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

4.4 /5

Based on 158 experiences from female travelers

2.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3 /5

Based on 53 experiences from local women

Mexico is currently ranked #55 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.4 out of 5. 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

4.7 /5

based on 158 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Playa del Carmen, Group travel

Playa del Carmen is beautiful but do not go in August it’s extremely hot and the beaches smell bad. I got a heat rash and burned my skin tremendously so I would say definitely visits just not in August

Posted: November 1, 2024

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Puerto Vallarta, Family travel

I LOVEEEE PVR!! It is one of the safest cities I have ever traveled to. The locals are the nicest, most welcoming people. There’s a really big gay male community there so the nightlife is a lot safer as a woman.

Posted: October 21, 2024

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Cancún, Solo travel

It was a good experience, and care should be taken with the places where you are. The food is delicious, but they always charge foreigners exorbitant prices, which was a downside. Sometimes, it's not very safe to go out at night and alone.

Posted: October 12, 2024

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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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Is Mexico safe for women?

Safety index

3 /5

Based on 53 local experiences

Crime index

2.5 /5

Based on 53 local experiences

Mexico City

Mexico is very safe for tourists! Is you can, stay in the tourists areas just to be sure. Condesa, Roma, Juarez, Coyoacán, Del Valley, Narvarte, San Pedro de los Pinos, Polanco and Santa Fe are the safest neighborhoods so if you can, stay there. Condesa, Roma and Juarez are super centric so I would recommend those in particular.

Posted: November 11, 2024

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Paulina

Mexico City

Mexico City is not very safe, but as a woman, you can take some advice to stay safe. Avoid certain places, especially at night. The safest places are Coyoacán, Roma, Condesa, and the city center.

Posted: October 26, 2024

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