Is Mexico Safe? What You Need to Know Before You Go

Is Mexico safe? After 20 years of living here, I share what safety is really like for expats, plus tips on crime, driving, scams, food, climate, and daily life.

Is Mexico safe? My family members and friends have asked me this question numerous times since I moved to Mexico over ten years ago. I have never had a problem with my safety in Mexico.

Sure, people read a lot of stories about mass shootings by the cartel, but honestly, I don’t know too many American expats or other expats who live directly in a heated cartel area.

Yes, the cartel exists, and they are responsible for much of the crime in Mexico, but I think people need to put it into perspective. The crimes committed by the cartel against American expats are minimal.

Take everything you read, good or bad, about crime in Mexico with a grain of salt. The only time you know about crime is when it affects you personally. Just like anywhere in the world, there are precautionary steps that help you stay safe.

There is more to safety than just crime in Mexico and other foreign countries when you’re thinking about relocating.

Here is a quick overview of several safety issues in Mexico that are worth knowing before you travel.

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Mexico’s Crime Rate

According to Numbeo, Mexico ranks between France and the United States in terms of crime.

Like almost every country in the world, Mexico’s crime rate has increased over the last five years. Crime in Mexico, including robbery, assaults, your car or motorcycle getting stolen, stolen vehicles or motorcycles, and your home getting burglarized, is considered moderate.

Crimes that rank high on the scale are property vandalism and theft, along with corruption and bribery, outpacing every type of crime in Mexico. But it has never happened to me.

When I first moved to Mexico, I didn’t really think about safety. I was living in Puerto Vallarta, and life was relaxed. After moving from Puerto Vallarta to Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, life felt laidback and uneventful.

When I made the move to a rural or smaller town in Veracruz, I worried a bit about extortion, as I’m the only American to ever live in the town. But after four years of living where I am right now, I don’t have these feelings very often anymore.

One thing I had to get used to in my small town was the smaller police presence. They patrol the streets in a car or truck in groups of four, but they really concentrate on the more dangerous parts of the small town.

Obviously, I avoid these areas.

I’ve had friends who have had their homes robbed and their cars broken into, but they usually did something wrong. One friend left a door open at their home, and another friend left her purse in her car.

If you did that in a city anywhere in the world, you’re asking to be a victim of crime.

People also worry about cartels here. But crime from the cartel is minimal unless you live in a dangerous area or ask for a problem yourself. Everyone I know, including myself, has never really had any problem with it at all.

What Cities are Safe in Mexico?

Throughout my years living in Mexico, I’ve seen more police presence in areas with large tourist or American expat communities. Cities like Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, and San Miguel de Allende maintain separate police forces for these communities.

In these cities, along with other vacation and tourist destinations, I found a tourist police force that generally communicated in English.

I noticed that crime was directly associated with the economy of an area. In areas where employment was high, lower crime rates were found. Conversely, areas with low employment had higher crime rates.

Even though Mexico City is reported as unsafe in the media, the city’s crime rate is comparable to several cities in the United States, including New Orleans, Chicago, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Tourist and American hotspots for expats in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel, have comparable crime rates to Salt Lake City, Boise, and Sydney, Australia.

I notice a higher level of safety and less crime in areas with larger expat or American communities. But that does not mean crime doesn’t exist.

 Driving in Mexico

When I first moved to Mexico, I didn’t have a car. I found that it was necessary for my lifestyle. After moving from Puerto Vallarta to Playa del Carmen, I brought a car with me.

The main reason I brought my car was to explore the states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo while visiting the various Mayan ruins. After a while, I found that having a car was more of a hassle than not having a car.

For me, driving in Mexico was vastly different from driving in the United States. Drivers aggressively created their own lanes in larger cities. Motorcycles traveled between lanes and cars. Drivers tended to be assertive in all situations.

In rural areas or smaller towns, I encountered a slower driving environment. But I needed to be more aware of pedestrians, ATVs, motor scooters, and sometimes even horses.

But I had some unfortunate incidents while exploring and living in Playa del Carmen. I had a hard time adjusting to the driving style in a foreign country.

Dealing with Traffic Police

My biggest problem was with the police while driving from Playa del Carmen to Chetumal, Quintana Roo. I was pulled over for speeding when I knew I wasn’t speeding.

The police officers asked me to pay the ticket on the spot. I had read about this scam on social media and told them I wanted to pay for the ticket, but at the police station.

We argued about this for about ten minutes, with neither side budging from their position. In the end, I followed the police officers to their station in Puerto Felipe Carillo and paid the ticket.

