2. The reality of drug cartels vs. local police
3. Current Mexico travel advisory
4. The safest and most dangerous regions in Mexico
5. Food and water safety: How to avoid Moctezuma’s revenge
6. Common tourist scams & practical Mexico safety tips
7. Is it safe to drive in Mexico? Car rental & road safety rules
8. Mexico travel insurance and recommended vaccines
9. Where to stay in Mexico: Safe hotels and accommodation
10. Weather in Mexico: Climate, hurricane season, and earthquakes
Are you planning your vacation and that pesky question, “is Mexico safe for travel?”, at the back of your mind is kind of ruining your dream of visiting this country? The short answer is yes, Mexico is totally safe for tourists doing tourist things (aka not looking for trouble).
Before I traveled to Mexico, I questioned this in the same way. But guess what? After spending a few weeks in Mexico, I know better than to be a worry wart. I can confidently say that worrying won't get you anywhere. The key is to arm yourself with practical Mexico safety tips that will not only make your trip more enjoyable, but also ensure you stay safe in Mexico. Trust me, it's totally possible to have the time of your life in Mexico without constantly looking over your shoulder!
Read more from my Mexico travel blog.
Don't have time to read the whole guide? Here is the honest truth about safety in Mexico right now:
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Yes, Mexico is safe for most tourists if you stick to the usual tourist areas and follow common-sense safety precautions. Personally, I had no issues regarding my safety on our travels in Mexico. I felt safe the whole time. Even though the crime is objectively higher in Mexico than in other countries, but I didn't perceive it as much as I expected as a tourist. In many of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, you’ll also notice a visible police and National Guard presence. So, don’t bury the idea of vacation in Mexico just yet. There are a few safety risks, but if you keep them in mind, you can travel to Mexico without worrying.
You see? This is me, travelling in Mexico, without worries.
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room—the drug cartels. Yes, Mexico is notorious for the escalating violence among drug cartels, but let me assure you, as a tourist, you won't be caught in the crossfire of any gang wars if you stick to the usual tourist destinations. And, please, don't be a Narcos expert just because you binged it on Netflix. Trust me, TV series are not always accurate.
The safety situation varies a lot depending on where you are. While some states experience higher crime rates, the places most tourists visit are well prepared for visitors, with police and National Guard patrols. The key is to know which areas to avoid and to follow safety tips.
If you're asking yourself, "Is Mexico safe?", the good news is that cartels are very unlikely to affect your trip as a regular tourist. Tourism is a huge part of Mexico's economy, and targeting foreign visitors would bring massive attention from both the Mexican government and international law enforcement—something criminal groups generally try to avoid. Ironically, during my trip, safety in Mexico wasn't about the cartels at all. I was much more worried about the local police.
The police in Mexico are terribly underpaid, and they would use any opportunity to pull you over and negotiate a nice, juicy bribe. That's illegal in Mexico, of course, for both of you, so they will try to be discreet about it.
I felt very uncomfortable when this happened to me, but arguing with them could lead to worse consequences. You do you, but handing over some pesos and being on your way is one of the options. The police have the right to confiscate your car or take you into custody, and that would probably be way more uncomfortable, as you can imagine.
When we were stopped by the police, we actually did commit a “minor” offense while driving. The policeman didn’t hesitate to ask us for a bribe. Normally, they want something around 100 or 200 pesos. But our officer aimed higher and wanted at least 500 pesos, likeable fella! Do I have “rich biatch” written on my forehead or something? Although I definitely don't want to promote any illegal activity or encourage bribery, in the moment, it did seem easier and quicker to just hand over the cash than to argue with him.
Although I definitely don't want to promote any illegal activity or encourage bribery, in that moment it did seem easier and quicker to just hand over the cash than to argue with him. Experiences like this are part of the reality of Mexico safety, but they shouldn't stop you from visiting. Knowing what to expect is one of the best ways to stay safe and enjoy your trip.
If you check the official travel advisories for 2026, you'll quickly notice one thing: Mexico isn't one big danger zone. Every state has its own safety rating. For example, Yucatán and Campeche are currently at Level 1 ("exercise normal precautions"), which is about as safe as official travel advice gets.
Meanwhile, places that millions of tourists visit every year—like Cancún, the Riviera Maya, and Mexico City—are at Level 2 ("exercise increased caution"). That might sound alarming until you realize countries like France, Italy, and the UK often sit at the same level.
