5 Things you Should Know BEFORE Renting a Car in Cancun - GETTING STAMPED I refused , I was pushed around and they took my back pack . If you're into snorkeling or scuba diving, though, both Playa del Carmen and Cancun are excellent destinations for exploring the underwater world. A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. Looking after little ones is a must on tours and activities. Got, tips, tricks or your own wisdom to share? Visitors to the town can enjoy pristine beaches with sandy shores and turquoise waters. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Being a solo traveler is fun, but theres real power in numbers. So I went there pretty fun and yes there is police corruption so I advise you if you dont want to get scammed by the police stay out of the city you can go just dont stay there for too long get hotels outside the city I recommend the Grand Velas they also have a grand Velas in Cabo theres no reason to worry about cartels yes they do operate in playa and Cancun but there are legitimate soldiers on beaches thats all you should know. I didnt resist. I was kept for 8 hours until they csme again and took me to a phone call at the small broken window, the prosecutor said i could leave for 3000 pesos, and it would be thrown out. If you want to meet other travelers, one of the best things to do is to stay in sociable accommodation possibly at a hostel, or spend the day at a beach club, where you can mix and mingle with other people. The Real TRUTH - U.S. Travel Alerts | Playa del Carmen (2023) This is just asking for trouble anywhere in the world. Live with the locals. They dropped us off 2 blocks north of the hotel down a dimly lit street. Summers get very hot, so drink plenty of water to avoid heatstroke. Other transport options include colectivos. Its still rare that youll be confronted but its something to be aware of if you plan on visiting Playa del Carmen at this moment in time. They came up to me and acted like the cops and told me to put my hands up and they frisked me and picked my pockets of all cash I had on me. Hotel staff act less bothered towards black customers. Jane always knew she wasn't destined for a desk job She currently lives in a campervan in New Zealand and is passionate about noodles, sloths and her hiking boots! The place is full of varmints and people are being harmed in broad daylight. Just got robbed at Playa del Carmen, came in with the car from Tulum towards Cancun. I was pulled aside and told by hotel security that it would be ok. They claimed I called them stupid when I did not, never travel alone in playa del Carmen under any circumstances. With so much chaos, petty theft can also become a concern. Since Playa del Carmen is not a large city, you can walk to the most visited destinations. So, finally, after living in Playa del Carmen for almost 3 years, here is my Playa del Carmen safety guide. All you have to do is send a whatsapp message and arrange a pickup. Playa del Carmen is a gorgeous resort on the Riviera Maya, a stretch of the Yucatn Peninsula famous for its beaches. The risk of drinking tap water in Playa del Carmen and Mexico is high. Safety Index: 69 Mexico : Safety by City Acapulco Aguascalientes Cabo San Lucas Cancun Chichen Itza Chihuahua Cozumel Cuernavaca Culiacan Durango Ensenada Guadalajara Guanajuato Hermosillo Huatulco Isla Holbox Isla Mujeres Ixtapa I do not represent World Nomads. I just left PDC. Run-and-grab thefts by people lurking in the woods are a common occurrence. You use to feel same when you seen the police, now you feel scared when you see them! The tourist areas are well patrolled by police and the locals are friendly. . Here are a few we recommend in Playa Del Carmen. Playa Del Carmen has been attracting tourists worldwide for decades due to its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, lively Fifth Avenue, and diversified culinary scene. I left not even a half block away the police stop and four men get out of the car. Firstly, you should make sure that you book yourself into some well-reviewed accommodation before you travel. There are many more places in the world to visit that will not try to rob you any chance they get. Moreover, it is a popular destination for people planning to retire in Mexico and favorable for digital nomads seeking a warm and hospitable place during winters. I was taking my financ to the doctor and told her that I am going to get you some water. By that he meant, don't venture into areas beyond resorts just because you're curious. Also, be careful when taking out money from ATMs, as some have card skimmers attached. If youre worried, you can always bring along a money belt to wear under your clothes. Be sure to stop at the taxi counters inside the airport. While walking down the streets I didnt go more than 5 minutes at without someone trying to sell me weed or cocaine or hookers. They try to get you to go with them to their relatives shop. Particularly