Safety

Can I feel safe in the City of Zacatecas?
In Zacatecas the authorities and the population fight tenaciously to hamper the advancement of delinquency; the objective is to turn the city into a totally safe place, a goal yet to be achieved. However, beyond a few problems of urban felonies, so common throughout the world, travellers visiting Zacatecas can enjoy the city with no problem; all they need to do is take into account the following safety recommendations:

• Put your wallet in a safe place and carry with you the money you deem necessary for the day expenses only and no more than one credit cards; it is also recommendable to carry a photocopy of your passport.
  
  
• Do not wear too much jewellery (leave them at the hotel's safety box), they may become a temptation for thieves; do not neglect your purse either.
  
  
• Be extremely careful with you photo and video cameras; it is recommendable not to show them all the time and to avoid using them in seemingly unsafe places. Do not take too long in shooting your pictures either, and put them back into their cases or bags once you have finished your photo session.

• It is better to always go out in the company of somebody, try not to get away from the barrios you are familiar with, and avoid dark and isolated places at night. Before setting off on a tour, ask if the place you are planning to go to is safe at your hotel's reception desk.
  
  
• If you wish to take a taxi, especially at night, it is recommendable to call the firms of radio taxi; another suitable option is to take the vehicles parked at the doors of the hotels.
  
  
• Although it is an illegal practice, bribes or "bites" by the police are not rare in Mexico; if you happen to be detained by one of these bad elements, do not follow his game and ask them to explain you what your fault was and to take you to the police station if you do not feel satisfied with their explanation. They usually get intimidated before such an attitude and "forget" about their wicked intentions.
  
  
• Avoid drinking alcohol in the streets for your own safety; on the other hand, do not carry with you illegal substances under any circumstances. Mexican police are usually stricter than that in the United States regarding these cases, and embassies rather not intervene when the reason for the arrest is drug dealing.

What should I do in case of an emergency?
In case you need help call the following numbers:

-Emergency Services: 066
-Fire Fighters: (52-492) 9225350
-Judicial Police: (52-492) 922-0507 / (492) 924-1565
-Tourist Police: (52-492) 922-0180 / (492) 922-9250
-Mexican Red Cross: (52-492) 922-3005 / (52-492) 922-3323
-Green Angels (road assistance): (52-492) 922-4008
-Highway Federal Police: (52-492) 924-5500 / (52-492) 924-6333
-Active Claim: (01-800) 50655

It is also advisable to call the embassy or consulate of your country before any emergency case.