Crimes
Crimes in Mexico usually occur in big cities such as Mexico City, Tijuana,
Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, and the state of Sinaloa, and are statistically on
the rise. Although the incidents of violent crimes and sexual violations
are not rare in this country, travellers can take standard precautions to
prevent any unplesant mishaps and to make their stay in Mexico more enjoyable.
The commonly reported crimes in Mexico involve taxi theft, armed theft, metro
theft, pickpocketing, purse snatching, credit-card fraud and ATM robbery.
Advice: always guard your belongings at all time while travelling in Mexico,
regardless of the means of transportation you use or which part of the country
you're staying. And if you need to withdraw money out of the ATM machine,
do it during busy hour so that you're not subject to robbery right after you've
cashed out your money. The often dreaded political unrest in Mexico
usually occur in the southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas, but it does not harm
travellers as much as being a cause of frustration and an inconvenience to the
trip, as long as travellers do not venture near the center of the
demonstrations.
Health risks
Several areas of Mexico has a high altitude, and consequently travellers who
are not used to such elevation may need a period of physical adjustment.
Reactions such as a lack of energy, shortness of breath, headache and insomnia
are normal. Some precautions such as drinking plenty of water help
lessening the side effect of such adjustment. Travellers who have heart
problems or are planning to stay in Mexico longer than six weeks may need to
consult their doctor before travelling.
Water in Mexico
The warning against drinking tap water in Mexico is often over-exaggerated, but
if a stomach upset occurs, most cases respond to medicines like Imodium or
Pepto-Bismol if you need a fast stop-gap. Otherwise it's best to let your
body rid infection of its own accord which should pass away within 24-48 hours,
meanwhile it's best to replace your body fluid with rehydration salts such as
Dioralyte or Electrosol, or mix it yourself by dissolving a teaspoon of salt and
three spoons of sugar in a liter of water.
Sunstroke
Caution against the burning Mexican sun is needed as even the overcast sky
can burn sunbathers badly in only 20 minutes. It is recommended to avoid
overexposure by applying on high SPF+ sunscreen and avoid the strongest sun
hours (noon to 2pm). Also, drink lots of water and keep to the shades as
much as possible.
In any case, travellers who are planning to go outdoor or camping overnight
should carry the following accessories as precaution to counter any unexpected
nuisance:
- antiseptic cream
- insect repellent
- hydrocortisone/calamine lotion or any of the ointment/cream that relieves
the itch of insect bites
- plasters/band aids
- water sterilization tablets
- lint/gauze and sealed bandanges
- knee supports
- a course of flagyl antibiotics
- Imodium/Lomotil
- Paracetamol/aspirin
- multivitamin and mineral
tablets
- rehydration sachets
Restrooms
Restrooms in Mexico are generally known as banos (literally bathrooms) or as
excusados or sanitarios. The most common signs are Damas (Ladies) and
Caballeros (Gentlemen), though you may find the more confusing Senoras (Women)
and Senores (Men) or even the symbols of Moon (Women) and Sun (Men). In
general, you can most certainly find restrooms at several markets and train
stations where they require you to pay a couple of pesos in order to use their
inadequately equipped and quite dirty restrooms. It's better you go into a
restaurant, buy a little something and use its restrooms. In any case,
it's recommended to carry toilet paper at all times as often than not this item
is not there when needed.
Medical assistance
Mexico's farmacia, displayed by a green cross and the Farmacia sign can be
found for minor medical problems. Pharmacists generally speak some English
and are knowledgeable and helpful.
There are also a state- or Red Cross-run health center (centro de salud) in
every sized town where treatment is free if you encounter more serious
complaints. In addition, travellers should be able to request for a
recommendation of English-speaking doctors from their government's consulates as
well as from the hotels and tourist offices. Doctors and hospitals in
Mexico usually expect immediate cash payment for health services, and travellers
should keep in mind that standards of medical practices vary from one town to
the next.
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