Travel Safety in Mexico: A Guide for Tourists and Students

Mexico is a popular destination not only for tourists but also for remote workers and a sizeable group of foreign exchange students.

However, travel to Mexico does present some challenges for each of these groups. Tourists often struggle to create the perfect itinerary, while remote workers face challenges in finding good quality long-term rentals or integrating into Mexican society.

Students, with their often stressful lives, face their own challenges: They must complete assignments on time, find a way to pay rent, and manage daily issues. Anyone can reach a point of exhaustion, and when it happens, travel can offer a refreshing escape. Some students inevitably decide to rebel against their predictable, stressful routines and find ways to make academic life easier so they can focus on life’s more pleasant aspects. They might even find reliable academic experts and instruct them, “please write my paper for me, as I’ll be busy travelling” while they set off to explore new destinations, confident that their homework is in safe hands.

Regardless of whether you are a student, remote worker, or just a regular tourist, there is much to look forward to in Mexico, as the country is a beautiful place with plenty to see and do. However, there are some safety issues to be aware of when travelling to Mexico, particularly for young travellers, students, and first-time visitors.

Why choose Mexico as a travel destination

Why choose Mexico? Each group of tourists has its own reason for choosing Mexico over other destinations. Students, for example, are drawn to Mexico because it is relatively affordable and offers great party destinations, such as the beaches of Cancún and Puerto Vallarta. Retirees enjoy the warm climate, remote workers are drawn to the large international communities and vibrant cultural scene in cities like Mexico City, while history buffs choose Mexico for its impressive Aztec and Maya archaeological sites.

However, there are a few reasons that appeal to all these groups — whether they are frugal college students, highly skilled remote workers, or wealthy pensioners — when it comes to travelling to Mexico:

– Closeness to the US. Mexico shares an extensive border with the US, which many American students find advantageous. With limited budgets, they appreciate the opportunity to travel without the need to buy expensive flights. This is also a reason why so many American retirees prefer Mexico, as they are only a short flight away from their children and grandchildren. However, for European travellers the location can be a disadvantage as you require an expensive long-haul flight to get there!

– Great sights and destinations. Mexico is a fascinating country with beautiful beaches, interesting landscapes, and ancient ruins. Whether you like a quiet rest or exciting adventures, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. 

– A wide range of hotels. Mexico offers a wide range of hotels at various price points. You can indulge in expensive, all-inclusive luxury resorts, stay at your preferred chain hotel using points, or opt for budget-friendly hostels ideal for students.

– Low prices for services. Food, excursions, accommodation, local transport and cabs tend to be relatively cheap in Mexico.

Downsides of travel to Mexico

Of course, every tourist destination in the world also has some downsides next to all the travel highlights. These are the points people often mention as slight negatives of traveling to Mexico:

– High crime rates. Everyone is aware of the danger posed by Mexico’s cartels. While most criminal activity is concentrated in specific areas and tourists are rarely affected, it can pose a risk for those who travel off the beaten path.

– Dodgy neighbourhoods. Unless you have a good understanding of Mexican cities, there is a safety risk that you might unintentionally enter potentially unsafe districts where theft and assaults are more common.

– Language barrier. If English is the only language you know, you may face difficulties finding your way or resolving issues, as some locals only speak Spanish.

– Tourist Scams. In heavily touristed areas, there is a slight risk of some taxi drivers, shopkeepers, restaurant owners, or touts cheating their clients by charging higher prices or selling low-quality products.

Still, despite these drawbacks, tourists, retirees, remote workers and students keep choosing Mexico as their holiday destination. For this reason, it’s important to know how to stay safe.

Always do research before travelling

Of course, the best way to ensure your safety while you travel across Mexico is to do proper research. Start by reading reviews of hotels and transportation services, and apply the same approach to any local services you use, such as restaurants or excursion outfits.

Secondly, make sure you research specific details about Mexican cities and destinations, including potential local dangers, safe and unsafe areas, and other possible security concerns. It’s also a good idea to do a quick search — for example using Google News — to stay up to date on the latest news stories in the places you plan to visit.

Remember basic safety measures when you travel through Mexico

Make sure you keep your personal belongings secure, whether tucked deep inside your trousers pockets, in the inner pockets of a shirt or jacket, or in a secure bag firmly strapped across your shoulder or back so it cannot be easily snatched.

If you carry cash or credit cards, keep them on your body instead of hiding them in a backpack. This will make it more difficult for someone with malicious intent to rob you. Avoid wearing flashy jewellery or expensive watches when walking the streets. Although these are merely preventive measures and Mexico is generally safe, there is no need to attract extra attention to yourself in foreign places.

Always let someone know where you are and where you plan to go next. Your family or friends should be aware of your plans so that, if you suddenly lose contact, they’ll know where to look for you. Be sure to research the safety situation in a particular region before you travel there, which includes regions you may transit through on your way to your destination.

Make sure you use safe transportation

Many inexperienced tourists, especially first-time visitors and young students, are tempted to use the first taxi they see or accept a ride from the first cab driver who approaches them. This can be risky. Always make sure to use registered taxis or rideshare services. If someone offers you a free ride, it’s best to decline unless you know them, no matter how friendly or helpful they appear.

Travelling across Mexico by intercity train or domestic flight is safe, as is long-distance bus travel. However, it’s wise to check if your route passes through regions with security concerns. This is especially important if you’re driving yourself, as you don’t want to inadvertently travel through areas affected by issues like cartel violence or armed robbery.

Learn about the local culture, laws, and language

Every country has its own laws and customs. If you plan to visit Mexico, make sure to understand how it works. Avoid drinking in public and refrain from using or possessing drugs. Don’t take photos of locals unless you’ve asked for their permission first.

If you encounter trouble with the police, ask to see their IDs and insist on going to a nearby police station to resolve the issue. Fake or corrupt police officers are a common scam that many tourists fall for in Mexico.

Stay safe when you visit a beach in Mexico

It might be tempting to relax the day away on Mexico’s endless beaches, but there are some travel safety concerns to be aware of. First, consider your physical safety — only swim when others are in the water, when a beach guard is on duty, or when you’re aware of any potential dangerous tides or rip currents.

Keep a bottle of water with you, especially in summer, as Mexico can get hot and you can quickly get dehydrated.

Never leave your belongings lying around unattended and don’t bring expensive items to the beach. Either find a safe place to store them in your hotel, or ask someone you trust to watch them while you swim or take a nap.

Also, keep in mind that some areas in Mexico, especially those located closer to the coast, can experience severe hurricanes. Make sure you learn the safety rules and watch weather forecasts when you visit during hurricane season.

Travel safely and enjoy your trip to Mexico!

Travelling to Mexico is definitely worth it, as the country offers amazing sights, delicious food, friendly locals, and a fascinating culture. While there are some safety concerns to be aware of, Mexico is generally a safe country to travel to, and many of the broader security issues, such as cartel violence, typically do not affect tourists.

If you decide to explore all that Mexico has to offer, follow the tips in this guide to stay safe. Keep your loved ones informed, research the places you plan to visit, and practise basic safety precautions. Enjoy your experiences and be sure to take enough photos to cherish for a lifetime!