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 dual healthcare system with public and private sectors. Private healthcare is generally excellent and widely used by tourists, while public hospitals serve primarily local residents. The city has numerous high-quality private hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff.
Hospitals
Recommended private hospitals for tourists include ABC Medical Center (American British Cowdray), Hospital Ángeles, Médica Sur, and Hospital Español. These facilities have emergency rooms, English-speaking staff, and accept international insurance. They're located in safe neighborhoods like Observatorio, Polanco, and Tlalpan.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacias) are abundant throughout the city. Major chains include Farmacias del Ahorro, Farmacias Guadalajara, and Farmacias Similares. Many medications available by prescription-only in other countries can be purchased over-the-counter in Mexico. 24-hour pharmacies are common in central areas. Bring prescriptions in their original containers and know generic names of medications.
Insurance
Travel/health insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. Most private hospitals require proof of insurance or significant cash deposits before treatment. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as this may be necessary for serious conditions.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry copies of prescriptions and a list of medications with generic names in Spanish
- Private hospitals may require cash deposits or credit card authorization before treatment
- Pharmacists can often help with minor ailments and recommend over-the-counter treatments
- Altitude sickness can affect some visitors (Mexico City is at 7,350 feet); stay hydrated and take it easy the first day
- Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Air quality can be poor, especially in winter months; those with respiratory conditions should monitor pollution levels
- Dental care is excellent and affordable; many tourists combine visits with dental tourism
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Thieves often work in teams and target distracted tourists in crowded areas, public transportation, and tourist attractions.
Victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs or held briefly for ransom. This typically involves unauthorized taxis or rideshares, though incidents have decreased significantly in tourist areas.
Card skimming at ATMs and restaurants, unauthorized charges, and cloning of credit cards occur regularly.
Fake Uber/Didi drivers, overcharging by taxis, and unlicensed operators pose risks to tourists unfamiliar with the city.
Reports of drinks being spiked in bars and clubs, particularly in tourist-heavy nightlife areas, leading to theft or assault.
Mexico City has chaotic traffic, aggressive drivers, and different driving norms. Pedestrian infrastructure varies widely by neighborhood.
Mexico City sits at 7,350 feet (2,240 meters) elevation, which can cause altitude sickness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
Traveler's diarrhea and foodborne illness from contaminated water, ice, or improperly prepared food.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Real or fake police officers stop tourists claiming violations (jaywalking, public drinking) and demand immediate cash fines or threaten arrest. Some impersonate plainclothes officers.
Taxi drivers claim meters are broken and quote inflated prices, run meters on higher rates, or take unnecessarily long routes.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions, dropping items) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Someone offers to help you use an ATM, watches you enter your PIN, then steals your card through distraction or claims the machine 'ate' your card.
Unauthorized individuals approach tourists at major sites offering tours or tickets at discounted prices that are fake or overpriced.
Extra items appear on bills, incorrect prices charged, or automatic gratuity added without disclosure (beyond the standard service charge).
Minibar items you didn't consume appear on bills, or bars charge exorbitant prices not listed on menus, particularly in nightlife areas.
Street money changers offer good rates but shortchange you, use sleight of hand, or give counterfeit bills. Airport and hotel exchange rates are often very poor.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Use registered rideshare apps (Uber, Didi, Beat) rather than street taxis
- For taxis, only use authorized sitio taxis from official stands or call for pickup
- At the airport, use only official authorized taxi services (buy tickets inside terminal)
- Metro is safe during daytime rush hours but avoid during late evening; watch for pickpockets
- Metrobús (BRT) is generally safer than regular buses and covers major routes
- Turibus hop-on/hop-off tourist buses are safe for sightseeing
- If renting a car, purchase full insurance coverage and park in secured lots only
- Avoid driving at night outside the city due to poor lighting and road conditions
- Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially at traffic lights
- Use toll roads (cuotas) rather than free roads when traveling outside the city
Money and Valuables
- Carry minimal cash and use credit cards when possible at reputable establishments
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours; avoid standalone machines
- Divide money and cards between different pockets/bags
- Keep a photocopy of passport and important documents separate from originals
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Don't wear expensive jewelry or flash expensive cameras/phones unnecessarily
- Carry a 'dummy wallet' with small amount of cash in case of robbery
- Be discreet when paying; don't display large amounts of cash
- Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel dates to avoid card blocks
- Have emergency cash (USD) hidden separately from regular money
Accommodation Safety
- Stay in well-reviewed hotels or Airbnbs in safe neighborhoods (Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacán)
- Verify Airbnb listings carefully and read recent reviews about safety
- Use hotel safes and keep room doors locked with deadbolt and chain
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through peephole
- Know emergency exits and evacuation routes in your accommodation
- Keep ground floor windows locked, especially at night
- Store luggage and valuables out of sight from windows
- Research the specific neighborhood where you're staying, not just the borough
Street Safety
- Stay aware of surroundings; avoid using phone while walking in crowded areas
