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Is Mexico Safe?

If I had a nickel for every time I heard someone ask this question…

Many travelers ask, “is Mexico safe?” It’s a valid concern that deserves careful consideration.

sensationalized on the news, a topic of debate, and ex-pats living in Mexico get constantly asked by friends and family the same age-old question: “Is Mexico safe?”

Understanding whether or not “is Mexico safe” is essential for planning your trip.

The question “Is Mexico safe?” often leads to mixed opinions among travelers.

While asking, “is Mexico safe?” keep in mind that experiences can vary widely.

This is BY FAR the most frequently asked question about Mexico in the travel spaces I frequent.

The thing is, it’s not actually a very useful question.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand the motivation for asking.

Given the media’s harsh criticism of Mexico, it’s understandable to question whether a solo female traveler’s trip to this country could potentially lead to disaster.

To answer the question, “is Mexico safe?” you need to research specific locations, circumstances, and it comes down to data. For example, Mexico has one of the safest large cities in all of North America, and it’s ironic that the perception is that ALL of Mexico carries a level of danger higher in all of its towns and cities.

Many are curious about safety, and the question “is Mexico safe?”s at the forefront.

The inquiry is, “is Mexico safe?” reflects genuine concerns for travelers.

Is Mexico safe, based on my Risk Tolerance?

When pondering, “is Mexico safe?” consider the source of your information.

So, before you travel, ask yourself, “is Mexico safe?” and gather insights.

You may find yourself questioning, “is Mexico safe?” more than once as you prepare.

Ultimately, the question is, “is Mexico safe?” is a personal assessment of risk.

As you think about your travels, remember to ask, “is Mexico safe?” for your own peace of mind.

The more you understand the answer to “is Mexico safe?” the better prepared you’ll be.

That constant question, “is Mexico safe?” can lead to insightful conversations.

You, like most people, want to determine whether this negative attention is merely #fakenews or if you are entering a genuine warzone. That’s totally understandable!

Unfortunately, the answers that typically follow “Is Mexico safe?” tend to be unhelpful at best and flat-out racist at worst.

Hence, throughout your journey, you may find yourself reflecting on, “is Mexico safe?”

When planning, always revisit the thought, “is Mexico safe?” to keep your expectations in check.

In any conversation, the phrase “is Mexico safe?” is bound to come up.

For example…

Addressing the question, “is Mexico safe?” in an objective manner, it is important to ask Mexican citizens about safety after you arrive in Mexico.

When discussing this topic with local residents of Mexico, the response I receive 99% of the time is a very similar one to the question, “Is Mexico safe?”

Response: “Of course, Mexico is safe! Violence isn’t random in Mexico because it usually involves criminal groups fighting. If you want to be safe in Mexico, just avoid seeking drugs or anything illegal.”

So next time you hear someone say, “is Mexico safe?” you’ll have a more profound understanding.

Is Social Media able to Answer the Question, “Is Mexico Safe?”

After all, safety is a priority, so the question “is Mexico safe?” It should always be at the forefront.

Prepare to answer, “is Mexico safe?” for yourself and others who may ask.

This sentiment inspires confidence, but it’s also highly subjective. Did this person ever leave their hotel room, or are they a burly 6-foot man who feels safe and secure everywhere they go?

Are they a burly 6-foot man who feels safe and secure everywhere they go? Are they a savvy traveler who speaks fluent Spanish?

Were they alone or with a group of friends?

What if your travel plans do not include Cancun? There are many factors to consider, and their experience may differ from yours.

“I feel safer in Mexico than I do in [insert name of US city].”

This phrase is a pretty common response to “Is Mexico safe?” but once again, it doesn’t really provide much useful insight.

If you’re from the city in question, the information may mean something to you, but if not, you have no point of reference. As we said, many factors can affect this sense of safety.

I confess: I hate this type of comment. Sure, a resort is a (relatively) controlled environment, and you’re liable to be mostly safe there.

I assume that if you’re reading my blog, it’s because you’re interested in exploring Mexico’s culture independently.  

