Mexico City's Smoke: Is It Safe To Visit?

Mexico City is a densely packed metropolis with a population of over 21 million people. It is a beautiful yet chaotic city with a strong sense of community and locals who enjoy public spaces such as parks and plazas. The city has something for everyone, from rich culinary heritage and stunning architecture to central and picturesque neighbourhoods. However, travellers should be aware of a few things before visiting. Firstly, Mexico City is located at a high altitude, so it is important to stay hydrated at all times. Secondly, violent and non-violent crimes are common, so it is essential to be vigilant and keep personal belongings secure. Finally, smoking regulations in Mexico City are strict, with smoking prohibited in most public places. While smoking is still legal, it is heavily restricted, and violators may face fines or even jail time.

Smoking laws in Mexico City

Mexico City has enacted some of the world's toughest anti-smoking laws, which apply equally to locals and tourists. As of January 15, 2023, smoking, including the use of vapes/e-cigarettes, is prohibited in a wide range of places, including workplaces, public transport, schools, entertainment venues, hotels, stadiums, shopping malls, beaches, parks, Mayan sites, religious sites, restaurants, bars, offices, and markets.

The new laws do allow for designated smoking areas in private outdoor spaces, but these must be separate from areas where food and drink are served or prepared, and they must be some distance away from where non-smokers might congregate or pass through. Hotels with sufficient outdoor space may be able to create designated smoking areas, but this is not a requirement, and some hotels may choose to support a total ban on smoking on their properties.

It is important to note that these laws carry fines of up to $300 or $550 for anyone caught violating them, and non-compliance with health department orders can result in up to 36 hours of jail time. These laws are part of Mexico's commitment to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which it became a party to in 2005. The country has also banned tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, and requires tobacco products to have health warnings covering a significant portion of the packaging.

While the enforcement of these new laws is still being determined, it is clear that Mexico City has taken a strong stance against smoking in public places, and those who choose to smoke while visiting the city should be prepared to follow these strict regulations.

Safety in Mexico City

Mexico City is a densely packed metropolis with a population of over 21 million people. It is a beautiful yet chaotic place, with stunning architecture, a rich culinary heritage, and picturesque neighbourhoods such as Roma, Polanco, Juárez and Condesa.

However, it is important to be aware of potential safety concerns when travelling to Mexico City. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Crime: Mexico City is not considered a "super safe" place. There are higher levels of petty crime and violent crime compared to other major cities. Gang-related violent crimes are rarely targeted at tourists and usually occur in specific neighbourhoods that visitors are unlikely to frequent. Petty theft is common in tourist areas and around busy attractions, so always be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings.
• Transport: The Mexico City Metro is safe but very busy, and pickpocketing is common. Only use official taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Didi. Avoid hailing taxis on the street. When it comes to driving, be aware that local drivers often lack formal training and can be reckless. Roads can be unpredictable, with potholes and vehicles moving slowly or running red lights.
• Scams: Be wary of scams, which can range from common inconveniences to more serious incidents. Be cautious of fake ATMs, and only use machines inside official banks to avoid card skimming. Be cautious of friendly strangers who may try to distract you and steal your belongings.
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes are common in Mexico City and can be unpredictable. Download an earthquake app to stay alert, and follow the lead of locals if an earthquake occurs.
• Water: Tap water is not safe to drink in Mexico City. Stick to bottled water or filtered water, which is provided for free in restaurants.
• Smoking: Mexico has strict anti-smoking laws that prohibit smoking in public places, including workplaces, outdoor locations, and tourist spots. Violating these laws can result in hefty fines.
• Alcohol and Drugs: Drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Mexico City and can result in fines or jail time. It is best to avoid consuming any type of drugs in Mexico to stay out of legal trouble.
• Political Demonstrations: These occur frequently in Mexico City and can become confrontational and violent. Avoid all demonstrations and protests, as foreign nationals participating in political activities may be detained and deported.
• Other Health Concerns: Food and drink spiking has been known to occur in bars and restaurants, so never leave your drink unattended. Tainted alcohol has also caused illnesses and blackouts.

By taking common-sense precautions and staying vigilant, you can greatly increase your safety in Mexico City and have a wonderful trip. Thousands of people visit the city safely each year, and it is absolutely possible to enjoy all that this exciting destination has to offer while also staying secure.

Health in Mexico City

Mexico City is a densely packed metropolis with over 21 million people. The city has a unique blend of healthcare options, with a mix of public institutions, private hospitals and clinics, and private physicians. While the Mexican constitution guarantees all citizens access to free healthcare and medication, the quality and accessibility of healthcare can vary significantly across the country.

Public Healthcare

Public healthcare in Mexico City is provided by the federal government and administered by various agencies, such as the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) and the Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). The IMSS program is funded by employees, private employers, and the federal government, while the ISSSTE caters to the health and social care needs of government employees. Additionally, the Secretariat of Health, the largest public healthcare institution, operates 809 hospitals across the country.

Private Healthcare

The private healthcare sector accounts for a substantial portion of Mexico's healthcare system in terms of both spending and activity. Spending attributed to private institutions makes up approximately 52% of total health spending in the country. The services provided by private institutions and physicians are often utilized by those who can afford private insurance or pay directly for the services. It is estimated that around 6.9% of the Mexican population has private insurance coverage.