- Walk with confidence and purpose; appear to know where you're going
- Stick to well-lit, populated streets, especially after dark
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use rideshares instead
- Cross streets carefully; drivers don't always yield to pedestrians
- Be cautious in crowds where pickpockets operate
- Don't display maps or guidebooks prominently; check directions discreetly on phone
- Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, leave the area
- Avoid confrontations; comply if robbed and report to police after
- Learn basic Spanish phrases for emergencies and directions
Food and Drink Safety
- Drink only bottled or purified water; verify seals are intact
- Avoid ice unless confirmed to be made from purified water
- Start with established restaurants before trying street food
- Choose busy street food vendors with high turnover (fresher food)
- Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked; be cautious with seafood
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Peel fruits yourself or ensure they're washed in purified water
- Avoid raw vegetables in questionable establishments
- Bring anti-diarrheal medication and probiotics
- If you get sick, stay hydrated with electrolyte solutions
Communication and Connectivity
- Purchase a local SIM card or activate international roaming for emergencies
- Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) before arriving
- Save emergency numbers and your hotel address in Spanish in your phone
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Use WhatsApp for free communication (widely used in Mexico)
- Keep phone charged and carry a portable battery pack
- Learn basic Spanish phrases for safety situations
- Take photos of important documents and email them to yourself
- Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for U.S. citizens)
Health Precautions
- Bring prescription medications in original containers with copies of prescriptions
- Pack a basic first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication
- Use sunscreen daily (high altitude = stronger UV exposure)
- Stay hydrated, especially given the altitude and dry climate
- Wash hands frequently to prevent illness
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical evacuation
- Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and rest if needed
- Check air quality daily if you have respiratory issues
- Get recommended vaccinations before travel (Hepatitis A, Typhoid)
- Bring insect repellent for evening use in parks and gardens
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Mexico City can be challenging for women travelers due to machismo culture and incidents of harassment. However, millions of women visit safely each year by taking appropriate precautions. The city has women-only metro cars during rush hours and increasing awareness of gender-based violence. Street harassment (catcalling) is common but rarely escalates. More serious concerns include drink spiking in nightlife areas and harassment on public transportation. Solo women travelers should be extra vigilant, especially at night.
- Use women-only metro cars during rush hours (usually the first cars, marked with pink signs)
- Dress modestly to reduce unwanted attention; avoid revealing clothing, especially in non-touristy areas
- Ignore catcalls and street harassment; don't engage or make eye contact
- Use rideshares rather than public transportation at night
- Share your location with friends/family when going out, especially at night
- Book accommodations in safe, well-reviewed neighborhoods (Polanco, Roma, Condesa, Coyoacán)
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Be extra cautious in bars and clubs; never leave drinks unattended
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm for emergencies
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deter unwanted attention
- Learn assertive Spanish phrases like 'Déjame en paz' (Leave me alone)
- Avoid walking alone at night, even in safe neighborhoods
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave immediately
- Keep phone charged and have emergency contacts readily accessible
- Be aware that some taxis/rideshare drivers may make inappropriate comments; rate poorly and report
- Connect with other women travelers through social media groups or apps like Tourlina
- Consider staying in women-only hostels or hotels with good security
- Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers or new acquaintances
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Mexico City is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in Latin America. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and the city has strong anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Mexico City was the first jurisdiction in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage.
- Zona Rosa, Condesa, and Roma neighborhoods have the highest concentration of LGBTQ+ venues and are very welcoming
- Mexico City Pride (Marcha del Orgullo) takes place in June and is a massive, celebratory event
- Public displays of affection are generally safe in tourist and progressive neighborhoods but exercise discretion in conservative areas
- LGBTQ+-friendly hotels and guesthouses are common; look for Rainbow Certified establishments
- Dating apps (Grindr, Tinder, etc.) are widely used but exercise normal safety precautions when meeting people
- The nightlife scene is vibrant with many gay clubs, bars, and events, especially in Zona Rosa
- Trans individuals may face more challenges; carry ID that matches gender presentation if possible
- While the city is progressive, machismo culture exists; gay men may experience less acceptance than in North American/European cities
- Research specific venues and events through local LGBTQ+ guides and apps
- Outside tourist areas and in some suburbs, acceptance decreases significantly
- Hotel staff at major chains and boutique hotels are generally professional and welcoming
- Consider staying in LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods for a more comfortable experience
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ community through social media and events for insider tips
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Mexico City visits. While not legally required, it's strongly recommended due to potential healthcare costs, trip disruptions, and safety concerns. Private medical care, while excellent, can be expensive, and hospitals often require proof of insurance or large deposits before treatment. Insurance provides peace of mind for medical emergencies, theft, trip cancellations, and evacuation if needed.