The U.S. Department of State regularly cautions travel to Mexico due to safety concerns.
While incidents of petty theft, and violent crimes do happen – it varies greatly depending where you’re going.
By taking the below Mexico travel safety precautions and having the right gear, you will minimize the risk of anything going wrong and protect yourself in case of emergencies.
Pickpocketing and robbery are common in larger cities. Use a neck wallet to store all of your valuables in one place, including your phone, cash, credit cards, and important documents. It can be worn discretely under your shirt so you’re not flashing your wealth or having to pull out your wallet as often, which makes you less of a target. This one also has RFID-blocking technology so that e-thieves can’t steal your credit card details.
Your domestic insurance provider does not cover you in foreign countries. Our friend had over $6,000 in medical bills when he broke both his wrists falling from a bike while traveling in Mexico; thankfully, this was completely covered by travel insurance, and he was able to focus on the more important task of getting well. In fact, travel insurance is now required for those visiting Puerta Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and other parts of Mexico.
Faye Travel Insurance is our go-to provider because they are the only company that makes claims super easy via their mobile app, which means you can be reimbursed quickly for common travel issues like theft, flight delays, baggage loss, trip cancelation, international hospital bills, or emergency evacuations. They even have coverage for vacation rentals and the option to “cancel for any reason.” With custom quotes for each person and trip, it’s too affordable to travel without. And it offers you tangible peace of mind even if nothing goes amiss.
Mexico requires TSA-approved luggage locks when entering and leaving the country. Luggage locks can be useful for a variety of purposes, like securing your checked luggage, carry-on bags, and backpacks in crowded areas where pickpockets are particularly stealthy. These combination locks are also great for lockers at hostels or tourist attractions.
Mexico is in the top 10 countries most affected by cybercrime in the world! According to an investigation by SurfShark, their cybercrime density is ranked very high and phishing is the most common form of attack. Your financial data, passwords, and private identity are not areas to take lightly. We learned this the hard way after my credit card number was stolen at (what I thought was a secure) Airbnb in Paris.
Not all connections are created equal, but a good VPN gives you a secure network when joining Wi-Fi in public areas like hotels, Airbnbs, cafes, restaurants, airports, and more. It will also limit any online censorship that can hinder you from being able to stream Netflix, use your PayPal account, and more. NordVPN is the fastest provider we’ve tried and offers 6,000 servers in 60 countries, which means there’s very little in the internet landscape that you won’t have access to. Once you try it, you’ll never go back!
The tap water in Mexico is definitely NOT safe to drink and can only be consumed if boiled. Even most locals will only drink properly filtered water or use plastic bottled water, which is bad for the environment and over time, can get costly. Bring this Grayl filtration system that will offer you autonomy over your water supply. It’s guaranteed to remove all pathogens including: rotavirus, norovirus, hepatitis, E. Coli, salmonella, dysentery, giardia, cryptosporidium, and amoebae. It also has the ability to filter particulates like heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and sediments. It’s a small investment to protect your health.
Sadly, it’s fairly common to get dysentery (Montezuma’s revenge) while traveling in Mexico. Since water, ice, or food can cause food poisoning, you’ll want to have a preventative plan to adjust to the local cuisine with activated charcoal. This supplement works as a magnet in your system to quickly absorb toxins and bacteria so that they can be expelled from your gastrointestinal tract. It will help mitigate any days and nights spent on the toilet so you can keep making the most of your trip (without the diarrhea, nausea, and distress!).
Your phone is arguably your most important piece of safety equipment since you can easily make emergency calls and verify information etc. Therefore, you’ll want to keep it safe from water damage with a waterproof phone pouch when exploring cenotes, lounging by the pool, having a beach day, snorkeling, boating, and all the other water activities that come with a trip to Mexico. This universal pouch can be used up to 75ft underwater for epic photos and videos when swimming, snorkeling, or diving. Attach the case to a floating wrist strap so that you won’t lose your phone to the depths of the ocean if it goes overboard.
Mosquito-borne illness is still prevalent in Mexico, including Zika and Dengue fever. Some less common conditions are Chikungunya, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease. Pack smart with these mosquito-repellent wristbands – they are wearable and safe for kids, which is super useful for staying on-the-go with a reusable and waterproof option. In certain jungle-dense areas, you may want to double up with mosquito spray for full coverage (just check that it’s deet-free and non-toxic).
Instead of winging it with no plans – use a reputable platform so you’re always being guided by trustworthy hosts with thousands of reviews from fellow travelers. We use Get Your Guide because they offer the most authentic worldwide tours, often at a discounted rate compared to local services. This is also a way to meet new friends, so join a group tour instead of opting for private!
