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 163 experiences from female travelers

2.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.2 /5

Based on 83 experiences from local women

Mexico is currently ranked #62 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 163 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Celeste

United States

Mexico, Solo travel

It was a cruise with 3 friends that stopped at 3 different location. Mazatlan, Cancan and Puerto Vallarta. We didn't stay long in each place but we had enough to go to an excursion on an island, shop around and eat tasty food and go to the beach.

Posted: January 18, 2025Experienced: September, 2024

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Monica@1965

Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Solo travel

I love Lido in the beach, eating with your feet in the sand with a wonderful view. And when finished you can go to Zensibar to dance all night long! The fifth avenue is lovely for shopping and more restaurants.

Posted: January 18, 2025

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Gabriela

Mexico

Queretaro, Group travel

Hello, during my visit to Querétaro, I felt safe walking around the city center, although the activities are more about going to vineyards, San Miguel which I found very expensive, and the Peña de Bernal with affordable prices. You can travel to and from all these points of interest as they are no more than an hour away. It is a city with many stories and the second place in churches. Many restaurants to discover.

Posted: January 15, 2025

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Michelle

Germany

Puerto Escondido, Solo travel

People beware of the police! The locals are mostly friendly and helpful, they don't agree with what the police are pulling off. The police robbed one of our roommates off his wallet and phone. He did not get hurt. Anyhow the police seem to try to sneak drugs into your bag so they can scam you off money to let you go. Please be careful. Also usage of drugs is illegal and police will give you a penalty for it and strip you off your money. Beware.

Posted: December 29, 2024Experienced: June, 2024

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Playa del Carmen, Group travel

Traveling to Playa del Carmen was one of the best experiences I’ve had. It was so lush and tropical, the culture was so rich and vibrant. It was very affordable to go out and explore and shop around local markets and streets. I never felt unsafe and it was mostly always populated and busy. Definitely will be going back!

Posted: December 27, 2024

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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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Is Mexico safe for women?

Safety index

3.2 /5

Based on 83 local experiences

Crime index

2.6 /5

Based on 83 local experiences

Monica@1965

Playa del Carmen

Playa is moderately safe, every area is walkable without harassment. Also public transport is easy and safe, but you can take your dog in every transportation, yet you do it without paying for your animal. The center could be more violent in the weekends.

Posted: January 18, 2025

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Maria

Ciudad Del Carmen

It's an relatively small city (island) of 300,00 people with only 2 bridge exits, so not a lot is going on here lol obviously it's not exempt of crime, but common sense like not walking alone in deserted alleys at 2am and sleeping in a safe neighborhood/home is all you need to be good.

Posted: January 15, 2025

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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!

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Jimena

About Me

Hi I’m Jimena I’m a Mexican-American solo female traveler currently on a 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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Xenia

Mexico City

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Estoy rondando por México, un país el cual soñaba conocer desde hace tiempo ✨❤️‍🩹 Es hermoso poder estar acá disfrutando de toda la belleza que ofrece su naturaleza sumando a la magia 🙏🏼🤍 Y sigo paseando así que pueden hablarme y compartimos ya sea un viaje o alguna experiencia! Soy fotógrafa y me dedico a todo tipo de fotografía, siempre estoy abierta a conocer más!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Mexico

Liv

About Me

Heyo, I’m a master-student from Norway trying to travel as much as possible. I love to workout/all physical activities, but also enjoy chill evenings being social Would love to meet up for sightseeing, going on hikes, partying etc In general very open to new experiences and people

Speaking

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Alex

About Me

I'm a big foodie who enjoy to discover the food of every countries. I'm social and not shy, I'll make you laugh 😉 Always in the mood for hike, water sports or beach.