Safety in Mexico for Travelers

Mexico has a complex safety reputation, and it's important to understand it accurately — without the alarmism of certain foreign media, but also without naivety.

The reality is that Mexico is a country of very marked contrasts by geography. There are areas with serious security problems (some northern regions, certain areas of Guerrero, Sinaloa, and other states). But there are also perfectly safe areas for tourism: Mexico City (especially neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and Coyoacán) and most of Chiapas are destinations where millions of domestic and international tourists travel every year with complete normality.

Marimbas properties are in zones specifically selected for their safety and accessibility: Roma and Condesa in CDMX, and Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Berriozábal, and Coita in Chiapas. This guide speaks to those zones and how to move through them intelligently.

Roma and Condesa are two of the safest and best-lit neighborhoods in the city. They have visible police presence, heavy foot traffic until late hours, and an infrastructure of restaurants, cafés, and nightlife that operates normally.

What to do and what not to in CDMX:

• Use Uber or Didi for nighttime transport — Street taxis in CDMX are not as safe as they appear. The radio taxi system (taxi stands) is reasonably reliable, but Uber or Didi give you the extra level of traceability and safety that's worth it. Avoid getting into taxis that stop to offer you service on the street.
• The Metro is safe but requires attention — CDMX's metro system is efficient and generally safe. During peak hours it can be very crowded. Keep your belongings watched, especially your phone and wallet. The front cars are exclusive to women and children.
• Don't display your phone unnecessarily — Cell phone theft on the street ("motochorro") exists in CDMX. Don't walk while looking at your phone. If you need the map, check it inside a business or with the phone at chest height.
• ATMs: use them during the day and inside stores — Prefer ATMs inside OXXO, Superama, or department stores. Avoid street ATMs at night.
• Areas to avoid in CDMX — Tepito, La Merced (at night), and some neighborhoods in the east and north of the city have higher crime rates. No Marimbas property is near those areas.
• In case of robbery: don't resist — If you're robbed, hand over what they ask for. Possessions can be recovered; physical safety cannot. After the event, report to 911 or the nearest Fiscalía.

Chiapas has a sometimes negative media image that doesn't correspond to the reality of tourist and urban areas. The state's central zone — where Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Berriozábal, Coita, Chiapa de Corzo, and San Cristóbal de las Casas are located — is generally safe for tourism.

Important context: The conflicts sometimes mentioned in news about Chiapas occur mainly in rural areas of the northern state (Ocosingo, some border areas) and have a specific political-social context that doesn't affect conventional tourist routes. The Tuxtla-San Cristóbal-Palenque area is the most visited and well-established.

Practical recommendations for Chiapas:

• Get informed before deviating from main routes — For visits to indigenous communities or remote rural areas, get information in advance from reliable local operators. Don't improvise unknown routes at night.
• Respect indigenous communities — In San Juan Chamula and other Tzotzil communities, there are specific codes of behavior that must be respected. Photographing people without permission can cause conflicts. Use local operators as guides.
• On the road, travel during the day — Chiapas roads are generally good on main routes. For long distances, always travel during daylight hours.
• Tuxtla, Berriozábal, and Coita are peaceful areas — These are residential municipalities with low tourist crime rates. Apply common sense as always: don't display valuables, stay in lit areas at night.

Transport is one of the most important safety points for travelers in Mexico.

• Uber and Didi — The safest option in cities. Driver registration, real-time tracking, option to share your trip with a trusted contact. They work well in CDMX and Tuxtla.
• ADO and first-class buses — For intercity travel, ADO is the most reliable bus line in Chiapas and the southeast. They have modern terminals, punctual schedules, and good security measures. Much better than taking local buses without references.
• Colectivos and combis — Economical and massively used by locals. Reasonably safe on established routes. Not ideal for solo travelers at night.
• Car rental — Excellent option in Chiapas for exploring freely. Choose a recognized company (Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar) at the airport. Always with insurance included.
• Airports — Both AICM (CDMX) and Tuxtla airport have authorized taxi zones with fixed prices. Buy your taxi ticket inside the terminal — never go outside to find a taxi on the airport street.

Emergency number in Mexico: 911 — Works nationwide for police, fire, and ambulance.

Water: Don't drink tap water in Mexico. Bottled or filtered water is the norm. In restaurants, ask for bottled water or from a garrafón. At Marimbas properties, safe drinking water is available.

Street food: Street food in Mexico is generally safe if you choose stands with lots of people (a sign that the product is fresh and quality). Start with small portions if your stomach isn't adapted to local spices.

Medications: Pharmacies in Mexico are easily accessible and well-stocked. Farmacias del Ahorro, Guadalajara, and Similares have presence throughout the country. Many medications that require a prescription in other countries are sold without one in Mexico.

Travel insurance: Highly recommended. Covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and theft. In Mexico, private emergency medical care can be expensive without insurance.

Useful contacts:

• Emergencies: 911
• CDMX tourist police: 55 5207-4155
• LOCATEL (information and CDMX emergencies): 55 5658-1111
• Mexican Red Cross: 065