Essential Safety Tips for a Successful 2025 MEA Convention Experience

Using ATM

Take care when withdrawing money from ATMs or exchanging money at an exchange shop (bureau de change). It’s generally safer to use ATMs during daylight hours and inside shops or malls. Avoid withdrawing large amounts of money and be careful of your surroundings and who is around you while you are using the ATM.

Protecting your belongings

Pickpocketing and theft are common, including on public transport. Avoid wearing expensive clothing, jewelry, or watches. Limit the amount of cash or credit/debit cards you carry with you. Watch your briefcases and luggage, even in apparently secure places like the lobby of your hotel.

Drinks and food spiking

Do not leave food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants. Travelers have been robbed or assaulted after
being drugged.

Be aware when walking at night

While there are many parts of the city that stay open late, it’s best to avoid secluded areas, and those that you don’t know well. Walking after 10 p.m. should be avoided.

Vehicle crime

Stay away from isolated roads and use toll roads (‘cuotas’) whenever possible. Keep car doors locked and windows closed, especially at traffic lights.

Public Transportation/Taxis

Security on public buses varies throughout the country but is considered a relatively safe transportation option in Mexico City. Passengers should always protect their personal possessions as theft is common. Intercity bus travel should be conducted during daylight hours in preferably first-class buses using toll roads.
Robberies and assaults on passengers in taxis not affiliated with a taxi stand (known as “libre” taxis) are common. Avoid taking any taxi not summoned by telephone or contacted in advance, including “libre” taxis. When in need of a taxi, telephone a radio taxi or “sitio” (regulated taxi stand) and ask the dispatcher for the driver’s name and the taxi’s license plate number. Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in Mexico City, and generally offer another safe alternative to taxis.

The phone number to report emergencies in Mexico is “911.”

Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

If requested by Mexican authorities, you will need to provide your passport and stamp to prove your entrance and stay, copies and photos are not accepted. To demonstrate your visa status, you can get a digital registry of your entry documents from the Portal de Servicios INM.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to bring electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and solutions into Mexico or to buy and sell them. If found in your belongings by customs officials, these will be confiscated; resulting in being fined or being detained.
You can be fined up to 180 USD for smoking or vaping in public places.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for drug offenses are severe and convictions carry sentences of up to 25 years.