If you are thinking about moving here, it is inevitable that you will be wondering whether Mexico City is safe for remote workers. After all, Mexico does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, and Mexico City is a city that continues to experience a range of social and economic problems which foster crime. Ongoing national conflicts between the government and drug cartels affect the entire country and the capital does not escape the consequences of this power struggle. Having said that, you can expect Mexico City to be safe for remote workers in the main neighborhoods, although it will be necessary to be cautious in order to avoid being a victim of petty crime.

The most common forms of crime which remote workers might experience in Mexico City are street robberies, pick-pocketing and bag-snatching. These are forms of petty crime prominent in any major city and, as such, means Mexico City is safest for remote workers in the main central neighborhoods of Roma, Polanco, La Condesa and the Historical Center. Beyond these neighborhoods, violent crime is more common - kidnappings, murder and armed robbery are common in Mexico City but these rarely target visitors in the center of the capital. To avoid being a victim of street crime, it is a good idea to always look like you know where you are going and generally avoid flashing any valuables or cash.

It is important to reiterate that while Mexico City is safe for remote workers staying in the main central neighborhoods, there are certainly areas you should avoid. As a general rule, it is a good idea to avoid walking alone at night anywhere in Mexico City - this puts you in an extremely vulnerable position in a city with a bad security record at night. Other neighborhoods such as Iztapalapa and Tepito should be avoided completely, since they are known for violent crime towards visitors and women.

Another good tip is to have in your mind an idea of what a “typical gringo” might look like in Mexico City and then to model yourself as far away from that notion as possible - this will make you less of a target and make you feel altogether more comfortable in the city.

If you take the right precautions, you can also rest assured that the nightlife in Mexico City is safe for remote workers. The right precautions include drinking responsibly, researching any venues you might visit beforehand, keeping a vigilant eye on your drinks and ensuring you have a plan for getting home safely at the end of the night. Another important tip is to avoid drugs and prostitution altogether in Mexico City as this is only likely to create problems for you and those around you. Women travelling alone in Mexico City will certainly want to find a group of trusted individuals with whom to party, and LGBTQ individuals should be aware that public displays of affection are met with disapproving glances outside the liberal enclaves of Roma, Polanco and Condesa.

For more information about living in Mexico City as a remote worker, check out our complete Mexico City guide.