In the U.S., Mexico City has a reputation for being dangerous. The truth is, the areas where visitors want to spend time are probably as safe as places in any other major city.
As a female solo travelling I was a bit apprehensive but I had absolutely no need to be. I spend my time in Roma Sur, Roma Norte, Condesa and Polanco- it feels so much safer than London. No guys in balaclavas whizzing past in e-bikes trying to take your phone (like in London)! Plus Ubers are so cheap it makes going anywhere accessible
I definitely think UK is also responsible for using fear mongering tactics for clicks. Unfortunately ‘solo travelling female has wonderful time in Mexico City’ doesn’t quite get the same readership
Right?! I feel like we need the same safety precautions in Mexico City we need anywhere, and yet somehow the US (and maybe UK) media make it seem so much more dangerous than other places.
It’s funny. I think the last article I’ve read on Mexico City, which I believe was in the NYT’s , was about how gentrified it had become… They were definitely not worried about crime!
People have such strange preconceptions. My German relatives came to Chicago, and I think they thought there was about a 20% chance that they’d get mowed down by gunfire as they got off the plane. They were honestly surprised how nice it was.
I’ve visited Mexico City solo many times and loved it! Friendly people and delicious food 🥘 you just stay in the right areas which you’ll easily know about if you do some research 🤩
Police presence as it was explained to me: It’s a different style of policing. In the U.S., they wait until something happens, then come racing with lights and sirens blazing. (And if you called them, you can only hope and pray that they don’t shoot you before they help you!) In Mexico, they are seemingly everywhere, with the intention of preventing something from happening. Even if you fully understand that, it can still be unnerving.
As a female solo travelling I was a bit apprehensive but I had absolutely no need to be. I spend my time in Roma Sur, Roma Norte, Condesa and Polanco- it feels so much safer than London. No guys in balaclavas whizzing past in e-bikes trying to take your phone (like in London)! Plus Ubers are so cheap it makes going anywhere accessible
I definitely think UK is also responsible for using fear mongering tactics for clicks. Unfortunately ‘solo travelling female has wonderful time in Mexico City’ doesn’t quite get the same readership
Right?! I feel like we need the same safety precautions in Mexico City we need anywhere, and yet somehow the US (and maybe UK) media make it seem so much more dangerous than other places.
Thank you for bringing this perspective! And for changing your mind and coming to explore here 🥹
It’s funny. I think the last article I’ve read on Mexico City, which I believe was in the NYT’s , was about how gentrified it had become… They were definitely not worried about crime!
People have such strange preconceptions. My German relatives came to Chicago, and I think they thought there was about a 20% chance that they’d get mowed down by gunfire as they got off the plane. They were honestly surprised how nice it was.
I’ve visited Mexico City solo many times and loved it! Friendly people and delicious food 🥘 you just stay in the right areas which you’ll easily know about if you do some research 🤩
Love this!!! Thank you for writing it 🥰
Police presence as it was explained to me: It’s a different style of policing. In the U.S., they wait until something happens, then come racing with lights and sirens blazing. (And if you called them, you can only hope and pray that they don’t shoot you before they help you!) In Mexico, they are seemingly everywhere, with the intention of preventing something from happening. Even if you fully understand that, it can still be unnerving.
Preventing instead of responding makes sense! It takes some getting used to the heavy police presence though💜
Watch, look and listen! You covered it --all good advice.
It’s really the same as the normal precautions in any city, or really anyplace.
Verdad! Always good to hear.