Safety in Mexico Tips for first time travelers

Pre-Trip Preparation & Awareness

Research Your Specific Destination

• Before you travel, consult the latest official guidance for your specific destination. For U.S. citizens, the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory for Mexico provides detailed, state-by-state information.
• Familiarize yourself with the layout of your destination city. Your hotel concierge or a trusted local guide can help you identify any specific neighborhoods that are best avoided, particularly after dark.
• Learning a few essential Spanish phrases can be invaluable in an emergency. Commit these to memory: “ayuda” (help), “necesito la policía” (I need the police), and “¿dónde está el baño?” (where is the bathroom?).

Important Documents & Contacts

• Prepare for the unexpected by making both digital and physical photocopies of your passport, visa (if applicable), and driver’s license. Keep these copies in a separate location from the original documents, such as in your hotel safe and a secure cloud storage account.
• Register your travel plans with your government. U.S. citizens can use the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows the embassy to contact you in an emergency. Citizens of other countries should look for equivalent registration services.
• Program essential numbers into your phone before you arrive. Include contacts for the local police, ambulance service, your country’s nearest embassy or consulate, and the 24/7 assistance line for your travel insurance provider.

Blending In

• Opt for a low-key appearance. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, prominent designer logos, or high-end watches that can draw unwanted attention and mark you as a target for theft.
• Be mindful of how you handle valuable electronics. In busy markets or on public streets, keep your smartphone and camera stowed away when not in use, rather than carrying them in your hand or slung casually over your shoulder.
• Project an air of confidence and purpose as you walk. If you find yourself lost, resist the urge to pull out a large map on a street corner. Instead, step into a café or shop to discreetly check your phone or map to get your bearings.

Transportation Safety

Taxis & Rideshares

• For your safety, always use official transportation. Look for designated “sitio” taxi stands, have your hotel call a radio-dispatched taxi, or use trusted ride-sharing applications like Uber or Didi where they are available and well-established.
• It is strongly advised not to hail taxis directly from the street, particularly at airports or late at night. These unmarked vehicles operate without regulation and pose a significant risk.
• Before entering a ride-share vehicle, verify that the license plate, car model, and driver’s photo match what is shown in the app. Use the app’s feature to share your trip details and live location with a friend or family member.
• If you use a “sitio” taxi that is not metered, always agree on the total fare to your destination with the driver before you begin the journey to avoid any disputes upon arrival.

Public Transportation

• When using the bus or metro system, maintain a high level of awareness of your surroundings and personal belongings. Crowded conditions can provide cover for pickpockets.
• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Wear your backpack on your chest, and place your wallet and phone in your front pockets or a concealed money belt worn under your clothing.
• If you are not familiar with the city’s public transport network, it is best to choose another form of transportation, such as an official taxi or rideshare, for late-night travel.

Driving & Rental Cars

• Be prepared for “topes,” the local term for speed bumps. They are extremely common on all types of roads, from highways to small village streets, and are often unmarked and unexpectedly large. Drive with caution.
• Avoid driving after dark, especially on rural or unfamiliar highways. Hazards such as poor lighting, pedestrians, cyclists without lights, and livestock on the road are common. Furthermore, security risks can be higher at night.
• Should you be pulled over by the police, stay calm, be respectful, and keep your hands visible. Be cautious of requests for on-the-spot cash payments for supposed traffic violations, as this can be a scam. You have the right to request a formal written ticket, which you can then pay at a police station or bank.

Money & Valuables

Using ATMs

• When you need to withdraw cash, choose ATMs located inside secure, well-lit locations such as bank lobbies, major supermarkets, or large shopping malls. Avoid using standalone ATMs on the street, which are more susceptible to tampering.
• Always shield the keypad with your free hand as you enter your PIN to prevent your information from being captured by hidden cameras.
• Minimize risk by withdrawing only the amount of cash you anticipate needing for a day or two. This is a better strategy than carrying a large sum of money with you.

Handling Cash & Cards

• Each day, carry only a small amount of cash for minor purchases. Leave your passport, spare credit cards, and the bulk of your cash securely locked in your hotel room safe.
• For larger expenses at reputable establishments like hotels and restaurants, using a credit card offers greater security and fraud protection than debit cards or cash.
• Contact your bank and credit card companies before your departure to inform them of your travel dates and destinations. This simple step helps prevent your accounts from being mistakenly frozen for suspicious activity.

Health & Environmental Safety

Food & Water

• To avoid stomach upset, consume only bottled or purified water. This includes avoiding tap water when brushing your teeth. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water.
• Exercise caution with ice. In established hotels and high-quality restaurants, ice is typically made with purified water, but if in doubt, it is perfectly acceptable to ask: “¿El hielo es de agua purificada?” or simply order your drink “sin hielo” (without ice).
• Enjoying street food is a highlight of Mexico, and you can do so safely. Choose vendors that are busy and have a high turnover of customers. A stall that is popular with locals is an excellent indicator of its quality and hygiene. Ensure your food is cooked thoroughly and served hot in front of you.

Sun & Insect Protection

• The sun in Mexico can be intensely strong, even on overcast days. Protect yourself by applying a high-SPF sunscreen regularly, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• In tropical, coastal, and jungle regions, protect yourself from mosquito bites by using an effective insect repellent. This is a key preventative measure against illnesses such as Dengue fever and Zika virus.

Nightlife & Socializing

Drink Safety

• Maintain constant watch over your drink from the moment it is poured to the moment you finish it. Never leave it unattended, even for a second.
• Be cautious about accepting drinks from people you have just met. If you choose to accept, it is wise to accompany the person to the bar and watch the bartender prepare it.
• Understand and respect your personal limits with alcohol. Overconsumption can significantly impair your judgment and awareness, making you a more vulnerable and appealing target for criminals.

Staying Aware

• When walking at night, stick to streets that are well-lit and frequented by other people. Avoid taking shortcuts through dark alleys or deserted parks.
• Coordinate with your travel companions. Go out as a group, look out for one another, and establish a clear plan for how everyone will get back to the hotel safely at the end of the night.
• Always trust your intuition. If a person, place, or situation makes you feel uneasy or unsafe, do not hesitate to remove yourself from it immediately. Your personal safety is the priority.

In Case of an Emergency

Key Emergency Numbers

• In Mexico, the single, nationwide emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services is 911, just as