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Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Solo Travel in Mexico

Mexico has diverse regions that are safe to explore, while others are highly dangerous. Highly touristy places like Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Mexico City are generally safe for solo female travelers. However, the unpredictable criminal activity and drug-related violence in certain regions could pose risks. Exercise common sense, stay vigilant about personal safety, avoid isolated areas, and always keep your belongings close to you. Also, ensure to respect local norms and culture. It's advisable to opt for organized tours or travel in a group while visiting lesser-known regions.

Safety rating

4.2 /5

Based on 38 experiences from female travelers

2.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3 /5

Based on 50 experiences from local women

Mexico is currently ranked #81 safest country for solo female travelers. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Mexico?

Safety at night:Unsafe

In Mexico, safety at night greatly depends on the specific location. Some areas, particularly in major cities and tourist destinations, can be relatively safe, while others can be riskier due to crime and violence. However, it's advisable to always prioritize safety. Avoid walking alone at night whenever possible, stick to populated, well-lit areas, and use reliable forms of transportation. Always stay alert, be cautious, and get advice from locals or other experienced travelers.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Mexico varies greatly depending on the area and mode of transport. In larger cities, the subway and bus systems can be crowded, but are generally safe during the day, though it's advised to stay alert for pickpockets. In more rural or remote areas, public transport options might be less reliable and less secure, hence a certain level of caution is needed. Taxis, particularly those ordered through reputable companies or apps, are usually a safe choice.

Street harassment:Moderate

In Mexico, street harassment can unfortunately be a common occurrence. While not all parts of the country have the same level of harassment, there are many areas where catcalling, whistling, and unsolicited comments are common, particularly in crowded public places or less tourist-oriented locales. Therefore, it's prudent to stay aware of your surroundings, dress modestly, avoid isolated areas, and avoid being out late at night alone where possible. It is not universally experienced, and respecting local customs and etiquette can often reduce the chances of harassment.

Petty crimes:High

Many areas in Mexico can be known for instances of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and cellphone theft. These are particularly frequent in crowded places like public transportation, markets, and tourist hot spots. Vigilance and keeping personal belongings secure can minimize the risk.

Is Mexico worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 38 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.9/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.2/5

Cancún, Group travel

I went in a group though was one of few adults with various adolescents. I am not a party type so Cancún didn't appeal a lot and I was unable to get to Chichen Itza as I wanted. There are pretty beaches but culturally not so rich, and I felt Isla de Mujeres was overrated. Safety-wise, I usually avoided going out at night but one day shopping at a local market (Mercado Coral Negro), some vendors tried selling drugs to our group and the vibe was really sketchy (and prices way inflated too.) It was not a great hotel stay either (all-inclusive that turned out bad) but Cancún could be ok if you like nice beaches, have a nicer place to stay, and aren't into a big cultural scene or food and be aware that there are some sketchy people around. A trip to Xelha was nice during the stay.

Posted: September 21, 2024Experienced: October, 2023

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Monica

United States

Puerto Vallarta, Group travel

I definitely felt safe. It was super cute, I strongly advise renting go-karts. ALSO, the airport is far and I never recommend driving yourself to your destination. I highly recommend hiring a car service to pick you up, help with your luggage and drive you to your air bnb.

Posted: September 12, 2024

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Mexico, Solo travel

I always love the experiences that I have whenever I go to Mexico. I never really feel unsafe, but people that I have traveled with in the past have felt unsafe. I would always travel to Mexico anytime I could.

Posted: September 5, 2024Experienced: September, 2024

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Gracie

United States

Isla Mujeres, Solo travel

Overall awesome trip! Beach was perfect and some of the best sand and water i’ve ever seen. Food was super yummy and not too expensive if you find the right place. I was able to walk back to my airbnb at night by myself and felt pretty safe.

Posted: September 4, 2024

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Mexico City, Solo travel

Went to Mexico City for 20 days Stayed with somebody I know But traveled around alone in Mexico City used über and felt very safe especially because with the app you pre-pay the journey so there is no guessing the price or paying for extra time in traffic jams or wrong turnings Took tour bus to see the city and went to lots of museums were you can literally spend the whole day ! especially the Museo Nacional de Antropología such an amazing place and then the Museo Soumaya free entrance to the most amazing private art collection. Food is delicious and not expensive if you like Mexican food I would recommend La Casa De Toño Craft are amazing too and would recommend the Mercado de Artesanías Zona Rosa Felt safe even when traveling by bus to the pirámides in Teotihuacan Just be aware of your environment and if someone approaches you you don’t start a conversation Mexico City is amazing!

Posted: September 4, 2024Experienced: May, 2024

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Margaux

Canada

Holbox, Couple travel

Very nice island! Very beautiful beach, with a lot of restaurants with a view on the sea. We spent a great time relaxing and exploring the island. It s a bit noisy with all the buggies but overall great experience?

