Do you have any tips for traveling to Mexico?
I am going to Mexico for an exchange student program and need some tips on how to stay safe. i am going to the rich Mexico City area. Can you please give me some tips if you have been to Mexico or know someone that has?!
Mexico City - 14 Answers
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1 :
Don't drink the water remember ice is frozen water don't travel alone.El Presidente Brandy is some good stuff also you can get Cuban cigars.
2 :
Dont drink the water or anything with ice cubes or anything washed & not cooked (like salad) or anything sold off the street. I've never gone there without getting sick.
3 :
Well they don't put tissue paper in the toilet and the water is unsafe the streets have gangs they hate Americans the police are as likely to rob you as the citizens and they let flies land on your food because they don't enforce health laws. Good Luck
4 :
Don't drink the water unless it's bottled. Keep your hands in your pockets. Look forward, backward, left and right all the time. If you fail to do this you'll be mugged in no time.
5 :
Always have someone with you, make sure you know the current exchange from dollars to pesos, (probably around 10 pesos for every 1 dollar) so you know exactly what your paying and what you should be getting back and don't do anything you wouldn't do at home. Oher than that, enjoy it.
6 :
Don't drink the water. don't leave the tourist areas... better yet don't Go there... I have been there it sucks.
7 :
omg these people are exaggerating if you go to the rich part of mexico city you'll be fine. Don't drink the water from the faucet. when you go out to the city avoid the metro, put your money in ur socks and put your wallet in your front pocket. Don't worry mexico has its beautiful parts just like the U.S. once you get there you'll see. Enjoy.Take the precautions you would take when traveling in a place you wouldn't go in your hometown...itslike everywhere.
8 :
The first thing is the taxis, don't take the old green vw bug taxis, unless they have the license plate number that starts either with an S for sitio or L for libre, and it has to have the number written on th roof as well, if they don't have any of this, its probably a fake taxi, and will likely rob you, may be on the taxi meter or the kidnap express, they take you to atms and max out credit cards. just don't take those, take the new taxis, a few more pesos. 1 dollar is equal to 11 pesos right now so you get a little more for your dollars but less when you want to change it back to pesos. be sure exactly where you are going so you don't get lost when taking public transportation, there's metro stations all around and have maps just know where you get off at. watch out for pickpockets, don't look like a tourist those are the ones they look for. i don't know where you are staying but tourist areas are somewhat safe, don't look afraid, watch out for traffic, there tends to be a lot of accidents that way. not trying to scare you but mexico city is a tough city but there's always good fun, polanco is a good shopping place, the cuauhtemoc borough is always a good tourist area , lots of history and places to work at. people will offer you to buy stuff, simple no will do and walk away, don't listen to the other guy to keep hands in pockets, sign of insecurity, other than that have fun, you're so lucky, wish i could go back
9 :
in mexico city. NEVER EVER take the subway, NEVER hail a cab (always call for one and get the cab number.) especially if you are in a "rich" area...don't LOOK rich. no name brand of faux brand purses, clothing, or sunglasses. being in a rich area isn't going to keep you safe...if anything, it will put you in more danger for serious crimes...probably help you in cases of petty theft though.
10 :
Wow! ok, don't drink the water from the faucet, but any bottled water you can drink, and it tastes much better than faucet water from the US, water should have not flavor, right? beleive me it does taste better here. If you are in a well stablished restaurant, you can tell, it's easy, don't worry about the ice it will be clean, also vegetables and fruits will be clean, washing them is not enough but in 15 min they are clean with a special disinfectant. I guess you are staying with a family? they will take care of you, we are very carying and loving, they won't leave you on your own. When going out, try to blend in, don't look like a tourist with shorts, a cap and a camera, ok? dress according to the situation. Try to look cool, and safe. Keep your money in the front pocket and stick your hand inside the pocket while walking on the street. You'll be fine and safe. Welcome.
11 :
I always check the Dept. of State web site before traveling to ANY foreign country. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html
12 :
Do your research, join woyn.com and speak to others who have done it, save enough money to survive, always have a calling card or cell phone with you and be a smart traveler. =)
13 :
wow people exaggerate a bit tooo much! mexico city is not that bad (well maybe for a first time visitor it is..but you'll get used to it after a few weeks there) drink bottled water, never take the metro (it will give you a huge headache), if you drive while you are there then you need to be very very aggressive ( never let anyone in to your lane because then 30 cars will go in and all the people behind you will get mad), if you are walking then remember cars are not going to stop for you, the best food is usually from those carts on the street..but if you are not use to this kind of food be aware that you can get sick, go to bullgog cafe..they have amazing concerts there, make some local friends (you'll enjoy mexico city a lot more this way), try not to look like a tourist (blend in as much as you can), dont carry too much cash with you, keep your wallet in your front pocket, visit all the museums and go to events...just enjoy your time there!
14 :
All these tips are very helpful, and yes, many "parts" of Mexico City are pretty bad. Just be cautious, not paranoid, at all times and you should be ok. People like myself, who have family there, are usually safe and ok because they know where NOT to take us, and if they do, they're sure to have us out before it's dark and/or late. Don't be rude or uncorteous to people, but don't think you can trust them; alot of people are out there to make a dime, either the easy or the hard way (hard way meaning by way of force!). And I'm sorry to say that there's not more positive advise, but it's because there is so much corruption there; survival of the fittest, trust no one! =O)
15 :
Hi there, yes Mexico city can be dangerous and in the area you will be staying it can be safe. Please do not bring jewels or expensive things or clothes (branded) unless you use them at your school (no rings, no chains,.. ipods, cameras and cel phones take them under the clothes, portable video games better do not play them in public transportation or street, use your lap on school, museums, cafes or home). Avoid showing your money or you wallet or leaving your bags opened or unatended. Carry them infront of you. Don't drink faucet water or unpacked food at street, wash fruits. Use station taxis that can be called from phone. The green and red ones are dangerous. Carry the embassy phones and all written phones and your blood type in your wallet in case you have an accident. Don't go to discos alone. Change your money at the airport and use traveler checks (no one knows how to use them... only banks.) If you use the metro and it is crowded carry all your stuff at front and hide your wallet. Better if you travel with friends. Most of us are "morenos" and you will probably pop out from the crowd and oftenly people stare so don't get angry ignore them. We are friendly so please do not panic but do not relax or distract because that is the time robbers catch you, we are honest but by minority we have stupid thieves and a stupid police. If you want help on Mexico city I live and work area in the south (by the Universidad street), If you want I can send you my phone if you have troubles or questions here. Return to home before 8:00 p.m.
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