So don't write off Mexico just because you saw one scary headline. The trick is to know where you're going, avoid the states with higher advisories, and use the same common sense you would anywhere else.
It really depends on where you are in Mexico. Some locations are more dangerous than others. But if you avoid shady places, book a verified accommodation and won't get involved in any illegal activity yourself—like purchasing drugs—you should be okay. Some areas in Mexico are even safer than the United States as the crime rates show.
However, the mainstream media portray Mexico as a place where you will be kidnapped the minute you step on Mexican soil. I don’t want to look like an old man yelling at clouds, but don’t trust everything you hear on TV or read on Facebook (unless you read it on Next Level of Travel, obviously). The fact that your dearest auntie shared an iffy post doesn’t necessarily mean it's true, okay?
Criminality has slightly declined over the past few years, according to the latest studies. The homicide rate fell to approximately 17.5 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025, down from a peak of around 29.6 per 100,000 in 2018. But we have to keep in mind that this comes after a rapidly increasing crime rate in the years leading up to 2018. Crimes tourists come across are mainly petty crimes such as pickpocketing, scams, or other forms of theft.
Wander a Pueblo Mágico like this and you quickly see most of Mexico looks nothing like the danger map
As in all the other countries in the world, some places are more dangerous than others. It is recommended to avoid certain areas while traveling, but they are mostly not tourist destinations. Before you travel, do your own research based on the locations in your Mexico Itinerary. If you’re headed for a dream vacation in Tijuana or Sinaloa state, you may want to reconsider.
The crime rate in Mexico City is relatively high, but don't let that scare you off. Stay mostly in tourist areas, don’t walk alone at night, don’t do anything illegal, you know the drill. I felt more in danger in Veracruz than Mexico City.
Generally speaking, the northern border region is the most dangerous area in Mexico.
500 Escalones in Veracruz, Mexico
Nevertheless, I recommend not to be afraid of Veracruz state either, because it is a place worth seeing—on this picture I was hiking the trail of 500 Escalones
On the other hand, Yucatán Yucatán is generally considered the safest state in Mexico. I also felt very safe in Chiapas, although the overall safety situation there is more mixed than in Yucatán.
Concerning food and eating in Mexico, I have tips from my own experience, unfortunately! You've probably heard that when travelling to tropical countries, it’s not recommended to drink tap water. That’s if you want to spend your vacation at the beach and not the toilet. I wouldn’t even brush my teeth with it, always use bottled water.
Beans, fresh cheese, pickled onion and toasted bugs
The unpleasant experience I had took place on New Year's Eve—I went out with a bang, that’s for sure! I decided to live it up with some local cuisine at a restaurant that—in hindsight—looked a little suspicious. What was I thinking?! Never eat at weird-looking places, ever. As it gets really hot in Mexico, they can have issues with the proper storage of meat and eggs. That was the snag.
I got food poisoning from a spoiled egg and threw up the whole flight the next day. And as it was the first of January, I couldn’t even count the side eyes I got because I looked violently hungover. I wish! That would probably be way more pleasant than the torture I went through.
Mexicans are a pretty imaginative type of guys and gals, and they have formed some of their scams to absolute perfection. Sometimes you have no idea that you are being ripped off until it's too late.
Here are some common scams you probably would face on your holiday in Mexico. Knowing about them is one of the easiest ways to stay safe in Mexico. I warn about similar scams in my safety tips for South Africa.
When you are withdrawing money in Mexico, stay super cautious. You can stumble upon fake ATMs. This special kind of ATM is designed to steal your card info or even swallow it, and you sure don’t want this to ruin your vacation. Therefore, use only ATMs of trusted official banks, preferably machines located inside bank branches, and not the first shady-looking one you meet.
On the other hand, being scammed in a restaurant is way more common for tourists in Mexico. It's not an elaborate scheme; the waiter just overcharges you for an item on your bill or gives you incorrect change. If you keep an eye on the prices and what you are actually charged, you should be alright. This type of thing happens even in Europe, so I wouldn’t consider it a Mexican specialty.
The safari might just be the only place where you shouldn’t panic at the bird poop trick
This one is much funnier. But it's only a variation on mustard or other goo scam. Someone will very sneakily hit you with something reminding of bird poop or any other suspicious substance. A kind and generous passerby will immediately start to help you clean up the mess. What a nice guy (or gal, women can commit crimes too, I'm a feminist)! But at that moment, you are being robbed by him or his (or her) handy colleague of your pocket content or other belongings. So, if it feels like there’s no birds in sight, just trust your gut.
