Is Playa del Carmen safe for tourists? This is a common question for first-time travelers and seasoned adventurers alike. Once you have set your sights on a Mexican beach vacation, and you have decided to travel to the sunny shores of Playa del Carmen, safety may be on your mind.
However, hopefully after reading all of the detailed information below, you will feel confident in your choice and get even more excited about your trip. This article has been written by full-time travelers who live in the Mexican Yucatan and know Playa Del Carmen extremely well. Rest assured, you are in good hands here.
Is Playa Del Carmen Safe for Tourists?
Mexico doesn’t always have the best reputation when it comes to safety and security and it often seems as though the country is in the media for all the wrong reasons, especially in the United States. Although bad things can happen from time to time (just like anywhere in the world), with the right precautions and common sense measures, your trip to Playa Del Carmen and wider Mexico can be completely safe and trouble-free.
So yes, Playa Del Carmen is safe for tourists for the most part. This guide will run through the things that you need to be mindful of when traveling to this popular beach town, and offer some useful safety tips that are good practice for visiting anywhere in Latin America.
Check your government travel advice before traveling
As with visiting any new country, it is important to do your research. It is always a good idea to first check your country’s government travel advice before visiting.
The United States Department of State advises travelers that Mexico is listed with a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory due to both the crime rate and the ongoing impact of the global pandemic.
However, this is inaccurately skewed by the increased crime rate in certain areas. The State Department breaks down each individual state and region into categories.
The Yucatan state is categorized under “Exercise Normal Precautions¨ and the state of Quintana Roo where Playa Del Carmen is located is referenced as a place where you need to ¨exercise increased precautions¨.
The State Department lists the Yucatan Peninsula as one of the safest regions in Mexico.
The United States Department of State also suggests that all travelers register in the STEP program. You can find the link for the STEP program here: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (state.gov).
The STEP program is a free service that allows United States citizens traveling or living in another country to receive the latest security updates from the nearest consulate or embassy.
The UK and Canadian travel advisories are also good sources of information. The information on these government pages is updated periodically to reflect the latest developments across the country.
Crime rates in Playa del Carmen
According to Numbeo, the entire country of Mexico has an overall 54.13 crime index. Although it varies by city, this is based on the overall likelihood of corruption, gang violence, vandalism, bribery, drugs, and theft.
By comparison to the country as a whole, Playa del Carmen is rated 47.48 and is mostly related to worries of petty theft, corruption, and drug use.
However, when you compare this to popular cities in the United States, these numbers and general concerns should not discourage you in the slightest.
New York City, the most popular tourist destination in the United States, is rated 49.48 due to increased crime levels over the past several years, the same worries of petty theft, corruption, and drug use.
The second most popular tourist destination in the United States is Los Angeles. Los Angeles is rated 52.65 due to increased crime levels and worries over theft and muggings, drugs, vandalism, and bribery.
If you have ever traveled to either of these cities in the United States and felt safe, just remember that Playa del Carmen is considered to be safer than both New York and Los Angeles.
Keeping Safe in Playa Del Carmen
A lot of staying safe in Playa Del Carmen comes down to using common sense. Take the same safety precautions that you would at home or when traveling in any global city and you should be fine.
Do some research on where to stay before booking accommodation
As listed above, it is important to research where you will be staying before booking your hotel accommodation. While there are no “bad neighborhoods” in Playa del Carmen, crime rates are higher around Colosio, which is north of downtown Playa del Carmen.
It is unlikely you would stay here, however, as there is not much for tourists to see here, and is mostly residential.
There are a wide variety of hotels and areas to choose from in Playa del Carmen. Unless you are renting a car in Mexico, staying within Centro or Quintas del Carmen will make it simple to quickly walk, grab a taxi or ride a bicycle to any place you need to go.
Both of these areas are right on the beach and have a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from. In addition, both of these areas are also known to be the safest in Playa del Carmen.
When booking any hotel accommodation, not just in Playa del Carmen, it is always a good idea to read the reviews for the hotel and to take a look at photographs posted by other travelers. Trip Advisor, Expedia, or even Google Maps (and Google Maps Street View) are great resources for this.
