Is Monterrey Safe in April 2026?

Street taxis in Monterrey, particularly those hailed outside the Macroplaza, near the bus terminals, and in Barrio Antiguo at night, are associated with express kidnapping operations. Victims are forced to withdraw money from multiple ATMs before being released. The risk is highest at night and in areas with poor lighting. This is a well-documented crime pattern specific to Monterrey's informal taxi sector.

How to avoid: Never hail a street taxi in Monterrey. Use only Uber, DiDi, or taxis pre-arranged through your hotel. If you must take a taxi, use only the authorized taxi companies (sitios) at the airport or bus station. Share your live location with a contact when traveling by any ground transport at night.

In addition to express kidnapping, unlicensed taxis in Monterrey routinely overcharge passengers, take unnecessary detours, and operate without insurance or regulatory oversight. The high volume of informal taxis around tourist and commercial areas means visitors who do not know the difference between licensed sitio taxis and street cabs are easily targeted. Overcharging of 3–5x the correct fare is common on routes from Monterrey International Airport.

How to avoid: Download Uber or DiDi before arriving in Monterrey. At the airport, use only the official SITEUR taxi desk or a pre-booked transfer service. Do not accept rides from drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall. The correct airport-to-centro fare should be agreed in writing at the official taxi desk.

ATM-related crime in Monterrey includes both physical robbery of users after withdrawal and card skimming devices installed on machines in commercial and tourist areas. Victims targeted after ATM use are typically followed from the machine to a quieter street where they are robbed of the withdrawn cash. Skimming devices are most frequently reported on standalone ATMs in convenience stores and less-monitored locations.

How to avoid: Use ATMs only inside bank branches during business hours — avoid standalone street ATMs and those inside convenience stores at night. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Withdraw cash in a single transaction and proceed directly to your destination. Be aware of anyone loitering near the ATM before and after your withdrawal.

Individuals posing as plain-clothes police officers approach tourists in Monterrey's Centro district, near the Macroplaza, and along Avenida Constitución, demanding to inspect wallets and documents for counterfeit currency or narcotics checks. Once wallets are handed over, cash disappears or the officer demands an on-the-spot "fine" to avoid fabricated arrest. Legitimate Monterrey police conduct traffic stops and formal procedures, not random pedestrian wallet inspections. This scam is especially prevalent during large events at the Macroplaza and on weekend evenings in Barrio Antiguo.

How to avoid: Never hand your wallet or passport to anyone claiming to be police on the street. Ask for official identification, offer to walk with them to the nearest police station (Ministerio Público), and contact your hotel or consulate. Real police checkpoints involve marked vehicles and uniformed officers, not plainclothes street stops.

Tourists and travelers visiting the bars and clubs in Barrio Antiguo, particularly along Calle Morelos and Calle Mina, have reported drinks being spiked with sedatives or high-concentration alcohol, resulting in memory loss and theft of cash, phones, and credit cards. In some cases, victims are led to ATMs while incapacitated and forced to make withdrawals. The tactic often involves a friendly local or a new acquaintance offering to buy a round, or bar staff adding substances to drinks while they are out of the customer's sight.

How to avoid: Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Use drink-spiking test strips if available. Go out in groups and maintain a buddy system. If you feel suddenly and disproportionately intoxicated, alert your group immediately and go to a known safe location. Stick to major venues with CCTV and avoid offers from strangers to take you to a different bar.