Are Foreigners Safe in Mexico City?

I Feel Safe in Mexico City

Since arriving in Mexico City on December 31st, I’ve enjoyed a long walk along and around Calzada de Guadalupe, crisscrossed across town via the subway system, strolled around and relaxed in Chapultepec park twice, and met lots of interesting people. I haven’t felt the need to look over my shoulder every few minutes. I feel safe in Mexico City.

The Guys Felt Safe

Friday, I left my hotel to do some couch surfing on the other side of the city. I’m currently at my host’s home, propped on the couch writing this blog post. This is my third visit to Mexico. I visited with my brother in 2017 and again in the spring of 2019 with my brother and boyfriend. They both felt safe. Now, I’m here alone. I came here to bring in 2020. I’m enjoying it more than I did the times before.

Fodor’s Inside Mexico City (Full-color Travel Guide)

Other People’s Opinions

I avoid staying in touristy areas and go straight for the areas where real life happens. I’ve been warned several times about the dangers of being a visitor here: “You’ll get robbed. Watch out for the cartels. It’s too dangerous there.” Yes, there are some neighborhoods that seem a bit sketch. There a people here and there that give off a weird vibe. I can say the same thing about neighborhoods and people in the States and any other country. If I based my decisions off the fears of others, I’d never travel anywhere and I wouldn’t be having the time of my life now.

Take Safety Precautions

It would be naive to think that any city is 100% safe. Petty crimes and serious crimes occur all over the world. Just turn on your local news and you’ll see that some crime is always being perpetrated. However, when proper universal precautions are taken, your chances of being a victim of crime is greatly reduced. So, if you take precautions, there’s no reason to be fearful of visiting Mexico City. Mexico City, mind you. I haven’t spent much time in other cities, yet. I can only speak on the one in which I have substantial experience. Each time I’ve come here, I have always felt very safe and welcomed.

Go For It

If Mexico City is on your bucket list, I say go for it! By not visiting, you’re cheating yourself out of a rich cultural experience. There is no reason to be fearful. Go out and explore. You are safe in Mexico City.