Luckily, there is no reason for a tourist to visit these sections of town, but you should be aware of their existence before traveling. I used the ATM in the oxxo store, pulled put 4000, and walked out to continue my walk to the condo. Robbed my the police twice. Is Playa del Carmen safe for tourists? It's a safe, comfortable, and economical way to get to Playa. This means I put my family in more risk than I would have otherwise. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you are staying in a hotel or resort, you will benefit from great security and the use of a safe for your valuables while you are out and about. Safety. since 2017 which is further exacerbated by the pandemic. Our biggest tip is to make photocopies of your passport beforehand and carry those around with you instead of the real thing. We researched Playa del Carmen and put together tips to help you prepare for your vacation. Another is the your face looks familiar scam, where someone comes up to you to say they work at your hotel and offers you a deal, but really, theyre coercing you into buying from an overpriced shop. They demanded a stop and search and stole the cash money I had on me. The police accused him on potential theft. Try to take money out of ATMs situated inside, at banks, in a hotel or in a supermarket where there will be security too. It always pays to keep an eye on your belongings when youre out for a stroll in town, no matter where youre traveling. Playa del Carmen is relatively safe at night, especially if youre located in the main touristy areas. It does not store any personal data. Youll find taxis everywhere in Playa del Carmen thats because theyre one of the main ways to get around. If you are a person that suffers from typical. But for many tourists, this is not the casethey can be easily targeted because they are NOT of Mexican descent. While Playa del Carmen is party central, if youre alone, try to avoid getting totally wasted. Beaches are lovely places to visit, but you should be cautious when swimming somewhere you dont know anything about. To ensure that youre picking somewhere safe to stay, read lots of reviews from other women before booking accommodation! However, having lived in Playa del Carmen for over a year, and having visited Cancun multiple times, we can honestly say that both states are relatively safe, as long as you adhere to the safety tips and basic travel common sense. Police corruption is definetly a problem in PDC. The bottom line is that looking wealthy makes you a target. With a bit of common sense and some inside intel (from our local perspective), you can too! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Is Playa del Carmen safe for solo travelers? Tourists are the least attacked targets since they are protected by the police, but you should always be careful. Hostels are great for meeting others, and Airbnbs are awesome picks if you want to have a more authentic local experience. In general, tourists have few issues with safety in Playa Del Carmen. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Safety on public transportation in Playa del Carmen, Keep a limit on the amount of alcohol you have, Check out my recommended travel insurance here, 28 Best Cities To Visit In Italy That Will Take Your Breath Away, 12 Incredible Things To Do In Sapa, Vietnam, Where To Stay In Istanbul: 6 Best Areas To Stay In Istanbul And Best Hotels, 15 Things To Know Before Visiting Turkey + 11 Best Turkey Travel Tips. They tell you all about the wonderful things in the area, but zero about the risks. Alternatively, you could join in with tours, or hop on a bar crawl, to get to know other people. Along 5th avenue, a ton of vendors will offer you drugs- just stay away and say no. Accidents happen and its extremely important to be covered in case of one. Finally, let me actually address your question is Playa del Carmen safe? I have no intention to go back for now. As of the moment, Playa del Carmen is safe to visit. Start Here Mexico Is Playa del Carmen Safe in 2023? Additionally, there are several active volcanoes in the area which could erupt at any time. Playa Del Carmen has never been blacklisted by any country or government agency. Yes, there have been a few high-profile recent incidents, so its probably smart to keep your wits about you. Join our growing community of adventurers on Facebook and Instagram. Playa del Carmen is a fun place, definitely, and you will want to let your hair down and have a few drinks, but its always best to drink responsibly. Solo travel is a super fun thing to do, and Playa del Carmen is a great place to head if you are thinking of taking a trip to the Maya Riviera by yourself. Most of these cops are probably Cartel so there is no use making a complaint, if they know you made a complaint about them you may wind up in a dumpster! Just got robbed at Playa del Carmen, came in with the car from Tulum towards Cancun. Ive been to Playa del Carmen twice. I agree with a lot of the other reviews there are way safer places to go to. Dont under any circumstance flash your money. While the uptick in cartel crime has caused many to reconsider their trips to Cancn or even Tulum, its mostly avoided Playa del Carmen so far. You'll be pleased to know that Playa del Carmen is one of the safest cities in the country, thanks in part to its small size (it has a population of just over 150,000) and its strict laws against things like littering and public urination. You can check the rate that you should be paying at accommodation and taxi ranks, since each route should have a predetermined fare so youll know how much you should be paying. Is Playa del Carmen safe for solo female travelers? However, having said that, in our year of living there, we have not encountered a single corrupt police officer. She is an avid traveler, gear enthusiast, and adventure seeker. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state, which include tourist areas in: Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya. My daughter had the entire day and night memorized on her iphone which was shown to the police. The pool day passes are like beach clubs in that you are guaranteed admission, a credit for food, and a chair. The police then proceeded to take most (not all) of the money in my wallet. The beaches were magnificent back then. Particularly if youre sitting in a terrace cafe, dont hang your bag on the back of a chair, or leave your phone on a table unattended, as they could very easily go missing, never to be seen again. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I really appreciate the fact that people were wearing face mask at our resort and tourist guide. These small shuttle buses travel between local towns and neighborhoods and are much more of a local experience for travelers. Many people want know, is Playa del Carmen safe? After they emptied my wallet and said I could leave and have a nice day AGHHHH! In the period from June to November, and especially from August to October, Playa del Carmen, like the rest of the Caribbean area, can be affected by hurricanesthe tropical cyclones of the North Atlantic Ocean, which rarely affect a given place but are dangerous because they can bring strong winds and heavy rains. The govement is so corrupt they just turn a blind eye to it and say there is no problem with crime! if he is fluent in Spanish and knows the culture. Playa del Carmen is a beautiful and amazing destination with so many offerings to visitors ranging from water sports to soaking up the sun, museums, shopping, nightlife, and excellent restaurants. With no one else to look after your belongings, they will be left unattended if you go swimming which could easily make them a target for thieves. Is Playa del Carmen safe? If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. I was pulled aside and told by hotel security that it would be ok. In situations where express kidnappings occurred, the victims were forced to withdraw from ATMs and then released. Also, never reveal personal information to anyone except required information for your hotel. Playa del Carmen is one of the prettiest and safest beach resorts in Mexico. However, Mexico in general has seen a spike in crime since 2017 which is further exacerbated by the pandemic. That was exactly what happened. Maybe it was the amount , idk, but he asked to see some ID and then he took a picture of the ID. We've been to some of the most unique places on earth and we're always on the hunt for cheap flights and new adventures. I didnt have anything just a towel no money nothing because I heard the rumors so I dont carry stuff, when they couldnt find anything of value they let me go. Moreover, it is a popular destination for people planning to retire in Mexico and favorable for digital nomads seeking a warm and hospitable place during winters. Day trips from Playa del Carmen to surrounding cenotes and the jungle are popular. They did bring us back to the Grand Hyatt (sort of). They dropped us off 2 blocks north of the hotel down a dimly lit street. If you dont speak Spanish its a problem as you dont know whats taking place around you. I was taking my financ to the doctor and told her that I am going to get you some water. Trust me on this one. And definitely dont go there if you have anybody thats handicapped the streets are all torn up there are no handrails there are not even handrails by the pool, too much of a hassle. I hate to see how people treat them here. Make some friends at a hostel, beach club, or on a tour to have people to spend time with in Playa del Carmen. Having lived there for over a year, Ive always felt safe in Playa de Carmen, even when I walk around as a solo female traveler. However, it is still one of the safest places to visit in Mexico and safe for tourists in 2023. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico has been safe place especially compared to other tourist destinations or even where you might live. Playa del Carmen did see an uptick in violence in 2021 and 2022, making it slightly less safe than it used to be. Dont accept offers of drugs. They leave from designated stops around Playa del Carmen, and will leave when they are full (you can also pick them up along routes). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. So, finally, after living in Playa del Carmen for almost 3 years, here is my Playa del Carmen safety guide. Although it is a little bit pricier than usual, we recommend going down this route as an extra precaution. Check them out below. