oakey

Hello everyone,

I am an American living in Europe and need a little advice about a trip to Mexico I want to book in January - I would sincerely appreciate any advice.
I would like to fly to Mexico City from the Southwestern US in Spring and have never been to Mexico.
I have read plenty of stories about crime and traffic in Mexico City and probably would spend no more than 2 or 3 days in the city.

My questions are-
1. What is the best way to travel in the region around Mexico City...should I rent a car or take buses - are there different bus services? Are long distances buses in Mexico safe or is crime and accidents a serious issue? I will be traveling with my 14 year-old- brother, so I don't want to put him in much danger.

2. Are the taxi drivers in the city really as dangerous as many travel guides imply, is there any alternative to them if they are?

3. Are there any cities or towns near Mexico City besides Puebla and Teotihuacán that any of you consider must see sights?

-and also any general survival tips concerning avoiding crime and other annoyances would be appreciated.
I would really be grateful for any tips anyone might have from previous trips -
thank you all in advance.

miguelgcuadra

Be aware that news are always exagerated. Mexico DF is huge and things got to happen there. I was there last year for New Year and felt really safe. Take only taxis from the hotel, if you want to return to your hotel, just walk to any hotel close to you and request a taxi from any of the bellmen.
I have never ridden the metro, and would not use public buses. I would never dare to drive there, by my cousin did and we had no problems

RobertSDF

Good advice from the other post. I have used the Metro without a problem--just avoid rush hours. I drive all over Mexico but would never consider driving in Mexico City. The bus services are excellent in Mexico.
Enjoy!

Poppa

I have lived and even shot film in Mexico City, driving to every location with no problems.

Sure, if you aren't used to big-city driving, then MC could make you uncomfortable.

Insofar as crime and all that - just do the usual, as you would in New York or Paris or Rome. Be smart.

Have fun.

Dude

As above the Metro is the best way. As far as your bus question, for traveling around that part of Mexico First Class bus service is excellent and safe. You can reach any point in Mexico from Mexico City via first class buses. As far as places in the area it depends how much time you plan to be traveling. The 6 hour trip to Oaxaca (fascinating indigenous culture) would well worth it. Closer, you might enjoy Cernavaca interesting City about 1 hour from Mexico City, Tepotzlan (a small town in the mountains near Cuernavaca), Taxco (beautiful hillside city famous for silver) about three hours from Mexico City. Study a guide book there is a huge ammount to see and do in the area you plan to visit.

norbrad393

Don't rent car in MC. Avoid little VW beetle taxis. Don't take valuables along; keep all but what cash you need to spend for the day in a leg or chest pouch or money belt. Other that that, just do what one does in a large city. Be smart.

City buses are OK, but watch out for pick- pockets. Long haul buses are very good and safe, much better than in the states. Deluxe class is excellent. In city, learn to use the Metro. It is easy, unbelieveable cheap, fast, cand you can get anywhere. Go to the end of a platform, not the middle. The cars wll be less crowded.
Take full size taxis that say "Taxi" on them--they generally have a lighted sign on top too. If they have more than the driver, don't get in.

yoly

Hello:
I hope I am still on time for your trip.
the best way to travel from mexico to another city is by first class bus. ADO us very good, I use it all the time I am there. I have used it since I was a little girl and I traveled with my mother.
In Mexico City I will use taxis from the hotel or form the taxi stand sito or a Radio Taxi. I do not use taxis from the street because it is know that some of them are "Taxis Piratas" and you do not want that. These are the telephones of two radio taxi: Taximex 555-519-7690, Super Sitio 555-271-8972. You can find more on the yellow pages. the subway or metro, it is ok as well as bus but avoide rush hr. and be very carfull for pick pockets. I do not use this at night and if possible I only use taxis. Do not use the "Combies" or Micro busses" terrible drivers and they get in too many accidents.
As some one else mentioned do not take too much money with you, do not show it, no jewlery. Be aware of your surrondings. Do not adveture in dark places and things you would not do in another big city. Enjoy the food, the people, the music!!!

yoly