When it comes to safety and security, Mexico City has traditionally gotten a pretty bad wrap but, having just spent more than a week in the capital city, this seems more than a little unfair.
Before the time I first went to Mexico City in 2008 I had heard horror stories of tourists being mugged, falling victim to dodgey taxi drivers and other scams. On that trip, as on this trip, it became very clear that whilst that may have been the case in Mexico City 10 years ago it is certainly not the case now.
Over the past week we have wandered extensively around Mexico City, from the tourist areas to the backstreets, from early in the morning to late at night. We've taken taxis, buses and the metro, and done a lot of walking and at no point at all did we feel unsafe.
In fact, we felt very safe.
The Mexican Government has done a great job in cleaning up a lot of the problems that existed in the past, especially in the main tourist areas. You will always see plenty of police around, including at night, as well as private security contractors. In addition, there are always so many people around that normally one's greatest worry is a talented pickpocket.
The Mexican people's no. 1 election issue: Seguridad (Security) - so there has been a lot of political will to make people feel safe!
Like any big city anywhere in the world, there are areas of the city that you shouldn't go. That's fine, because they are areas you've got no reason to go to or that would be unusual just to wander into. And like any big city there are certain things you should do to increase your safety and security - and these rules apply anywhere in the world, not just in Mexico City.
A few tips to increase your safety and security when you're travelling:
- Travel in packs - particularly at night.
- If you're heading for a night out, look out for one another, don't get plastered and think ahead to work out how you're going to get home.
- Phone for taxis, pick them up at official cab ranks or ask hotels/restaurants to call them for you. Don't hail taxis off the street.
- Don't take the green VW 'beetle' taxis in Mexico City.
- Don't carry large sums of money and carry a 'throw' wallet - one with a little money and some useless ID (like that expired library card you've been meaning to get rid of anywhay) that you can just hand over in the unlikely event you do get into trouble.
- As much as possible, leave your real valuables - passport, that expensive-looking watch, or bling-bling ring - at your accommodation....as long as your accommodation is secure of course (i.e. not a backpacker hostel)
- Don't take the metro late at night, especially not alone.
- Be aware of your personal space, particularly in crowds or on a busy metro or bus - pickpockets operate all over the world. Your wallet sticking out of your back pocket in a busy place is an invitation - carry it in your front pocket and try to be aware if anyone is in your 'space'.
- Don't carry valuables overtly (like laptops, expensive jewellery or cameras) - put them in a backpack.
As I say, these are just general rules that you can follow anywhere in the world.
We've got a couple of friends who have been living in Mexico for the past few years and when I asked them about health and safety they told me the following:
"You're probably more safe in Mexico city as a foreigner than as a Mexican. If Mexicans saw something happening to a tourist they would most likely react very strongly against the perpetrator because tourism is such an important industry for the country. A local wouldn't necessarily receive the same support"
It was also easy getting around just in English, or with just a few words of Spanish (like hello, goodbye, thank you and counting from 1-10).
The long and short of this is don't let outdated stereotypes put you off Mexico - this is a wonderful country to visit and Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico City) is a great place to visit and study.
Health Care in Mexico
There is a range of health care facilities in Mexico City - including doctors, public and private hospitals.
The Australian Embassy has a list of English-speaking doctors in the city who are available for consultations. These doctors also cover a range of specialities if one needs more than a General Practitioner.
The private hospitals in Mexico City are some of the finest in Latin America or North America. As travel insurance is mandatory for students taking AIM Overseas programs, students should never have a problem in having access to world-class care whilst living and studying in this city.
Most medications are available over-the-counter at local pharmacies, without a prescription, although there are a range of 'restricted' medications that require a script from a doctor.Not-prescription medications, such as painkillers, cold and flu tablets etc etc are readily available and much less expensive in Mexico than elsewhere in the world.
If you have a regular medication that you take, it is always best to bring a supply of it with you that will last long enough for the duration of your stay (along with a note from your doctor explaining what the medication is for if you need to explain to local authorities). Having the packaging of your medication with you will allow local medics/pharmacists to issue you with an alternative medicine if your exact medicine is not available.
Health and Safety at La Salle University
AIM Overseas runs a number of programs at La Salle University in Mexico City - here are a few comments on Health and Safety at this fine institution.
La Salle University's main campus is located in the fantastic 'La Condesa' area of Mexico City. This is one of the best areas of the city - crammed full of restaurants and bars, tree-lined streets and activity.
Students on programs in Mexico City at La Salle will stay in homestay accommodation in La Condesa, within about 10 minutes walk of the university. The reality is that since the area is so funky, students will most likely end up eating and going out close to home - eliminating a lot of the headaches related to getting home at night.
La Salle has worked with their host families for many years - and during this time they have identified and retained the best possible families so the chances of you having a negative experience with your homestay family are very slim.
The University itself is incredibly secure. Other than being located in a very safe area, students need to have their student card in order to pass through security and enter the campus - there are always security personal on the campus, as well in the surrounding streets (including motorcycle patrols), ensuring that the area is totally secure.
The campus is wonderful - inside students will not only find all the facilities they need to study (such as library and computers) but also many of the facilities that make life more comfortable: they have a first rate gym, swimming pool and places to eat - all accessible to students on AIM Overseas programs. Most importantly, they also have a bank and ATM machine inside the campus itself, probably the most secure place in Mexico City for students to conduct their banking transactions.
La Salle University is amazing and people will feel right at home there. They also have an English-speaking doctor on call 24 hours a day - so you will never have to worry about not having access to the best possible attention or about having to explain your problem in a foreign language.
All students also get given the 24 hour contact details for staff at La Salle if there is ever a health or safety issue day or night.
So do it! Go there! Mexico City is an amazing place, full of history, culture, stunning architecture and great places to see - be prepared, but don't be put off by outdated rhetoric.
For opportunities to study overseas in Mexico, visit www.aimoverseas.com.au
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*Note: this blog entry does not constitute official health and safety or travel advice. For this you should always seek official government advice - see www.smarttraveller.gov.au
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