Originally Posted by NALEM

Having lived and worked in Mexico for 4.5 years, I would suggest:

- do not rent a car. As mentioned earlier you risk getting into an accident or experiencing a police shakedown.

- do not travel by random taxi. Criminals working as taxi drivers target tourists, and will drive you to unknown locations to rob you.

- use Uber. Before entering the vehicle take a photo of the license plate and car, and share it with someone not traveling with you in the vehicle. Make sure the license plate, make and model, and driver all match up, per the details found on the app.

- leave your iPhones (and other overpriced phones), expensive watches and jewelry Stateside. Use a cheaper model instead. Add local Mexican contacts for police, hotel, and US Consulate (emergency line) to your phone directory.

- do not engage absolute strangers in conversation, especially when you are approached on the street unexpectedly. Even if they appear to be former Americans. Some are, most are not. Many are hustling.

- carry enough cash to only cover the day's spending. Split the money up, and keep emergency cash separate (in the shoe or tucked into the socks).

- keep your mouth shut, and eyes wide open.

- when standing around in public, whenever possible, try to have your back to a wall, so no one can easily approach you from behind.

Have fun!