Mexico City - Post Report Question and Answers
Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not really. - Jan 2024
Yes, very probably so. The sidewalks are very bumpy and sometimes nonexistent. - Jul 2023
Less so than at many posts, but it’s not super easy. The streets are generally crowded with random tables, etc. in the middle of sidewalks. Possible, I would think, but occasionally frustrating. - Apr 2021
It's certainly not at the level of accessibility one finds in the States, but I think generally someone with a physical disability would be able to get around the city. The sidewalks can be uneven, though. - May 2020
There are some ramps on the streets and sidewalks but in varying states of repair. There would be challenges but it isn't as bad as a lot of countries. - Apr 2019
Yes, the sidewalks can be in ill repair and minimal handicap access to buildings. - Jun 2018
Yes: sidewalks are very uneven and people regularly block the ramps by parking their cars in the way. - May 2017
Many! Sidewalks are in poor repair. Most buildings are not wheelchair accessible. - Sep 2016
Sometimes, although many places are well equipped. It all depends on the area you want to visit. Many streets have issues like things poking out or unexpected holes. Look carefully where you're walking. - Jun 2016
Yes, sidewalks are a nightmare, even in Polanco, for parents pushing a stroller or for someone in a wheelchair. That said, probably still better than much of the world. - May 2016
Unfortunately, yes. They have updated sidewalks in some areas so that there are ramps to street level but usually its even a challenge to get up the curbs with a stroller. Neither the metro nor bus has universal wheelchair access. - May 2016
It probably depends very much on where you live and work. Many sidewalks are old and uneven, but the next block is perfect. Some sidewalks have wheelchair ramps, some don't. Apartments seem to all have elevators. - May 2016
A little. The city seems to be trying to be wheelchair friendly but I've noticed pushing a stroller around that you'll often have a sidewalk ramp on one side of the street only to be met by a very large curb at the other side. - Oct 2014
Extremely difficult - sidewalks are barely walkable for those who don't have any physical disabilities. - Aug 2014
Depends on the location. I can't speak to it totally but where we lived, there were lots of accommodations for wheelchairs (curb cuts, mini-elevators for use on those half-staircases, etc.) That said, if an elevator is out, someone is probably out of luck. - Apr 2014
Oh yes! In some areas they plant trees in the miiddle of the sidewalk, even able bodied person can't pass without squeezing into it. Most sidewalks are uneven, sometime there is a hole or something sticking out - usually a piece of iron metal. If there is a wheelchair ramp, it is either high, tiny or broken. - Mar 2014
Depends. The streets are broken, but there are wheelchair ramps everywhere. Most business seem to be accommodating. - Dec 2013
Polanco is okay, there are ramps, etc in the streets. The rest of the city an be difficult for physically-disabled people, although mexicans are very polite and always eager to help anytime. Mexico City is improving its infrastructure for the disabled, but it still has a long way to go. - Jul 2013
They do try to make it easy for the physicaly-challenged population. - Jan 2013
Sidewalks are very tricky, full of bumps & holes. - May 2012
The sidewalks - where they exist - are in rough shape. Wheelchairs, crutches, even high heels can pose a problem. - Apr 2010
It is not prepared for them. - Feb 2010
Probably a lot. Sidewalks are generally in pretty bad shape from poor construction/maintenance and buckling from earthquakes. Access to buildings seems mixed. - Jan 2010
It is a tough city in that regard. Mexico City is difficult to navigate at any time, and would be even more so with physical disabilities. - Mar 2009
The sidewalks are difficult for wheelchairs and strollers...nearly impossible. Of course, elevators are everywhere, but common transportation is not stroller/wheelchair friendly - Nov 2008
This is not the best city for a person with disabilities. They are coming around, but it will be many more years before they are even close to the welcome they receive in the U.S. - Oct 2008