if youre sitting in a terrace cafe, dont hang your bag on the back of a chair, or leave your phone on a table unattended, as they could very easily go missing, never to be seen again. As I told the Mr Ortiz (Director of Hotel Operation), I dont blame the hotel for police corruption, but I do blame them for not warning guests about what can happen once you leave the front gate. All Playa del Carmen Mexico travelers want to know, and this article will answer your Playa del Carmen safety questions. They asked about his whereabouts on July 22nd. The possibility of a terrorist attack in Playa del Carmen is low since there is no immediate terrorism threat. Dont accept offers of drugs. It's a safe, comfortable, and economical way to get to Playa. Its important to keep in mind that the area is fueled by tourism and, This is why its good to have travel insurance before setting off for Mexico. The only way to protect yourself is to watch for your belongings and be aware of your surroundings since thieves often work in cooperation with taxi drivers. Dont do drugs or become overly inebriated while in town, especially if traveling alone, as that makes you an easy target for robbers. The scam was not over yet. Did not feel in danger at any time! In situations where express kidnappings occurred, the victims were forced to withdraw from ATMs and then released. See my site Policies In Playa, there is an all-female taxi driver company called Taxi Rosa (+52 9841254655) who you can book with in advance. My money and my jewelry was stolen by the police. This usually happens when you are drunk or rowdy. Make sure that you agree on a fare with your taxi driver before getting in and that the meter is running. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Taxi drivers in playa are a hit and miss so we recommend ordering one from reputable companies. Mosquitoes carry the Zika virus, so its important that you protect yourself from this with loads of mosquito repellent. This is especially true at night! Playa del Carmen doesnt get hit hard by hurricanes, but you still want to avoid coming during hurricane season. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When my belongings were returned, my cell phone, credit card, and flashlight were missing. This is a much safer option than heading to the public beach where your belongings could be at risk, especially when left unattended. Pickpockets operate along crowded areas, such as La Quinta, or in public transportation hubs. I will not be going back there again with my family there were times that I felt uncomfortable as the sun was setting. In general, tourists have few issues with safety in Playa Del Carmen. The hotel security seemed like this was just a daily event and not to worry. Is Playa Del Carmen Walkable and where can you walk in Playa Its important to keep in mind that the area is fueled by tourism and during the pandemic, a lot of locals were out of work. Plenty of people do travel solo in this part of Mexico, and have a great time doing it, so theres not too much to worry about. The police then acknowledged he may not have taken part in a theft but he was being arrested anyway. Join our growing community of adventurers on Facebook and Instagram. Along 5th avenue, a ton of vendors will offer you drugs- just stay away and say no. Is Playa del Carmen Safe in 2023? Im aure they took my phone to ensure i couldnt cancel it, and im sure they left my bankcard so i could pay the 3000pesos to get out. Beaches are lovely places to visit, but you should be cautious when swimming somewhere you dont know anything about. Hostels are great for meeting others, and Airbnbs are awesome picks if you want to have a more authentic local experience. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Check local news before heading out, and ask at your accommodation for advice. I refused, amd explained i want to dispute this incident with his supervisor. Playa del Carmen is the perfect place for solo female travelers. The govement is so corrupt they just turn a blind eye to it and say there is no problem with crime! This is the hottest region of Mexico and the ocean breeze may fool you. As the star of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen is a tourist haven with long stretches of beach, plenty of infrastructure, and nightlife that cant be matched in other parts of the country. Nevertheless, Playa isn't a great destination for above-ground nature enthusiasts. Sombreros by russteaches (CC BY) Hilton and Grand Hyatt security were present. I recommend getting a good travel insurance for your trip to Mexico. Did I miss something? And definitely dont go there if you have anybody thats handicapped the streets are all torn up there are no handrails there are not even handrails by the pool, too much of a hassle. Its a shame I really love this place besides the corruption. You'll be pleased to know that Playa del Carmen is one of the safest cities in the country, thanks in part to its small size (it has a population of just over 150,000) and its strict laws against things like littering and public urination. Paying heed to warning flags, and swimming at beaches with lifeguards is a good place to start with water safety in Playa del Carmen. | TaCla SRL P. Iva 04077050922. 