Most travelers consider Cancun to be safe most of the time. The region maintains its reputation as a safe city with low crime, even outside the hotel zone. However, no matter where you are, it’s a good idea to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
LATEST NEWS from CANCUN
February 14: Authorities in Cancun arrest gangbangers after bodies were discovered with machete wounds
Prosecutors said that six members of a drug gang in the popular Mexican tourist destination of Cancun have been taken into custody for allegedly using a machete to kill and maim five people and burying three more in a shallow grave.
Quintana Roo police said six men were involved in the murders. The identities of the victims are unknown.
Police seized the group’s drugs, including crack, cocaine and marijuana, along with two weapons used only by the Mexican armed forces.
Official travel advice
US travel advice
The US Department of State has one Travel advice level 2 for Quintana Roo, which also includes Cancun and well-known holiday resorts such as Tulum and Playa del Carmen. It implies that the area is safe, but people should be careful when visiting.
Canada Travel advice
“High rates of violent crime, such as murders, kidnappings, carjackings and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Riviera Maya (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum) and Acapulco,” is the current warning. issued by Canada. It is alleged that there are drug cartels in the tourist destination. Inter-gang battles have occurred in highly frequented locations, killing or injuring innocent bystanders.
Areas to avoid
Certain neighborhoods, such as Bonfil, Tres Reyes, Santa Cecilia and Valle Verde, should be avoided due to higher than average crime rates. These locations are known as hubs for criminal activity, with an increased number of robberies and murders.
Common scams
Tour fraud: It is extremely important to use a reliable company when booking tours online, as it is common for travelers to think they have a fantastic tour, only to find out that the company does not exist.
If you’re not sure, you can always make a reservation through a reliable travel agency website, such as Viator.
Taxi scams: Taxi drivers occasionally quote you in pesos, but later claim they quoted you in dollars. In other cases, when you arrive at your destination, they will just inform you of a different price than what they quoted.
The best way to avoid this is to agree on a price, including the currency you will be quoted in, before you get in the car.
Airport transportation fraud: you pass “the shark tank” as you leave the airport. To get you into their car, many people will outright lie about the fact that it is your mode of transportation.
Your actual transportation will only be waiting outside, so respectfully decline to interact with them.
The Bill Swap Scam: A typical scam is when a salesperson, taxi driver or other person who takes payments claims that you gave him a smaller bill than you actually did.
Because the 50 peso and 500 peso notes look so similar, this is especially common with them. Tell them what you’re giving them while you’re doing it, and it will be harder for them to pull off this scam.
Safety Tips for Cancun
- Plan a route: Do some research on the areas you will be visiting, especially for solo female travelers.
- Choose authorized travel agencies: Choosing recognized travel agencies can provide a sense of security with adequate supervision.
- Conduct thorough research into accommodations: Check reviews, especially if you are considering budget accommodations.
- Drink alcohol in moderation: Staying sober reduces vulnerability to exploitation. Politely refuse drinks from unknown people.
- Stick to tourist areas: It is recommended to stay in vibrant locations such as densely populated all-inclusive resorts like Cancun’s Riviera Maya. Solo travelers should especially take their surroundings into account.
- Take out travel insurance: It is advisable to take out insurance when traveling through Mexico.