Some of the most popular tours include visiting the Mayan ruin of Chichén Itzá, taking a hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan Valley, cruising on a catamaran near Cancún, and experiencing the unique culture of Mexico City.
The Mexican sun shines a little brighter! Being close to the equator makes the UV rays noticeably stronger, and on top of the humidity, you’ll want a sure way to beat the heat. This magical cooling towel is a game-changer! Simply add water, wring it out, and voila – you have a soothing towel that drops 20-30 degrees lower than the outside air temp for up to an hour! When you’re ready for more relief, just add more water. It’s perfect for beach days, afternoon hikes, Mayan ruin climbs, or outdoor adventures that can be a bit draining without this secret weapon.
More than 26-million pieces of luggage were lost, delayed, or damaged in 2022. If you’ve seen the way bags are handled by airport and cruise staff, then you know the importance of luggage straps. These heavy-duty, adjustable belts reinforce your bag and take the pressure off your zippers by centralizing the weight. Able to support 700+ pounds of force tension, it’s a small security blanket that keeps everything from flying open and out onto the carousel!
My favorite bonus is that the bright colors help my bags to stand out at the arrivals terminal, so I can easily distinguish which cases are mine – rather than pushing in front of the crowds and checking every case that almost resembles mine. These straps also have a built-in identification card, so it’s less likely that someone will mistakenly take your bag, AND they’re TSA-friendly in case you’re selected for a random search.
Before your travels, fortify your gut with probiotics and electrolytes. The probiotics will strengthen your digestive system and reduce sugars that pathogens love to feed on. If you do get food poisoning, the electrolytes will supercharge your water, helping to replace your body’s fluids so you don’t enter a state of dehydration. Avoid rich foods for 24-48 hours and eat bland things like apples, bananas, crackers, and toast until you’re feeling better. Just rest and let the charcoal do its thing.
With this in mind, be conscientious of the food choices you make. Avoid street food or open-air markets where the food looks badly stored. You will be looking for food that is on ice, heated, or preserved in a way that inhibits bacteria growth. If it seems like it’s been left out in the sun for hours, skip it. I also look for places with long lines and where the locals appear drawn to.
The sad thing is, my wife got food poisoning from a fancy Michelin-star restaurant once, so you really can get sick no matter how high the quality is. Use your discernment and it will reduce the likelihood of any sickness or nausea.
It’s obvious, yet not. While you’re doing the work to purify your water, don’t neglect to forgo the ice machine, which is usually made with the same contaminated water supply. This concept also applies to using purified water to brush your teeth. And keeping your mouth closed in the shower.
The same goes for washing your produce before consuming it. Use a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water and soak your food for 3-5 minutes. Scrub off any griminess or dirt; it will go a long way to keeping your body healthy.
There are certain vaccination requirements to stay up-to-date on before traveling. For Mexico, the CDC advises vaccine protection against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, COVID-19, rabies, polio, measles, chickenpox, shingles, influenza, pneumonia, measles, meningitis, cholera, typhoid, and mumps.
I always bring a compact bottle of hand sanitizer when I’m exploring in case of any sticky situations! Be sure to wash your hands regularly with soap, especially around meal times.
If you are in a medical emergency, know your local medical providers and the nearest clinic to your accommodation. If you are dehydrated, in an accident, or need to see a doctor, have your international health plan information on hand.
In areas like Cozumel and the Riviera Maya (Cancun and Playa Del Carmen), it is actually required by law to use reef-friendly sunscreen that protects the nearby coral reefs. Pack a brand that is made with non-toxic products that won’t harm marine life or cause unfixable harm to underwater ecosystems.
Since millions of newcomers visit Mexico each year, there are plenty of tourist-targeted scams that the locals use to pull-one-over on those that are less aware of common customs. Some scams to look out for are fake taxis, airport timeshare workers, higher dinner bills, fake alcohol, and laced substances. Avoid the cartels at all costs and choose vendors that look officially authorized. Read the reviews and do your research to find the most trustworthy restaurants and establishments.
One of the many clever scams in Mexico is related to ATM machines. Be conscientious about using authentic machines that are attached to legitimate financial institutions. If you stumble across a random street ATM, it could easily have fake skimmers that process your credit card information when you swipe. You also may not even get your card back, or worse, it could be an area targeted by kidnappers or extortionists.