20 feet outside teo policica municipal officers stopped me and said in fair english that someone with my description had been reported for trying to buy drugs (im a firefighter/paramedic in Canada). This shouldnt scare you but motivate you to be extra mindful when it comes to watching what you consume. These cookies do not store any personal information. This was my first time here and I will not ever return! These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Never had any issues. Thats better than the US homicide rate which is 5. Solo travel is a super fun thing to do, and Playa del Carmen is a great place to head if you are thinking of taking a trip to the Maya Riviera by yourself. If you are interested in visiting Playa del Carmen, it is important to understand warnings and dangers, the safest places to visit, places to avoid, and other useful information before traveling to this destination. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Never wander alone late at night, especially after many of the bars and restaurants shut down. Travel Health 1. With long, sunny days and an average temperature of 83 degrees, Playa del Carmen is the ideal location for sailing, rafting, sunbathing, shopping, eating, or just hanging out year-round. Also, you should make sure to know how to get back to your accommodation at night time its always better to get a taxi than walk home alone in the dark along isolated streets. We may earn a commission when you click this link, at no extra cost to you. Traveling with an anti-theft bag is also a must to avoid your purse getting easily snatched. Mexico gets a bad name when it comes to crime and violence, but while staying in Playa del Carmen, you have little to worry about, so long as you exercise common sense. Fortunately, Playa del Carmen offers some of the most stunning rooftop hotel pools in Mexico. For more information about Playa del Carmen, read my post The Best Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen. The ADO bus company plies the main routes around this part of Mexico connecting up other tourist destinations such as Cancun. There have been a few high-profile incidents over the past few years, including a club shooting and an armed robbery that killed two Canadians. As a native of Mexico, her image is iconic across the globe as being a brilliant artist and national treasure. Share. You dont want to give anyone a reason to rob you! By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Click the link to see our top recommendations. Is Playa del Carmen Safe for Travelers? | Safety in PDC Mexico (2023) This will ensure youre staying somewhere not only safe, but safe. We researched Playa del Carmen and put together tips to help you prepare for your vacation. Do I need insurance to drive in Mexico? You can book tickets online, catch the buses from well-organized bus stations, and enjoy air conditioning and other conveniences on board theres virtually nothing to worry about. These places are popular for a reason, and they are generally tried and tested favorites. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. Like many coastal resorts along the Maya Riviera in the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen attracts its fair share of tourists. Playa del Carmen Safety - Is Playa del Carmen Really Safe? I was just there in Oct. 2020. We paid for all the things we got, which was a lot , with some pesos we had and then credit card. They are the criminals. But let me go over the issue a bit more in depth, and share a few safety tips for when you finally get to visit. Traveling in Playa del Carmen is safe, especially if you read and follow our travel tips above. My Adventures Across The World is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets and any other online reservation that are made without having fully read the terms and conditions of any third party provider. Additionally, there are several active volcanoes in the area which could erupt at any time. Is it Safe to Travel to Playa del Carmen? Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Luckily, there is no reason for a tourist to visit these sections of town, but you should be aware of their existence before traveling. The beaches were magnificent back then. As with most coastal resorts in the world, there are a few things you should know about, including issues surrounding theft and scams. Considering all of the daily arrivals here from tourists year-round, most people go about their day-to-day lives without any interruptions. If you think youre being overcharged for a taxi, just know that most taxis shouldnt cost any more than 35 pesos. These often involve rental cars and overcharging on bills at restaurants with the notorious tourist tax being added on top of what you should actually be paying. The quick answer: Yes! Safety and kindness of the people there. Is it safe to take a taxi in Cancun? Here's what travel agents said. Overall, Playa del Carmen can be quite the family-friendly vacation destination. ADVENTURE IN YOU 2014 - 2023 Affiliate Disclaimer, Terms & Services, Privacy Policy, Is Playa del Carmen Safe for Travelers? One way to stay safe while traveling is to avoid bad neighborhoods. Things to Know About Safety in Tulum Tulum Travel Advisories According to OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council), Tulum is moderately safe to visit and travelers should exercise increased caution in the area. This means that for any purchase you make through one of my links, I receive a small percentage which however does not affect the final price for the customer. Mexican Police scum bags. Simply ignore them or say no, gracias and you should be on your way. Its a good idea to keep hand sanitizer in your bag you never know when youre going to need it! Do your homework in this area! In bars and nightclubs, an elevated risk of drink spiking exists, so never leave your drink or food unattended. Particularly, this occurs in the form of petty theft with belongings being stolen from beaches as well as, occasionally, robbery. I feel safer there than some places where I live in the U.S. People treat you like royalty and thank you for coming because you keep them employed. Thank you for the advice and tips. Is it safe to travel to Mexico 2023? Cancun, Cabo, Playa del Carmen With this in mind, keep your belongings close to you and valuables out of sight. How Safe Is Playa del Carmen for Travel? - Abroad Cartel activity does occur, but usually far away from tourist areas. This is especially important if youre taking a boat trip kid-sized life jackets are non-negotiable. Playa del Carmen is safe as long as you stay within the tourist district, take taxis at night, and use common sense. You dont need to have a room at the hotel to enjoy the pool, just purchase a day pass. But for many tourists, this is not the casethey can be easily targeted because they are NOT of Mexican descent. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. This makes accommodation quite safe for everyone. There is still a risk of contracting Zika virus. Trust me on this one. The Quinta Avenida is a pedestrian walkway that runs parallel to the beach and features blocks of nighttime activities ranging from dance clubs to relaxed bars, restaurants, and shops. Because tourism is the largest contributor to Playa del Carmens economy, there are strict measures taken to protect visiting foreigners. Mexicans are very humble people and they come to the U.S. to do the work that Americans will never do. Here are some other safety tips to consider when visiting Playa del Carmen: Other visitors to Playa del Carmen also want to know the answers to these questions: Technically, Playa del Carmen and Cancn are under the same safety advisory level by the State Department as the US government issues these advisories by state. If you dont speak Spanish its a problem as you dont know whats taking place around you. Take extra care drinking in the sunshine as this can make you pretty sick heat and alcohol together arent exactly a good idea. What to know about visiting Cabo, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and more Kathleen Wong USA TODAY 0:00. Of course, renting a car is the cheaper option. There are kidnappings and homicides, which have increased in the past few years due to more cartel violence, but the majority of people who bear the brunt of this are locals, not tourists. Leave your bling at home and instead, enjoy the beach without the bells and whistles. As a general rule of thumb when you are traveling, in order to avoid being targeted, we recommend that you refrain from being flashy. And its always important to wash your hands before you eat. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Safety Concerns. With all this activity, it is difficult to imagine that only two decades ago, Playa del Carmen was a sleepy fishing village! With these tips, youll be just fine. There are some poorer neighborhoods where crime rates are higher, such as Colosio, a neighborhood above 46th Street. Youll want to hang around town or the main drag of beach while visiting Playa del Carmen. Jump to information: Is it safe to rent a car in Cancun? Always make sure to keep your belongings on your person, even if you just want to go for a quick dip in the water. Not only are you giving your money to these people who ruin lives around Mexico, but you are also increasing your chances of getting on the wrong side of some cartel leader (or the law). Dont leave any valuables unattended while you swim. It is located in the Yucatan Peninsula and is visited by tons of tourists every year. This is why its good to have travel insurance before setting off for Mexico. comfortable for women (especially if youre on your own). Ive been to Cancun 6 times now. Is Playa del Carmen Safe in 2023? [An Honest Guide] Same here but they did sell me nice jewelry! