How safe is Mexico City?

[gomexico]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

Mexico has always been considered dangerous, though now I think it is more dangerous than when I went decades ago, and everyone said it was dangerous then.

Generally, for the nation as a whole ... I believe the level of crime is greater in the country today than decades ago and the war and related activities by terrorists is probably mostly responsible for that.

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

It's EXTREMELY polluted! You can't see two blocks ahead for all the air pollution, I'm NOT exaggerating.

I don't think the statement is accurate, concerning Mexico City today. The level of pollution is substantially less than 18 years or so ago when I first moved there. The government forced many factories to leave the city and relocate elsehere in the nation in newly constructed facilities which better met standards for environmental concerns. As indicated by someone else in this discussion, there are days when the weather conditions combine with the physical layout of the D.F. to cause pollution levels to rise sharply. Those are the exceptions rather than the rule.

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

Carry your passport and US$$ in a little pouch under your clothes. Don't carry any valuables in a purse, backpack or briefcase. Watch out for the subway, the cars can be very crowded, watch your stuff, and stay near the door so you won't get stuck so far back you won't be able to get out. Negotiate all cab fares before getting in the cab, if you take a cab. Traffic is awful, so using a cab to go a long distance is pointless.

This is advice I wouldn't disagree with, particularly when it comes to questions by persons unfamiliar with the D.F. and such a large urban environment.

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

I've been to Mexico several times and have never gotten sick. Don't drink the water, you probably knew that. Don't allow ice cubes in any drinks. Don't buy food from street vendors. Do you know what it was last time that made you sick?

I believe that what most causes people to become ill is that they have compromised immune systems/chronic illnesses or that their internal systems aren't acclimated to the altitude, spicy food or they encounter bacteria their system doesn't often see. I find standards of personal hygine in Mexico of food service workers, generally, substandard as compared to what we seen in the USA and Canada. I chalk that up to poorly educated people/workers. Lack of cleanliness can easily result in someone eating food prepared by this type of person to become ill. I believe that the water as it leaves the filtration plant in the D.F. is safe to drink. However, the delivery and storage infrastructure is compromised and bacteria gets into the water and causes many people problems. So I either drink bottled water or boil my water for drinking and cooking.

[shruty]

planning to shift to mexico city with family, have seen a lot of crime related info on web, can anybody give me an insight about the lifestyle,education,safety,etc any info is appreciated

[sanluisito]

Mexico City is very safe

Mexico city attractions | VisitMexico

[xS☺Be]

Originally Posted by shruty

planning to shift to mexico city with family, have seen a lot of crime related info on web, can anybody give me an insight about the lifestyle,education,safety,etc any info is appreciated

Here's 1100 pictures and 120 pages of story. This should help.

Mexico Trip Diary 2012 | 7 Days in DF and Monterrey in 2012

[gomexico]

Originally Posted by shruty

planning to shift to mexico city with family, have seen a lot of crime related info on web, can anybody give me an insight about the lifestyle,education,safety,etc any info is appreciated

That's a broad question to which there are no simple, easy answers. "Safety" isn't easily defined. The level of safety and security varies by section and subsection of the D.F. in which one lives or works. Lifestyle and education is pretty much dictated by income level. The more you earn, the better these things are. Mexico City has, for the most part, been spared the worst of the narco terrorism violence. There are other forms of insecurity, however. Without knowing anything else about you, the job, the move, family or not, etc., etc., I don't see how anyone can offer more specific information.

[Doctorof_Education]

Originally Posted by shruty

planning to shift to mexico city with family, have seen a lot of crime related info on web, can anybody give me an insight about the lifestyle,education,safety,etc any info is appreciated

You have to know which parts of the city to avoid and which are safe. I have been living here almost five years now and have never had any problems with crime.