Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

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

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How safe is Mexico?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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 safe to travel?

4.2 /5

Based on 38 experiences

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

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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Nico

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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Pamela

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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Frida

Frida

Sweden

Mexico City, Solo travel

This was my first solo trip ever and I had no idea what to expect - I had just been told “Mexico is so dangerous”. I stayed at Casa Pepe and made SO many friends that I instantly realized I made the right choice going. Definitely recommend staying there, such a nice and clean hostel and I felt very safe. They also have fun activities which makes it easy for us solo travelers to meet new people.

Posted: July 16, 2024Experienced: August, 2022
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Cara

Cara

United States

Cabo San Lucas, Group travel

I have been to Cabo very many times due to it being close to where I live. Most of the time I have traveled with my husband and we stay at the resorts or restaurant out of the downtown and I feel extremely safe. However I traveled in October with 2 other women by ourselves and we did run into some shady characters and sketchy situations downtown. For example we had multiple djs and men trying to push drinks and misc bottles on us to drink and were grabbed at while walking to our Ubers etc. while in our resort we all felt completely safe.

Posted: July 12, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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Fatima

Fatima

Mexico

Progreso, Family travel

Everywhere in Yucatan is safe, the beach is beautiful and free, the restaurants are so delicious and inexpensive. I live in Merida, that’s 30 minutes from Progreso and everywhere is such a good experience.

Posted: July 10, 2024
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Tulum, Solo travel

I really loved staying in Tulúm and discover all the cenote. Mexican food is very good. My Host was amazing, she was taking me everywhere. I felt safe. I loved going to the beach with it’s bright blue water. Also all the zone, the restaurants, the museum were very beautiful . I really recommend going there.

Posted: July 10, 2024
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Tulum, Solo travel

I would be very careful in tulum, I didnt feel safe walking there alone even during the day, i have travelled alot of places and felt safe in many of them but in tulum i felt scared, i wouldnt travel there again and i even shortened my trip because i felt on edge

Posted: July 7, 2024
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Is Mexico safe for women?

Safety rating

3 /5

Based on 46 experiences

Crime rates rating

2.4 /5

Based on 46 experiences

Guadalajara

Guadalajara it’s a great destination if you come to Mexico. It’s full of cultural spots and new trendy places when it comes to art, design or even fashion. It’s a very safe city but you have to be careful in some areas

Posted: September 8, 2024
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Eli

Eli

Nuevo Laredo

The safety situation in the city is always changing. Sometimes its seems to be ok but the reality is that you have to be careful the whole time. Is not a place where you can find touristic areas around. It’s just a city of passage to cross the border to USA

Posted: August 26, 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 9, 2024
🇦🇺

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

Is Mexico worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 38 experiences

Margaux

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Carly

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Meet locals in Mexico

Meet local women in Mexico who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Penelope

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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Alejandra

Alejandra

About Me

Hello, I'm a Mexican who is about to tour the world so I'll be happy to chat and share travel ideas.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Mexico

Stay with local women in Mexico who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Penelope

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!

Speaking

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J.

J.

Guanajuato City

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, my name is Grisel, I am an opera singer and multidisciplinary artist, I love languages and any kind of art, I love reading, cats, chocolate and cooking. I also like to share my culture and learn about others.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Mexico

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

Monica

About Me

I've got a killer sense of humor and love laughing with friends, great food, and stiff drinks. I didn't grow up with much money and only started traveling out of the country 2 years ago. I've been to Cat Kay - a small island in the Bahamas, Tulum, & Playa del Carmen 😁

Speaking

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Safety in Mexico