Safety Tips for Mexico City Visits

Best Practices:
11 Safety Tips
For First-Time Mexico City Visitors

Every trip to Mexico City can and should be rewarding. To best insure your own safety, please remember and follow these safety tips and pointers.

1. Be aware of ongoing COVID19 safety measures. (Click here for more info.)
   1. Wears masks in public places. This is especially important indoors and in transit.
   2. Avoid enclosed and crowded spaces.
   3. Get tested (it’s free) at the first sign of symptoms.
2. Dress down – don’t be a target. Dress for the City and not for the beach. Nothing says “tourist” like chanclas or flip-flops. But don’t worry about “being” a tourist. Mexico City is full of people just like you.
3. Use this site (and the app) to branch out away from crowded central areas. One doesn’t need to venture into the dark side of Mexico City. There are thousands of friendly neighborhoods and fascinating sites.
4. TheCitymx App gives you an always-on Panic Button that puts you in direct contact with emergency first-responders. That includes in taxis, and everywhere in Mexico City.
5. Check with your cell phone provider prior to arrival. Mexico City has 31,000+ free WiFi hotspots but you may want to have at least some data access.
6. Eat well. We put together a guide to avoiding or dealing with food poisoning. But more importantly, check out our guide to eating hot, prepared foods that aren’t from restaurants – and that aren’t street food either.
7. Use ATMs during daylight hours and in the company of friends and family.
8. Carry ID – or best – a copy of your passport.
9. Be aware when walking at night. While there are many parts of the city that stay open late, it’s best to avoid secluded areas, and those that you don’t know well. Walking after 10 p.m. should be avoided.
10. Be especially careful crossing streets. Although the City has made excellent progress in expanding pedestrian access, some crossings can be dangerous.
11. Avoid drugs and places where illegal drugs are consumed, bought, or sold. Your chances of being involved, even inadvertently, in problematic situations will be much higher in these areas.

Don’t forget, Mexico City has a whole police force dedicated just to international guests and travelers. Use common sense. Keep the app and your phone on hand, and have fun!

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