If you're wondering "Is Mexico safe?", this is one thing to keep in mind, especially in popular nightlife destinations. Never leave your drink unattended or accept an open drink from someone you don't know. It's not a scam unique to Mexico, but it does happen, and a little caution can save you a lot of trouble.
Another thing worth mentioning is counterfeit medication. If you need prescription medicine, avoid buying it from generic street-side pharmacies in tourist areas! Fake pills have become increasingly common in Mexico, and some even have dangerous substances.
Just get your medication from reputable pharmacies, preferably one of the larger pharmacy chains if you want to be super sure it’s legit.
You don't have to be scared of driving in Mexico at all, it's basically child's play. Well, almost.
You generally need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Mexico, although many rental companies charge an extra fee if you’re under 25. Another thing you need to know about driving in Mexico is, for example, that it's safer to drive in daylight. Try to avoid driving at night, sometimes the other vehicles don’t even bother to use headlights! Your night drive to your hotel can turn out to be an episode of Survivor!
Another rule for safety in Mexico is to stick to toll roads (cuotas) whenever possible. They are usually in better condition, faster, and safer than the free roads. If you're wondering "Is Mexico safe?", following these two simple rules—driving during the day and using toll roads—will already eliminate many unnecessary risks.
One more thing to watch out for are topes (speed bumps). They're absolutely everywhere, sometimes poorly marked, and they have no mercy if you drive over them too fast.
But in general, Mexicans drive responsibly. When I compare it with driving in Italy, where Italians turn into absolute monsters once they step in a car, I felt super safe on Mexican highways. The roads are also in very good condition.
If you’re planning a trip to another amazing destination, you can read my article about driving in Namibia.
When driving in Mexico, you might get into zona de niebla (the zone of mist).
When you rent a car in Mexico, I recommend doing so with a verified rental company—I like to check reviews on DiscoverCars.com. Shady rentals will try to cheat sometimes when you book a car in advance. You can get a worse model than you paid for or have to listen to the lie that they ran out of the car class you booked (such a yawn scam!).
Before signing anything, read the insurance terms carefully and make sure you understand exactly what's included in the price.
Tip: You may feel like it’s better to go for the international car rental chains to be on the safe side, but they’re just franchises without the trustworthiness of the parent company. Go local with good reviews.
What about other means of transport? Public transport is safe in general, just keep an eye on your belongings and at night use a taxi rather than a bus.
Taxi scams are actually not that prevalent, but when they do happen, it's far from pleasant. Generally, the taxi driver tries to charge you way more than he should because he noticed you're not local. Make sure you roughly know what you should be paying for the ride and agree on the cost with the driver before he starts driving.
Something more soap opera-ish is called "express kidnapping". A fake taxi driver holds you hostage in the vehicle and will set you free only once you hand over what he is asking for—usually money or jewelry. This can also sometimes happen near ATMs, so again, only use those that aren’t down a dark alley and if there’s a dude lurking around, maybe go elsewhere. This doesn’t happen very often though.
One more thing worth mentioning: in some cities there is friction between taxi unions and ride-sharing apps. If you want to keep Mexico safe and simple for yourself, use Uber, DiDi, or Cabify where they're available, or ask your hotel to call an official radio taxi.
At some airports, ride-sharing apps have designated pickup areas or restrictions, so don't be surprised if you have to walk a few minutes to meet your driver. I'd avoid flagging down random taxis on the street if I didn't have to.
The first and most important thing you should do before you go to Mexico, is to take out good travel insurance. It's not mandatory to have while you travel there, but better safe than sorry! The cost of insurance depends on the details and specific conditions of your vacation in Mexico.
On the other hand, if something happens to you, you could pay way more than the cost of insurance. One of the easiest ways to improve your safety in Mexico is to make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical treatment, accidents, and emergency evacuation if needed.
Get your insurance and vaccination and travel carefree—this is yours truly at El Chiflón Waterfalls
When traveling to Mexico, there are no mandatory vaccinations for most travelers, but several are recommended. As soon as you decide to travel to Mexico, check out what vaccinations are currently recommended to get before traveling to that area specifically. Hepatitis A is recommended for most travelers because it is present throughout Mexico. Other vaccines depend on the area you’re traveling to, your doctor will help you with that.
