Hi Kojo, I’m from the United States and I’ve been thinking a lot about planning a trip to Mexico. I’ve never been there before, but I’ve seen so many beautiful photos and videos of the beaches, the food, and the culture. I really want to explore places like Mexico City, Oaxaca, or even Tulum. But at the same time, I keep hearing mixed things that make me nervous. Some people I know say it’s perfectly safe as long as you stay in the touristy areas, but others are constantly bringing up the nasty stuff about cartel violence, kidnappings, scams, and Americans getting caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Honestly, all of this has left me feeling unsure. I don’t want to cancel the idea completely, but I also don’t want to take a risk if it’s truly unsafe. Since you travel so much and give honest takes on different countries, I figured I’d ask you directly. From your experience and what you know, is it really safe for someone like me, coming from the U.S., to travel to Mexico right now? I’d love your honest opinion before I start booking anything.
Let me start with the short answer to the question. It is a big Yes. Yes, it is safe to travel to Mexico but you just need to be smart about it.
Having said that, let’s us now take a look at the longer answer.
The truth is Mexico has a reputation, and not all of it is good. When people think of Mexico, some imagine the likes of the following around every corner:
- cartel violence
- kidnappings
- corruption
But that’s far from the truth because it is not the full story. I’ve personally talked to travelers and digital nomads who’ve spent months (some even years) living in places like Mexico City and Playa del Carmen without experiencing any single issue.
But at the same time, there are areas you definitely want to stay away from. That’s just how it is with Mexico and most other countries around the world. The same way you wouldn’t wander into certain neighborhoods alone at night in New York or Johannesburg, you also need to be mindful of where you go in Mexico. For example, I also strongly believe that you have a higher risk of getting your car stolen in most cities in the U.S. than you do in Mexico.
In my opinion, the safest way to approach Mexico is to respect it like you would any city or country you have never been to. First of all, invest significant amount of your time doing a little homework before you travel. Learn which areas are safe and which ones have active travel warnings. Also, make sure to stick to well-reviewed accommodations. And of course, it is never advisable to flash your valuables because you would just be inviting unnecessary trouble for yourself. Another very important advice I can give you is to always try to blend in and not stand out.
Tourists Who Often Fall Victim to Violence or Crime in Mexico
Here’s a list of the kinds of tourists who most often fall victim to violence or crime in Mexico:
1. Tourists Looking for Drugs or Party Scenes
Some tourists come to Mexico to party hard and end up making risky choices such as buying drugs, getting drunk in unfamiliar neighborhoods, or mixing with the wrong crowd. Many of the most serious incidents involve people who go looking for illegal substances or underground parties.
2. Tourists Who Stray Into High-Risk Areas
Tourists who wander off the beaten path without knowing where they are can be dangerous in any country. And of course Mexico is no different. Some tourists unknowingly walk or drive into cartel-controlled or high-crime neighborhoods, especially when looking for “hidden gems” without trusted local guidance.
3. Tourists Who Flash Wealth
If you recklessly flash your wealth, you automatically attract trouble to yourself. So avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Don’t even do something as simple as pulling out big amounts of cash in public since this can make you a target of the likes of pickpockets, scammers or even armed robbers.
4. Tourists Who Use Unofficial Taxis or Rides
Getting into a random car on the street or using unofficial taxis isn’t a very wise thing to do in any country you are visiting. There have been so many cases of express kidnappings or robberies where the driver was in on it. Always use trusted apps like Uber or ask your hotel for trusted transport options.
5. Tourists Who Travel at Night Alone
Late-night walking (especially alone) isn’t wise either. It makes you more vulnerable to theft or assault. Most criminals target solo travelers who look lost or intoxicated.
6. Tourists Who Leave Drinks Unattended
Just like in any major party destination, drink spiking is a very common thing. Tourists who accept open drinks from strangers or leave their drinks unattended in clubs or bars increase their likelihood of being victims of robbery or assault.
7. Tourists Who Don’t Respect Local Customs
Believe it or not, but some travelers get into trouble not because of crime, but because they disrespect the culture. Any tourist who does any of the following anywhere increases their likelihood of bringing problems their way:
- being rude or disrespecting locals
- taking unauthorized photos
- acting entitled
Doing any of the above can easily lead to fights or confrontations that normally don’t end well for the tourist.
Mexico is really a great place to visit
Mexico is one of the coolest countries to visit. They have fantastic food over there and their culture is also beautiful. Mexicans also tend to warm and friendly people. Then you have the amazing beaches and mountains. If you go in with your eyes open and a bit of street sense, trust me you’ll likely have an incredible time.
