Concerns for safety and security in Mexico have risen steadily over the past decade and various foreign governments have cautioned travelers to Mexico to pay special attention to these matters. Generally standards of security, safety and supervision may not reach those expected by residents of some of the more developed nations. Crime in Mexico remains at high levels (compared to many first-world crime rates) and the rates of apprehension and conviction remain low, factors that contribute to the feelings of insecurity.
The crime pattern in Mexico is similar to that in the U.S. and most countries: big cities generally have higher crime rates than small towns or rural areas. Practical tips:
1. Use the safety deposit box at your hotel, rather than carrying your valuables with you at all times.
2. Try to keep a low profile, yet appear confident. Walk with a sense of purpose and try not to look lost, even if you are. Don't flash money or look like you have lots valuables. The same goes for eye-catching jewelry. The middle class look probably is best; one gets respect and is respectful, but doesn't stand out too much. Look people in the eye when passing and say, "Buenos días" or "buenas tardes"; this usually elicits a positive response.
3. Any appearance of weakness may attract attention. Muggers and criminals are looking for are easy targets. That includes anyone who appears intoxicated, weaker in strength, tired, sick, etc
4. Be extra cautious at night or in dark areas. Anything that gives criminals an advantage may be exploited.
5. Ask about safety, especially if you will be going off the beaten track. If the area is questionable, take a taxi or a tour. Since the economic crisis in 1994, the crime in Mexico has doubled, but the crime is very rarely violent they will take your money to feed themselves but they very rarely hurt you.
The first cause of death for foreigners in Mexico is car accidents, not crime. So drive carefully.
The following are excerpts from a description of the safety/security issue published by the United States government, and they apply to all visitors:
“Visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times, even when in areas generally considered safe. Women traveling alone are especially vulnerable and should exercise caution, particularly at night. Victims, who are almost always unaccompanied, have been raped, robbed of personal property, or abducted and then held while their credit cards were used at various businesses and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). Armed street crime is a serious problem in all of the major cities. Some bars and nightclubs, especially in resort cities such as Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Acapulco, can be havens for drug dealers and petty criminals. Some establishments may contaminate or drug drinks to gain control over the patron.
U.S. citizens should be very cautious in general when using ATMs in Mexico. If an ATM must be used, it should be accessed only during the business day at large protected facilities (preferably inside commercial establishments, rather than at glass-enclosed, highly visible ATMs on streets). U.S. and Mexican citizens are sometimes accosted on the street and forced to withdraw money from their accounts using their ATM cards.
Criminal assaults occur on highways throughout Mexico; travelers should exercise extreme caution at all times, avoid traveling at night, and may wish to use toll (cuota) roads rather than the less secure free or non-toll (libre) roads whenever possible.
In some instances, Americans have become victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials.
In Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo and Tijuana, shootings have taken place at busy intersections and at popular restaurants during daylight hours. The wave of violence has been aimed primarily at members of drug trafficking organizations, criminal justice officials and journalists. However, foreign visitors and residents, including Americans, have been among the victims of homicides and kidnappings in the border region. In recent months, the worst violence has been centered in the city of Nuevo Laredo in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, where numerous citizens were kidnapped and/or murdered.
In Mexico City, the most frequently reported crimes involving tourists are taxi robbery (see below), armed robbery, pick-pocketing and purse-snatching. In several cases, tourists have reported that men in uniforms perpetrated the crime, stopping vehicles and seeking money, or assaulting and robbing tourists walking late at night. As in any large city, individuals should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially when walking anywhere in the city.
Metro (subway) robberies are frequent in Mexico City. If riding the Metro or the city bus system, U.S. citizens should take extreme care with valuables and belongings. Avoid using Metro during busy commuting hours in the morning or afternoon. Tourists and residents alike should avoid driving alone at night anywhere in Mexico City.
Robbery and assaults on passengers in taxis are frequent and violent in Mexico City, with passengers subjected to beatings, shootings and sexual assault. U.S. citizens visiting Mexico City should avoid taking any taxi not summoned by telephone or contacted in advance. When in need of a taxi, please telephone a radio taxi or "sitio" (regulated taxi stand – pronounced "C-T-O"), and ask the dispatcher for the driver's name and the cab's license plate number.
Passengers arriving at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport should take only airport taxis (which are white with a yellow stripe and a black airplane symbol) after pre-paying the fare at one of the special booths inside the airport.
Mexican authorities have failed to prosecute numerous crimes committed against American citizens, including murder and kidnapping.”
Read the “ U.S. Consular Information Sheet - Mexico” for the full text of an overview of the public/traveler safety and security matter, and for more information about travel to Mexico.