You can also search the hotel’s Instagram location tag to see a more realistic view of what the hotel and surrounding area may look like. These photos are often unedited by the hotel’s marketing teams and will give you a more honest look at where you might be staying.
You should also always check the location of your hotel on a map to make sure you are in a good neighborhood.
Is Playa del Carmen safe at night?
Playa del Carmen is very safe at night and concerns over safety should not stop you from checking out some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. The city really comes to life when the sun goes down and a large crowd of expats and Digital Nomads combine to give PDC one of the best social scenes in Mexico.
For the best tacos in Playa del Carmen, check out El Fogon or El Sabor. Or, if you are looking for a different kind of dining experience, you can head down (literally) and eat dinner in a cave at Alux.
If you are looking for a great bar, check out McCarthy’s Irish Pub. An Irish Pub in Mexico?
It may seem odd, but they have great happy hour specials on Mexican beer. (50 pesos for 2 beers from 2 pm to 9 pm every day)!
For the best cheap margarita in Playa del Carmen, check out Bip Bip on fifth avenue. Margaritas are two for the price of 1 at 35 pesos (about $2).
If you want to dance the night away, head over to Clan Destino Bar or Santino for some Latin dancing. You can also check out Mamitas or Mandala Beach Clubs for an awesome time.
And if you end up partying until the early hours of the morning, check out La Cueva de Chango for the best Mexican breakfasts in the area. Try the huevos rancheros or chilaquiles!
How to stay safe in Playa Del Carmen at night
As with traveling to any place, even within your home country, there are a few general rules and common sense tips you should follow to stay safe at night. Always watch your alcohol intake, never leave your drink unattended in a bar and never walk home alone at night, particularly if you have had a few drinks.
Some additional safety tips for experiencing Playa Del Carmen by night are summarized below.
- Travel in a group or with a friend/partner
- Walk like you know where you’re going, even if you don’t. Portraying confidence goes a long way
- Always be aware of your surroundings and stick to central tourist zones where possible
- Don’t walk with headphones in so you can be aware of what’s going on around you
- Keep your head out of your phone
- Keep your valuables out of sight
- Stay in well-lit and well-populated areas
- Exercise caution and avoid places you know are generally unsafe after dark
- If you are traveling alone, let others know where you are, where you are going, and when you get back to your accommodation safely
Scams to be aware of in Playa Del Carmen
Scammers seem to exist in every part of the world and Playa del Carmen is no different. Here are some of the most common scams in Playa del Carmen to be mindful of.
Traveling to Playa Del Carmen (or Mexico in general) is not synonymous with being scammed but it is useful to read up on the below so that you are not caught off guard and you know what kind of tricks are commonplace.
Bird poop scam
There is a well-dressed couple in Playa del Carmen that will approach you and pretend to clean bird poop off of your head. Of course, they are doing this to distract you as they try to steal your valuables.
Recognizable face scam
This scam is where someone on the street will pretend that they recognize you from somewhere or that they are the manager of your hotel. They then tell you that you need to go with them, only to lure you into an overpriced store and pressure you to make a purchase.
You should be particularly alert if you are staying at an all-inclusive resort that requires you to wear a bracelet or a wristband. Many tricksters memorize the specific color/design of the wristbands from different hotels and will use that knowledge as an ¨in¨ to gain your trust.
The bracelet scam
The bracelet scam is a popular trick that takes place in countless cities across the world – from Paris to Playa Del Carmen. You might be wandering along the beach when an overly-friendy local comes to chat with you and ask where you are from while tying a friendship bracelet on your wrist.
They will then demand payment for the bracelet and refuse to remove it. The price is often excessive at $20 or so for one small string bracelet and if you refuse to pay, the person may make a scene.
Unregulated alcohol
Always make sure you are getting your alcohol from a legitimate source as there have been reports of spiked or unregulated alcohol being sold to tourists.
Encounters with corrupt police in Playa Del Carmen
Be wary of police officers that try to collect a fine (read: bribe) from you even if you did not do anything wrong. If you are in this situation, politely ask the officer for the ticket. As a tourist, you have rights in Mexico.