I’ve had friends in similar situations tell me that after they refused to pay, the officers simply went away. My friends believe it’s a form of corruption; they don’t believe people should pay the bribe on the spot.

Driving at Night

Another problem I encountered was trying to drive at night on the highways. Mexico’s highways are poorly lit at night. Larger semi-trucks hauling goods, equipment, and other things travel more during the nighttime and at high speeds, complicating driving.

I pulled over and found a motel after being aggressively passed by two or three semi-trucks. I was literally shaking from the experience.

I also had problems with the topos, or speed bumps. They are everywhere, even in bigger cities. I saw them in neighborhoods, on city streets, and along highways that pass through smaller communities.

One time while driving, I didn’t see the warning sign. After hitting the speed bump, I had to repair my front suspension. After repairing my car, I drove it back to the United States and have been carless for six years.

Some Tips for Driving Safely

• Learn how to drive in Mexico.
• Watch for speed bumps.
• Never drive long distances on highways or toll roads at night.
• Purchase good car insurance.
• Take your time getting used to the traffic flow.
• Always ask to go to the nearest police station to pay the fine if you receive a ticket.

Scams

There are scams in Mexico. One of the more recent scams I’ve heard about is pickpocketing. Someone may accidentally spill something on your clothing. While helping you clean your clothes, they will lift your wallet or something from your purse.

Stay vigilant when around large crowds or walking alone.

Taxis

Taxis can be challenging wherever you live. I find that most cities have set fares for taxis to drive from one destination to another. I always look at social media groups for fare charts when traveling to a new location.

Always ask the price before entering the taxi. Better yet, form a friendship with a trusted cab driver. I’ve found that cab drivers exercise good judgment and value returning customers. Give them a call and save yourself the headaches of higher cab fares.

Ride-sharing apps, including Uber, Didi, and Cabify, may or may not be available in smaller towns. I was able to find these ride-sharing companies in Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, and Guadalajara, as well as other select cities throughout the country.

While living in Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel, I learned about motor scooter and car rental scams for tourists. The scams included price gouging, insurance coverage issues, and claims of damage to the vehicle or motor scooter upon returning it to the agency.

I found less conflict with these types of vendors by taking photographs of any item I’m renting, whether it’s a motor scooter, vehicle, boat, or jet ski.

Fake Police Officers

Other scams involve police officers and fake police officers along highways and within cities. The individuals appear to be police officers, wearing uniforms, but they are people who will ask for a bribe to forget the charges.

I discourage people from participating in illegal activities in Mexico. You’re a visitor to a foreign country, and you need to follow their rules, not yours or the rules from your home country.

Some Tips on Scams

• Always ask the price before entering the taxi.
• Common rental scams include price gouging, insurance coverage issues, and claims of damage to the vehicle or motor scooter upon returning it to the agency.
• It’s best to take photographs of any item you’re renting, whether it’s a motor scooter, vehicle, boat, or jet ski.
• Don’t participate in illegal actions.

Food Poisoning

I always recommend buying and consuming bottled or purified water. A 20-liter jug of purified water costs between US$1.25 and US$5.00, depending on your location. Companies will also deliver to your home or place of residence.

We all eat food at times that might make us sick. I try to minimize these episodes in Mexico using a couple of quick steps.

Most fruits, vegetables, and meat I consume in Mexico are locally sourced. I have found meat to be fresher at local markets than the prepackaged meat at supermarkets.

I wash all of my fruits and vegetables with a disinfectant like mild bleach water or with soap and water before consuming them. Washing my produce doesn’t affect my taste buds or the taste of the food.

I recommend using a product called Microdyn, which is a mild iodine solution you mix with water.

Most restaurants in Mexico follow basic health standards. They are also regulated by health departments that make routine visits to restaurants to ensure standards are being met.

Street vendors are a different breed. Most of the time, you can notice a street vendor who is not following proper hygiene.

For instance, if the vendor is wearing gloves or a mask, that’s a good sign of hygiene. Having a bucket of mild bleach water for used utensils, washing hands, and so forth is a sign of good hygiene.

Be wary of street vendors who openly flaunt uncovered food or do not use proper hygiene methods while preparing food.

Some Tips on Food Safety

• Always use bottled and purified water.
• Locally sourced vegetables, fruits, and meat are fresher than what you’ll find in a supermarket.
• Wash all your fruits, vegetables, and meat with water mixed with a mild cleanser like Microdyne.
• Visit street vendors that practice good hygiene techniques, including wearing gloves and masks.