Because our travel plan included more tropical areas such as Chiapas, we got the typhoid fever shot as well. If you're wondering, "Is Mexico safe?" getting the recommended vaccinations and good travel insurance is one of the simplest ways to prepare for your trip.
Choosing hotels carefully is my speciality
Another tip for safe travel in Mexico is regarding accommodation. If you want to feel safe, book rooms only in verified places on booking.com or look for international hotel brands like Hilton or Marriott. The hotels we stayed in felt safe, clean, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I can recommend Downtown in Mexico City, Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Tuxtla Gutierrez or Hotel Bardo in Tulum.
The best place to stay in Mexico City is Downtown
There are multiple types of climates in Mexico, depending on the area. It's one of the 17 countries classified as the most biodiverse, literally called a “megadiverse country”. The different types of climates in Mexico are temperate, tropical (rainforest, monsoon, savannah), and arid (desert, steppe). What does that mean for you? That you will need to pack both a swimsuit and a winter jacket—it snows in about a third of the states in Mexico!
I remember this day like it was yesterday—it was the day my face was as red as a tomato. Friendly reminder—sunscreen!
What’s the temperature in Mexico then? That’s not an easy question to answer, as both longitude and altitude play an important role. Generally, the further south you travel, the warmer it is, and with higher altitudes, it gets colder. But if you don’t want to get sunburned, wear sunscreen even if it’s cold or cloudy. Because of the high altitude, you can get sunburned anyway. This is one of those small Mexico travel safety tips people forget until their face looks like a tomato.
The hurricane season affects both coasts of Mexico. It usually lasts from May to November on the Pacific coast and June to November on the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf coast, and is linked to hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions. Most storms develop between July and October, so keep that in mind if you’re planning a beach holiday during rainy season.
You can also experience earthquakes in Mexico. Small earthquakes are pretty common there. You don’t need to worry, usually you won’t even notice them.
But if the earthquake is bigger, make sure there are no dangers to you. Mexico is still an active earthquake zone, and travelers may want to download an earthquake alert app, especially if visiting Mexico City or other seismic areas. If you’re inside, don’t stay anywhere where items could fall on you. That armchair next to a bookshelf is not a good hiding spot. Take cover under a desk or table. If you’re outside, stay away from trees and power lines.
If something happens to you, call 911. It's Mexico's national emergency number and it is free. You'll get the fastest response there and the operator will help you or guide you where you can get help with your particular issue. It's one of those numbers you hope you'll never need, but it's worth knowing.
You should also jot down the phone number and address of the closest embassy or consulate of your country. If you lose your passport or run into serious trouble, they'll be able to help you.
If something happens on the road, you can also contact Ángeles Verdes (Green Angels). It's a roadside assistance service that helps travelers with breakdowns and other problems on many of Mexico's highways. You can reach them through 911 or, in some areas, 078. If you're driving around the country, it's a good number to save in your phone before you leave.
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2. The reality of drug cartels vs. local police
3. Current Mexico travel advisory
4. The safest and most dangerous regions in Mexico
5. Food and water safety: How to avoid Moctezuma’s revenge
6. Common tourist scams & practical Mexico safety tips
7. Is it safe to drive in Mexico? Car rental & road safety rules
8. Mexico travel insurance and recommended vaccines
9. Where to stay in Mexico: Safe hotels and accommodation
10. Weather in Mexico: Climate, hurricane season, and earthquakes
Hi, I’m Jan. I travel fast and intensely, whether I’m exploring the buzz of Tokyo in 3 days or road-tripping through mountains and beaches on a 3-week Thailand adventure. And no matter where I am, you’ll always find me in a comfortable hotel at night and eating the best food.
If that sounds like your kind of journey, hop on board, and let’s explore the world together!
I started this blog after realizing how tough it can be to find reliable, authentic travel info. You wouldn’t believe how many “travel bloggers” never even visit the places they write about! On Next Level of Travel, you can count on my full honesty and insights drawn from my firsthand experiences.
Here’s the deal: not every destination is all superlatives and unicorns. I’ll let you know if a tourist attraction isn’t worth your time, like skipping overrated stops in my 2-week Spain itinerary. And when I find something truly special—like the perfect mix of culture and nature in Cape Town—you can trust that it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
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