Safe to Take Uber Alone in Mexico City?

Yes, it is safe to take Uber alone in Mexico City. I have visited Mexico City several times as a solo female traveler and haven’t encountered any problems.

It’s a great way to get around the city and much preferable to crowded public transportation.

However, you should be extra cautious while waiting for your Uber in dangerous neighborhoods and use common sense. 

Some examples include Tepito (near the city center), around Centro Historico, around Arena Mexico (a large indoor arena in Colonia Doctores), outside of Estadio Azteca, and Iztapalapa (near Coyoacan).

Is Uber Allowed in Mexico City?

Yes, Ubers are allowed in Mexico City. Compared to other cities and towns in Mexico, where Ubers are struggling to get a foothold or past the taxi operations, Uber is doing very well in Mexico City.

There are even some designated “Uber pickup/dropoff” locations throughout the city, making it even easier to call an Uber wherever you are.

Why Take an Uber in Mexico City?

Uber is one of the most straightforward modes of transportation in Mexico City. Uber has several advantages compared to popular transport options like the Metro and taxis.

• Safety and security : An Uber is safer than other forms of transportation. For example, the Mexico City Metro (Metro de la Ciudad de Mexico) is notorious for pickpocketing and other petty crimes and is often overcrowded. Plus, Uber’s safety measures, such as the shared tracking option, can help you mitigate any risks or concerns.
• Transparent pricing : It can often be a hassle to haggle the price of a Mexico City taxi down. However, the price of an Uber is transparent, and you don’t have to worry about any of the trouble.
• Language barrier : If you aren’t fluent in Spanish, Uber can help you overcome the language barrier that might be an issue. You can input your destination and payment confirmation without miscommunication.
• Convenience : You can call an Uber car from almost anywhere in the city. You don’t want to worry about navigating to a specific bus stop or the Metro station.

How Much is Uber in Mexico City?

Ubers around Mexico City are affordable, especially compared to fares in the United States or neighboring countries.

The cost of an Uber car in Mexico City will vary, depending on how far you are going and the time of day (Uber in Mexico City also has surge pricing).

However, the average fare for a short trip within the city is around $75 pesos (~$4.40 USD).

Here are some estimated Uber basic fares from the city center to popular destinations (keep in mind this can fluctuate):

• Centro Historico to Frida Kahlo Museum: $140 pesos (~$8 USD)
• Centro Historico to Roma Norte: $100 pesos (~$6 USD)
• Centro Historico to Mexico City International Airport (MEX): $200 pesos (~$12 USD)
• Centro Historico to Xochimilco: $300 pesos (~$18 USD)
• Centro Historico to Teotihuacan: $800 pesos (~$47 USD)
• Centro Historico to Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU): $600 pesos (~$35 USD)

Is Uber Cheaper than a Taxi in Mexico City?

Generally, Uber is cheaper than a regular taxi in Mexico City. Uber prices are more transparent, and there is a much smaller chance of getting scammed by the taxi driver for more money.

However, sometimes Uber has surge prices, which go up due to high demand. In this case, Uber can get more expensive. 

If you want to cut the cost, you can go for a short walk to lessen the distance if you’re in a safe neighborhood.

Is Uber Safe at Mexico City Airport?

While there were rumors of a Mexico City Airport Uber ban, Uber in Mexico City Airport is safe and reliable. And compared to airport taxis, Uber is usually more affordable. 

So if you’re trying to decide to take a taxi or Uber from Mexico City airport, I would recommend taking an Uber.

Uber Pickup at Mexico City International Airport (MEX)

Using Uber at Mexico City International Airport (MEX) is straightforward and common. All you have to do is head to your terminal’s main exit and follow signs pointing to the taxi or rideshare pickup.

The Uber Mexico City Airport pickup location is just outside the airport, but keep an eye on your Uber app, as it will also show where the driver is expecting you.

The airport can get pretty chaotic, so watch for your driver, as they will likely only drive through once for you.

Uber Pickup at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU)

Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) is a little more tricky because it’s the newer airport and much further away from the Mexico City center.

You can exit the main terminal and follow signs to where the taxi and rideshares pickup. Finding a driver might be a bit more challenging there so if Uber doesn’t work, try Cabify or Didi.

