Since the early 60s, I’ve lived and traveled in a
number of countries outside the United States and given my personal security
the highest priority. In fact, it even
shares the same level of importance when I visit the U.S. every six months for
six weeks. It seems that one just can’t
be too secure nowadays. However, we
shouldn’t become paranoid about it, and that’s why many of us ex-pats have
found that you can live, travel, and feel secure in Mexico if you follow some
common sense tips:
1 –
Don’t be flashy. For example don’t wear
expensive watches or jewelry.
2 – When
getting money from an ATM, do it during daylight hours and not in isolated places.
3 – Stay
out of problem areas. All the world’s
towns and cities have them. Get a guide
if you’re a tourist. Ask hotel managers
about the areas not to visit.
4 – Pay
attention to your surroundings, avoid dark areas.
5 – Have
copies made of your important documents.
In fact, scan them and email them to yourself.
6 –
Memorize emergency numbers. For example,
the equivalent of 911 in Mexico is 066.
7 –
Don’t carry more than one credit card at a time in your wallet.
8 –
Carry any bag or purse securely; preferably have a purse or pouch you carry
around your waist if you come as a tourist.
9 - For
you guys, change your wallet from the back to the front pocket before you enter
a crowded street or market.
10 –
When taking a taxi, especially in Mexico City, make sure it has a license
displayed in the backdoor window and that the picture corresponds to the
driver’s face. Make a note of the tag or
I.D. number. Secondly, if there is no
taxi meter, get the price of the trip before you get in the taxi. Best of all, take a taxi from a secure stand (sitio) in Mexico City.
11 –
Write down your bank and credit card companies international phone numbers (800
numbers don’t work in Mexico).
12 – For
women, dress conservatively. Ignore
catcalls and wolf whistles. Learn a few phrases like, “Estoy esperando por mi
esposo.” (I’m waiting for my husband), and “Ayudame por favor.” (Help me, please).
13 –
Learn to speak at least a basic level of fluent Spanish if you plan on living
here.
14 –
Never open the door of your home or your hotel room to anyone unless you have
found out who they are.
15 –
Don’t take the subway in Mexico City unless it’s absolutely necessary.
16 –
While waiting for a bus in any bus station, sit with the families and don’t
involve yourself in a conversation with anyone who comes and asks you for the
time.
17 -- Pay attention to the travel advisories from the U.S. State Department. Don't go to Northern Mexico unless you have to do so because of your job.
18 -- If it's possible, practice the "buddy" system as we used to say in the military; that is, travel about in twos or more.
While the foregoing tips are the major rules that we
follow here, there are many more; for example, if you plan on driving. Even though I drive when my wife and I go to
the U.S., and I’ve also driven here, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Mexico, and Asia,
I don’t drive in Mexico now. Of course, I’m
retired and there is plentiful public transportation, but if I can avoid any
interactions with the police, I prefer it.
However, if I worked here, I would probably have a
car. And I would most certainly follow
the guidelines given in the following website:
http://www.wikihow.com/Drive-in-Mexico-Without-Getting-Into-Trouble
