Posted : 24-Oct-2022 |: 24 Oct 2022
From Mayan ruins to lush jungles and pristine beaches, Mexico is a stunning but often overlooked travel destination.
Of course, many people visit the famous seaside resorts, but the country offers more than all-inclusive resorts.
Of course I was late to explore Mexico. Only recently have I finally ventured beyond the notorious tourist meccas of Cancun and Tulum. But once I fell in love. Mexico City is a premier arts and culture destination, and Oaxaca's thriving mezcal industry (along with its premier culinary scene) makes it one of my favorite places on earth.
Mexico is a wonderful country to walk, drive or relax in. There's endless things to see and do, and the locals are some of the friendliest people in the world.
However, the country is repeatedly described by the media as unsafe. Drugs, corruption, cartels, the list goes on.
While Mexico has its own problems (ranking in the top 20 homicides per capita), most violent crime is gang-related. As a frequent traveler, you don't have to look over your shoulder all day long.
However, there are a few things to consider when traveling to Mexico. Here's what you need to know to stay safe and have fun in Mexico.
Summary:
- Is Mexico Safe for Solo Travelers?
- Is Mexico Safe for Solo Travelers?
- Are Taxis Safe in Mexico?
- Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?
- Is tap water safe in Mexico?
- Can I go for a night walk in Mexico?
- Which regions of Mexico should you avoid?
- 9 safety tips for Mexico
- So you should go to Mexico.
Is Mexico Safe for Solo Travelers?
Mexico is safe for solo travelers, although there's never any harm in traveling in a group if you're going out at night. Shared taxis are also a good choice, as there is always security in the rooms. But in general, solo travelers don't need constant vigilance. Take the usual precautions (guard your valuables, always be aware of your surroundings, etc.) and you will avoid many common problems in Mexico.
Also, learning the Spanish language will help you stay confident as you will be able to better adapt and understand what is being said around you.
Is Mexico Safe for Solo Travelers?
Mexico is safe for solo travelers as long as they take the same precautions as anywhere else. This includes things like watching your drink at bars and avoiding going out alone at night (especially after drinking).
Also, consider booking accommodation in the city center to live in a well-lit area. Try not to wear flashy jewelry or flaunt your electronics, as most petty crimes are occasional.
Finally, ignore cats if this is a problem. They can become aggressive, so if you encounter them, it's best to ignore them.
Are Taxis Safe in Mexico?
In general, taxis are safe and reliable in the main tourist areas from Mexico City to Oaxaca and Cancun. Just make sure you can catch an official government taxi. If in doubt, call room service and order a taxi.
Note, however, that not all cities have metered taxis. If there isn't one, ask for a price in advance.
In general, do not take random taxis as they are not always legitimate. When in doubt, choose Uber if available. Or Didi, the local version of Uber. Both are extremely safe to use.
Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?
In general, renting a car in Mexico is safe. However, always observe the speed limit and traffic laws as it is not uncommon for vehicles to be stopped for minor offenses in hopes of bribing the police.
It's also a good idea to avoid driving at night as car theft is most likely.
Although every region is different, the best place to rent a car is in the Yucatan Peninsula. Roads are generally well maintained and the area is relatively safe for driving and off-roading.
Use Discover Cars for the best rental cars.
Is tap water safe in Mexico?
Tap water is undrinkable in many places in Mexico. Although sanitation and hygiene systems have improved in Mexico, it's still best to avoid tap water and iced drinks (unless the ice is filtered water). You can avoid it in Puerto Vallarta, but it's best avoided in many other areas.
Showering is fine, you probably don't want to brush your teeth with tap water just to be safe.
Since single-use plastics are bad for the environment, bring a water filter. LifeStraw makes refillable bottles with built-in filters so you can rest assured that your water is always clean and safe.
Can I go for a night walk in Mexico?
The most popular places in Mexico have tourist areas where most of the attractions and restaurants are located. It's usually safe to explore at night, although you should ensure your valuables are safe and travel in a group if possible. You can also get along well in non-touristy areas. Mexico has a night culture, so there are a lot of people out and about in the evenings, which means a lot of eyes are on the streets. More people = less opportunity for crime.
