Safety of Mexico City + Red Light Districts

zacb · Post by **zacb** » June 12th, 2013, 8:32 am

Hola! Long time no hear! Anyways folks, I have decided to skip on the Philippines for now (due to finances) and maybe head to Mexico instead. Now here is the thing: I am hearing conflicting reports on Mexico City. The State Dept. is saying Mexico City is ok to travel to, as do the forums, but a relative, who travels for work, said he needed self defense training before he went. I want wondering if the tourist vs business traveler has something to do with it. But anyways, I was wondering how safe Mexico City in general was, in addition, where and how safe their read light districts were. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Jester · Post by **Jester** » June 26th, 2013, 9:54 pm

There is no Mexico City "in general". Some areas are dangerous (muggings and robberies), some aren't. If you only go out in the day, and also stay in the areas where pretty (straight) girls are walking around in miniskirts or with fashionable outfits, bare shoulders and makeup, you will be fine, except for pickpockets.

Ignore the State Department, they have false warnings. Alarm alarm alarm. UK warnings are more reasonable, and are worth reading and heeding.

If going to any major Mexican city use a concealed money belt for passport and most cash.

Not trying to discourage you.

Maybe you can find a short Spanish school that will provide lodging and group excursions.

Be sure to see the Basiica of Maria de Guadalupe. It's right in the city. A good place to pray.

Jester · Post by **Jester** » June 26th, 2013, 10:04 pm

Just re-read your post.

Red ight districts?

Jeez, dude.

OK.

Can't help you with much knowledge there.

Been there (in the red light zone) in TJ, though, and based on that, I would advise this:

Stick to daytime,
leave the area while the sun's still up;

watch your back,
go with an American friend or two (or if you know someone down there);

and also be careful in the areas AROUND the red light district, where there aren't as many tourist police, security guards etc.

Use condoms, even for oral, don't fall in love, have a good time.

Jester · Post by **Jester** » June 26th, 2013, 10:09 pm

Oh and one more thing: I'm 6 foot three, over 250 pounds, used to do martial arts etc. And I was STILL real careful in TJ, as described above.

So if you look easy to pick on, your uncle or whoever is right. If you haven't practiced self-defense, a red-light disctrict is a real risk.

IMO.

Others who've been to Mexico City may have some other opinions.

AnonymousAmerican · Post by **AnonymousAmerican** » June 26th, 2013, 10:25 pm

Mexico city has too many ugly women, and it's way too populated. try Guadalajara Mexico, less people and better looking girls.

zacb · Post by **zacb** » July 26th, 2013, 7:16 am

Are the hookers around el Centro ok? How are they cost wise? I am going on a budget, but I still want to visit, but I just don't want to get jumped or anything. I heard from one guide to stay away from the seedy areas, and you will be fine, but I was wondering if you would have to go to the seedy areas in order to find inexpensive hookers. The one guy was a brother in law to my brother in law, who travels to Mexico, and said he needed to take self defense training. But then again, he went to the manufacturing part of the country, thus would need to be on guard more, since he is on business. I just want to do some tourist stuff, experience hookers, check out a jazz place or two, check out the hacker space, and meet up with my new GF and see if she is the real deal. I might check out a few other few things time permitting. So would the tourist hookers be inexpensive and safe?