Precautions To avoid being robbed in cities do not go where there are few other people. This includes empty streets or empty metro cars at night, little used pedestrian underpasses and similarly lonely places.

On beaches and in the countryside, do not camp overnight in lonely places unless you can be absolutely sure they're safe.

You must protect yourself, or you can expect to lose a considerable amount. In Mexican cities adhere to the following precautions without fail.

Unless you have immediate need of them, leave most of your cash, traveler's checks, passport, jewelry, air tickets, credit cards, watch, and perhaps your camera in a sealed, signed envelope in your hotel's safe. Virtually all hotels except the very cheapest provide safekeeping for guests' valuables.

Leaving valuables in a locked suitcase in your hotel room is often safer than carrying them on the streets of most Mexican cities.

Wear a money belt, shoulder wallet, or a pouch on a string around your neck, underneath your clothing, and place your remaining valuables in it. Visible round the waist money belts are an invitation to thieves. You can carry a small amount of ready money in a pocket.

Walk with purpose and be alert to people around you.

Don't keep money (cash or plastic), purses or bags in open view any longer than you have to. At ticket counters in bus stations and airports, keep your bag between your feet, particularly when you're busy with a ticket agent.

Use ATMs only in secure locations, not those open to the street.

Do not leave anything at all valuable looking visible in a vehicle when you park it in a c