How to stay safe in Mexico City?

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mario

Don't worry too much. Mexico City is exciting and it is easy to be safe.

From the airport, take the authorized cabs. You'll see their booths right before exiting into the main terminal after baggage claims and customs and right after you exit into the terminal to your left. A ride to Cuernavaca on a taxi will probably be about US$100. The fares are fixed clearly indicated so you shouldn't worry about getting "stiffed"

If you are going straight to Cuernavaca, and want to save a few bicks there are frequent buses that leave from the airport, just ask... I believe they depart from the second floor. They are comfortable and safe as well.

In the city, taking cabs on the streets is effectively not a very good idea. Call radio taxis. I use a company whose phone number is 5516-6020. Just state your location and destination and they will be there in 10-15 mins. I don't know if the operators will speak English, though.

All major hotels have safe taxis right on their door but they will be outrageously expensive.

If you must take a street cab take these directions to the dot:
When the cab stops and before getting in, check the license plate. It should start with an "L" or an "S". It should NOT be a regular car license plate.
Once you get in, ask the driver for his license if he is not displaying it prominently.
To avoid paying too much ask him to turn on the meter if he doesn't do it right away.

The metro is very very safe, fast and clean. You will be OK taking it during the day. I probably wouldn't take it at night.

You can walk on the streets freely and safely into most tourist areas (Polanco, Zona Rosa, downtown, San Angel, Coyoacan, Xochimilco). Just try not to walk say after 9pm, especially in Polanco and many of the side streets downtown.

Another fun, safe way to get around the city is renting a car. It will be expensive and you'll probably get lost often but it will allow you freedom of movement.

Do not drink and drive. The penalty is jail time, no questions asked.

And the usual advices in any city... be smart, keep to your wits and follow your instincts.

Coconuts

my friend stayed there for about a week and loved it said it was a great time. there are lots of places to go just wonder around and you will find them. it is safe she never had a problem and people were very nice

sonorabay2002

DonÂ´t show off.
Don not have big amounts of cash in your hands when paying a bill, just take the minimum required from your purse/pocket.
DonÂ´t go by yourself out of touristic areas.
Don not trust strangers that act TOO friendly first minute they see you.
Use radio taxis, they are more expensive but you are safer with them.

elmeremero

the safe way is when you land in Mexico city find the place where they sell bus tickets. It is en the end of the international food court. The bus company is called pullman and they go from mexico city airport to cuernavaca in that way you will never leave the mexico city airpor and you will be safe. Dont you go to the normal bus stations out of the airport if you arrive to late to mexico city I would recommend to wait on the airport.

Tai Mai Shu

carry a gun and don't carry anything that looks expensive.

don't break the laws. The police are corrupt. You can pay them off, but its expensive, but better than going to their jail.

don't help hobos. you don't know how they got in their present state.

Desert Fox

stay away from cops, because they are the one who rob you.

jcnofear

stay within touristic places if you dont have a guide, dont try to explore "real" mexico city by yourself

Oh and dont get in pirate taxis.. watch out for those

litha_girl

Act as in your hometown. And don't show off a lot.

Shamar

speak softly... and carry a big stick!!

-shamar

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