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You don’t have to stay in the resort to be safe in Mexico. I could elaborate on how background checks ensure a resort’s safety, but now isn’t the right moment.

“Make sure you go to bars where other travelers and expats go, then you’ll be fine.”

I couldn’t find the screenshot of this original comment, but I promise I’m not making this up.

I almost choked when I first saw this comment. This comment not only fails to answer the question, but it is also extremely racist.

Over and over again, I see people perpetuating this notion that the people of Mexico are “dangerous” or “bad” and foreigners are safe and “good.” There are garbage people in every country, and occasionally they even travel!

Travelers and expats are not always honest and decent people who will protect you. I’m not trying to monger fear here; I’m just trying to be objective.

Ultimately, the reassurance of knowing, “is Mexico safe?” will be invaluable.

It should be evident that the people of Mexico have no malicious intentions. In general, Mexican culture places a strong emphasis on community, similar to other parts of the world.

Embrace the inquiry, “is Mexico safe?” as a key part of your travel planning.

With that in mind, the question “is Mexico safe?” can lead to more meaningful travels.

People want you to be well and they may be looking out for you without your knowledge.

So, are you starting to see how these responses to “Is Mexico safe?” are vague and lacking helpful context? Are you wondering how you can determine whether Mexico is a safe travel destination?

Before proceeding, let’s discuss what it truly means to be safe.

According to Dictionary.com, “safe” is defined as follows:

With this definition in mind, there is really nowhere in the world that is 100% safe. The risks are just different from place to place.

I believe that the ability to anticipate and prepare for the potential risks you face dictates your level of safety.

For instance, I grew up in the wilderness in Canada and literally had to ride my bike past bears to arrive at school.

That wasn’t exactly safe. But, if you’re accustomed to seeing bears on a daily basis, you eventually stop fearing them. Sure, you’re cautious, but you read up on how to prevent bear attacks and go on with your life.

I lived in the United States for 5 years, and while I won’t go so far as to say that I lived in terror, I will admit that I felt vulnerable.

The increasing amount of random acts of gun violence in the US was horrifying and nerve-racking for me. That type of danger is impossible to anticipate.

In that sense, I feel safer in Mexico because at least I know who is holding the guns.

If we stick with the literal definition of “safe,” then the only accurate answer to “Is Mexico Safe?” is “No.” And neither is anywhere else.

Every situation we encounter in our daily lives carries a certain level of risk. A car could hit you, an airplane could land on your house, or you could choke on your own saliva.

You just have to accept that a certain level of risk comes with living your life and do your best to minimize it when possible.

If you really want to travel to Mexico (and I highly recommend that you do!), the question you should be asking is, “How do I travel safely in Mexico?”

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This is a question that can actually be answered! Prompting a discussion of safety in this manner forces the blanket “yes” or “no” answerers to back up their claims with actual evidence or advice.

I would never claim that Mexico is a completely safe travel destination because doing so would imply that there are no concerns, which is misleading.

For one thing, in my experience, crossing the street here is significantly scarier than the bear encounters I experienced in my Canadian youth.

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However, I don’t support the notion perpetuated by US media that a plane ticket to Mexico is synonymous with a body bag.

Nor would I ever encourage you to spend your entire trip holed up in an American-owned resort because something disastrous could happen if you venture out.

The culture in Mexico is different than it is back home, from the language and traffic laws to mealtimes and beyond. The more you can prepare yourself for these differences, the safer you will feel.

I’ve been living and have traveled throughout Mexico for many years without experiencing anything worse than occasionally inflated “gringo” prices.

Meanwhile, one of my local friends has experienced two instances of petty theft over the past two years.

While I can’t guarantee that your trip will be free of incidents, I can help you anticipate the risks you’ll face when you visit. That information is a lot more valuable than a “Yep, totally safe” vote of confidence from a stranger who spent a week at a resort in Cancun.

With that in mind, the following are my top safety tips for Mexico.

Safety Tips For Solo Female Travel in Mexico

Manage Your Expectations

I’ve touched on this before, but I believe safety is partially a matter of mindset. The more confident you can feel in your environment, the safer you are.