For example, a tourist should receive only a warning (as long as no harm was actually done). A tourist is entitled to two warnings on two separate occasions before a ticket can be issued.
Added extras on the bill
There are a lot of excellent restaurants in Playa Del Carmen that serve up delicious Mexican and international food. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of tourist traps.
Always take note of the prices that you see detailed on the menu when you take your order and then check the prices again when you receive the bill to make sure that everything has been calculated correctly. Tipping in Mexico is usually expected but it is not compulsory and it is illegal for a gratuity charge to be added to the bill or for somebody to insist that you tip them.
Tipping is something that is reserved for when you feel like you have received exemplary service. In touristic parts of Mexico like PDC, people can get pushy about tips and they can even become huffy and rude if they feel that you haven’t tipped them enough.
(Even if you tip 20-25%, some people are often visibly disappointed!)
Ultimately, it is for you to tip what you feel comfortable with. If a gratuity charge appears on the bill and you don’t feel comfortable with it, or if things that you didn’t order appear on the bill, don’t be afraid to speak up about it.
Always count your change if you are paying in cash. Being short-changed is not uncommon.
The mustard/ketchup scam
The mustard/ketchup scam is a common trick that happens in malls, airports, grocery stores, and food courts across Quintana Roo. Basically, somebody may come up behind you and accidentally bump into you spilling mustard or some other salsa onto your shirt.
They will then apologize profusely, trying to wipe it off or insisting you follow them to a restroom, while their cohort takes the opportunity to pickpocket you while you are distracted.
Theft from buses and public places
The ADO and Noreste buses are a convenient, comfortable, and cost-effective way to get around the state of Quintana Roo. This rings true whether you are taking the airport bus from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen, or taking excursions out to visit Chichen Itza or Chacchoben.
Your suitcases are usually safe in the storage section under the bus. When you board the bus, a tag will be placed on your baggage handle and you will be given a ticket with a number that corresponds to the number on your baggage tag so that it is not a free-for-all where just anyone can grab any bag when you disembark.
The only issue then is with bags within the overhead bins. There have been robberies and thefts from ADO buses in Quintana Roo so you should always make sure that you have your eyes on your belongings at all times, and place your backpack under the seat in front of you rather than in the overhead bins where you can.
There are bathrooms onboard most Mexican buses. If you are traveling a relatively long distance, your bus may stop somewhere for a while and the driver may give passengers a 10-15 minute break to grab food and stretch their legs.
Never leave your bag unattended on the bus and either ask a travel companion to watch it for you or take it on and off the bus with you.
Gas Station scams
Pay close attention to the fuel meter in your car when you first pull up to a gas station. A common scam is for the gas attendant to not zero out your meter, making you pay for more fuel than you received.
Taxi scams
Always agree on the taxi fare with your driver before entering the taxi. One of the most common scams in Quintana Roo is for a taxi driver to completely forgo the use of the meter and charge you an outrageous amount when you arrive at your destination.
Cartel activity in Playa Del Carmen
Fear of the cartel, or cartel activity, can be a major deterrent for those considering a trip to Mexico. However, as Playa del Carman is a popular tourist destination, the area tends to be more shielded from cartel violence and influence.
While the cartels’ influence in the area has seemingly risen with the demand for tourism, almost all cartel-related crimes surround the drug market. More tourists mean more possible drug sales and potential for distribution, as tourists tend to have more money to spend than locals do.
However, please remember that if you do not go looking for trouble, trouble will likely not look for you. Cartel crimes, especially involving tourists, are rarely random.
While unfortunate, the victims of these crimes are often those who put themselves into dangerous situations. The chances of you being caught in the crossfires of some sort of fight by being in the wrong place at the wrong time are extremely slim.
Overall, you should not let the fear of the cartels keep you from traveling to Playa del Carmen. Do not purchase or become involved with drugs so as not to indirectly contribute to this problem.
Prebook your airport transfer from Cancun
Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the closest international airport to Playa Del Carmen, located just 42 miles/68km away from the beach town. It takes approximately 60 minutes to get from the airport to PDC.