Possible Uber Scams in Mexico City

While Uber is known to be the easiest and safest way to get around such a large city, it’s not without fault. 

These are some Uber scams floating around Mexico City and other areas to be cautious of (but keep in mind that these are very rare):

• Mugging scam : Some have reported while waiting for their Uber, they were mugged. The idea is that your Uber driver shares your location with accomplices so they know exactly where you are. They rob you and tell you to move on. The Uber driver shows up, but you’ve left after getting robbed, so they report it as a “canceled by rider.”
• Ask for cash : If you paid by card in the Uber app, the driver insists that you didn’t pay by card, and they refuse to let you out until you pay for your fare in cash. And because you did settle in the app, you paid twice.
• Forget to end the trip : Maybe not always intentionally, but Uber drivers can also forget to end the journey at the designated dropoff spot, so you end up getting charged more for the longer distance.

Uber App in Mexico City Safety Features

Over the years, Uber has developed a variety of safety features to make you feel more secure and mitigate any risks. 

This provides a bit more reassurance compared to the minimal features put forth by local taxi companies.

Here are some features you can utilize while using Uber in Mexico City if you want further protection during your trip:

• Audio recording
• Trip sharing with trusted contacts
• Access to an emergency button and security alerts

Uber in Mexico City Safety Tips

Here are some Mexico City Uber safety tips that should become common sense. They will add some extra reassurance and protection:

• Check the Uber driver’s rating: Always double check the Uber driver’s rating after the ride is confirmed.  I recommend sticking with drivers with an Uber rating of 4.8 or higher.  If they have a low rating, don’t hesitate to cancel the ride.
• Stick to major landmarks for pickup: If possible, it’s best to call for an Uber near major landmarks in Mexico City.  This will ensure that you’re closer to crowds and not waiting in an unsafe area.
• Always check the license plate : Be sure to confirm the license plate and the driver’s name before entering the car.
• Keep a close eye on the map : Keep the map open in the application to ensure you take a proper route to your destination.
• Share your trip with a friend : Use the trip-sharing feature in the Uber app to share the trip with a friend or family member.
• Be prepared for traffic: The traffic in Mexico City is next level so get comfortable and be prepared for a longer trip.
• Double-check for personal belongings : Ensure you have all your belongings before exiting the Uber.
• Don’t forget travel insurance : Always have active travel insurance in the rare instance you fall victim to a petty crime or scam. I recommend using Travel Insurance Master where you can compare plans and prices from popular providers.

How to Use Uber in Mexico City

The Uber app in Mexico City works the same way as anywhere else. You must open the app, call a driver to your desired destination, and confirm your pickup spot. 

Some busy areas in Mexico City may have “Uber locations” on the app, making it easier to call a driver.

Keep in mind prices will be in Mexican pesos so use a currency converter if you need to calculate the cost.

Uber Ride Types in Mexico City

You’ll notice several different options for transportation when you call an Uber. Here are the common ones in Mexico City:

• UberX: Traditional Uber ride, all to yourself, best for a small group (1-4 people).
• Uber Planet: Comes at an extra cost, but a part of your fare will help offset your carbon footprint (1-4 people).
• Comfort: Slightly bigger cars and more comfortable (1-4 people)
• Uber XL: Larger vehicles for larger groups (1-6 people)
• Uber Black: Advertised as sustainable travel in luxury cars (1-4 people)
• Uber Black SUV: Similar to Uber Black, but can fit larger groups (1-6 people)

Other Ways to Ride:

• Moto: More affordable and faster motorcycle Uber rides (1 person)
• Flash Moto: Can send small items (0 people, only packages/items)
• Assist: Special assistance from certified Uber drivers (1-4 people)

Uber Mexico City Payment Methods

Like most other locations, you can pay for your Mexico Uber rides with a variety of different methods:

• Credit Card: You can connect a credit or debit card to your account (a credit card is better as there is more protection, and nobody will have access to your direct funds). Make sure to use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees to save a little on each purchase.
• Cash : You can also opt to pay in cash. If you do this, make sure to have Mexican pesos and try to make small bills, as Uber drivers don’t always have change.
• Paypal: You can also connect your Uber account to your existing PayPal account, which can then be connected to multiple cards.
• Apple Pay: You can also set up Apple Pay as a form of payment on your Uber account.

