We’ve noticed there seems to be a lot of questions regarding general safety tips for tourists in Mexico.

And while we often discuss the specifics of a certain city, we realized haven’t addressed general tips for travel. So to help our readers travel with a little peace of mind, we decided to put together this guide!

Before we jump into it though, we want to mention something…

Mexico, like every place in the world, is as safe as you make it. Sure there are areas that are a bit dangerous, but the same can be said about anywhere. So remember, some common sense goes a long way in keeping you safe and having fun!

That said, let’s get started!

Safety tips for tourists in Mexico…

• Avoid areas that have high rates of crime…

  This should go without saying but it’s honestly the best tip. If you avoid areas that actively struggle with crime, and honestly there are a couple, you’ll avoid any problems.

  Luckily for tourists, a majority of the areas surrounding resorts are generally safe and comparable to cities back home. So, as long as you pick a well-known city, you’ll be fine.

  That said, if you want to do a little research into an area you’re planning on visiting, check out this guide from the State Dept.

• Excercise a bit of common sense…

  This is another one that should go without saying but we’re going to say it anyways!

  If you exercise a bit of common sense when on vacation, the worst thing you’ll encounter is a sunburn. So what does a little Mexican vacation common sense look like?

  Well, avoid situations that may prove less than safe. This means not staying out to the break of dawn drinking in a dive bar outside the resort. Avoid walking down alleys at night. You get the picture, right? Basically, if you wouldn’t do it back in your own city, you probably shouldn’t do it in Mexico.

• Keep a copy of your passport on you…
  

  This one will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. It’s never really a good idea to travel outside of the resort with your passport on your person. You’re focused on having a great time and sometimes because of that, things get left behind. You might leave it on a tour bus, at the beach, or maybe a bar. It happens sometimes.

  So instead of losing the only way of identifying yourself, opt to carry a copy of it instead. This way you can leave your passport safely back at the resort.

• Check twice before drinking that water…

  This one is just a bit of a precaution. For the most part, the water you’ll encounter is safe to drink as long as it’s from the resort and well-established restaurants.
  Though if you venture off the beaten path, you might want to spend a little extra on a bottle of water, just to be safe.

  Of course, if you still have questions, this guide for drinking water in Mexico might come in handy.

• Defensive driving is safe driving…

  It might sound like something a driving instructor would tell a first-time driver but it applies to the situation. Driving in Mexico is for the most part just like driving in the states. Everyone is generally trying to avoid an accident and just make it somewhere safe.

  Though there a few things that are a bit different than driving back at home, so erring on the side of caution pays off.

   

Well, that’s pretty much everything to keep in mind as far as general safety tips for tourists in Mexico.

Other than that, remember to enjoy your time south of the border and take a few pictures to make your friends back home jealous!