How safe is Mexico City compared to Los Angeles?

Question

How safe is Mexico City compared to Los Angeles?

Answer 1

In the main tourist/expat areas, I have always felt very safe, even late in the night and after having a few too many drinks.

If your aware of your surrounds, take normal precautions its just as safe as anywhere.

If you wanna hang out in Tepito or City Nezi, well you know same risks apply as hanging out in Watts, North Long beach or Compton.

Answer 2

I've lived here for about 15 years and I've never been mugged. I go to rather dangerous neighborhoods at odd hours all alone on foot all the time with no problems. I'm seriously starting to doubt whether the legend saying the colonia Doctores is as dangerous as they claim is true or not. I've always felt safe there. Meh, maybe I'm just really lucky or somethin'.

Mexico City is just like any large city, avoid doing dumb things like being alone in a dark alley at night flashing cash and know that there's pickpockets so don't leave your wallet showing on a backpocket. Knowing how to ID pirate taxis isn't a bad idea either. Chances are you'd probably die first from getting runned from a hit & run car over because people drive like animals in this city than from being shot by a mugger.

I've been to LA a few times a few years ago and quite frankly, I feel far more safe in Mexico City.

Answer 3

Of course common sense goes a long way as so many others have mentioned. Don't flash huge wads of bills around, (I carry a few hundred pesos which I will be using separately from other money.) Don't go out wearing five thousand dollar Rolexes! (It sounds silly to have to say this, But Don King had his Rolex stolen right off his wrist at gunpoint while riding in a van with body guards. So did my brother in law!). Dress down rather than up. If criminals have no reason to suspect you have a lot of cash and credit cards, they will look for easier pickings.

I have lived here for 14 years and never been robbed, but my wife was once in a "bandit" taxi! So just be careful, use common sense. I have also spent some time in LA, I actually would prefer Mexico City, I feel safer here.

Answer 4

Ok, so your first anwer is ridiculous.  That just goes to show how this world is full of idiots.  Anyway, I agree with Libertad V. on this.  Just be careful.

Answer 5

I've been living here for 12 years, since I moved in from my home town to do university studies when I was 18... I haven't had any problem at all. I think as in any other big city there's u have to take care of yourself.

Answer 6

That's a tricky question.

There are very dangerous areas in Mexico city and there are very dangerous areas in L.A.

Like all the people above, I think it's all about using common sense.

You always read awful things about both cities.

Personally, I feel safer in Mexico city.