While traveling in Mexico, it’s essential to stay safe. This must be challenging, given the sheer amount of culture and activity. While most people in Mexico are friendly and willing to help tourists find their way, be sure to watch out for people who are acting strange or who might try to rob you. Be especially careful when traveling at night.
Uber is safer than public transportation.
Whether traveling to Mexico City for business or pleasure, Uber is safer than public transportation. Not only is it vetted by a third party, but drivers are also monitored and tracked. It’s even possible to leave feedback for your driver, so you can rest assured that your trip is safe.
Uber drivers are not always vetted in some cities, but the service is generally safer than traditional taxis. Drivers have to pass background checks, and their trips are tracked via GPS via the app. A driver can only diverge from the route with the Uber app knowing. Moreover, most drivers are experienced and have thousands of trips under their belts.
In Mexico, Uber is available in over 60 cities. The company first arrived in Mexico in 2013 and has been increasing since. However, the service still needs to be available in some areas due to opposition from local taxi drivers. Therefore, you should find out whether it is available in the city you’re visiting before you travel.
You can also opt for a taxi service if you’re visiting Cancun. This service is very convenient. You won’t need a taxi for transportation to Cancun airport. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe and easy ride to the city’s attractions.
Uber is also cheaper than taxis. While cabs and buses are the best options for short trips, they’re still expensive compared to Uber. If you’re on a tight budget, try taking a colectivo or taxi de Ruta instead.
Avoiding touristy areas
Avoiding touristy areas when traveling in Mexico is about avoiding tourist traps and ensuring safety. Although some people might think that the most touristy places are safer, there are still many risks associated with visiting these places. One way to avoid being a target of scammers is to avoid looking like a tourist and leave your valuables at home.
For example, most sources advise you to avoid visiting the Centro Historico, the historic center of Mexico City, after dark. This includes all the alleyways and the Bella Artes and Merced neighborhoods. During the day, these areas are safe but not at night. During the day, you can enjoy places like the Plaza de Las Tres Culturas and the Canals of Xochimilco without fear of being mugged.
While crime in Mexico City is low, there are still a few risks. Even in touristy areas, specific neighborhoods are more likely to attract criminals. It is advisable to stick to safer zones and avoid areas with high crime rates. If you feel unsafe in Mexico City, don’t hesitate to contact the U.S. State Department for advice. The State Department has issued travel advisories a few times, but these usually apply to a small number of border cities and areas with ongoing cartel violence.
You should also avoid driving at night. The roads are dangerous at night, and it is harder to get emergency help in case of an accident. In addition, it is essential to be aware that traffic laws are not enforced as strictly in Mexico as in the U.S. Therefore, you should be on the lookout for cars that run stop signs or behave erratically. Also, the speed limit in Mexico is much lower than in other countries, so drivers should be careful not to exceed this limit.
Avoiding ATMs
If you’re considering using your ATM card in Mexico, you should always use an ATM located in a reputable bank. ATMs in dodgy locations are often prone to ripping tourists off. It’s best to use a central bank’s ATM instead, as they’re more likely to give you a reasonable exchange rate. Another benefit of using a central bank’s ATM: it doesn’t charge fees. You can even get money without using your credit card!
Another way to stay safe is to avoid ATMs in public places. Please only use them at tourist sites, especially those that have a high number of ATMs. Keep a record of your cards online, and let your credit card issuer know that you’ll be in Mexico. They may freeze your account, and you can set up alerts to let you know if someone’s using your card.
Always pay with the local currency if you’re paying for things with a credit card. Otherwise, you’ll get an alarming exchange rate and an unfavorable fee. If you need help with this, read about Dynamic Currency Conversion. If you’re still unsure, consider leaving a comment in the comments section to ask any questions.
If you need more clarification about using ATMs, you can always contact your bank ahead of time. Most banks have locations right outside international airports. You can find ATMs in English and Spanish. Make sure you let them know that you’re traveling to Mexico before you go, as they may need to be more trustworthy.
Another tip is to always carry small amounts of cash with you. Mexico is a cash-based society, so it’s best to take a few thousand pesos with you rather than carrying a large amount of cash, and having a small amount of spare money helps with tips, public restrooms, and small purchases.
Avoiding driving at night
Driving in Mexico after dark can be dangerous for drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the local road conditions. The roads are poorly lit, and animals, pedestrians, and vehicles without taillights are often on the road. Even if you have an emergency, you may not be able to reach assistance immediately.
Although most Americans don’t experience significant driving problems in Mexico, it is still a good idea to follow basic traffic laws when traveling there. These rules will help you reduce the risk of a traffic incident or legal trouble. To avoid any of these issues, make sure you read up on basic road safety before traveling to Mexico.
Avoiding Cozumel
Avoiding Cozumel when traveling in Mexico means being smart about your vacation preparations. First of all, always pack your sunscreen and hat. The weather in Cozumel is mostly sunny, so you will need to pack plenty of sun protection. Another essential thing to pack is water. Although you can buy water in many places, bringing your own is necessary.
While crime rates in Cozumel are generally low, you should still use caution. Drinking tap water in Mexico is not recommended, especially if traveling alone. If possible, buy bottled water or use collapsible water bottles. Similarly, avoid eating undercooked or raw meat unless you know it is safe. Also, avoid cross-contamination of foods and drinks.
While Cozumel is a safe destination, there have been recent reports of home break-ins and petty theft. You should avoid going to Cozumel if you’re worried about being a victim of theft. Despite its popularity, Cozumel is a beautiful destination with friendly, helpful people. You can easily use Whatsapp to stay connected with locals. This way, you can avoid problems by using the messaging service.
Another good time to visit Cozumel is during the low season. The island is generally less crowded than other areas of the Riviera Maya. You can take a taxi to any part of the island, and there are also bicycles, scooters, and jeeps for rent. In addition, you can stay for three to seven days in Cozumel. It’s a sleepy resort town, so there isn’t much nightlife. However, you can still visit some lively restaurants.
Suppose you’re looking for activities in Cozumel; the northern coast beaches are popular with families with kids. The shallow waters make these beaches perfect for snorkeling. Another popular destination is the “iron shore” beach, surrounded by limestone. Make sure to wear water shoes when walking around Cozumel’s beaches. The beaches are all public, but many beach clubs charge cover charges.