However, always check your accommodation upon arrival to see if there are places you shouldn't visit at night (or during the day).
Are there areas in Mexico to avoid?
Unfortunately there is. Ciudad Juarez, Zacatecas, Sinaloa and Colima are generally considered the top places to avoid in Mexico. Does this mean that these are open war zones and you will be robbed or killed upon arrival? Of course not. But safety in these places is also a concern for locals. You'll find a lot of cartel activity here and I wouldn't recommend going to these places.
9 safety tips for Mexico
1. Get a Mexican SIM card A working phone is a must in emergency situations. If you are from the United States, you can use a cell phone in Mexico at no additional cost. If not, you should buy a Mexican SIM card. You'll have better coverage and access your cards when you need them. They're cheap at around $10.
2. Only drive during the day . If you rent a car, stick to a driving routine throughout the day. Car theft is common, but it usually happens at night. Although many government checkpoints provide security, it's better to be safe than sorry.
3. Learn Spanish . The more Spanish you know, the easier it will be for you to adapt. Even if something happens, it will be easier for you to seek help. Before you travel, learn some practical words and phrases.
4. Don't dress flashy . Displaying jewelry, expensive phones, or laptops is an incredible way to become a target for criminals. Try your best not to wear jewelry and keep your phone out of reach unless absolutely necessary.
5. Do not use medication . Mexico has an antitrust problem and is caused by recreational drug users. Buying drugs directly supports the cartels and puts Mexican citizens at risk. Do not use any medication here.
6. Don't drink water. While most restaurants and cafes use filtered water for drinking, ice is a different matter. Always ask if you drink non-frozen or without ice. Also, avoid using tap water to brush your teeth, even if showering is fine.
7. Trust your intuition. If a grocery store or restaurant seems unhealthy, it probably is. If you don't know where to eat, choose the taco stand with the longest line. If there's a huge line, the food is probably great. The locals know the best restaurants, so trust their choices
8. Watch your money. Don't carry all the pesos in your wallet or pocket. Put them everywhere (some in your wallet, some in your hotel safe, some in your backpack) so if someone steals your wallet or mugs you, you'll have money elsewhere.
9. Be careful when using ATMs. Only use ATMs within the bank. Thefts from street machines are far more common and skimmers (to steal PINs) can be installed in street machines. For security reasons, only use domestic ATMs.
So you should go to Mexico.
Absolutely! I go there several times a year and always enjoy spending my time there. It's affordable, the food is amazing, and there's so much to see and do. Although I was late for the Mexico game I am definitely convinced now and cannot recommend it highly enough. Whether you're a budget traveler or a luxury lover, new traveler or veteran, you'll find plenty here.
Buy travel insurance before you go. We never think anything will go wrong when traveling. But sometimes what I've learned from my experience happens. My eardrum burst, my equipment broke and I lost my luggage.
Although not fun to think about, bad things can happen during your travels. That's why I never leave home without travel insurance. Neither should you, especially if you're going to Mexico. For just a few dollars a day, you can get insurance that will ensure that if something bad and unexpected happens, you won't go bankrupt. Don't skimp on your health and safety. It's not worth the risk.
Here's what you need to know about choosing comprehensive insurance.
Mexico is a vibrant and vibrant destination perfect for foodies, travelers, vacationers, vacationers and everyone in between. It's a fun place to relax and sunbathe (after all, we're on tour for a reason).
Just make sure you follow the tips above so you can enjoy the ride safely and avoid common problems. While the country is not as dangerous as the media makes it out to be, it's always better to be safe than sorry. By following the tips above, you can stay safe while making the most of your trip
Book your trip. Tips and tricks for logistics
Book your flight
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine because it searches worldwide websites and airlines so you always know you're not missing anything
Book your stay
You can book your hostel at Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than hostels, use Booking.com as they always offer the lowest prices for guesthouses and hotels.
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. This is full protection in case something goes wrong. I never travel without it because I've had to use it so many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value for money are:
- Safewing (best for everyone)
- Insure my trip (for people over 70 years old)
- Midget (for more evacuation)
Are you ready to book your trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use while traveling. I list everything I use when I travel. They are the best in their class and you can't go wrong with them on the go.
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