Nervous Business Traveler

[Cudajason]

Well, I just found out I will be traveling to Mexico City for a two day conference at the beginning of April.

I generally like to travel, but Mexico is not one of the destination I ever really want to go to.

I am a little nervous about going, and my wife is more nervous then I am.

Any advise on traveling to Mexico City?

Jason

[Cuda Cody]

Pretty sure Mexico City is really safe for tourists.  You can check out the places in Mexico that are a little more dangerous, but from what I hear Mexico City is pretty safe.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html

[ChallengerHK]

When I was living in Saudi, whenever I left the camp I'd carry a very sharp number 2 pencil behind one ear. In an emergency it can make a helluva stabbing weapon, but otherwise people don't give them a second look.

[soundcontrol]

A few days in Mexico City would be safe. My wife wants to go to Mexico and travel around in a car, (she is half mexican), I say hell no, I like my head where it is, right between my shoulders.

[Bills Auto Works]

Compared to the border towns like Juarez, Mexico City is very safe. Try to stay in the tourist type areas whenever possible & you should be fine.
Bill

[XeGnome]

I traveled to Cabo through Mexico City and I found the trick was to keep walking and keep looking forward.  Don't stop and look around...  If you dress business casual and "look like" you know where you are going and what you are doing (like you have done it before) even the Federales leave you alone.

The Federales do not want our business or tourist dollars to travel elsewhere so they usually keep the "locals" in check.  If you get outside the tourist areas... well      If there is something going on, keep your head on a swivel.

[HP_Cuda]

Interestingly enough, I previously worked for a International company which sent my team all over the world.

Try this story on for size: My German counterpart got sent down to Mexico City for a customer engagement. He was told by his local company resource not to get a cab, he would pick him up (first clue). The local took him directly to the hotel and told him to stay there and not to go out (second clue), he would pick him up in the morning. My German friend got picked up and had his meeting no problem and went back to the hotel, had dinner and went to bed. Now the fun part: Luckily he had locked his door and used the door latch because at 4am the next morning he heard someone use a key card for his room and tried to push their way in. Of course, that freaked him out and he couldn't wait to get out of there.

What is the moral of the story? Don't trust any cabbies because they are paid to kidnap you as well. They love to see Gringos and you either get served up by La Hermandad(police) or the cabbie will already have ties to nafarious groups. Not to say this will happen every time but it's a risk I wouldn't take. Heck they even kidnap locals who have money - so they don't discriminate.  Unfortunately a white person in Mexico looks like a payday to lots of folks there.

Guess what - Mexico city used to be kidnap capital of the World:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/mexico-city-the-new-kidnap-capital-of-the-world-5351633.html

I don't think it's changed that much.

[anlauto]

A few days in Mexico City would be safe. My wife wants to go to Mexico and travel around in a car, (she is half mexican), I say hell no, I like my head where it is, right between my shoulders.

Which half ?

[Timbbuc2]

I lived in San Pedro Sula Honduras for 8 years, along with a plant in Mexico. Its the same where every you go, be smart and you will be fine. Do show jewelry and flash a lot of cash.  I didn't travel at night, I stayed out of small villages. Yes I did see many bodies and they were not e bodies.  Main problem is gangs/ drugs and extortion. You will be fine.

[ec_co]

"Do NOT show jewelry and flash a lot of cash."

fixed that for ya

and don't be one of these douches http://abc13.com/news/paper-americans-chanting-build-that-wall-in-cancun/1810859/    great way to get yourself in a bad place real quick

[cuda hunter]

One of my business partners has "retired" down in Mexico.  He and his wife drive around mexico and live on fractions of what we retire on here.  He says it's pretty much safe everywhere.  Just as long as you are being careful.  Big cities have people that want to kill you no matter where you go. 

[jimynick]

Jas, you're a smart guy, so just act like one and use the tips you've gotten here and you and the bride should be fine. As mentioned, there's no guarantees and you could go to Toronto and get in a jam nearly as easily. We;ve gone to Chicago many times and were on the Promenade Anglais in Nice this year and never had an issue. Maybe we were just $hit lucky, but keep your heads up, don't carry/show money nor jewelry, stay in the tourista zones and ask your hotel's concierge for their advice. The world's a dangerous place no matter where you go- hell, it used to be scary going to Hespeler back in the day! LOL 

[cuda hunter]

Were semi dirty clothes and you will blend in to most places in mexico.

[HP_Cuda]

Here is a funny contradiction that is Mexico.

Now when I went to Cancun about 5 years ago it was completely different. They have literally 24/7 police there and they travel around in black uniforms riding in the back of trucks with rifles. There is no tolerance for crap going down there. I remember one night I was eating at an establishment and there was one of their trucks just outside and about 5 guys taking a break. Within 20 mins they got a call and WHAM! they all jumped in the back and tore out to respond.

So they protect their cash cow areas of the country but not others.

[Timbbuc2]

Glad someone has my back