Probably one of the most daunting things one has to do when arriving at a new destination, after many hours spent on a long-haul flight, is getting from the airport to your accommodation safely.
Let’s be honest, you’re probably feeling a bit spaced-out, it’s a foreign country, a different language, different currency and your Google Maps isn’t working properly, as the Wi-Fi at the airport is far from fast and to top it all off you have to get a taxi.
This is Mexico City, one of the biggest cities in Latin America and as you can imagine a quick search on google using the keywords TAXI+SCAM+MEXICO CITY AIRPORT will turn out many results of other fellow travellers who fell prey to unscrupulous characters.
But you’ve come to the right place, read on to find out HOW TO AVOID GETTING SCAMMED after you’ve landed at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport.
Avoiding Airport Taxi Scams No. 1
Get yourself a Surfroam SIM card before you travel, or buy a SIM card once you arrive at the airport (in case the Wi-Fi isn’t working), and call an Uber in order to avoid any headaches involving airport taxis. As in many other big cities around the globe, Uber and other apps alike are here to rescue you from unscrupulous taxi drivers.
Uber will give you peace of mind, will save you money and most importantly get you to your destination safe and sound.
Avoiding Airport Taxi Scams No. 2
Now there are other options to get to your accommodation. You can get an official/authorized Taxi which will probably end up costing you more than an Uber.
It’s actually a straightforward process. At the time of writing the following authorized taxi companies offer services at Mexico Airport (MEX): Porto Taxi, Sitio 300, Nueva Imagen, Excelencia, Confort and Yellow Cab.
How To Get A Taxi At Mexico City's International Airport:
No.1 – Either at Terminal 1 (T1) or Terminal 2 (T2) make sure you visit one of the available cash machines and withdraw some pesos (depending on where you’re staying withdraw approx. 500 pesos).
No.2 – It’s now time to put those legs to work and head to one of the authorized taxi booths before exiting either Terminal 1 (T1) or Terminal 2 (T2). You’ll be able to pay for your taxi fare beforehand.
No.3 - With your prepaid taxi ticket follow the signs that say Taxi and look for the closest member of staff associated with the company you’ve just purchased a ticket from. They will help you to get to the next available taxi.
Avoiding Airport Taxi Scams No. 3
Another option also available regarding ways of getting to your destination is getting the Metro from Terminal 1 (T1).
Bear in mind that the metro system in Mexico City is huge and you should be able to speak some Spanish in case you need to ask for directions.