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How safe is Mexico City?

How safe is Mexico City
How safe is Mexico City

As the largest city in North America, Mexico City is bursting with unforgettable travel experiences, from an incredible array of world-class museums and cultural experiences to a dynamic culinary scene. You can even climb ancient Aztec pyramids at the awe-inspiring archaeological site of Teotihuacán, within easy reach of the city.

But before heading to this vibrant capital, you may be wondering — how safe is Mexico City? A sprawling metropolis of more than 21 million people, Mexico City once had a reputation as a dangerous destination for travelers. But after a succession of local leaders have prioritized security and crime prevention, in recent years it has become a much safer place to visit. In fact, statistics show that Mexico City has lower homicide rates than a number of major cities in the United States including Boston, Chicago, Miami, and Washington D.C.

As you set out to explore the city, here are a few important Mexico City safety tips to help ensure you have a hassle-free trip.

Only take public transport during

Only take public transport during the day, if at all

The city’s public transportation network is how many locals get around this huge city, but buses and metros can be dangerous, especially after dark. Criminals and petty thieves often target tourists on public transportation at night, so only visit metro stations and use buses and trains during daylight hours. Solo female travelers should be especially careful on public transportation at all hours of the day. Women traveling alone may also want to ride in the subway’s “women and children” only subway cars — though the fact that these exist speaks of the danger that female visitors and locals can face on Mexico City’s public transportation.
Stick to Uber or sitio taxi

Stick to Uber or sitio taxi

Never hail a taxi from the side of the road, even in the historic center or near tourist attractions. Unlicensed taxis are everywhere in the city center but riding in them increases your chances of getting ripped off. Uber is a great alternative, as drivers are licensed and fares are set in the app. If you do take a taxi, have your hotel or a reputable restaurant arrange an official taxi, called a “sitio taxi.” They’re more expensive, but it’s worth the extra cost to stay safe in Mexico City.

Learn a little bit of Spanish

If you’ve visited Mexico tourist destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, or Cancun, you might assume that everyone in Mexico speaks at least a little English. But that’s not necessarily the case in Mexico City. Travelers should spend a little time learning some common phrases in Spanish ahead of their trip. Not only will speaking Spanish help you navigate the city and communicate with the locals, but it can really come in handy in case of an emergency.

Eat where the locals do

Mexico City is known as a foodie paradise, whether you’re eating at street food carts or upscale fine dining restaurants. But nothing ruins a good vacation quicker than food poisoning, so use your common sense and take a few precautions. The best way to know if a restaurant is safe to eat at is to only eat where the locals eat. Avoid dining at restaurants that are empty or if it looks like the only patrons are other tourists. The same goes for street vendor carts, if there are few customers or the only diners are fellow tourists, choose another option. Also, it’s a good rule to avoid drinking tap water — including ice in drinks. Stick to bottled water instead.

Keep important documents locked safely away

Petty crime is common in the Mexican capital, just like in any large city. So when you set out to explore Mexico City, only bring a copy of your passport and visa (if required), but leave your actual passport and any other important travel documentation locked in the safe in your hotel room. If you happen to be stopped by the Mexican authorities and asked for your ID, simply show the copy and explain that the original is back at the hotel. You should also take pictures of your passport on your phone.
Stay in the safest neighborhoods

Stay in the safest neighborhoods

Mexico City is huge, and crime rates vary significantly from one neighborhood to the next. When planning your accommodations, the most popular (and safest) neighborhoods for tourists are the upscale Condesa or Polanco districts, the southern half of El Centro (Mexico City’s downtown), the hipster-friendly Roma, and Zona Rosa — the neighborhood where you’ll find some of the city’s major monuments, and most vibrant nightlife.

Watch for pickpockets near touristy areas

Mexico City’s most popular tourist destinations, like the Zócalo, Chapultepec Park, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the statue of El Angel, are also some of the places you’re most likely to encounter pickpockets. Be extra vigilant, don’t wear flashy jewelry or bring along expensive electronic items, and avoid carrying all your cash with you. Simply put, exercise increased caution and avoid making yourself a target.

Find peace of mind with travel insurance

Planning to visit Mexico City? No matter where you’re headed, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance. Even if you take all the precautions discussed above, and more, travel insurance can protect you in case the unexpected happens. Mexico City travel insurance policies available from battleface ensure you are covered in cases from lost passports or delayed baggage to trip interruption or the need for emergency medical care.
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PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Pre-Existing Medical Condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 180 day period immediately prior to the date Your coverage is effective :
  1. received or received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment for a condition which first manifested itself, worsened or became acute, or had symptoms which would have prompted a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment; or
  2. took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. Item (2) of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180 day period before coverage is effective under this policy.
  3. required a change in prescribed medication. Change in prescribed medication means the dosage or frequency of a medication has been reduced, increased, stopped and/or new medications have been prescribed due to the worsening of an underlying condition that is being treated with the medication, unless the change is:
    1. between a brand name and a generic medication with comparable dosage; or
    2. an adjustment to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage.
If you, or someone you are traveling with, has a Pre-Existing Medical Condition, you can still buy a policy from us but there is no cover for any claim arising directly or indirectly from that condition.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Any Medical Condition that, within the last 12 months, required any:

  • surgery, inpatient or outpatient treatment, referrals or investigations of any sort. This includes being on any waiting list, taking any prescription medication, tablets or required medical treatment (This will not apply to common colds, flu or contraceptive medication);
  • medical advice or treatment for any respiratory condition relating to the lungs or breathing;
  • medical advice or treatment for any heart, stroke or diabetic condition;

Hypertension or high cholesterol controlled by 1 prescription drug only and where the dosage has not been changed within the last 12 months will not be considered a pre-existing medical condition

Coverages Available:

*not all coverages are available in all states
Travel Protection Benefits Limits
Trip Cancellation 100% of trip cost (up to a maximum of $20,000)
Single Occupancy Up to trip cost
Cancel for Any Reason Up to 75% of trip cost Up to 50% of trip costs in FL(CFAR not available to NY residents)
Trip Interruption 150% of trip cost
Delay Package
Trip Delay
Maximum $200 per day up to $2,500
Missed Connection Maximum of $1,000 per covered trip
Baggage Package – Excess
Baggage and Personal Effects $2,500 $100 Deductible
Baggage Delay $100 per day up to a maximum of $500
Travel Medical Package – Excess AK, CO, ID, ND, NH – Primary
Travel Medical Expense – Adventure sports included $100,000 $50,000 in NH $50 Deductible
Emergency Dental $750
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains Up to $500,000
Up to $1,000,000 in NH
Accidental Death & Dismemberment $100,000 or $250,000 or $500,000
Pet Medical Package
Pet Medical Expense Up to $2,000 $100 Deductible
Pet Return Up to $500
Rental Vehicle Damage – Primary Up to $35,000 per rented vehicle- Primary $250 Deductible for loss greater than $2,000
Vacation Rental Damage $1,500 or $3,000 or $5,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment 5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability 500,000
Travel Delay 500
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Trip Interruption 2,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 5,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 2,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250) *** Limited to 250 in respect of cash
Personal Liability 500,000
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage up to 10,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation up to $20,000
Trip Interruption $1,000
Medical and Emergency Expenses $5,000,000 (deductible $250)
Hospital Benefit $25 per day, maximum $100
Personal Accident up to $50,000
Baggage $2,000 (deductible $250)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to $250 in respect of cash $500 (deductible $250)
Personal Liability $500,000
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to $1,000 (deductible $100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to $750 (deductible $50 or $100)

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment 5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability 500,000
Travel Delay 500
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)