Is Mexico Safe for Travel?

In today’s world, media portrayal quickly become the assummed state of any broad category, whether it be politics, groups, individuals, or in this case, countries. We love the country of Mexico, have visited often for stays measured in weeks versus days, and recently purchased a vacation & retirement home there. But regardless of how effusive we are of our experiences, experiences that we share across our own social media and in conversations with friends and family, we’re disappointed by the fact that the question we continually receive or find ourselves in groups discussing is this: “Is it safe to visit Mexico?”

Our unequivicable answer to this question is a resounding “Yes”. But, as with most every other country, particularly in the Americas, the answer should be qualified by a chart similar to the one below:

Joking aside, it demonstrates that the concept of “FAFO” does not discriminate based on country – if you find yourself in/around or a participant in activities that would introduce unnecessary risks to you in your home country, it’s highly likely to do the same in Mexico. But let’s share more specifics about our own experience, and why we feel we are as safe here as we are in most every other country we’ve visited or called home.

The People

Every country is made up on people, and where the predominiate risks can be associated (putting wild animals and poisonous plants aside). We have found Mexicans to be very hospitable and open to receiving vistors or “gringos” with open arms. Why? The most obvious reason, particularly if you are in the tourist zones, is their interest in you as a tourist – they want to earn your purchase of their goods or services. Outside of the tourist zone, the most dominant perception we have is their love of Mexico and desire to show you their best side to you. As we’ve spent more time here, it’s been genuine to us, how much Mexicans want foreigners to engage with them on a personal level and not be intimidated or biased by what they see/hear/read in the media.

As an anecdote, I am often impressed by how polite Mexican men are to Stephanie. If the sidewalk is narrow, they will step into the street to allow her passage. If there is something she is inquiring about, locals will make a point of making sure they understand and can offer assistance, either directly or by shepherding her to someone who can. Me? Just as much, but without what I perceive is a level of nicety reserved for her cuteness.

The Environment

In thinking about this post, I tried to think of any situation or circumstance we’ve been in that felt unsafe to us, and I’m at a loss to think of one. As the FAFO chart demonstrates below, we’re mindful of where we are at all times, particularly at night. That said, we’ve walked blocks if not miles between destinations as late as 11pm without any concerns. We stay on main thoroughfares, are mindful to stay in areas where there are others in reasonable vicinity, and don’t broadcast ourselves as tourists or unfamiliar with our surroundings.

The armed presence is something that does warrant a mention. For those who have traveled in Europe, this is probably something you are not unaccustomed to seeing, but the presence along the beaches in cities like Cancun is probably a surprise. There have been occurrences of criminal activity and violence in the tourist zones, to which the presence of the national army has been the response. We welcome this: it isn’t obstructive but rather reassurring to see the Mexican government taking serious the safety of not only their citizens but tourists. It discourages Mexicans AND foreigners from doing stupid stuff.

Food and Dining

While I am hard pressed to believe that man cannot live on tacos alone, let’s assume your culinary appetite will be a bit more broad (sometimes!). Similar to what we shared about the people of Mexico, understand that it does more harm than good to offer food or beverage that is either unsanitary or ill-prepared. It hurts their reputation (Google and TripAdvisor reviews are sacrosanct) and will quickly spread through the locals as a place that they themselves will not frequent. In short: it’s bad for business and reputation.

We do take reasonable precautions:

Water from the tap is not safe to drink or use in ice. More specifically, it’s not the water, it’s the pipes through which the water flows. Some of the pipes through which potable water flows are compromised, which can allow for contaminants. While we hear of some who have had no gastrointestinal issues, we ere of the side of drinking filtered water or bottled water. Yes, we do shower, bath and brush our teeth from the tap, but make a point not to swallow the water. When it comes to fruit and vegetables, we treat these as we would from a farmer’s market in the US: we wash with at least bottled water when away out, using a fruit & vegetable rinse when available.

Food stalls are just not our thing, and that’s not specific to Mexico. That said, as we’ve become more familiar with the food stalls close to our place in Playa del Carmen, it’s likely that we will partake, because we see them often, they have a consistent traffice day after day. Frankly, it’s something we look forward too, it’s just a matter of catching us at a time when we are hungry!

As with any place, we keep hand sanitizer with us, carefully check the placeware provided to us for cleanliness, and are cautious with any open containers of sauces, condiments or garnishes.

Transportation

Getting around Mexico is no different than any other country: you have several options: walking is by far the easiest to consider, especially if you are in good shape and see walking as a chance to get closer to the local experience. You may find some areas don’t have (any?) sidewalks that are in great shape, but as long as you wear a good pair of sturdy shoes or sandals (NOT flip-flops) you will burn off the calories you intake and all will be well.

Public transportation, outside of major cities, is not something we’ve used. Mostly because of the prevalence of taxis and shared rides services that get you where you want to go at a cost that is considerably less than most other countries,

like the USA. In the state of Quintana Roo, Uber is not available legally from the airport, and is less available so anyways, so we use taxis, through the inDrive app, which is very similar to Uber. In the Yucatan and Baja California Sur, Uber is very common, very affordable.

For the most adventurous, you could rent a car. We’ve done this on several occasions, either for road trips to visit ruins orbecause is was more convenient when we were doing a lot of shopping. If you are so inclined, a couple of tips: 1/ get your International Drivers Permit through AAA. It is NOT a Driver’s License, but rather a document that lets the country “translate” that you have a legal license to drive in your own country and that you are allowed to drive in their country. While it may be hit/miss whether the car rental agency will ask for it, for the few d

ollars and time it costs, why not get it? Also, note that the rental car protection offered through many travel-related credit cards may not apply to Mexico. Regardless, there is still amandated insurance you will have to pay.

Tip: We use Enterprise and pay that insurance upfront, so that there is nothing we have to pay for at the counter. In fact, a few days before your trip they will email you to complete a “Fast Check In” process so that when you arrive you just show it on your phone and forego the stressful banter of being upsold.

Accommodations

Our first stay in Mexico was at a hotel, and we will never fault anyone for choosing so – it’s the most convenient and offers some good value and familiarity of environment for most travelers. But after you’ve been to a particular city a few times, you may want to see the “real” or close to real day-in-the-life, and to do that an Airbnb or similar experience would be right for you. We have a video here that goes into more detail about how we make the most of a rental, but suffice it to say that it does take a good amount of research to make sure you are getting the best accommodations for your budget and lifestyle preferences.

There is so much more we can talk about when it comes to why we love and appreciate every moment we spend in Mexico. But it only goes to demonstrate how safe and comfortable we feel amongst its people. And in today’s current political climate, it’s humbling that we are just as welcome today as we have ever been.