The Short Answer
Millions of tourists visit Mexico every year without incident. The most popular tourist destinations -- Mexico City, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, and Merida -- are generally safe for visitors who exercise normal precautions. However, Mexico is a large, diverse country, and safety varies significantly by region. Being informed and using common sense will serve you well.
General Safety Tips
Street Safety
- Stay aware of your surroundings -- Particularly in crowded areas and transit hubs
- Do not flash expensive items -- Keep phones, cameras, and jewelry discreet
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers -- Avoid standalone street ATMs, especially at night
- Carry only what you need -- Leave passports and extra cash in your hotel safe; carry a copy of your passport
- Walk in well-lit, populated areas at night -- Avoid empty streets after dark
Transport Safety
- Use authorized taxis and ride-hailing apps -- Uber and DiDi are widely available and generally considered safer than street hail taxis in major cities
- First-class buses -- ADO, ETN, and similar lines are safe and comfortable for intercity travel
- Airport transfers -- Book through your hotel or use authorized airport taxi booths rather than accepting rides from unofficial drivers
- Driving -- Avoid driving at night outside cities, particularly in rural areas. Toll roads (autopistas) are generally safer than free roads (libres).
Common Scams
- Taxi overcharging -- Use Uber/DiDi or negotiate fares before getting in
- Timeshare sales -- Aggressive sales pitches at airports and tourist zones. A firm "no, gracias" works.
- Inflated prices -- In tourist areas, some vendors may quote higher prices to foreigners. Know approximate prices for common items.
- Fake police -- Rare but possible. Real police will not demand immediate cash payment. If in doubt, ask to be taken to a police station.
Safe Tourist Destinations
The following areas are well-visited and generally considered safe for tourists:
- Mexico City -- Tourist-heavy neighborhoods (Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacan, Centro Historico) are safe with normal precautions
- Cancun and the Riviera Maya
- Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit
- Oaxaca City and surrounding valley
- Merida -- Consistently rated one of Mexico's safest cities
- Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende
- Puebla
- Baja California Sur (Los Cabos, La Paz)
Areas to Research Carefully
Some Mexican states have travel advisories due to cartel activity. Check your government's travel advisory for current information. Generally, tourist areas within these states may be safe, but border regions and certain inland areas require extra research.
Health and Water
- Drinking water -- Do not drink tap water. Bottled water (agua purificada) is available everywhere and affordable. Most restaurants use purified water and ice.
- Street food safety -- Choose busy stalls with high turnover. If many locals are eating there, the food is likely fresh and safe.
- Pharmacies -- Well-stocked pharmacies are common. Many medications that require prescriptions elsewhere are available over the counter in Mexico.
Emergency Information
- Emergency number -- 911 (works nationwide)
- Tourist police -- Many tourist areas have dedicated tourist police who speak some English
- Travel insurance -- Strongly recommended. Ensure coverage for medical evacuation.
- Embassy/consulate -- Know the location of your country's nearest consulate
The Bottom Line
Mexico rewards informed, respectful travelers with extraordinary experiences. Exercise the same awareness you would in any large country, stay informed about your specific destinations, and you will likely find Mexico far more welcoming and safe than headlines suggest.