That’s why I recommend reading up on what to expect when you arrive in Mexico. The culture may be new to you, but the more you prepare, the easier your visit will be.

This article on things to know for your first trip to Mexico is a wonderful place to start!

Learn Some Basic Spanish

I’m not saying you have to learn an entire language before you set out on your trip (though it’s not a bad idea if you’re up for the challenge), but knowing a few key phrases will go a long way.

Many people in Mexico speak or at least understand a little bit of English, but they still appreciate the gesture when travelers take the time to learn some basic greetings. It’s a courtesy!

On top of winning you a few brownie points with the locals, knowing some Spanish can help you understand more of what’s going on around you. This is always a good thing and can do wonders for alleviating your anxiety.

Being able to interpret signs, understand directions, and ask for help will do wonders for your confidence.

These basic phrases for travelers will get you started, but consider joining a service like Duolingo or Rocket Spanish to build your skills before your trip! If you want to go all-in on learning Spanish, I highly recommend Rocket Spanish.

The curriculum is designed to help you strengthen your vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. It’s a fantastic way to work toward fluency.

Stay Alert

Petty theft is not uncommon in Mexico, but it’s pretty simple to prevent. Try to be discreet about your money—don’t flash wads of cash, and keep your wallet concealed within your zipped purse or backpack.

Don’t wear a lot of flashy jewelry, and if you have a smartphone or fancy camera with you, keep it concealed unless you’re using it.

When on the street or public transport, avoid using your phone. If you must, put it in a zipped purse or pocket. Basically, you want to make it as hard as possible for anyone to steal from you.

When I visit big cities, I use a cross-body purse with a flap that folds over the zipper. This makes it extra hard for anyone to get into it without me noticing.

An anti-theft purse with a slash-resistant strap would be an even better option!

I try to be hyper-vigilant about knowing where my valuables are at all times. I keep things concealed as much as possible, and I project the impression that I’m aware of my surroundings.

I’ve never been pickpocketed personally, but a friend of mine was pickpocketed twice in the same year when we were traveling together.

Perhaps he simply experienced misfortune; however, I also believe that my vigilance reduced my susceptibility, making me less of a target than he was. For instance, he kept his phone in the pocket of his jacket until it was stolen. he didn’t anymore.

It’s worth noting that some scenarios call for more vigilance than others.

I’m always extra alert when in Mexico City (especially on the metro) or other large city centers but tend to be much lazier about this when I’m in smaller towns.

Talk To Locals

I’m sure you agree that locals are the ultimate resource for any destination. They can give you all kinds of insider tips you would never think to ask about.

Understanding Safety: Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Locals can also let you know where to go and where not to go in the interest of safety.

Basically, if someone local tells you not to go somewhere, don’t. It’s worth running your travel plans by the front desk person at your hotel or hostel or your Airbnb host for some insight.

Maintain your Sense of Mystery

When you’re a solo female traveler, it’s always best not to give away too much concrete information about yourself to strangers.

Not that you would, but just in case… Avoid disclosing your accommodation details to strangers, including your room number or any other information that could potentially allow them to stalk you. You just never know.

On the same note, if you’re staying in one place for a long period of time, it’s worth varying your routine slightly from day to day, just so your behavior isn’t predictable.

This might mean changing the time of your morning coffee, varying your daily route from your accommodation to your chosen breakfast spot, or going somewhere else entirely. The harder it is for someone with malicious intentions to predict your behavior, the better.

Be On Your Best Behavior

I’m confident that you don’t need me to remind you of this, but I’m throwing it in here just in case.

You wouldn’t go to someone else’s house, throw garbage everywhere, and treat your host like a servant, would you? So why would you behave that way in another country? You wouldn’t. Of course you wouldn’t.

When you visit someone else’s country (or home), you have to respect their traditions, routines, and laws.

When I lived in the Riviera Maya I often saw tourists treating Mexico like a playground—leaving trash on the beach, breaking container laws, treating local workers poorly… It infuriated me deeply.

