*Travel Tips>>>Mexico City Travel Tips

How to stay safe in Mexico City?

Travel Info
I'm landing in Mexico City and traveling to cuernavaca from there. Are there any tips on what to do and not do while I'm in the city to stay safe?

Travel Tips

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.