What cautions should you take when travelling in Mexico?

The very first things you must know when travelling to Mexico are:

1. There is no nationwide advisory in effect in Mexico, and

2. The truth is that anywhere in the world you go, you should exercise caution. 

However, with respect to Mexico, many people might feel deterred to travel there due to the horror stories being heard about violence related to drug-smuggling. 

So, here are the facts:  According to the US Department of State, out of the 31 states and one federal state in Mexico, 14 of them have no travel warnings. The other 11 are not recommended for “non-essential” travels due to the peak of violence registered in some cities in those states.

Take the following basic caution measures while traveling in Mexico:

• Leave documentation in a safe place. Report your credit cards to your bank, otherwise they will block them if you use them.  Leave a copy of your passport home with a friend and make sure you know the phone number of your embassy in case you lose your travel documents.
• Keep electronics in a safe spot.  It is not wise to walk around flaunting your electronic devices. Do not walk while using your cell phone or iPad.  You are targeting yourself for getting mugged.   Keep them inside your pocket or in a safe place.  Do not carry your camera hanging around your neck. If you are on a guided tour, it is best for you to stay with the group.
• Wear casual clothes.  Try not to wear short pants and flip-flops on the street. This shouts that you are a foreigner and you will easily be targeted for mugging. Don´t travel wearing jewelry or expensive watches. 
• Don’t carry too much cash and the safest way to get cash from an ATM is at a bank or in a mall.
• For transportation, you can call a taxi to come get you at a specific spot.  These are much safer than the green taxis.