Mosquitoes

Dengue Fever is quite common throughout Mexico, even in higher elevation cities like Mexico City and the Lake Chapala area. Mosquitoes like standing water for breeding, and there’s plenty of standing water throughout Mexico during the rainy season.

Although very few people die from Dengue Fever, I know from firsthand experience how miserable I was with muscle pains, a high fever, severe headaches, and loss of appetite.

If you find yourself suffering from symptoms of Dengue Fever, visit a doctor.

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You can easily protect yourself in Mexico from mosquitoes by purchasing several types of mosquito repellants, including body cream, spray, and burning coils. Many locals in Mexico burn egg cartons to repel mosquitoes.

Climate

I’ve been involved in several violent storms, ranging from hurricanes to tropical depressions to local flooding. I’ve felt an occasional earthquake while sleeping or even walking in the street.

Heavy Rains and Flood

Heavy rains cause flooding in all four regions of Mexico. Coastal towns and areas in Mexico are at risk of hurricanes, tropical storms, and strong winds. Even larger cities, including Guadalajara and Mexico City, experience flooding that causes damage and chaos.

Don’t take chances. Water from heavy rains is destructive, and high winds don’t help your situation. Stay vigilant during peak season. Listen to local weather reports and local officials.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are common in Mexico. You’ll probably feel an earthquake wherever you’re located within the country. Some are minor tremors, while others may cause great damage.

Snow

The climate in Mexico varies throughout the country. You can find snowy conditions during the wintertime in the northern region. Residences that are heated use a gas source. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector installed and proper ventilation.

I’ve formed a contingency plan if it’s necessary for me to evacuate due to a violent storm, flooding, or an earthquake. I take precautions at home, making sure that I have plenty of essentials, especially purified water and a flashlight.

The more you are prepared, the safer you’ll be.

Some Safety Tips on Climate Issues

• Have a contingency plan for evacuation in case of a hurricane, tropical storm, local flooding, or an earthquake.
• Keep plenty of essentials on hand, especially purified water.
• Always keep fresh batteries with a flashlight.
• Buy a carbon monoxide detector.

Pollution

I’ve found that Mexico’s attitude toward pollution varies throughout the country. Mexicans are more conscious of pollution in high tourist areas, especially around beaches and within the tourist cities themselves.

I’ve seen younger people taking charge of eliminating littering and other trash problems in their communities or local waterways. I’ve witnessed neighborhoods taking steps to clean the streets of unwanted garbage.

I see human recyclers help with the recycling of plastic and cans while earning a little extra money. There might not be a bunch of handy recycling bins along the streets, but I know aluminum cans and plastic bottles are separated at designated trash pickup areas.

Even municipalities are trying to eliminate the problem of pollution in Mexico. For instance, Mexico City and Guadalajara prohibit driving for many people during high-pollution days. These cities have planted vertical gardens along viaducts, walkways, and other structures near high-traffic areas to help absorb greenhouse gases.

Many smaller and rural communities suffer from air pollution. My community suffers from people burning leaves and vegetation in their gardens. Some days, the air is loaded with soot and smoke from people burning dead leaves from their tropical and fruit trees.

Some families in my community rely on wood to cook their food. Cooking with wood is common for specific food dishes, such as beans or tamales, that are cooked for hours before being enjoyed.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency services, including the police, fire department, and ambulances, are now available by calling 911 anywhere in Mexico.

You should be prepared to speak Spanish. Very few emergency service operators will speak English. You can request an English-speaking operator, but you’re not guaranteed to receive one.

If you are unable to speak Spanish, you can call 078, the Green Angels. They’re an English-speaking service that generally helps tourists with roadside assistance for vehicles. In recent years, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism has expanded their funding and services to assist foreigners in all emergencies.

If you only speak English, dial 078.

Some rural areas may have their own contact numbers, depending on population size. Rural areas do not usually have a fire department. Many times, fires are handled by groups of volunteers or the military.

Extra Tips: Learn Spanish

Speaking Spanish is a must while living in Mexico. I know some people in places with a high concentration of American expats will shy away from speaking the language.

Ultimately, I learned that speaking Spanish made living in Mexico safer for me. I’m able to communicate with police officers, store clerks, doctors, street vendors, and everyday people.

Time to brush up on your Spanish because safety is never guaranteed, but if you use good judgment and common sense, you’ll enjoy a safer life.

Now, on to You

I hope this information was helpful and you understand more about being safe in Mexico, whether you’re visiting or relocating to the country.

The country has many of the same problems as other well-developed countries. There are plenty of places for Americans to live safely in Mexico.

There are many programs that American expats can help foster to make Mexico a safer and cleaner country.