I also advise you to convert more cash to pesos early on so you do not have to make as many stops at the bank or any at all. Carry minimal amounts of cash with you at a time and leave the rest at your hotel, secured in the safe.
As mentioned above, we recommend using an RFID-blocking neck wallet to ensure your essentials are out of your pocket where sticky fingers can easily grab them. Especially in crowded places like tourist attractions or public transit stations, the anti-RFID material will come in handy to prevent any modern e-thieves from scanning your credit cards or passport information. In the age where scan readers are becoming the norm, RFID protection is more necessary than ever.
In a place where crime and corruption do exist, it’s wise not to make yourself look like an auspicious target. Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself by leaving the flashy jewelry at home. Even if it’s fake or costume jewelry, it can draw in curious eyes and hinder you from blending in as well as you should.
If you do decide to bring a few valuable items (like your phone, camera, laptop, or jewelry etc.), you should also take a picture of everything and keep your receipts. This way, if anything is taken, it will simplify the claims process through Faye Travel Insurance.
Faye covers up to $2,000 of any lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, including clothing, personal items, and professional equipment like a phone or laptop. This is another huge benefit of getting travel insurance and is the most common type of claim. Faye makes it super easy and fast to make claims through their mobile app. Having documentation will help you get reimbursed quickly for anything that does get lost, stolen, or damaged.
This is when cities will be at their busiest and crime at its highest. Some specific times to be aware of are:
If visiting around these timeframes, don’t cancel any plans, just proceed with a bit more caution and heightened awareness of your surroundings.
You may hate this, but… If someone is robbing you, just give them the cash and hand over what they want. In most cases, you will not be harmed; they only want your valuables.
It is unlikely it will happen, but if it does, being cooperative can make all the difference. Do not try to be a hero, but rather, put your well-being ahead of material items that can be replaced.
The single most important step you can take as a solo female traveler is to set yourself up for success in a safe area. Tourist areas are protected by the police because tourism is the largest economic driver in the country, so popular destinations will usually warrant lower crime rates – cities like Puerta Vallarta, Playa Del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, Tulum, Sayulita, Mexico City, and Oaxaca City.
Note that some of the least safe cities that commonly see crime are Juarez, Tijuana, and Cuilacan. Whichever city you decide to visit, research the safest neighborhoods where you’ll have easy access to the main activities you are interested in.
While it may seem like a common enough thing, walking alone at night can be like asking for trouble. It depends on the city and neighborhood you are staying in, but generally, it’s best to avoid walking long distances after 10 p.m., especially in isolated areas.
Be careful when immersing yourself in the Mexican nightlife, and know that the metro stops running at midnight. Regardless of your gender or group size, it’s smarter to opt for an authorized taxi or Uber. In fact, Uber is generally safer here than the taxi companies.
When traveling solo, you should be cautious not to overdrink. But if you have a cocktail or two, cover it with a disposable drink cover to make sure no one is slipping anything funny in your drink! You can’t keep an eye on your drink at all times, so this will add an extra layer of defense. Again, it’s not wise to get inebriated in a foreign country, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the language.
In coastal towns, shorts are common and people will be wearing beach cover-ups as everyday attire. But this is not the case all over Mexico. You won’t typically see bare shoulders or legs in the more inland towns like Mexico City. Wearing long skirts or pants can help you to blend in and not look like a tacky tourist. This will also help you be less of a target to cat callers. If you are being harassed, ignore them and don’t indulge them.
Note that some temples and sacred sites may also require a more modest attire like a shawl wrapped around exposed arms as a sign of respect.
Someone should always know of your plans before you jet off to Mexico, so share a copy of your itinerary with family before you depart. Keep loved ones updated on any changes to your schedule so that if things go awry, people know your location at all times. You can use apps like Find My Friends to stay connected. But have contingency plans like itinerary sharing that is available offline.
There is safety in numbers and you are far less likely to be bothered if you are surrounded by other people. Use this as an opportunity to meet new people and join a group. Facebook and other social platforms have great networking opportunities so you can connect with locals or other wanderlusters that are heading to Mexico. Like the “New Friends Club of Mexico City.”
When exploring the town or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, bring your domestic I.D. card and NOT your passport. It’s too risky. If you lose your passport, you will not be able to get home easily (at least not without an emergency trip to the local embassy or consulate). But if you lose the I.D. card, it can easily be replaced once you return home and it won’t cause any issues at airport security.
Another must-have for water-centered activities is a fast-drying travel towel. It’s made from super-soft microfiber that dries 10x faster than a standard cotton towel, meaning you won’t have to lug around a soggy, smelly towel all day. It comes with a compact carrying case that’s easy to throw into any daybag. It’s odor-resistant, sand-repelling, and comes in a variety of cute colors!
