How can I protect myself in Mexico?

Question

I already know, no jewelry, no watches, no flashy clothes/purses. But I'm fair-skinned and taller than most of the people in the country lol. So how can be safe in Mexico City if I ever happen to be alone, to go to the store or something? besides carrying a weapon

Answer 1

You cannot carry a weapon around in Mexico just because...

This is a VERY common question and the regular way of thinking of most gringos and some canadians, it surprises me because you've already been here. Well, there are a lot of people here as you should know, I'm dark skin but I'm 5'8, I stand out and have never had a problem, and I do not have a gun. I know a lot of very wealthy people that have very nice cars, jewlery etc. and have never had a problem either. Just use your common sense and you'll be fine!

If you're coming I don't think you're racist, but if you are, well, work it out before you get here or you will not be very well received.

Welcome!

Answer 2

I haven't visited Mexico on a regular basis since the 80's. I'm sure that things have changed there the same as here.

Probably the best way to handle the move is the treat it like moving to any major city such as New York, London or Paris. There are going to be areas that are very unsafe and areas that are very top notch (rich). The majority of the people that you will meet will be trying to life their lives and enjoy their lives the same as you are.

Be polite to strangers, don't be obnoxious (you don't seem the type anyway), and try not to put yourself into 'bad' situations. Don't go out with strangers to places you are not familiar with and "play nice".

Sorry, couldn't resist, lol.

Answer 3

wow.

you're so racist.

but i can't blame you, its not your fault you're better than anyone.

if i were mexican i would be pisst.

but mexicans are dirty.

Answer 4

Hola.  Well, I'm a tall, blonde, blue-eyed woman who lives down here by myself in Mexico safely.  You don't need a weapon.  Your weapon is how you empower yourself with knowledge and knowhow!  First, learn some Spanish.  That breaks the cultural and confusion barrier the best.  I would recommend at least knowing how to ask where things are, and have simple conversations.  Always be polite...americans tend to act superior to mexicans....they react only like you'd expect them to!

Second, if you are going to be out and about on your own, make sure it isn't at night, or if you are wandering in an area you don't know, don't have a huge purse or knapsack.  Flashy clothes or jewelry aren't as big of a deal anymore.  Most people in Mexico City are middle class.  I'm a little more careful in markets, and say tourist areas such as churches or zocalos.  Other than that, just use your common sense.

I find because I'm Canadian, I'm more well respected and treated better, but I'm extremely polite and friendly back.  It goes a long way!

Answer 5

don't go. and you will be 100% safe

Answer 6

I would normally say you're racist but you are talking about the second largest city in the world so, if you have a nice car, try to rent a crappy one.

Answer 7

Don't worry so much and have a good time. Nice pic, by the way.

Answer 8

Hola!

First, I would strongly discourage carrying any kind of weapon.   Guns are illegal in Mexico and if you get caught,....  well, just don't even joke about it and I won't joke about what happens if you get caught.  <lol>

Mexico City (El D.F.) sure has a bad reputation.   There are parts of "el DF" where even I won't go.  BTW, I am a 240 pounds, in shape, 6' 3" Latino giant.  <lol>  I am a perfectly bilingual dude who played football in college and looks like a bigger, meaner, street-wise Mexican.

On the other hand, I have been in el DF many times and for long work assignments and vacations.  I have been out drinking at night with my wife (who looks very "gringa") other dudes and dudettes that were very obviously gring@s.   I have even taken my mother  and father in law out to drink and dine in el DF many times and never had a problem.  Or at least any big problem.  :)

The first trick is to know...  Knowledge is power, right?

Safe neighborhoods (Colonias):  Condesa, Polanco, Roma...

Unsafe: Around Garibaldi Plaza, Around the Merced Market, etc...

Safe: Subway during the day, "sitio" taxis, walking in good neighborhoods during the day,  even the microbuses are safe.

Unsafe: Green VW taxis, your own car at night, walking at night.

There are too many things to consider... Police for the most part is there to help you.   There is lots of police presence and they do keep things under control for the most part.   Just remember that their salaries are tiny and from time to time (specially if you drive) they will stop your car and try to get some extra income from you using extremely vague excuses (like not having the seat belt on even though the car was parked!)

No biggie, I have been always able to get away giving them 100-150 pesos and they have even been nice enough to provide me with a motorcycle police escort to the ATM.  Actually that guy asked me if I wanted to take a picture of me on his gold and black Harley after I gave him the extra 100 pesos.    We were easy prey.  I was coming out of a strip joint with two black coworkers.   In general, not a whole lot of black people in el DF.   So, black is almost always US.  And US people equals "mordida"    Since we had no money left (strip joint) we had to go to the ATM.

Just do not be ostentatious, be polite and approach people in Spanish with a big smile.  Mexicans are suckers for politeness.

If you want more info, please ask here.   I love Mexico but it is better when you have done your homework!  :)

Answer 9

Just use the same precautions you would use anywhere in the world and you should be fine. And yes, there are blonde-blue eye Mexicans, redheaded Mexicans, etc.

Answer 10

I'm so sorry I cannot resist.

          DON"T DRINK THE WATER.

Answer 11

Let's start with things you can't bring into Mexico. Guns of any kind head the list so loose the John Wayne image, OK? And what is with no watches? I wear a watch all the time.

You may be surprised at all the naturally blond Mexicans you will see. They are sometimes called rubio and it reflects the Spanish heritage.

Keeping cash and documents in a money belt is always a good idea. Otherwise act confidant and normal and stay out of funky bars in questionable neighborhoods and you'll be fine.

Answer 12

I'm white, 5 feet tall and only weigh 100 pounds and travel to some of the most (easily in the top 3) most sangrous neighborhoods in the entire city at oddball hours and I've never, ever been mugged. I've lived here for over 13 years.

Chances are you'll never get into a situation like that, maybe you will, a lot of it is just plain bad luck. I don't find Mexico City to be any more dangerous than any major US metropolis. I even feel more safe here than in LA. At least I can walk in my neighborhood alone at 3 am to the Oxxo without feeling like someone will mug me and rape me or something (but hey, I live in the State of Mexico and not in the DF, the DF is scary at night >_<, you know with cops kidnapping you and all, don't trust cops from the DF).

Don't bother bringing weapons like a gun. Maybe a mace spray, but not a gun. First you'll have to mess with a ton of paperwork just to be able to bring it here and then if you shoot and kill a mugger even in self defense you risk going to prision for 60 years in the wonderfully overpopulated prisions of the DF. The only people I know that carry guns are guys who were in the military and thus they can get away with carrying guns around semi illegally.

Answer 13

I always wear a money belt under my clothes.  You can keep your passport, credit cards and 90 percent of your money there.  Then if a pickpocket gets you wallet, you've only lost 10 percent of you money.  Click the link below to see some different styles.