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Is Tulum, Mexico a safe destination for travelers in 2024? Here you will find everything you need to know about safety in the popular seaside resort.
You’ve probably seen photos of Tulum all over Instagram. The chic beach clubs, the trendy cafes, the beautiful white sandy beaches lined with palm trees and the jungle-chic hotels.
Tulum has been a major hotspot for years and its popularity is only expected to increase in 2024 with the opening of a new international airport and the opening of the Mayan Train in February.
However, despite all the flash and glamour, there were also safety concerns in Tulum. Here’s what you need to know about safety, from someone who has actually been to Tulum as a solo traveler.
Travel advice for Tulum
Tulum is part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which currently has a Level 2 Travel Advisory from the United States Department of State.
This means that travelers “need to be more careful” while traveling due to higher crime rates. In Tulum, the increase in crime can mainly be attributed to organized crime and drug-related crime. However, some of it is also petty crime that directly affects tourists.
Don’t be too flashy
One of the easiest things you can do to avoid getting robbed in Tulum is to avoid being super flashy.
Tulum tends to attract some “show-off” travelers thanks to its luxury resorts and expensive restaurants and clubs, but it’s important to remember that you’re not in St. Barts or Monaco.
Tourists have been warned about this avoid wearing expensive items in Tulum, so maybe leave the $2,000 Rolexes and designer handbags at home if that applies to you.
Don’t keep your phone outside
Phones are one of the most common things stolen by opportunistic thieves.
You can make it harder for them by not leaving your phone outside and waiting for it to be snatched away.
Don’t leave your phone on the table while you’re at a restaurant or on your towel at the beach. It’s very simple, but you’d be shocked to see how many people don’t do it.
Always stay alert
Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert while in Tulum. This includes being aware of your belongings (phone, wallet, keys, etc.) and the people around you.
Tulum isn’t a destination where you always have to be super “wary” or tense about your surroundings, but it’s still a smart idea to stay alert and aware to avoid trouble.
Don’t walk around alone at night
Honestly, as a solo female traveler who has traveled alone to almost every country in Latin America, I felt very safe walking around Tulum, even in the dark.
That said, it’s a good idea not to walk around only late at night. This applies to everyone, male and female travelers, and it’s good advice to follow anywhere in the world.
Only use ATMs
Some ATMs in Tulum are located on the street and are not affiliated with a bank. Don’t use these to withdraw money as they are a bigger target for card skimmers and thieves.
Instead, find a bank ATM that you can withdraw money from. Some of these are inside the bank and some are still outside, but they are generally safer and safer to use.
Know some Spanish
This isn’t nearly as important as in other Latin American destinations because Tulum is extremely touristy and Americanized, so most people can speak English, but it’s still a good idea to know some Spanish before traveling to Tulum.
Although not strictly necessary in Tulum, speaking Spanish can help you understand more and have a more comfortable travel experience, and it makes you less of a target.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
