Security in Mexico City

Mexico City Airport 

As in many other cities in the world, when you arrive to Mexico City, you have to follow some basic common sense rules to protect yourself. First of all, before you get off of the plane, make sure that you have the complete address of where you plan to go after arrival.

Preventing Kidnapping Express

One of the most common problems we have here in Mexico City is the "kidnapping express." This is a criminal activity perpetrated by so-called ”pirate” taxi drivers. Follow this simple rule to be safe: Never leave the airport without having purchased your taxi ride from the only two authorized services: Protaxi or Sitio 300.

Authorized Taxi Services

The above two companies are independent, although they both operate from the same booths. They are clearly visible in all 3 arriving points. If arriving from a domestic flight, the taxi booth is across from the luggage collection area. If your international flight originated from the United States, Canada or Europe, the taxi booth is just past customs, before you leave the restricted zone. If coming from the Caribbean, Central or South America, you will go through a rigorous checking process by Mexican Customs officials. They have a special mandate to carefully check luggage coming from these three regions. Once you have been cleared, come out of the inspection area, turn right and follow the hallway to the taxi booth across from the Freedom restaurant, inside the terminal. The taxi sales person has 6 different zones and price lists. Most of the time long lines will await you, especially in peak season.

Destination Address Handy

Carry a piece of paper with the exact address, colonia and, if possible, the names of the streets that cross or meet your destination point. Remember, Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world; so, the more prepared you are to answer simple questions about the location of your destination, the better off you will be in arriving safely and without confusion.

Proceeding to Your Taxi Cab

Once you have your ticket in hand proceed to the parking lot. A supervisor wearing a visible badge that reads "Transporte Terrestre" with a photo and his name will place you in the waiting line. When you enter the cab, make sure you take note of the car number. If you have any taxi problems you'd like to report, dial 5571-3600, ext. 3600. Security can be reached at extension 2407. The 24-hour direct line is 5571-0497.

By Mario Gonzalez-Roman, a retired Foreign Service National Security Advisor to the United States Embassy, currently a private Security Consultant, columnist at www.securitycornermexico.com

Return to top