There is a direct bus that services this route and runs every 20 minutes between Cancun airport terminal 2 and Playa del Carmen Terminal Turística. Still, if you have a lot of bags and there are a few of you traveling together, you might want to organize a private transfer.
Some luxury resorts offer free shared and private shuttles for their guests so it is worth checking if that is an option. Failing that, a private transfer will cost you around $70 USD (MXN 1,400).
Your driver will be waiting for you in the airport arrivals with a sign displaying your name. You will be asked to provide your flight number and information when you make the booking so that the driver can time their arrival at the airport accordingly.
(So you don’t have to worry if your flight is delayed or late for any reason as the transfer company will be monitoring this before they set out). Avoid taking a cab from outside Cancun airport as the rates are exorbitant.
Cancun Airport arrivals scam
A common scam is also for people to approach visitors arriving at Cancun airport and tell them that their transfer has been canceled but they are willing to help you get to your destination. They may even hand you their phone to speak to an accomplice posing as the transfer company to tell you that the driver was stuck in traffic.
Avoid anyone that approaches you at the airport. If you arrive and you cannot find your driver holding a sign with your name, use the free wifi to contact the company you organized the transfer through.
Safety tips for renting a car in Playa Del Carmen
Opting to rent a car can give you a lot more freedom and flexibility during your Yucatan itinerary. While buses are a good way to get around, there are a lot of Yucatan beaches and ruins that are not well-serviced by public transport, and having access to a car means that you are not at the mercy of awkward, infrequent bus schedules.
Plenty of reputable international rental companies operate in Playa Del Carmen including the likes of Hertz, Sixt, and Avis. You should expect to pay between $30 and $40 USD a day for a small, economy-sized car in Playa Del Carmen including full-coverage insurance.
Independent local rental companies often offer better prices than the likes of big-name global chains and shouldn’t be written off. However, you should always check past reviews of the specific rental company you plan on using as rental scams are rife in Mexico.
Discover Cars is a great platform to use if you are considering renting a car as it allows you to compare and contrast the prices offered by various different rental companies and secure the best possible deal. Generally speaking, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Steer clear of rentals that look far too cheap (e.g. $5-$8 a day) and make sure that you book with a trusted company. Booking your rental car online in advance will help you secure much more competitive prices than if you try and rent a car at the last minute upon your arrival.
Take photographs of any rental vehicle before you leave the lot and also when you return it. This way, the rental company cannot claim that you damaged the vehicle in any way and try to charge you.
Is it safe to drive in Playa Del Carmen and wider Quintana Roo?
Driving in Playa Del Carmen and the state of Quintana Roo is really not all that different from driving in the United States. The roads here are well-paved, well-maintained, and free from damage or potholes.
Sure, there may be a few people who speed or drive a bit more erratically. But speed limits and road rules are enforced in Mexico and the fines/penalties for speeding or endangering others can be steep so most people don’t risk it.
It would be a stretch to say that you have to drive defensively. Signs are displayed in English and Spanish so it is easy to navigate your way around the Yucatan peninsula, but it also pays to pick up a Mexican sim card so that you can use GPS/Google Maps on your phone.
Car rentals are available at Cancun International Airport or in most towns, like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, etc. All tourists in Mexico are able to rent a car as long as they have a valid driver’s license from their home country.
If you plan on driving in Playa del Carmen, there are a few things to note to make sure you stay safe.
Useful tips for driving safely in Playa Del Carmen and the Riviera Maya
- Most of the streets in Playa del Carmen are one-way, so pay attention to road signs.
- Watch out for other motorists, bicycles, and scooters.
- If you get into an accident, be sure to take lots of photographs so the other driver cannot put the blame on you.
- Watch out for speed bumps as they are all over the roads in Quintana Roo.
- Stay clear of 5th Avenue. This is a pedestrian-only street.
- Try to avoid driving between cities at night as roads are poorly lit and often without street lights entirely, making it difficult to see hazards like stray dogs and wildlife
- There are two toll roads between Quintana Roo State and the Yucatan State. These are 180 cuota and the 305 Highway between Playa Del Carmen and Nuevo Xcan. Tolls must be paid in cash in pesos and cards are not accepted.
