It really depends on the kind of equipment you plan on carrying around. If you’re touring the city and want to take photos with an SRL, I think it should be fine—when my family visited the ruins and the Zocalo, my sister walked around with her Nikon and nothing happened. But if you’re talking about carrying around a tripod, or a huge telephoto lens or something, then yeah, that might be both impractical and unwise.

In my opinion, it’s like any other city. I didn’t feel in danger while visiting Mexico City. I’m a single woman who doesn’t speak any Spanish. :D

Police seemed to be on every corner downtown, looking out for tourists, during the day. Most businesses have their own security that stand at the front door.

Are you staying in a hotel? If so, I recommend you ask the hotel staff which areas of the city you should avoid for safety reasons.

The things to believe about what people write and say about Mexico City are: (1) don’t eat the street vendor food, no matter how tempting it looks and smells; (2) always drink bottled water; (3) learn to distinguish between legal and illegal taxis (VERY IMPORTANT!); and (3) always carry (and protect) your ID, as sometimes you may be asked to show it before being allowed into museums and official buildings.

Don’t let all the warnings about Mexico City intimidate you. Just be smart about your camera and belongings, like you would be in any big city.

Enjoy your trip to Mexico City!

I would say it depends on where you are going. Usually crowded, touristy places are safe to be in. A couple of years ago I went there and went sightseeing all over the Zocalo and Chapultepec areas by myself with camera in hand and had no problems at all. There’s plenty of interesting places there to fill up your vacational schedule without having to go to dangerous areas.

Be careful of where you go, and be particularly aware of taxis, most of the stories that come directly from people I personally know have been of them being mugged while being inside of a cab (by people getting in the taxi after they are already in).

I wouldn’t go out with unnecessary valuables on any unknown city for that matter, and if you can avoid being just by yourself, do so, it is always safer to be in groups, that’s just common sense.

Hi Todd,

Mexico City is one of my most favorite cities, and yes taking pictures is one of the best things you can do. As a single woman, I always practice safety where ever I am. I do not often wear expenisve jewerly, or flash cash as a rule. Keeping my passport and money always with me, in a small pouch that can be attatched to my purse,or around my neck, so that it can not be removed by pick pockets. While carrying cameras, I try and limit what I have. Keeping them safe in a back pack and taking out only what I need for the shot. I have gone to digital cameras, which are smaller and do not require lots of attachments. Fanny packs are great for keeping film and small attachments, but be sure to face the opening to your front, so you can keep your hand on it, if you need to. Be sure that clasp, is not easy to open, at the back. DO NOT KEEP MONEY IN IT, or just a few dollars for what you need that day, using small bills.

Just use common sense, there are people all over the world, who will want to steal from you. Never leave you back pack on the ground, be aware of 2 teams, one person will try to distract you while the other steals from you. I am single woman who has traveled all over the world alone, I have never had anything stolen. Enjoy Mexico City, its one of the bests for sights and photos.

Treat it like you would if you were in NYC, or any other major city. in other words, don’t wear flashy jewelry, use a money belt to hold most of your cash, and leave a smaller amount in your pocket – basically don’t show off things that will attract attention.
I have family in Mexico and have spent over lots of time there over the past 28 years, and I’ve never had any problems. Be responsible and you’ll be fine.

Enjoy yourself, and take lots of pictures! :)

I say, “Live dangerously.” What is the point of having your camera is you never use it. Just carry it around your neck and take all the pictures you want. If you’re going to the famous tourist places in the daytime, they’ll be probably people and security guards around anyway. Just avoid taxis and you’ll be fine. I usually take the little buses. The subway is my second choice although it is crowded and has pickpockets. Hold your bag or camera around your neck in FRONT of you rather than behind you because the professional pickpockets will just cut your backpack open on the subway and you won’t even notice. (The “siteo” taxis from the airport are safe, I believe). If you absolutely have to take a taxi, you could try asking your hotel if they know a reliable driver personally although that might cost triple. Then, you could write down the license plate number and leave the license plate number in your room as a precaution but taxis could still be dangerous. I’d first ask a street taxi just to get an idea of the price and then use that price as a bargaining tool to haggle with a taxi driver that hopefully someone at your hotel knows. But do not take a taxi off the street no matter what.

Honestly, give me a break… people talk about Mexico City as if it was THE danger melting pot. I’m a “chilanga” which means I was born and raised in the city.
Todd: You can use your camera. Disposable, Nikon, Canon, tripod, or key chain camera. Is A.O.K.
Now, have common sense… as you would anywhere else. If is 2 a.m. and you are downtown… yeah, maybe not so good. If is noon and your are in Tepito… not so smart either. Now, if you want to go anywhere at anytime, find a chilango buddy. If people see that you are with a local, no one will try to mess with you.
One thing is true. If you are carrying a big bulky thing, don’t take the subway… stick to buses (micros) or cabs.
As for cabs: take them always from “sitios”. You look too gringo, and any other cab will charge you more than fare.
And yes… as for food. Cut me some slack. eat whatever pleases your little content heart, and carry some pepto tablets just in case
Have fun, enjoy mi casa, and one last thing, try to speak spanish. Even if you suck, locals appreciate the effort.