Such conduct just isn’t okay. And behaving badly is a sure way to attract the wrong kind of attention. So be courteous, be respectful, and most importantly, obey the law!

Don’t Do Drugs

Again, I’m sure I don’t have to remind you of this, but involving yourself in the drug trade in Mexico is a dangerous idea.

Cartels are largely responsible for the violence in Mexico, so it’s advisable to avoid them. Not to mention, drugs are illegal and can land you in all kinds of trouble.

I have never been incarcerated in a Mexican prison; however, I am confident that I would find it unpleasant, and I believe you would as well.

Avoid using ATMs After Dark and around Payday

It’s always best to avoid taking cash out of an ATM at night, as you’re much more vulnerable to thieves after dark.

Pick ATMs in busy areas to make it harder for thieves to target you. I always try to use ATMs within banks or stores (most grocery stores have trustworthy ATMs) because that way I have a little more privacy to conceal my cash before going on my way.

I would also recommend that you avoid using ATMs around payday if possible. Most people in Mexico get paid on the 15th and the 30th of the month. You’ll know it’s payday (or, quincena in Spanish) because there will be long lines at every bank!

After all, the question, “is Mexico safe?” will shape your travel experience positively.

Since many people spend their entire quincena on payday, thieves often target these times of the month.

While it is highly unlikely that anyone would steal from you, it’s worth taking extra precautions.

My Sense of Safety in Mexico

I wanted to end with some thoughts on my feeling of safety in Mexico. I previously discussed how personal knowledge and experience shape everyone’s perception of safety, including mine.

However, I would like to share it with some context, to illustrate that I do, ultimately, feel confident and comfortable in Mexico.

I speak (almost) fluent Spanish and have traveled extensively in Mexico. I have a deep understanding of Mexican culture, yet it continues to surprise me.

Generally speaking, I feel safe in Mexico.

I do observe men gazing at me when I am alone, and I am accustomed to hearing honks and whistles from car windows as I walk along the street.

I don’t like the attention, but I’ve perfected my bitchy resting face and employ it when need be.

Honestly, my primary concerns when I’m traveling through Mexico are crossing the street and petty theft (there’s just never a good time to have your ID or phone stolen).

I’m anxious about petty theft because it happened to a local friend of mine twice in one year, and it’s just really inconvenient.

The second time, his wallet was stolen, along with his ID, and there was much debate about whether he’d be allowed to board our flight from Mexico City back to Cancun.

Fortunately, everything turned out fine, but we had to spend half a day of our vacation at the police station, which is usually not the most enjoyable way to spend valuable time on vacation.

As for crossing the street… I’m a nervous pedestrian, and the fact that nobody seems to follow traffic laws or obey stop signs is confusing and stressful for me.

You likely possess greater experience in this field, but I learned to drive in a small town with only a single stoplight, so I am who I am.

Any time I’ve ever experienced anything moderately dangerous during my travels within Mexico, I’ve felt supported and looked after by locals, including:

• A taxi driver noticed a couple of men following my friends and me down the street at 3 AM; he told us to get back in the cab and drove us around the block a couple of times to ensure they didn’t see where we lived.
  
• The Uber driver who asked me to triple-check the address of my AirBnb in Mexico City because it was awfully close to Tepito (not a nice neighborhood), and he wasn’t willing to drop me there unless I was certain it was correct.
  
• The hostel receptionist suggested I change to a different room that wasn’t facing the street because she thought it would be safer.

There are more examples, I’m sure, but the point is that the majority of the people in Mexico are more akin to those in the above examples than the descriptions featured in major US media.

I would always encourage you to be wary when traveling, but I also encourage you to be open-minded.

Your experience in Mexico will be different than mine because you’ve had entirely different life experiences that shaped your worldview, but if you stay alert and savvy, you’re sure to have a safe and wonderful time.

Related Reading

• 18 Best Places in Mexico to Travel Alone
• 23+ Experiences For Your Mexico Bucket List
• Solo Travel Safety Tips from Travel Bloggers
• How to Avoid Police Extortion in Mexico?

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