Posted: August 21, 2024Experienced: August, 2024

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Carly

Canada

Mexico City, Solo travel

I went to Mexico city as a solo traveler and at first, I was scared of all the things I heard. I met some amazing people in the hostel I was staying at, and I ended up at a Mexican wrestling match which was NOT on my bucket list or anywhere within my itinerary. It ended up being the highlight of my 3 month trip!

Posted: August 21, 2024Experienced: April, 2023

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Nico

Netherlands

Mexico City, Solo travel

Overall I felt safe, but I’d recommend befriending some locals to get around and really know the areas. I traveled alone a lot, but there’s some neighborhoods where you should avoid this. Some basic Spanish will get you a long way, staying in areas like Escandon, Roma, Polanco and around Parque Mexico will keep you safe in general. I would go out alone at night after 10pm or take an Uber to get to bars. Also make sure you have a Mexican SIM card to avoid having no service when you need it!

Posted: August 11, 2024

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Melanie

Colombia

Cancún, Group travel

We went to tulum, island mujeres, Xoximilco and xcaret. It was all fun but for us that we come from Colombia, it was kind of expensive because the prices were as is you were in the US. Other than that, the experience was very good, the people were nice and the places beautiful

Posted: August 9, 2024Experienced: November, 2022

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Pamela

United States

Mexico, Solo travel

I was in Playa Del Carmen for 6 months and it was life changing. Everything was affordable, the locals very kind. I would go back in a heartbeat if I could. I felt safe there. I do believe in the power of the mind, if you feel you are in danger you may attract that to you

Posted: August 3, 2024

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Is Mexico safe for women?

Safety index

3 /5

Based on 50 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 50 local experiences

Playa del Carmen

Its nice! The main square is super touristy and safe, you will get drugs offer at the bars and nightclubs, even at the streets. You can walk by the 5th street freely but if you walk a few blocks away from the main area or if you are around the beach very late you might get robbed.

Posted: October 4, 2024

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Cancún

Cancún is overall safe during the day, if you stay in downtown and don't go outside of the main center of the city. For example: Avenida nader, bonampak, near las americas mall or market 28 are safe during daylight but don't go to the areas where we call them la ciento (100,120) or even two hundred might be more dangerous. Even though it's mostly safe don't get distracted and always be ok the lookout for sketchy people or situations and even if you're on these safe areas, beware. Most important be more careful walking in the dark as not all the areas have good lighting at night. The hotel zone is safer than downtown but I still don't trust it 100%

Posted: September 14, 2024

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Is Mexico safe right now?

Before your visit to Mexico, it's essential to check travel advisories for Mexico, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: September 26, 2024

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Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

Sure, here's the redacted and formatted text: The Australian government advises to exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: July 8, 2024

Meet locals in Mexico

Penelope

About Me

Art, nature and adventure lover,epicurean, artist and designer, spiritually inclined NLP student. Healthy lifestyle. Student of life forever! Canadian living in Mexico!

Speaking

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Jimena

About Me

Hi I’m Jimena I’m currently on a solo trip around Europe I would love to use this experience to meet people and learn their culture. I can also would love to share stories of life and just experience the city through your eyes. I personally started traveling when I was young through Mexico seeing the pyramids and the rich culture of my country inspired me to travel outside when i could. I could give you recommendations for Mexico and help you with your Spanish. Nos vemos! ☺️

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Mexico

Penelope

Playa del Carmen

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Art, nature and adventure lover,epicurean, artist and designer, spiritually inclined NLP student. Healthy lifestyle. Student of life forever! Canadian living in Mexico!

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Cecilia

Mexico City

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Hi! It's Ceci, from Mexico City. I'm in my last Year of Hispanic Literature at University, I Love the history, museums and Music. How can I help you? - I have a extra Room in my departament, so you can stay here. - I can show you the City - I can Cook Mexican food for you I'm Looking for english Language exchange, so sorry for the bad english hehe I'm trying to improve and not look the translator. Send me a message! With love, Ceci

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Upcoming visitors to Mexico

Connect with upcoming visitors to Mexico who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.

Emma

About Me

Hey, I'm Emma, 19, from germany. looking for a travelbuddy. i am vegan since 5 years. love being outside. interested in new cultures, people, great views/spots, soccer, good food and awesome soya latte🧋

Speaking

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Suhanna

About Me

Hi! I’m Suhanna, born and raised in what is now called Toronto. I took my first solo trip in 2018 to Cuba (after having visited previously with friends) and have been enjoying my little solo adventures here and there since. I do occasionally travel with friends but generally plan my own trips and make friends along the way. Wandering, checking out local art and local eats are usually my main activities when traveling. I also enjoy going to out of town music festivals (Osheaga, Sueños, Gov Ball) and am always open to meeting people at them. If it looks like we’re going to cross paths in the same city, feel free to message!