We rely on our phones for boarding passes, directions, transportation, photos, and more when traveling, so it’s likely we’ll run out of battery before the day is over, which can really throw a wrench in your plans. Instead of going back to the hotel to recharge your phone midday, pack a lightweight, portable charger so you can keep your devices charged on the go!
To seamlessly maintain your routine, you’ll need a hanging toiletry organizer that is spacious enough for all of your sunscreen, aloe, skincare, makeup, and hair products. After years of searching for the perfect bag, we’ve been blown away by this one! The 360-swivel hook makes it easy to hang anywhere, and the 4 large plastic compartments fit your beauty routine while containing any leaks that may happen during transit. Plus, the 3 external pockets are thoughtfully placed for easy access without having to unzip the whole thing.
Designed with love in Hawaii by Eco Sun, a company that strives to do more in the world, each sale gives back to women’s education in underserved communities. This company designs with sustainability in mind, and backs all of their products with a lifetime happiness guarantee. So you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Prevent any slips or falls and keep your feet comfortable with a pair of mesh water shoes. The extra-grippy traction on the soles will keep you from slipping and getting hurt on wet boat decks, slippery waterfall hikes, or wobbly paddleboards. Plus, the mesh material actually allows your feet to breathe and dry quickly instead of getting waterlogged like a pair of tennis shoes would.
For pool, beach, and snorkeling days, a beach bag with a built-in cooler will carry all of your essentials like travel towels, cover-ups, and sunscreen, and the insulated bottom compartment will keep snacks and drinks cold! It’s waterproof, sandproof, and has nine pockets to keep things organized and easy to reach. It’s perfect to bring on any adventure because it’s lightweight and super easy to clean!
The rainy season in Mexico is May-September so if you plan to visit during this time, an umbrella is essential. Afternoon showers are a daily occurrence, but luckily they usually don’t last long. Be prepared with an umbrella and expect rain anytime between 2-6 p.m. Packing a quality travel umbrella will make all the difference. This one is extremely sturdy, has a waterproof coating, and even comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee, so you can count on it for many trips to come!
For winding roads and rocky boats, be sure to bring some form of motion sickness prevention. We prefer these natural patches over drugs like Dramamine because they don’t have the drowsy effect that leaves you feeling like a zombie when you should be busy having a blast. I’m super prone to motion sickness and these patches are the only ones that don’t leave me feeling green!
If you’re tired of living out of a disorganized suitcase when you’re on vacation, then you have to try packing cubes. You can have a cube designated for tops, bottoms, beachwear, eveningwear, whatever works for you! Each of these packing cubes has a thoughtful space for an index card so you can label what’s inside each one and not waste time digging through your whole luggage for that one tank top. This set even comes with two bonus laundry bags perfect for keeping dirty clothes or shoes separate.
If you’ve had one too many piña coladas on the beach or margaritas by the pool, this hangover aid will save you a lot of headache (literally). The main reason you feel terrible after a night of drinking is because minerals are being depleted and your liver is overworked. These supplements contain essential vitamins and minerals and they support your liver to help your body detox the alcohol – leaving you feeling so much better the next morning. Cheers was featured on Shark Tank and is guaranteed to ease any hangover!
More than 26-million pieces of luggage were lost, delayed, or damaged in 2022. If you’ve seen the way bags are handled by airport and cruise staff, then you know the importance of luggage straps. These heavy-duty, adjustable belts reinforce your bag and take the pressure off your zippers by centralizing the weight. Able to support 700+ pounds of force tension, it’s a small security blanket that keeps everything from flying open and out onto the carousel!
My favorite bonus is that the bright colors help my bags to stand out at the arrivals terminal, so I can easily distinguish which cases are mine – rather than pushing in front of the crowds and checking every case that almost resembles mine. These straps also have a built-in identification card, so it’s less likely that someone will mistakenly take your bag, AND they’re TSA-friendly in case you’re selected for a random search.
While Mexico only requires that you have a valid passport when visiting, the United States requires your passport to be valid for 6 months past your planned trip date. Make sure yours meets this requirement, and if not, be sure to renew it or apply for one at least 3 months before your trip so there’s plenty of time for it to arrive. Don’t forget to make copies of your passport in case it gets lost or stolen!