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Terrible, the police tried to beat me up and rob me, this happened on September 9th of 2021. While petty crime does occur and there is a cartel presence, some common sense is enough to ensure you have a great vacation. Best rental car companies at the Cancun Airport Laws tourists should know when renting a car What to do if you get pulled over in Mexico What to do in case of an emergency Tips on renting a car in Cancun Until recently, the state of Quintana Roo has not been a location where most of Mexicos cartel violence occurred. Founders of this blog lived in Playa del Carmen for over a year so we will be sharing all our top tips on safety in Playa. The most common danger to tourists in Playa del Carmen is petty property crime. Yes it is safe, but be logical. For example, taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging foreigners. The tourism market in Playa del Carmen has absolutely boomed in recent years. Hostels are great for meeting others, and Airbnbs are awesome picks if you want to have a more authentic local experience. We recommend World Nomad or SafetyWing, depending on what kind of traveler you are. Being mindful of how much (and what) you drink is the best way to stay safe on a night out. Not only is it illegal, but its dangerous and youre helping an industry wrought with crime that the government is trying to stop. Did I mention my departure date was July 28th. Be wary of attempts at credit-card fraud. Upon landing in Cancun International Airport, Playa del Carmen is only an hour way. Got Travel Insurance for Playa del Carmen? Safety and security - Mexico travel advice - GOV.UK To back this up, lets look at a few numbers. Only use ATMs that are in bank offices or secure locations. Playa del Carmen Safety - Is Playa del Carmen Really Safe? | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: June 17, 2023 - Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Generally, they tend to be quite packed in, and can be uncomfortable, but they are very cheap. It is safe, comfortable, and convenient. I am going next week and am more excited than ever after I have read this. Most of the bars were ok, but dont go to Las Miches unless you want to get over charged or double charged, they said they were charging me in pesos and when I checked my statements later I found out they charged me in US dollars, so for a couple of beers and some food I was charged $200. Playa Del Carmen is a convenient city to visit if you are traveling from Cancun or Tulum. So How Safe Is Playa del Carmen Really? Lots of thieves hanging out at the beaches and bars, they all communicate on whatsapp. Like many of these towns with the Caribbean sea on one side and jungle on the other Playa del Carmen is also safe to visit. This area is anything north of 46th street, which begins to get messy the further you go. The safest areas in Playa del Carmen are located where the tourist hotspots are which is mainly in the Hotel Zone on La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). 1 post 1 review 8 helpful votes Is it safe to drive in Playa del Carmen/Cancun? Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The U.S. State Department issued an alert on Jan. 23 for Quintana Roo - home to popular tourist destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum - after incidents involving taxi drivers . So if you stay clear of drugs (which I recommend you do, especially in Mexico), you should be fine. , depending on what kind of traveler you are. Just make sure you dont sit in the front seat of the taxi if youre by yourself, and dont get into a cab if theres already someone else in it (besides the driver). Planning of going back in Feb. Love all of the Xcaret parks. You can talk to strangers, but trust your gut. Day trips from Playa del Carmen to surrounding cenotes and the jungle are popular. They have you remove everything from your pockets and then keep the cash or your cards. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The Mayan Riviera is generally a safe area, with very little for the tourists to worry about. f youre worried, you can always bring along a. to wear under your clothes. Playa del Carmen is one of the prettiest and safest beach resorts in Mexico. Playa del Carmen is a beautiful and amazing destination with so many offerings to visitors ranging from water sports to soaking up the sun, museums, shopping, nightlife, and excellent restaurants. We recommend booking Airbnb Experiences as they are usually composed of smaller groups. I was sat in the back of the police truck, and driven to the public safety compound.