Mexico City Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Mexico City.
Healthcare System
Mexico City has a two-tier healthcare system with public hospitals for residents and private hospitals that cater to tourists and affluent locals. Private healthcare is generally of high quality and what tourists should use.
Hospitals
Top private hospitals for tourists include Hospital Ángeles, Hospital ABC, and Hospital Español. These facilities accept international insurance and have English-speaking staff.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widespread, with chains like Farmacias del Ahorro and Farmacias Benavides open 24 hours. Many medications available over-the-counter that require prescriptions elsewhere.
Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended as private healthcare is expensive. Some hospitals may require payment upfront.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions in generic names as brand names may differ
- Consider pharmacies attached to private hospitals for best service and English-speaking staff
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching, on crowded public transport and tourist areas
Brief abductions forcing victims to withdraw money from ATMs
Mexico City sits in a valley that can trap smog, in winter
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unofficial taxis overcharge or take longer routes; some may work with criminals
Scammers pose as police demanding to see passports or wallets, then steal money
Someone 'accidentally' spills something on you, then offers to help clean it while an accomplice robs you
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation
- Use Uber or DiDi instead of hailing street taxis, at night
- Metro is safe during rush hours but watch for pickpockets
- Sit in the front section of metro buses designated for women and children if you're female
Money and Valuables
- Only carry what you need for the day, leave extra cash and cards in hotel safe
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours
- Consider getting a money belt for large amounts of cash
Night Safety
- Stick to well-lit, busy streets in Roma, Condesa, and Polanco
- Don't walk alone after dark in Centro Histórico
- Use rideshare apps rather than walking, even for short distances
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Mexico City is generally safe for solo female travelers, with increasing awareness and measures to protect women. The city has women-only metro cars and metro bus sections, plus a growing feminist movement.
- Use women-only sections on public transport during rush hours
- Avoid empty streets after dark, in Centro Histórico
- Dress modestly in churches and conservative areas
- Consider staying in female-friendly hostels or women-owned Airbnbs in Roma/Condesa
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex marriage legal in Mexico City since 2010, with strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals
Travel Insurance
Essential for Mexico City due to potential need for private healthcare and possible evacuation for serious conditions. Some private hospitals won't treat without insurance or payment guarantee.
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