Parking and security can be difficult in some areas. Always park in the designated parking lots, lock your car, and do not leave any valuables in the car.
Police and corruption can also be an issue in some areas. Always carry your passport and other documentation with you.
Never argue with the police or try to bribe them. If someone tries to stop you and get you to pay a bribe, you should ask to be taken to their boss (¨jefe¨). This is usually enough to get them to leave you alone.
You should also report all incidents to your rental agency.
If you follow the tips above and use your common sense, you will have a safe and enjoyable time driving in Playa del Carmen and wider Quintana Roo.
Useful safety tips for visiting Playa Del Carmen
A handful of useful safety tips for traveling to Playa Del Carmen are detailed below. A lot of these are universal and are important to remember when traveling to any new country.
- For women, you should walk with your purse or bag in front of you in crowded markets, rather than slung over your shoulder or behind you.
- For men, keep your wallet in your front pocket.
- Dress casually. Flashy, expensive-looking outfits and accessories can draw unwanted attention.
- Always keep your personal belongings with you at all times.
- Make copies of your passport or other important documents in case you misplace the original.
- Let your family and friends know where you will be.
- Keep your valuables, such as phones or cameras, out of sight.
- Avoid walking around at night. If you must, try not to walk alone.
- Research the area you are traveling to, especially if you are traveling alone.
- Stay in well-lit and well-populated areas.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Be mindful of your consumption of alcohol.
- Do not carry too much cash
- Learn a little Spanish if you can. Even the basics will go a long way.
Petty theft is the most common crime among tourists, although if you stick to the above safety tips, it is unlikely. However, in the unlikely event you do happen to be the victim of a mugging or petty theft, the safest way out of the situation is to hand over whatever it is the person is asking for.
Your cell phone or wallet is never worth the risk of violence.
The most important thing to remember when traveling to any country is to simply use your common sense! If something doesn’t feel right, chances are it isn’t!
Is Playa Del Carmen safe for solo travelers?
Generally, solo travel to Playa del Carmen is safe, even for solo female travelers. (This entire website has been created and written by solo female travelers living in Mexico).
However, this is perhaps best reserved for travelers that have some experience traveling alone, or who may be conversational in Spanish. If you do choose to travel to Playa del Carmen alone you may want to consider the following tips:
- Research your destinations before you travel
- Stay in a hotel or hostel with good reviews and in a safe area
- Learn some basic phrases in Spanish
- Use Couchsurfing, Meeting, and Digital Nomad Facebook groups to meet other solo travelers and expats
- Let your friends or family know where you will be
- Always be mindful of your consumption of alcohol and do not leave your drink unattended.
- Keep your plans off social media and never post your location in real-time – especially not your hotel/accommodation or places that you go to regularly.
If you are traveling solo to Playa del Carmen, you may also want to consider staying in a hostel. This is a great way to meet fellow like-minded travelers and make new friends.
If you are a first-time solo traveler and have your heart set on Playa del Carmen, you can rest easy knowing that like most of Latin America, Playa del Carmen has plenty of tourist infrastructure and can be safe, even for first-time solo travelers. Just use your common sense and follow the tips above.
Food safety in Playa Del Carmen
One other thing to mention regarding safety in Playa del Carmen that many travelers may be concerned about is the quality of the drinking water. You should never drink tap water anywhere in Mexico.
You should also be cautious when drinking beverages with ice or eating fresh fruits that you cannot peel. For example, eating watermelon, pineapple or a banana is much safer than eating a berry that may have recently been washed with tap water.
You should also use your common sense with street vendors. Street food is an amazing way to try local cuisine, and often at a great price.
However, no one wants to be sick on vacation and street food can leave you feeling unwell if you are not careful. A great tip for street food is to eat where the locals eat.
If you see a long line of locals around a food stand, get in line and you’re sure to be in for a treat. While you are in line, watch the food vendor.
Is the cook making the dishes to order? Is the food pre-prepared? Always make sure that your food is being cooked to order, and cooked properly for that matter, before digging in.
Of course, sometimes it can be our own hygiene that makes us sick while traveling and not just the way the food is prepared. Always carry a little bottle of hand sanitizer with you.
