Mexico Travel Safety

Road safety

Mexican driving styles and road safety standards are very different from other countries. Fatal hit-and-run accidents occur. Police do not regularly patrol the highways. Drivers do not observe speed limits, indicate lane changes or stop at red lights. Pedestrians should be extremely cautious at all times. Road conditions vary and can be poor in some areas. Dangerous curves, poorly marked or hidden road signs, construction sites, roaming livestock, slow-moving or abandoned vehicles and other obstacles pose hazards. Avoid road travel at night between cities throughout the country. Toll (cuota) highways are typically safer and better maintained than secondary highways. Overnight, ensure that you only stop in major centres, at reputable hotels or at secure campsites. At all times, keep your car doors locked and the windows rolled up, especially at traffic lights, where you can be a target for thieves. Do not leave valuables in the vehicle. In the event of a vehicle breakdown or roadside emergency, the Green Angels (Angeles Verdes), a highway patrol service offered by Mexico's Ministry of Tourism (Secretaría de Turismo de México or SECTUR), provides free assistance on all major toll highways from 8 AM to 6 PM. In case of an emergency, dial 078 or 01 800 006 8839 (toll free in Mexico). Ensure that the insurance coverage on your credit card is sufficient. Mexican liability insurance is mandatory.

Public transportation

The Mexico City metro is often very crowded and a popular place for pickpocketing. Although public transportation is relatively safe, be vigilant in airports, at bus stations and on buses. There are metro cars located at the front of the trains dedicated to women and children during rush hours only. When travelling to other cities, use bus companies that offer first or executive class transportation. These buses only travel on toll roads, which lowers the risks of targeted roadblocks and robberies. For longer distances, fly whenever possible.

Taxis

In Mexico City, all government-authorized taxis have licence plates starting with "A" or "B". Taxis from designated stands have both the logo of their company and the plate number stamped on the side of the car. Always ask the dispatcher for the driver's name and the taxi's licence plate number, model and colour. When arriving at Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City, pre-pay the taxi fare inside the airport and ask to see the driver's official identification. You can also hire a taxi from a reputable online transportation network company. Avoid hailing taxis on the street. Use reputable taxis companies, such as online transportation companies, hotel taxis or taxis based at designated stands (sitios).

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Mexico, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel. Mexican authorities endeavor to safeguard the country's major resort areas and tourist destinations, those areas have not been immune to the types of violence and crime experienced elsewhere in Mexico.

Scams

Legitimate police officers have extorted money from tourists or arrested tourists for minor offences or traffic violations. If this occurs, do not hand over your money or your passport. Instead, ask for the officer's name, badge and patrol car number, and a copy of the written fine, which is payable at a later date, also, note the location of the arrest. If you think the fine is not justified, file a complaint at the nearest tourism office or local branch of the state prosecutor's office (Agencia del Ministerio Público). Police officers have also targeted rental cars to extort money from passengers.

Assault

Ensure your accommodations have adequate security features (such as cameras and security guards with radios), as not all resorts offer the same level of security. Foreigners have been physically and sexually assaulted. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel at popular tourist destinations were involved. Avoid walking after dark, especially alone, and avoid deserted or under-populated areas. Only go to bars and nightclubs in a group and avoid separating from the group. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and do not accept invitations or rides from strangers or recent acquaintances, as these can make you a more vulnerable target for criminals. In cases of sexual assault, police authorities will order a medical examination.

Crime

Crime rates in Mexico are high. Arrest and detention rates are low and contribute to higher levels of criminality. The level of crime in resorts and major tourist cities and destinations is relatively low compared to the national average. If you are the victim of a crime, report it immediately to the local branch of the state prosecutor's office (Agencia del Ministerio Público) nearest to the crime scene. No criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to Mexican authorities. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico. You must present photo identification. It is especially important to report the loss or theft of your identification documents to Mexican authorities in order to protect yourself should the documents later be misused.

Kidnapping

Mexico has one of the highest kidnapping rates in the world. Kidnappers target both the wealthy and middle class. Foreigners are not specifically targeted but may be if perceived as being wealthy. If you are kidnapped, comply with the kidnappers' requests and do not attempt to resist them. Express kidnappings (i.e. attempts to get quick cash in exchange for the release of an individual) occur in large urban areas. Thieves most commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers. They force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release. Victims are sometimes held overnight so that a second withdrawal up to the victim's daily bank withdrawal limit can be made the following day. To reduce your risk of becoming a victim, only use the taxi services located at major hotels or call a reputable taxi company, do not show signs of affluence and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Gangs and other criminals throughout Mexico also commonly commit virtual kidnapping. This is a form of extortion where a perpetrator identifies a person who is temporarily unreachable by cell phone or email, or steals their cell phone, and then contacts that person's family claiming that their loved one has been kidnapped and demanding an immediate ransom for their release. When the family members cannot reach their loved one in Mexico, they assume that the person has been kidnapped. Hotel guests are targeted in a scam where hotel staff are complicit in the virtual kidnapping crime. If you are threatened or harassed on the phone, hang up immediately. Report any kidnapping, physical or virtual, to the local Mexican police.

Organized crime

Although it does not target tourists, violence related to organized crime increased throughout the country including in the states of Quintana Roo (Cancun and Playa del Carmen) and Baja California Sur (Los Cabos). Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active in Mexico. Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common, resulting in a high level of violence. Mexican citizens and government officials are also targets of violent crime, including kidnapping, extortion and homicide. Foreigners may be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and could become victims of violent crime. Remain vigilant, stay in tourist areas and follow local media closely. Be very cautious on major highways and in rural areas. Avoid travelling at night.

Spiked food and drinks

Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances or strangers, including taxi drivers, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

LGBT

Although civil unions between same-sex partners are now legal in Mexico City and the state of Coahuila, homosexuality in Mexico is generally tolerated, rather than accepted. Public displays of affection between same sex couples may be frowned upon. Be extra careful when visiting rural areas.

Illegal drugs

Don't become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for drug offences are severe.

Driving

You may drive in Mexico with a valid driver's licence. The police sometimes ask foreign drivers to show identification and proof of their legal status in Mexico. Always carry valid photo identification, your passport, visa and other pertinent documents. Renting vehicles:If you rent a car, the rental contract must be in your name and include a full description of the vehicle. If driving a company-owned vehicle, you must produce proof of employment with the company and the company's ownership of the vehicle. Auto accidents and driving infractions:In case of an accident or theft of your vehicle, you should immediately obtain a police report from the nearest local branch of the state prosecutor's office (Agencia del Ministerio Público). If you are involved in a traffic accident, you may face serious legal problems, including imprisonment. You could be taken into custody until responsibility for the accident is determined and all penalties are paid. If you do not have Mexican liability insurance, you could be prevented from leaving the country until all parties agree that adequate financial satisfaction has been received. Depending on the extent of injuries or damages, drivers may face criminal charges. If a driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an accident, or if the driver has no valid driver's licence, their insurance is considered invalid. If you receive a fine for a driving infraction in certain parts of the country, the issuing police officer will retain your driver's licence or registration until the fine is paid. Expect delays in recovering the document.