Should You Tip Uber Drivers in Mexico City?

Tipping your Uber driver in Mexico City is optional, though always appreciated. 

If you’d like to tip, anywhere between 10%-20% is considered generous, and Uber drivers prefer cash tips vs. in the app.

Uber Alternatives in Mexico City

Besides regular taxis and Uber, several other application-based car services are gaining popularity in Mexico City in recent years.

• DiDi : DiDi is a rideshare app that functions similarly to Uber and is becoming more popular worldwide. Some advantages include more safety features (women can choose only to request female Uber drivers) and sometimes cheaper fares.
• Cabify : Cabify is another rideshare app similar to other popular apps but charges passengers only on the distance for the most direct route between the two points.

However, remember that these safe alternatives are much less popular, so finding a driver will likely be more challenging.

Where Else in Mexico Can You Use Uber?

Uber in Mexico can be confusing, as it operates in some cities, but can be unsafe or dangerous to use in others.

For example, some popular tourist destinations in Mexico where Uber is not available are Cancun , Playa del Carmen , Tulum , and the entire Riviera Maya region.

Even though the state government legalized Uber in the Riviera Maya, local taxi unions drove Uber drivers out of town and have made it unsafe to even try and use Uber.

This means that Uber at Cancun Airport is not available, so I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation or taking the ADO airport bus .

Here’s a list of some popular tourist destinations in Mexico that currently have Uber:

• Guadalajara
• Mexico City
• Puerto Vallarta
• San Miguel de Allende

Uber in Mexico City: FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Uber safety in Mexico City:

Yes, Uber is available in Mexico City and is a reliable and trustworthy form of transportation in Mexico City.

Yes, Uber is available in Mexico City and your Uber taxi app should work as it does anywhere else in the world.

Yes, Uber is reliable in Mexico City. Compared to other forms of transportation, Uber is the most reliable way to get around.

Uber is the best way to get around in Mexico City. It’s easier, more convenient, and more reliable than other ways to get around the city.

Uber is the safest mode of transportation in Mexico City because you don’t have to worry about crowded public transport or unreliable taxi drivers.

It is generally safe to take a cab in Mexico City, but they can often be a hassle to negotiate.  If you do take a cab, you should be cautious and only use official Mexico City taxis that are pink and white in color.

Some Uber drivers in Mexico City speak English, but not all.

Conclusion: Is it Safe to Take Uber in Mexico City?

So, is Uber safe in Mexico City? Generally speaking, yes, Uber is safe in Mexico City. From my experience, it’s the safest and most affordable way to get around Mexico City.

Regular taxis can be unreliable, especially if there is a language barrier, and many people experience “broken meters” in taxis that charge significantly more.

Public buses and the Metro are often crowded, complicated to navigate, and risky due to pickpocketing and other safety problems.

So, that leaves us with Uber. Fortunately, Uber is one of the best ways to mitigate risks and concerns while getting around Mexico City. 

You’ll still want to take basic safety precautions, but you should feel very safe taking Uber to get around Mexico City.

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The post Is Uber Safe in Mexico City in 2024? Important Safety Tips appeared first on Viva La Travelista .

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Is it safe to visit Mexico? What Canadians must know about the updated 2024 travel advisory

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It might be the third-most-visited destination for Canadians after the United States, but Mexico isn't considered a low-risk country for travellers. 

The Canadian government continues to advise tourists to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Mexico, highlighting the country's "high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping." 

In November 2023, the United Nations stated that over 100,000 people are  currently missing in Mexico , characterizing the mass disappearances as "alarming," according to Reuters.

In December 2023, the Mexican government released the findings of their Disappeared Persons Search Strategy, revealing the scope of missing people in the country. However, the document "ambiguously" categorized roughly 80,000 individuals "due to the lack of sufficient data ," said Amnesty International. 

Other violent crimes, including armed burglaries and physical and sexual assault, are common in many places. Many robberies happen at airports, currency exchange bureaus, or ATMs.

Petty theft, including purse and bag snatching, is also common, particularly in popular tourist areas or during crowded festivals or protests.

Updated Mexico travel advisory for Canada in 2024

Canadian travellers do not require a visa to visit Mexico but their passport must be valid for their stay in the country. It is always a good idea to ensure your passport is valid for six months after you return home from travel. If you become ill or injured while in your destination, you may not be able to travel home. Having a buffer for your travel document before it expires ensures you won't have trouble coming home. 

