Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? Answers to Common Questions & Travel Tips
Mexico is one of the world’s most beautiful and exciting vacation destinations, yet many travelers often wonder, “Is Mexico safe for tourists to travel to right now?”
Mexico’s potential safety issues are well-known but are also being faced head-on by resorts, travel agencies and government officials alike.
With programs aimed at protecting and enhancing the country’s top tourist spots, Mexico is safer and more enjoyable than ever.
This quick guide will go over the main safety information you’ll need to keep in mind to make your Mexican vacation both safe and unforgettable!
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Is Mexico safe to travel to?
As a rule, Mexico’s most renowned destinations are safe and secure. That said, you should always use caution while traveling!
The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel warning for Mexico’s border towns and other less-visited locations.
Keep in mind, that these are areas that normal tourists would rarely enter, especially while on vacation. Despite these warnings for certain areas, the vast majority of tourists visit Mexico without coming into contact with any sort of safety issues. If you stay in secure areas and remain vigilant, there is no reason to think you won’t have a wonderful stay in Mexico.
What Are the Safest Cities in Mexico?
As with any country, some cities in Mexico are significantly safer than others. In general, popular tourist destinations are fairly safe. If you are staying at an all inclusive resort and using official registered transportation, you can be reasonably sure that you will be secure.
Of course, good safety practices increase your chances of having a fun and safe vacation. Visiting a secure resort, using street smarts, and knowing what to do in an emergency are all great measures. If you’re wondering, “What is the safest city in Mexico?” read on!
Cancun
Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico thanks to its white sand beaches, Mesoamerican ruins, and vibrant nightlife. It is also a hot spot for watersports of all kinds, from snorkeling and scuba diving to parasailing and boating, drawing in sports enthusiasts from all over the world.
Tourists can feel at ease knowing that the city has a strong police presence, especially when it comes to resorts. To stay safe, keep your travel plans within the hotel zone. If you want to explore further, book through a reputable company and only use registered taxis and other transportation.
Riviera Maya
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya is beloved for its natural beauty, ancient ruins, and exciting nightlife. It is a unique destination that draws visitors eager to explore its caves, beaches, and even underground rivers. There is also much to explore in the local culture, and you’ll find everything from handwork classes to cocoa tasting when you head out for the day.
The area lies adjacent to both Cancun and Tulum, all of which are tightly patrolled. It is a popular tourist destination, which means that security is a high priority, especially in resorts.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Mexico thanks to its excellent fishing, watersports, and nightlife activities. But it’s not only one of the most popular — it is also known as one of the safest vacation spots on the Pacific coast.
The local government has introduced several safety measures designed to provide aid to tourists and protect them from scammers. These robust actions mean that Los Cabos has low crime and well-trained officials from police officers to resort workers.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is one of the most beloved tourist destinations in Mexico thanks to its exciting nightlife and beautiful beaches. Visitors enjoy visiting its botanical gardens, lounging on the beach, and snorkeling with sea turtles, dolphins, and other marine life.
In addition to being one of the most popular, it is also one of the safest cities in the country, with a low crime rate and tight security presence in many of the most popular areas. Community efforts also play a role, and visitors can count on finding helpful locals in an emergency.
Tulum
Located on the edge of Riviera Maya, Tulum is known for its stunning beaches and cenotes. The town itself is fairly small, and you’ll find a unique and vibrant community there. It is also known as a wonderful archeological destination, with Mayan ruins located close to the ocean and open to tourists.
Tulum enjoys a reputation as a city that is generally quite safe. That said, tourists should be aware of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night. Only take official transportation and secure your personal belongings. If you practice safe travel, you’re likely to have a happy and untroubled visit!
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a smaller area that is famous for its relaxed and welcoming community, excellent shopping, and world-class dining. It has many excellent resorts and a popular shopping district, which runs parallel to the white sand beach and offers a wide variety of unique goods.
Playa del Carmen has a large ex-pat population, many of whom make an active effort to reach out to and help tourists. It is, as a general rule, a fairly safe place. That said, tourists should practice caution by avoiding walking alone at night and only taking official transportation.
Cozumel
If you know anything about Cozumel, you probably know that it is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving and snorkeling. Located just off the coast of Mexico, this island city offers some truly one-of-a-kind experiences, from exploring the natural beauty to soaking up the local culture.
It is also a very safe place, with low crime rates and a general feeling of ease among residents and tourists alike. As an active tourism spot, the city has a vested interest in keeping visitors safe, which is reflected in its public security measures.
Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is one of Mexico’s most stunning locales in terms of natural beauty, making it a popular destination for families and couples. Visitors will find countless exciting activities here, from zip lining in the rainforest to watching the release of baby turtles on the beach.
The area is home to many high-class resorts, which prioritize guest security. Local safety standards are similarly high, making it a place where tourists can feel at ease. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind destination in Mexico
Huatulco
Nestled on Mexico’s coastline, Huatulco is an excellent place for snorkeling and swimming thanks to its nine bays. These offer a calm and sheltered place to enjoy the water or lounge in the sand. Visitors can also find unique nature and wildlife tours, shopping, dining, and much more.
Huatulco is one of the country’s least-known tourist destinations, which means that it is a cozy community with low crime rates. If you’re looking for an out-of-the-way travel destination that is also extremely secure, this is a great place to visit.
