Minds + Machines

It’s a beautiful Saturday morning in Mexico City. Early registration for the ICANN conference has begun and exhibitors are setting up their booths. Preliminary business is being done as the ICANN crowd checks in and caffienates.

Outside the city is waking up and we hope that conference goers take some time to explore Mexico beyond the Sheraton. We don’t advocate traveling alone or engaging in risky behavior, but we also don’t subscribe to the idea that Mexico City is too dangerous to take full advantage of your extraordinary surroundings. This part of the world has garnered a lot of bad press of late but if you travel smart all sorts of amazing things can happen.

We called on some local friends and asked them for tips on how to navigate Mexico City safely:

Sitio Cabs

A lot of travel crime happens in unregulated taxis. You can avoid becoming a statistic by taking green Sitio cabs from various Sitio stations around town. We recommend having your hotel or restaurant call a cab for you. But if you must find one on your own, only use Sitio.

Travel In Pairs

Although not always practical, it is best to travel in pairs day or night.

Be Discrete.

Avoid obvious displays of wealth like watches and jewelry that would make you a target for unwanted attention. Keep your Iphones and Blackberries in your pocket or purse. Do not fumble with cash on the street.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Good advice anywhere you travel, be aware of what street you are on, who is around you and the time of day. Know where your personal belongings are at all times. Avoid anything that seems obviously unsavory.

Try to Blend In

You aren’t a local, but it doesn’t hurt to try to blend in. Be aware of your dress and manner. Walk like you know exactly where you are going.

Listen to Your Gut

Human intuition is rarely wrong. If you feel that you are in an unsafe situation or in a place, get out of there.

Something Special for the Ladies

Ladies may want to dress modestly and avoid going anywhere alone at night. Mexico City is the largest city in the world and street criminals may consider women especially vulnerable. Walk with a purpose, stay in heavily trafficked well lit areas when out at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

What are you waiting for? Get beyond those glass lobby doors and go to the art museum, take a walk, hire someone to take you to the pyramids. There is a big, beautiful world out there.