A Lot is Already on Your Mind
Ease your mind with a heads up
You finally made a decision and are moving to Mexico. I know exactly what you are going through as you prepare for the reality of Mexico before your move here. I am also sure that by now you have all the basics down; your stay requirements, living arrangements and even what to do when you first arrive.
But living in Mexico will be different because, well, you are moving to another country. As a consequence, you might find it difficult to wrap your head around what you see going on here in Mexico.
Be that as it may, don't get blind-sided with how unfamiliar stuff seems and prepare yourself with my posts about life in Mexico. They are filled with great information that will help with your move here.
If not, no need to panic. I come bearing pointers in this post to keep your guard up in Mexico because being naive is not a choice. They will help expats, vacationers going to Nazas River in Durango and even individuals already living in Mexico.
Your well-being in Mexico is most important
It is no secret that Mexico City, and pretty much the entire country, is dangerous. Criminals here will resort to violence at any moment. For this reason, your chances of being a victim or a witness to a crime are fairly high.
We have had our share of run-ins with criminals while living in Mexico. From being robbed at gunpoint to being victims of pick-pocketing just strolling through our neighborhood. Fortunately for us, no one was hurt.
I would have to say that staying safe in Mexico should be your priority. The best way to accomplish this is by not making yourself a target. What do I mean by that? Arguably, it is best to keep to oneself and to not be loud.
You will not become the center of attention by doing this. Furthermore, it will prevent you from drawing the interest of some not so decent people. Everyone knows you are not from Mexico and there is no need to announce it.
Banking in Mexico can be detrimental
Customer service is hard to find in Mexico. There is no mailing in your payments and you will have to go to the bank to pay your bills. Hence, you will find having to either walk into or walk out of a bank with cash.
Criminals count on this and you will be a target when leaving the bank. You need to be aware during the day and even more at night.
Also, be cautious of everyone you encounter at the bank, from the teller at the window to the cop watching the door. Criminals in Mexico depend on family and friends that work at the bank to pull off their crimes.
Careful when withdrawing money at banks in Mexico
I find myself scanning the cars and the people around when walking into a bank. Some are just passing through, but others are waiting to catch that one distracted person.
Banks in Mexico are always full of people, especially on the 15th and the 30th of each month. Criminals benefit from this and use it to get the upper hand. They will sit around or wander around the lobby for hours to make it seem as if they are waiting for some solution.
Enter a friend or family member working at the bank. Tellers can give notice to individuals that are in the bank lobby with a simple nod. They will either be the ones committing the crime or will notify someone waiting outside.
Use common sense when leaving a bank in Mexico. A lot of times, tellers will tell you that the transaction needs to be approved, usually when cashing a large check or when withdrawing a substantial amount of money.
There is no reason for them to phone anyone or get anyone’s permission to get your money. It is your money and they are most likely buying time to tip someone off.
Tell them thank you for their time and cancel the transaction. You can always go to another bank. Your life might depend on it.
ATM’s are a hot spot for crime in Mexico
Most banks in Mexico have been cutting costs by replacing tellers with ATMs. Supposedly, all bank operations can be done at ATMs in Mexico with the exception of depositing money into accounts from a different bank. I will let you be the judge of that.
I think it had more to do with cutting out tellers from the process than saving money. I guess they finally realized that people working at the bank are part of the problem.
You need to avoid ATMs in banks, either during the day or at night. I suggest that you go to an ATM in a shopping center. They are safer because security is provided by the establishment.
Do I need to mention that you should not accept help from any person lingering around the ATM? It is common for individuals in Mexico to offer help and make it seem like the ATM is not working. They distract you as another person switches your debit card or takes your money.
If they switch your card, that same individual learns your PIN as you desperately punch it in with every failed attempt. They leave with your card, PIN and plenty of time to withdraw funds from another branch.
Cell phones have also been found placed in spots where they can live-stream or record your card and PIN. Before you know it, your card is busy buying online. This is also alarming because ATMs in Mexico now allow transactions without the use of a debit card.
Metals plates are also being used to obstruct the card readers and the cash dispensers. You leave without your money and a report number that is useless because your money was actually dispersed by the ATM.
A person eventually passes by after a couple of hours and collects everyone’s money. I say everyone’s money because you can imagine how many fall for this scam on the daily.
Please beware of misinformation. For quite some time now, posts on the internet are advising you to type your PIN backwards to alert the police when you are being robbed.
It is not true, the only thing that will happen is the blocking of your debit card. Just give them the money and hit the panic button.
Everyone is scamming in Mexico
One of the biggest scams in all of Mexico is carried out by businesses. It happens when you buy groceries and just the same when you pay your bills.
What is this scam? It has to do with the currency in Mexico. Unlike the US, where we have "change", Mexico's currency does not include "cents". You will not find quarters, dimes, nickels or pennies.
Instead you will find $.50, $.20 and $.10 cent coins that are rarely used in Mexico. However, prices in Mexico are expressed to the penny unit. Do you see the problem?
If you pay in cash, your chances of getting shorted are high. The establishment always rounds up when your total is in "cents". You will pay $10 pesos for a bill that is $9.65.
Imagine the amount they pocket everyday. You can carry change or pay with a credit card to avoid this "corporate welfare" practice.
Do not exchange money for people that come up to you
Most counterfeit bills in Mexico used to be put into circulation by banks themselves. It was common for you to receive fake bills after cashing checks or withdrawing money.
Once I cashed a checked in Bancomer and was handed two $1,000 peso bills from the teller. I walked about a block to Santander Serfin and made a deposit for the $2,000 pesos.
My transaction was canceled by the bank teller because the bills I just walked from Bancomer were counterfeit. They gave me a legal notice that explained why my money was being confiscated and that the money would be returned once it was verified.
However, I lost $2,000 pesos because the bills where actually counterfeit. ATMs in Mexico have also been known to give out fake bills.
When in line to pay for groceries or at the bank in Mexico, an individual may come up to you and ask you for change. They usually have big bills, such as a $500 peso bill.
Do not fall for this scam. The bills are usually fake. It also happens when individuals offer vales de despensa for cash. This post explains why individuals have vales in the first place. Best to just keep to yourself and avoid conflict.
You have a friend in me
Trust me, Mexico can drive you crazy. It can become overwhelming. Especially as you become homesick and begin second guessing your decision to move to Mexico.
Take a deep breath and realize that there are some things you have no control over. Like all the noise and traffic that comes with moving to a big city.
But you can prepare for your move to Mexico. Outsmart Mexico with my guide that will increase your comfort. Read about our mistakes so that you can avoid them.
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