For a newcomer or repeat visitor to Mexico, it’s advised to join STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). This is a free service created by the Department of State for U.S. citizens who are venturing abroad. The program allows you to enter your whereabouts so the government knows your general location during your trip. This will make it easier in an emergency since the embassies and local consulates will be more informed on how and where to help you.
If you’re feeling extra cautious, consider staying at an all-inclusive resort that will be gated and safer. This is generally where people stay when visiting coastal cities because it’s considerably safer than staying in an unknown Airbnb. A resort can schedule secure taxis or private transfers, offer in-house dining so you don’t have to go out after dark and give you recommendations for safe areas to explore or tours to take.
Hurricanes are common along the coast, and earthquakes are prevalent across the country. Be sure to ask your hotel what the evacuation protocol is in case of a natural disaster. For example, in the case of an earthquake, you most likely will need to evacuate the building and look for official “meeting points” that are indicated with signs and painted on the streets and sidewalks outside.
In most large cities across Mexico, 9-1-1 is used in case of an emergency. If you’re driving on a highway and need emergency assistance, look out for signs that say a 3-digit number to call if you need help. Ambulances and first responders can also be reached at 066 and 080. In addition, it would be wise to save the phone number of your embassy and hotel in case you need to reach them in a dire situation.
The best way to avoid being ripped off by taxis is by booking a taxi through your hotel or a pre-paid taxi booth at the airport. However, when you need to hail a cab on the street, be sure to negotiate the price beforehand or have a general idea of how much the ride should cost, and make sure the meter starts from zero.
Another taxi scam, while very rare, is a thief poses as a taxi driver and holds the rider hostage until they hand over their valuables or withdraw money from an ATM. It’s important to never resist a robbery and hand over whatever cash or valuables you have.
Utilize authorized taxis because anything else is unregulated and illegal. Uber is another great option, and sometimes safer than the competitive nature of local taxi drivers.
To avoid being taken on a wild goose chase, ask your driver what the estimated ride rate will be prior to the journey. This prevents them from overcharging you or taking the long way.
Other scams to keep in mind are choosing an authorized taxi vehicle (it’s smart to have your resort call a local business on your behalf to request rides), or utilizing local ride-share apps like Uber and Cabify. And don’t let them convince you of the imaginary “airport tax” – it doesn’t exist!
The leading cause of tourist deaths in Mexico isn’t due to the cartel, gun violence, or kidnapping– it’s traffic accidents. If you’re not used to the way of driving in Mexico, it can be quite dangerous. Knowing the rules of the road and how the locals drive is extremely important for staying safe, but if you don’t want to risk and see if your driving skills are up to par, we recommend opting for public transport.
You can easily (and cheaply) get around all Mexican cities by using a taxi or Uber – meaning a rental car is unnecessary unless you want to drive yourself from one city to another.
If you’re confident driving abroad, don’t make the mistake of being too confident and forgoing rental car insurance. Your personal auto insurance won’t cover your rental car in Mexico, but Faye’s Rental Car Care add-on will. It covers any damage to your rental (up to $50k) and even includes rental car theft coverage, which is a must for Mexico as car theft is a problem across the country (even in tourist hot spots).
With their easy-to-use mobile app, Faye offers 24/7 assistance so that you can make a claim and get reimbursed at any time, especially when you’re in a pinch (like if your vehicle breaks down). Everything from making claims to reimbursements is done straight from their app on your phone. Insurance with Faye is so much better and significantly cheaper than any insurance the rental agency will try and upsell you!
Your chances of encountering crime while on the road significantly increase at night; don’t risk it. Thieves will intentionally set hazardous items like rocks or nails in the middle of the roads and highways at night, forcing you to stop where they can then catch you off-guard and rob you.
What is even more common and also very dangerous is running into animals on the road after dark. Cows, goats, sheep, and dogs are known to get loose and find themselves in the middle of a busy highway. You often can’t see them until it’s too late. Crashing into a full-grown bull at 60mph would be catastrophic.
Toll roads are more secure and have fewer incidents of crime than freeways. The toll fees can add up, but your safety is not worth saving a few bucks. Plus, the toll fees go towards emergency roadside assistance in case you get into an accident. It doesn’t replace travel or car insurance, but it does help cover the cost of emergency first responders.
Military checkpoints, unofficial roadblocks, police stops, and even bandits are not uncommon occurrences on the road in Mexico. If you get stopped, they will likely want to search your car for drugs, weapons, and cash. If they find you have anything more than a few hundred dollars on you, they may want to question you further or even expect a bribe from you to let you go. Don’t risk having your cash stolen. Bring as little as possible. Keep some in your wallet and hide any extra out of sight.
