Mexico City Emergency Card

Tourist Police / Authorities

• CDMX Tourist Police
  +52 55 5207 4155
  Amberes 54, Zona Rosa — English-speaking
• Tourist Assistance (SECTUR)
  +52 55 5250 0123
  24/7 hotline

First 10 minutes if something happens

1. 1.Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call All emergencies on 911 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
2. 2.Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
3. 3.Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
4. 4.Contact CDMX Tourist Police on +52 55 5207 4155 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.

Full 8-step checklist at gacs.app/safe-traveller/mexico-city

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. 'Pirate' taxi from the airport (MEX)
   Non-authorised taxis charge 3–5× the fare, and in worst cases drive you to an ATM to withdraw cash.
   Avoid: Only use authorised airport taxis (Sitio 300 / Nueva Imagen / Yellow) — buy the fixed-price ticket at the counter INSIDE the terminal before exiting.
   If it happens: If already in a suspicious taxi, ask to be dropped at a Pemex or Oxxo (busy places) and call Uber from there.
2. 2. ATM card skimming (Zócalo, Roma, Condesa)
   Standalone ATMs are rigged with skimmers; cards are cloned; funds vanish that night.
   Avoid: Only use ATMs inside bank branches (BBVA, Santander, Banorte) during business hours.
   If it happens: Freeze your card in your banking app the moment you see any suspicious activity.
3. 3. Fake police shakedown
   Real or fake officers stop you for a 'documentation check' and demand cash on the spot.
   Avoid: Carry a passport photocopy, not the original.
   If it happens: Ask for their badge number and take a photo of it (this is your legal right).
4. 4. Restaurant bill 'service' padding
   Waiters add 15% 'service', then 'tip suggestion' pre-checked on the card terminal, doubling your tip.
   Avoid: Check the itemised bill (cuenta) for 'servicio' or 'propina incluida' before signing anything.
   If it happens: Refuse to sign a bill you don't agree with.
5. 5. Metro pickpockets (Lines 1, 2, 3 near Zócalo)
   Coordinated teams work the crush at Pino Suárez, Zócalo, and Balderas stations.
   Avoid: Ride women-only carriages if applicable (first carriage, marked pink).
   If it happens: File a denuncia at the Ministerio Público — needed for phone insurance.