SECURITY ADVISOR > MONTERREY

General Information:

Monterrey has always enjoyed the reputation of being one of the safest big cities in Mexico. However, over the past couple of years the area has experienced an increase in violence associated with the drug trade. Last year, there were a near-record number of drug-related executions in the Monterrey area, including the murders of several high-ranking law enforcement officials.

Although Monterrey has lower non-drug related crime rates than other Mexican cities, visitors are urged to remain vigilant during their stay. Travelers should leave valuables and irreplaceable items in a safe place, or leave them at home. All visitors are encouraged to make use of hotel safes when available, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer clothing, and carry only the cash or credit cards that will be needed on each outing. There are a significant number of pick-pocketing incidents, purse snatchings, and hotel-room thefts. Public transportation is a particularly popular place for pickpockets. Be vigilant in bus and train stations and on public transport.

Visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times, even when in areas generally considered safe. U.S. citizens should be very cautious in general when using ATMs in Mexico. Cloning/counterfeiting of ATM cards and credit cards occurs in Mexico, and travelers are advised to check their account activity online at least weekly while in Mexico to detect fraudulent charges early. Visitors are also advised to avoid using bank machines in dark or isolated areas.

Visitors are very vulnerable when visiting local "red light districts," particularly if they are departing alone in the early hours of the morning. Use caution and common sense when visiting any foreign country.

If traveling by road, travelers should exercise caution at all times. Avoidance of night-time travel and use of toll (“cuota”) roads rather than the less secure “free” libre roads are good ways to ensure safe travel.

Political Violence

American interests in Monterrey are generally not targets of political violence. Peaceful demonstrations protesting various U.S. policies and the war in Iraq occur at the U.S. Consulate periodically.

Avoid demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by the Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.

Post-Specific Concerns

The increase in drug-related violence continues to be a concern for visitors traveling to Monterrey via Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, or Matamoros. Avoid traveling at night and use the toll roads whenever possible.

Kidnapping for ransom is an established criminal activity in Mexico. Most incidents go unreported to police. Unofficial estimates of kidnapping levels vary wildly, from 600 per year to 3,000 per year countrywide. In most cases, the ransom is paid and victim set free. A more common type of kidnapping is "express kidnapping," and is based on the 24-hour withdrawal limit placed on ATM cards industry-wide. The victim is held while being driven to ATM machines and ordered to make withdrawals. The term "express kidnapping" is also still applied to the kidnapping of random victims held for brief periods where only small ransom amounts are demanded. A typical scenario may last for several hours and be settled for the peso-equivalent of a few thousand dollars. Fortunately, these types of crimes are rare in Monterrey but residents and visitors should be aware that these crimes do occur.

Police Response

The police department in the affluent Monterrey suburb of San Pedro Garza Garcia is considered one the best trained and best paid in Mexico. Police response to emergencies is quick and efficient. The response time for an emergency is under five minutes. Police response in other areas will be slower but still professional for the most part.

In the event that you become a victim of harassment, mistreatment, and/or extortion by Mexican law enforcement officials, it is important to try to obtain the officer's name, badge number, and patrol car number to pursue a complaint effectively. Please note this information if you ever have a problem with police or other officials. In addition, tourists should be wary of persons representing themselves as police officers or other officials. When in doubt, ask for identification. Be aware that offering a bribe to a public official to avoid a ticket or other penalty is a crime in Mexico.

Although police services may not be equal to those in the U.S., visitors are strongly encouraged to contact the police in an emergency (066). For information regarding assistance for American citizens who become victims of a crime, please contact the American Citizen Services office at (81) 8342-8506.

Medical Emergencies

Monterrey has very adequate medical facilities. Facilities outside of the metropolitan area are more limited. In an emergency, dial 066 or 065 for an ambulance.

Hospitals used more frequently by consulate staff:

San Jose Hospital 8347-1011
Av. Morones Prieto No. 3000 PTE
Monterrey, N.L. 64710

Hospital Santa Engracia 8368-7788
Av. Frida Kahlo #180
San Pedro Garza Garcia, N.L. 66260

HOSPITAL JOSÉ A. MUGUERZA
Hidalgo 2525 Pte., Zona Centro
8399-3400
8399-3449

HOSPITAL SAN LUCAS DE MONTERREY
Av. La clínica 2565, Zona Centro
8348-8773
8348-8867

For Further Information

U.S. Consulate General Monterrey 8345-2120
Av Constitucion #411 PTE
Monterrey, N.L. 64006

After hours, U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance from the consulate may call the duty officer at 81-8362-9126.

Consulate:
Constitución 411 Pte., Monterrey, N. L.
01 (900) 849-4949, 01 (477) 788-7070

Airport:
Full Airport Name
(Monterrey) General Mariano Escobedo International Airport
Address
General Mariano Escobedo International Airport, Carretera Miguel Alemán Km. 24, Monterrey, Nuevo León, 66600, Mexico
Country Code
52
Telephone
(0)81 8345 4434 or (0)81 8369 0752
Fax
(0)81 8369 0891