In 2022, Canada and its neighbours south of the border issued updated  advisories for parts of Mexico  due to violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. 

There continue to be high rates of these types of crime in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Tulum), and Acapulco. Criminal groups and drug cartels are also present in tourist areas and bystanders can get caught in crossfire.

Disputes between taxi and ridesharing application drivers may occur in these popular tourist destinations. Drivers generally don't target tourists but you "be caught up in these incidents and harassed or injured."

In Mexico City, government-authorized taxis have licence plates starting with “A” or “B." Other taxis at stands will have their company's logo and the plate number stamped on the side of the car. Official taxis in Mexico City are pink and white. Users can validate the pink and white taxis on the CDMX app.

Buses are relatively safe in the capital city but you should use VIP or executive class transportation when travelling to other cities.

Avoid all travel to the Guerrero State 

Canada continues to advise against any travel to the Guerrero State due to the aftermath of  Hurricane Otis . The area has grappled with increased criminal and gang activity following the natural disaster. 

The cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco are excluded from the advisory. 

Avoid non-essential travel to these areas in Mexico

The Canadian government warns against non-essential travel to the following areas due to high levels of violence of violence and organized crime

• all Chihuahua
• all Colima, except the city of Manzanillo
• all Coahuila, except the southern part of the state at and below the Saltillo-Torreón highway corridor
• all Durango, except Durango City
• Highway 45 between León and Irapuato
• the area south of and including Highway 45D between Irapuato and Celaya
• all Michoacán, except the cities of Morelia and Patzcuaro
• the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park
• the municipality of Xoxocotla
• the area within 20 km of the border with Sinaloa and Durango
• the city of Tepic
• all Nuevo León, except the city of Monterrey
• all Sinaloa, except the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán
• all Sonora, except the cities of Hermosillo and Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco
• all Tamaulipas
• all Zacatecas

What happens if you are caught committing a crime in Mexico?

If you are caught committing a crime, even a "minor" one such as smoking outside a public building or public urination, you could be detained. 

Penalties for breaking the law in Mexico can be more severe than in Canada. Travellers can be held in pre-trial detention for 72 hours before a trial.

Paying a fine may secure an early release from detention but is not guaranteed.

Smoking is prohibited in all public places except for clearly marked designated smoking areas. Some places tourists can no longer smoke include beaches, parks, hotels, and restaurants. If you are caught  smoking in public,  you may be fined.

What to do if you need help while you are in Mexico 

In case of an emergency in Mexico, dial 911. 

Contact roadside assistance if you run into an issue on a highway. The Angeles Verdes is a highway patrol service that provides free assistance on all major toll highways from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. 

To contact the Angeles Verdes,  download their App  on your mobile device. In an emergency, dial 078 or 800 006 8839 (toll-free in Mexico) to reach them.

Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact Global Affairs Canada's Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 001-800-514-0129 (toll-free from Mexico only), +1 613 996 8885, by text message at +1 613-686-3658, via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881, via Telegram at Canada Emergency Abroad or by  e-mail . 

Visit a  travel medical clinic  before you book a ticket from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The healthcare professionals will inform you about what vaccinations you require and what you can expect on your trip. There are risks of contracting several viruses spread by mosquitoes including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

Travellers should always check the latest government advisory before booking a ticket from Vancouver to Mexico. They should also purchase a  comprehensive travel insurance policy  when they book their ticket, which will cover the cost of your ticket in case you can't leave due to an unforeseeable medical or other emergency reason. It will also cover incidents such as missed connections, baggage interruption and loss, and more. 

Canadians should always register trips they take  online  before they leave so that the government can contact them in an emergency.

Find more information about exciting destinations in B.C. and across the globe, as well as travel deals and tips, by signing up for  V.I.A.'s weekly travel newsletter The Wanderer . Since travel deals can sell out, find out the day they are posted by signing up for our  daily Travel Deals newsletter.

Want to learn more about a specific destination or have a travel concern or idea you would like V.I.A. to write about? Email us at elana@vancouverisawesome. Send us stories about recent holidays that you've been on, or if you have any tips you think our readers should know about. 

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What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

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