Most travelers consider Cancun to be safe most of the time. The region maintains its reputation as a low-crime, safe city even beyond the hotel zone. However, no matter where you are, it’s a good idea to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
LATEST NEWS from CANCUN
February 2025: U.S. Embassy Warns Spring Breakers Traveling to Mexico (Cancun)
Message for U.S. Citizens points out 9 main problems to be aware of while visiting Spring Break hotspots, including Cancun.
While most U.S. citizens visit Mexico safely during spring break, travelers should be aware of the following risks:
- Crime: Violent crime can occur in tourist areas, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark. Check the Mexico Travel Advisory for state-specific risks.
- Drugs: Possession and use of drugs, including medical marijuana, are illegal and can lead to imprisonment. Fake prescription pills and synthetic drugs have caused severe illness and death.
- Unregulated Alcohol: Some alcohol may be contaminated, leading to loss of consciousness or injury.
- Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals: Fake medication is common. Purchase only from reputable pharmacies.
- Sexual Assault: Tourists have been victims of sexual violence, often involving intoxication or drugging. Stay alert in social settings.
- Drowning Hazards: Strong currents and rip tides are common, and many beaches lack lifeguards or safety warnings.
- Medical Emergencies: Healthcare can be costly, and private hospitals may require upfront payment.
- Firearms and Ammunition: All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal and can result in long prison sentences.
- Arrests: Public intoxication, urination in public, and open alcohol containers in vehicles are illegal and can lead to arrest.
- Immigration Violations: Overstaying or violating visa terms can result in fines or detention.
2024: Cancun taxi driver arrested for overcharging tourist $1000 USD
The latest viral incident happened to a Canadian tourist who was charged 1000 U.S. dollars for a short ride between airport terminals. Xavier Cormier recorded the whole accident and exposed the whole scam. He was able to get help from the police and the taxi driver was later arrested by the National Guard.
Official Travel Advisories
U.S. Travel Advisory
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun and well-known resort areas like Tulum and Playa del Carmen. It implies that the area is safe, but people should exercise caution when visiting.
Canada Travel Advisory
“High rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjackings, and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Tulum), and Acapulco,” is the current warning issued by Canada. It claims that there are drug cartels in the tourist destination. Intergang fighting has occurred at tourist-frequented locations, resulting in the deaths or injuries of innocent bystanders.
Areas to avoid
Certain neighborhoods, like Bonfil, Tres Reyes, Santa Cecilia, and Valle Verde, should be avoided due to their higher-than-average crime rates. These locations have been noted as hubs for criminal activity, with increased rates of robberies and killings.
Common Scams
Tour Scams: it’s extremely important to use a trustworthy company when making online reservations for tours because it happens frequently for travelers to believe they have a fantastic tour, only to discover the company is nonexistent.
If you’re not sure, you can always make a reservation via a reliable travel agency website, such as Viator.
Taxi Scams: cab drivers will occasionally quote you in pesos but later claim to have quoted you in dollars. In other cases, when you arrive at your destination, they will merely inform you of a different price than what they quoted.
The best way to prevent this is to settle on a price—including the currency you’re being quoted in—before you get into the car.
Airport Transportation Scam: you will pass through “the shark tank” as you exit the airport. In order to get you into their cars, lots of people will flat-out lie about being your mode of transportation.
Your actual transportation will only be waiting outside, so respectfully decline to engage with them.
The Bill Swap Scam: a typical con is for a seller, taxi driver, or other person who takes payments to claim that you gave them a smaller bill than you actually did.
Because the 50 peso and 500 peso bills look so similar, this is especially common with them. Tell them what you’re giving them as you’re doing it, and it will be harder for them to pull off this scam.
Safety Tips for Cancun
- Plan an itinerary: Conduct some research about the areas you’ll be visiting, especially for solo female travelers.
- Choose authorized tour agencies: Opting for accredited tour agencies can provide a sense of security with adequate supervision.
- Conduct thorough research on accommodations: Check reviews, especially when considering budget accommodations.
- Drink alcohol in moderation: Remaining sober reduces vulnerability to exploitation. Politely decline drinks from unfamiliar individuals.
- Stick to tourist areas: It’s recommended to stay in bustling locations, such as populated all-inclusive resorts like Cancun’s Riviera Maya. Solo travelers should be particularly mindful of their surroundings.
- Obtain travel insurance: It’s advisable to have insurance coverage when traveling in Mexico.