Taxis, Uber and DiDi in Mexico City: Rules, Safety and Complaints
Street taxi, sitio or app? The legal differences, the three checks before you get into a cab, and where a complaint actually goes.
In Mexico City, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber, DiDi and Cabify are both legal, under rules set by the Mexico City Mobility Ministry (Secretaría de Movilidad, SEMOVI). Official street taxis are painted pink and white, carry a plate and a driver ID that must match, and charge by meter. App companies must register with SEMOVI, and their cars need a vehicle registration certificate.
What kinds of taxis operate in Mexico City?
There are four common options, and they differ in how you book and how you pay:
| Option | How you get one | How the price is set |
|---|---|---|
| Street taxi (taxi libre) | Hailed on the street | Meter (taxímetro) |
| Taxi stand (taxi de sitio) | From a fixed base or by phone | Meter or the stand’s rate; ask before leaving |
| Radio taxi | By phone; the dispatcher gives the car number | Usually higher than a street taxi |
| Ride-hailing app | Uber, DiDi, Cabify and similar apps | Fare quoted in the app; card or cash depending on the app |
The city’s official visitor guide to taxis and apps describes radio taxis as more secure because the dispatcher can tell you the car before it arrives, and it adds that meter fares rise 20% between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Are Uber and DiDi legal in Mexico City?
Yes. The city’s mobility rules treat app rides as a private specialized passenger transport service with a driver (servicio de transporte de pasajeros privado especializado con chofer). Article 57 of the regulations to the Mobility Law requires the companies that run the apps to register with SEMOVI. Each car needs a vehicle registration certificate (constancia de registro vehicular), and SEMOVI runs an annual vehicle validation for these cars.
The main exception is the airport. As of March 2026, Mexico City International Airport (AICM) said ride apps are not authorized to pick up passengers in its federal zone. Our airport-to-city guide explains the authorized taxi booths inside the terminals.
How do you check that a street taxi is official?
The city’s visitor guide lists three checks before you get in:
- The license plate starts with A or B, and the number matches the one painted on the outside of the car.
- The driver’s identification card is displayed where passengers can see it.
- The driver matches the photo on that card.
If any of the three fails, let the car go. Cars still in an older paint scheme are, in the guide’s words, likely to be the least regulated. The guide also points to Mi Taxi, the city’s own taxi tool, to help verify a car and driver. SEMOVI inspections also look for a valid insurance policy and a driver’s license for public transport.
Taxi or app: which should you choose?
Each option has trade-offs, and neither is risk-free:
- Apps record the route, the driver’s name and the plate, and quote a price before the trip. Surge pricing can make them dearer at rush hour or in rain.
- Taxi stands and radio taxis are a good choice at night and from hotels, hospitals and malls, which often have their own sitio.
- Street taxis are fast to find in central neighborhoods. Pass the three checks above, make sure the meter starts at the beginning of the trip, and pay in small bills.
Whatever you take, share your trip with someone you trust and sit in the back.
What should you do before and during the ride?
- Agree on the destination before the car moves, and have the address written in Spanish with the colonia.
- In an app, compare the plate, model and driver photo with the car that arrives, and ask the driver to say your name before you say it.
- In a street taxi, check that the meter starts at the beginning of the trip. If it is off or covered, ask for it to be turned on or get out at a safe spot.
- Keep your phone charged and the trip shared until you are inside your building.
- Ask for a receipt or save the in-app trip record if you may need to complain later.
How do you file a complaint about a taxi or app driver?
Write down the plate, the date and time, the place and what happened before you leave the car. Then:
- For an app ride, report it in the app first; the company has the driver’s record and can refund or block the driver.
- For a taxi or an app car, report it to SEMOVI or through Locatel, the city’s 24-hour information and citizen services line, at *0311. Locatel takes complaints about public services and passes them to the agency in charge.
- If you were robbed, threatened or hurt, call 911 and file a report with the city prosecutor’s office. Our list of emergency numbers in Mexico City explains who to call.
Bottom line
Use apps or a sitio when you can, especially at night, and run the plate, ID and photo checks on any street taxi. For longer trips at rush hour, the Metrobús or the Metro is often faster than any car.
FAQ
Do Mexico City taxis take cards?
Many street taxis are cash only, while apps take cards. Ask before the trip, and carry small bills for meter fares.
Can an app driver pick me up at the airport?
As of March 2026 the airport said ride apps are not authorized in its federal zone. Use the authorized taxi booths inside the terminal or the Metrobús Line 4 airport service.
What does a pink-and-white color scheme mean?
It is the official color scheme for Mexico City street taxis. Color alone does not prove a car is legal, so also check the plate and the driver’s ID card.
