Mexico City: The Safety Guide

(Just) some notes

CDMX is (mostly) safer than people think, just take the same precautions you would at home. Don’t flash cash or valuables, call an Uber to get home late at night, cover up a little as a female walking alone after hours, and stay away from neighbourhoods with a bad reputation. It’s important to know what hoods are OK to visit at night, and which ones are best to do during daytime. Nonetheless, this shouldn’t stop you from attending that underground party in a dodgy-looking area; you should be fine when taking a cab to and from.

General rules: you should be fine walking with your phone out, but be careful when leaving unattended electronics at an outdoors cafe table while you go to the restroom. When in crowded areas, such as in Centro or on the subway, watch out for pickpockets as they tend to target tourists. Public drinking is illegal in Mexico, and it’s the easiest way to get in trouble with the cops. Avoid police harassment by not doing this, as they tend to abuse power. Locals are usually friendly, and most will be keen to help.