Common Travel Safety Tips for Visiting Mexico
Mexico’s tourism industry is booming, thus the government has put a lot of effort into making tourist destinations extra welcoming and safe.
You may notice a heightened police presence in downtown areas, and you can rest assured that the military has kept watch on any problematic areas nearby.
While you’re not likely to run into problems in major tourist destinations, it’s still important to remember essential safety tips whenever you travel to a foreign place.
How to Stay Safe in Mexico’s Top Tourist Destinations
In general, staying safe while traveling in Mexico means practicing the same safety measures you would use anywhere else. Here are a few top tips:
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas at night and avoid walking alone.
- Use only official transportation such as registered taxis. Your resort staff may be able to help you identify the proper vehicles.
- Don’t display wealth in your dress or accessories, as this can make you a target for petty theft. Similarly, don’t carry large amounts of cash. If you need to use an ATM, find one in a well-lit, busy place.
Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico as a Solo Traveler?
If you’re planning to travel alone to Mexico, choose a popular location that caters to tourists. This will ensure that you have access to security measures both on and off the resort.
Avoid traveling to remote areas on your own, especially at night. Resorts can offer a temporary community that may give you the chance to make day trips with another group. Most resorts employ highly-trained staff who know how to prioritize guest safety. If you need emergency assistance, ask a staff member at your resort who to call. They will be able to direct you to the proper channels for your needs.
Should You Worry About Cartel Violence?
Many tourists worry about encountering cartel violence while traveling in Mexico. Although the country does experience crime from the cartel, it is a misconception that it targets tourists. Cartel-related violence generally takes place far from busy, popular tourist destinations. It also almost always involves individuals who are directly involved in illegal activities.
What to Do in an Emergency While Traveling in Mexico
You are unlikely to have an emergency while you are traveling in Mexico; most people have pleasant visits with no need to contact emergency services. Nevertheless, you should always be prepared for an emergency and know how to contact the proper authorities.
Emergencies while traveling in Mexico can range from misplacing your passport or wallet, experiencing petty theft, having a medical emergency, or facing danger from bad weather.
Emergency Contact Numbers You Need to Know
Before you travel to Mexico, write down the contacts that you will need to know in an emergency. You may want to keep these in your wallet or luggage so you always have them handy.
The United States embassy in Mexico is located in Mexico City and can be reached at (55) 5080-2000. If you need to contact local police they can be reached at 911 for emergencies, just like in the United States and Canada.
You may also want to consider writing down the numbers of your immediate friends, family, and travel companions, especially if you don’t know these numbers by heart. If your cell phone is broken or stolen, you may need to contact them through other means.
How to Find Medical Help in Mexico
Hopefully, you won’t need medical help on your vacation. But if you do, it’s important to find a qualified, reputable medical provider.
This is one area where travel insurance can be extremely helpful. Many policies offer reimbursement for emergency medical expenses. They may even provide a list of reputable medical providers in the area where you’ll be traveling. Resort staff should also be knowledgeable about where to find trustworthy medical services.
How to Avoid Scams and Tourist Traps
If you are traveling to Mexico for the first time, you might be worried about scams — especially if you don’t speak Spanish. Here are a few common scams that you might encounter in tourist areas and how you can protect yourself.
Watch For Cash Swapping — Mexican peso notes can be difficult to tell apart at a glance. Some scammers rely on this, claiming that you gave them the wrong bills or shorting you on your change. Pay careful attention to your money and ask for proof if they start hassling you for change.
Bad Taxis — A common scam, especially in larger cities, is for drivers to pose as cabs and offer rides. These bad actors will charge exorbitant fees to take you to your destination. To avoid this, always look for registered taxis or book through trusted travel agencies or resort transport.
Opt For Cash — Using a debit or credit card in Mexico is possible, but transaction fees are often exorbitant. Worse, scammers may outfit card scanners with cloning devices that steal your bank details. In some places, you may even run into fake ATMs. Always use an ATM located in a bank, and pay with cash whenever you can.
Ask For Credentials — In many tourist areas, you’ll find scammers posing as tour guides, boat rental proprietors, and even police officers. These people will charge enormous rates or even demand upfront payment. Book all your outings through a trusted travel agency and ask to see each vendor’s credentials.
A reputable travel agency can help you plan ahead and avoid getting scammed. These professionals can connect you to certified vendors and other trustworthy resources. What is the safest place in Mexico? The place where you are traveling with experienced professionals!
Weather Related Emergencies
Weather-related emergencies aren’t necessarily common in Mexico, but they do happen. The coastline can be vulnerable to hurricanes, which may develop between May and November. If a hurricane does land, follow all official emergency directions. That may include evacuating or sheltering in place.
Another more common weather-related emergency you might experience is a heat wave. Many of Mexico’s coastal cities have tropical climates and enjoy warm temperatures year-round. This can lead to medical emergencies including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
This kind of situation is a good reason to invest in travel insurance. Travel insurance protects your belongings if they are lost, stolen, or ruined; it also may help you access full or partial refunds if you are forced to cut your trip short due to a weather emergency.
Don’t Miss Out on Mexico’s Safest & Most Breathtaking Destinations – Plan Your Trip Now!
Traveling to Mexico on vacation is always worthwhile, and it’s now safer than ever. Plus, by following these standard travel tips, you can be sure to enjoy the beauty of Mexico without any worries!
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