Safety in Mexico

White Line

Mexico's Safety and Security for Retirees, Expats and Digital Nomads

Safety and Security in Mexico

Chichen Itza Mayan Pyramid in Mexico

Mexico is a beautiful country with many attractions and an inviting climate for expats to enjoy. However, before you embark on your Mexican adventure, it’s important to keep safety in mind. While crime levels vary from city to city, there are a few tips expats should be aware of to ensure their wellbeing during their stay.

Unfortunately, Mexico has been negatively portrayed in the media due to drug cartels and illegal border crossings. However, it is important to remember that most crimes occurring within the country are a result of gang rivalry or drug trafficking- with tourists rarely being at risk. Statistics indicate these criminal activities mostly take place in towns near the borders; never failing to emphasize how crucial it is for travelers to be aware of their surroundings when traveling abroad.

 The Global Peace Index ranked Mexico as 137 out of 163 countries in terms of safety so you need to choose your location wisely.

Don’t stress! In this article, we have some amazing recommendations for you.

If you’re searching for the safest places to retire in Mexico, then look no farther than Puerto Vallarta, Lake Chapala, Merida, Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende. Although there are reports of minor crimes in several of these renowned Mexican destinations – it’s important that your senses remain alert especially at night. With a little caution and awareness on your part: an incredible retirement awaits you in any one of these remarkable locations!

The first thing to be mindful of is the weather. Mexico boasts warm weather year-round, but also experiences extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, floods and droughts.

Read our detailed guide on safety in in Mexico City, safety in Cancun, safety in Tulum and Safety in Playa del Carmen.

To stay safe while living in Mexico, it’s important to monitor weather conditions and take all necessary precautions when a weather warning is issued. Additionally, consider investing in earthquake insurance if you plan on living near the coast or in the southern region of Mexico where seismic activity is more frequent and intense.

When it comes to personal safety, always be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night when possible. It’s also wise to avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash around with you due to the risk of theft or robbery. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local customs and laws to ensure that you comply with them at all times – especially since ignorance of the law will not be accepted as an excuse.

Fortunately, there are plenty of measures that can be taken for additional security in Mexico for expats. Investing in a home alarm system can help prevent burglaries – many systems come with motion sensors that detect intruders and sound an alarm when triggered. It’s also useful to get travel insurance before travelling abroad so that any medical costs incurred can be reimbursed easily should something happen while away from home. Finally, registering with your embassy is an essential step for anyone living in Mexico – this will make it easier for family members or authorities back home to contact you in case of emergencies.

Overall, Mexico has a lot to offer expatriates looking for an enjoyable experience abroad – however taking measures such as monitoring weather forecasts, staying alert when out and about late at night and investing in home security systems or travel insurance can help ensure a safe stay throughout your time abroad!

Traveling to 🇲🇽 Mexico soon?

I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:

🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!

✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.

🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.

🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.

🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.

🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.

📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.

☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.