Mexico City is the capital city of Mexico and is divided into 16 boroughs all tend to preserve some of their original and unique characteristics.
Dangers and Warnings in Mexico City
- Natural disaster risk– Mexico has experienced many very strong earthquakes and is prone to natural disasters. It is surrounded by volcanoes and mountains that contribute to its air pollution.
- Terrorism risk– there’s no risk of terrorism in Mexico City as it is believed that the terrorist will not attack it.
- Taxis and transport risk– special attention should be paid if you happen to travel via the B line of the subway considering the fact that thieves operate on buses and subways. Tourists should never catch cabs in the street and Easy Taxi, Taxi aviso, and Uber are the only safe taxi companies.
- Women travelers risk– Mexico City is a dangerous place for women who are not experienced travelers and it is not advisable to walk alone at night.
- Pickpockets risk– the risk of pickpockets is high especially in the crowded streets. It is advisable not to wear expensive things around with you and avoid isolated areas in order not to attract the attention of thieves.
- Scam risk– touristic places are attractive to scammers that may scam you by doing magic tricks. Unlicensed taxis are the most usual scammers because they overcharge tourists or even take part in kidnappings.
- Mugging risk – the chances of being mugged or kidnapped in Mexico City exist and express kidnappings are usually performed by fake taxis.
How Safe is Mexico City?
There’s nothing to be afraid of if you see a lot of police force patrolling when you are in Mexico City since the historic center is patrolled in the early night for the tourists to feel ensured. It is prone to pickpockets and bag snatchers being an extremely crowded place so it is advised to be aware of your surroundings. Mexicans are usually very friendly and helpful but do not trust everyone because there are those who will try to use this in order to rob you. Taxi thefts are frequent however 95% of aggregate grabbing casualties are nationals. One of the keys to maximizing your safety in Mexico City is to blend in and not to leave anything of value inside your car and do not try to show that you are a tourist.
Other Useful Information
- Visas – it will depend on your nationalities whether you will need a visa or not when coming to Mexico but citizens of Canada, the US, Israel, EU, and Japan do not have to obtain it.
- Currency – Mexican Peso is the official currency of Mexico but Mexico City is the most expensive city in Mexico.
- Weather – Mexico City has a decent atmosphere which enables visitors to come all through the entire year.
- Airports – Benito Juarez International Airport is the one that most travelers use when arriving in Mexico City by air and other major Mexican airports are in Cancun, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Tijuana.
- Travel insurance– it is advisable to invest your money in travel insurance that covers all the possible incidents before going anywhere abroad.