When you can, wash your hands thoroughly before eating Mexican street food as a lot of it (like tacos, burritos, etc) requires you to eat with your hands which is less than ideal if you have been handling currency, etc. Failing that, be sure to use a good amount of hand sanitizer to clean your hands.
Don’t hail taxis on the street, have your hotel call a trusted driver
Not every place you will want to visit in Playa del Carmen will be within walking distance. Or, it if is later in the evening, you may need to grab a ride back to your hotel.
Please note that Uber and Lyft are not available in the state of Quintana Roo outside of Cancun.
For safety reasons, you should never hail a taxi on the street. Always ask your hotel front desk staff to call a trusted driver.
It is likely that the hotel will have several trusted, reputable companies ready at the call to get you where you need to go. If you are out at a restaurant or bar late at night and need to get back to your hotel, ask a member of the restaurant staff.
Once you find a driver that you trust, take their business card and number so that you always have someone that you can contact when you need a ride.
Taxi scams in Playa Del Carmen
Taxi drivers will often approach travelers soliciting rides. If you do choose to take a ride with such a driver, you could find yourself in a large taxi van, and paying a much higher price than you would a normal taxi, sometimes even up to three times as much! This is a common scam to overcharge tourists.
There are also “fake taxis” throughout Mexico. If you hail a taxi in busy areas such as Playa del Carmen, you run the risk of getting into an unregistered taxi. Even licensed taxi drivers have been known to rent out their taxis to gang members and there is an increased risk of theft.
Busy tourist areas will often have a booth where you can request a taxi at a fixed price. While this is safer than hailing a taxi on the street, requesting a taxi from your hotel staff is always your safest bet.
Hurricane season and natural disasters in Playa Del Carmen
Hurricane season in Playa del Carmen lasts from June through October each year. However, these storms are the most likely to occur during the months of September and October.
Although the beaches will still be hot, these months see the most rain and potential for high winds. In general, it may be best to avoid travel during these months so as not to risk any possible storms ruining your vacation.
Fatal hurricanes are not common but the winds and storms are often powerful enough to knock out the electricity/wifi in a particular area for a couple of days. While the area has also had several earthquakes, these are incredibly unlikely.
The best time to visit Playa Del Carmen is around November or March/April. This is outside of the humid, rainy hurricane season and allows you to avoid the crowded peak season of December to early March when everything is more expensive.
Be careful with your money
Never carry big wads of cash around with you and only withdraw what you need for a day or two. Generally speaking, around 4,000 pesos (Circa $233 USD) should be the maximum amount of cash you keep on you at any given time.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Playa Del Carmen and across the wider Yucatan peninsula and most hotels, stores, and restaurants have POS devices. Be careful when withdrawing money from ATMS, particularly on 5th Avenue/La Quinta Avenue.
A lot of ATM machines have been tampered with and may have been fitted with a card-skimming reader that steals all your sensitive data. Try to avoid unmonitored machines and only make withdrawals from legitimate bank ATMs such as Scotia Bank, BBVA, Citibanamex, etc.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before visiting Playa Del Carmen
It is prudent to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before traveling anywhere for the first time and the same rings true of traveling to Mexico. Unfortunately, despite our best planning and caution, we never know what is around the corner and today’s health isn’t promised tomorrow.
A good travel insurance plan will include at least $250,000 USD worth of medical coverage. Always read the small print so you know exactly what is covered.
Look for policies that also offer additional extras such as repatriation, and coverage in the event of loss/theft of luggage and electronics. Things like hiking, scuba diving, and ATV rentals are often not included in a standard policy and need to be purchased as an additional add-on.
This is important to keep in mind if you plan on doing any of these adventurous things during your time in Playa Del Carmen, as they are a major draw for a lot of people.
Is Playa Del Carmen safe? Final thoughts
Overall, if you use your common sense and street smarts, Playa del Carmen is very safe for tourists. Just relax, trust your instincts, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
If you are still concerned about Playa Del Carmens safety, you might also enjoy reading these Mexico travel tips, or this post on overall safety in Mexico. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your time in Mexico!
Buen Viaje! Melissa xo