Health Concerns and Issues

Mexico has seen an improvement in health trends, but it lags behind other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. One of the prominent health issues in Mexico is the increasing prevalence of diabetes, which has grown rapidly and now affects a significant portion of the population. Additionally, there are concerns about the quality of healthcare, especially in rural and impoverished communities, and the impact of out-of-pocket expenses on uninsured individuals.

Smoking and Air Quality

Mexico has recently implemented strict anti-smoking measures, prohibiting smoking in public places, including workplaces and outdoor locations such as parks, beaches, and sports stadiums. These laws apply equally to locals and tourists, with fines for non-compliance. However, air pollution in Mexico City, exacerbated by the dense population and increasing urbanization, remains a concern.

Water Quality

Water quality in Mexico City varies by borough, and it is recommended that visitors drink only filtered or bottled water. Tap water is generally considered unsafe to drink and can cause health issues.

COVID-19

Mexico City, like many other cities, has dealt with COVID-19 cases, deaths, and recovery. Local resources and coordination between public and private healthcare sectors have played a role in managing the pandemic.

Transport in Mexico City

With a population of over 21 million people, Mexico City is a densely packed metropolis. Attractions in the city are spread far and wide, and there are many great neighbourhoods worth exploring. Moving around is unavoidable, and every visitor has to work out how to navigate the Mexico City transportation.

The public transport network in Mexico City is comprehensive and continually growing. It is also relatively inexpensive. The Mexico City transport network includes the following:

• Metro
• Tren Ligero
• Metrobús
• Trolebús
• Buses
• Suburban Railway
• Light Railway
• Cable Car
• Electric Scooters
• EcoBici (shared bicycle program)
• Taxis
• Ubers or similar ride-sharing apps

The metro in Mexico City functions like many other metros around the world, which makes it easy to navigate for most visitors. Plus, most places you want to explore as a visitor to Mexico City are covered by the metro. It is very affordable, costing just 5 pesos per trip.

The Metrobús system is an above-ground, fixed-stop bus service. They are usually bendy buses that have designated lanes and elevated platforms. There are designated women and children's spaces on all metrobuses.

The Trolebús is kind of like the weird, clapped-out older brother of the Metrobús. Like the Metrobús, they follow a fixed-stop, fixed-route system, but are attached to wires that run overhead and often look significantly more rundown.

Buses come in all shapes, sizes, and conditions in Mexico City. Sometimes known as combis, microbuses or peseros, buses can be comfortable and easy to use or an absolute nightmare.

The Tren Ligero is a sort-of offshoot of the metro which runs above ground in the south of the city. A Mexico City train, if you will.

The Mexicable is a public transportation cable car and one of the most recent additions to the public transport roster, used more by commuters and people who live in Ecatepec, State of Mexico.

I’m tentatively including scooters under the broad public transport umbrella. These things are everywhere in my neighbourhood and they look like death traps waiting to happen, quite frankly. Currently, there are several different companies operating scooters in Mexico City, including Grin, Lime, Movo, and Bird.

Ecobicis are rentable public bikes, which can be found in many Mexican cities, including Guadalajara and Mexico City.

Taxis in Mexico City are a bit of a wild-west situation. There are many unregistered taxis out there, and it’s not uncommon for tourists to be totally ripped off. If you absolutely need to use one, make sure you only order a taxi via a business like a hotel, or inside a shopping centre where there is a formal taxi rank.

Using rideshare is popular and easy to do in Mexico City, like most cities around the world. Uber is the main rideshare service available in Mexico City, but DiDi is becoming a strong new competitor.

Renting a car is not a method of transport that is recommended in Mexico City. I don’t particularly like driving in any city, but Mexico City is an especially large and chaotic one. The traffic is heavy at all times of the day, and navigating your way around can be complicated, even with a GPS.

There is not necessarily one 'best' way to get around Mexico City as a tourist. It is going to totally depend on your location, budget, time of day and level of comfort in a foreign city. But all the forms of transport in Mexico City are safe, affordable and easy enough for tourists to navigate.

Accommodation in Mexico City

Mexico City has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxury, and in various neighbourhoods. Here is some information to help you choose where to stay.

Budget-friendly options

If you're looking for affordable accommodation, there are several highly-rated options. Hotel MX Reforma is a clean, central hotel with friendly staff, a digital concierge, and easy access to transportation. Hotel MX Condesa is another good choice, located in the charming Condesa neighbourhood, close to attractions and restaurants. Hotel Castropol is also worth considering, just a five-minute walk from the capital's "zocalo" plaza, offering free Wi-Fi and on-site parking.

Luxury options

For a more luxurious stay, Mexico City has some excellent options. Sofitel Mexico City Reforma is a world-class hotel with excellent city views, a rooftop bar, and spacious suites. Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico is another elegant choice, located near major attractions like Zócalo Square, with impressive Tiffany glass ceilings and colonial charm. Live Aqua Ciudad De México Bosques De Las Lomas is also highly regarded, offering impressive pool facilities, indoor and outdoor options, and a favoured executive lounge.

Neighbourhoods

When deciding where to stay in Mexico City, consider the different neighbourhoods. The Reforma area, Insurgentes Avenue, and Zócalo are popular choices, with many hotels nearby. The modern Santa Fe area is home to several 5-star hotels and a recently redeveloped business sector. If you're looking for a vibrant, bohemian neighbourhood, consider La Condesa, known for its restaurants and nightlife. Coyoacán, or "Land of the Coyotes", is another great option, with picturesque parks and a lively market.

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