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Particularly, this occurs in the form of petty theft with belongings being stolen from beaches as well as, occasionally, robbery. The police are not treatening, they just say that they are checking you for drugs, even though we are over 60 and dont use drugs. Playa Del Carmen safety is generally good, it does sometimes come down to good research, and sometimes luck too. According to the latest Envipe survey about the public perception of safety in the country, used as one of the official thermometers on violence in the country, eight out of 10 inhabitants . Just be aware of your surroundings and mindful of the potential hazards in the area. Nevertheless, Playa isn't a great destination for above-ground nature enthusiasts. To back this up, lets look at a few numbers. Thats better than the US homicide rate which is 5. Police corruption!! Dont do drugs or become overly inebriated while in town, especially if traveling alone, as that makes you an easy target for robbers. Stay aware of local wildlife as there are dangerous animals such as crocodiles and jaguars. Here are some of the most popular scams and how you can avoid them. I was just there in Oct. 2020. Some people try to make a quick buck off of tourists using their wits, not brute force. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The overall crime rate in Playa del Carmen is low, much lower than in other Mexican cities or even some American cities. Generally, they tend to be quite packed in, and can be uncomfortable, but they are very cheap. The U.S. Department of State maintains a travel advisory of " Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution" for both towns due to the high levels of crime and violence in the state of Quintana Roo. There are kidnappings and homicides, which have increased in the past few years due to more cartel violence, but the majority of people who bear the brunt of this are locals, not tourists. Never had a problem with safety. Playa del Carmen is also generally safe, though suffers from many of the same issues that affect Tulum. View and download my media kithere (updated May 2023). As a Booking.com Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. Its quite easy to take advantage of drunk foreigners who are on their own dont be one of the easy targets! You should also be cautious if you bring someone back to your room late at night. There are many more places in the world to visit that will not try to rob you any chance they get. Like with Colosio, the area is incredibly poor and underprivileged. This area is anything north of 46th street, which begins to get messy the further you go. You dont want to give anyone a reason to rob you! These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Playa Del Carmen is safe. And despite reports of shootings and other crimes, Playa del Carmen is still a relatively safe place to visit. Unfortunately, as mentioned previously, the level of corruption in Mexico in general is pretty high. Sandra I just read your message, When was this? However, it is still one of the safest places to visit in Mexico and safe for tourists in 2023. Ensure that valuables are locked away so theres no room for temptation. Playa as its known to locals is a relatively safe area, with a beach backed by secure resorts and a buzzing town center with plenty of tours and attractions to enjoy during your stay. Using an ATM on the street can put you at risk of being a target for thieves. Be wary of attempts at credit-card fraud. All COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and the city is operating as usual. Live Aqua Boutique Resort Playa del Carmen. If youre going to bring valuables to the beach, toss them in a high-quality, Quick Answer: Is Playa del Carmen Safe? Click the link to see our top recommendations. I was shopping with my sisters at one of the gestores to buy some gifts. Taxi drivers in playa are a hit and miss so we recommend ordering one from reputable companies. Always keep your eyes on your drink or meal and never accept an open drink (beers included!) 23 reviews 37 helpful votes Drinking water/food safety in Playa del Carmen 5 years ago Save I am thinking of bringing my grandchildren, ages 1 through 8, to Playa del Carmen for a family vacation. Mexico Yucatn Peninsula Playa del Carmen Things to know before going to Playa del Carmen to make your trip more memorable Save Nellie Huang Mar 8, 2022 11 min read Beyond Playa del Carmen's touristy core, there's a world of parks, weekend markets and neighborhood restaurants to discover Emma Shaw / Lonely Planet You can talk to strangers, but trust your gut. The most common danger to tourists in Playa del Carmen is petty property crime. Fortunately, Playa del Carmen offers some of the most stunning rooftop hotel pools in Mexico. Unlike many other beach destinations, where the single activity is soaking up the rays, Playa del Carmen offers a variety of entertainment for every taste. These often involve rental cars and overcharging on bills at restaurants with the notorious tourist tax being added on top of what you should actually be paying. So, I'll share my takeaways here to help you have a safe and fun experience. Playa del Carmen is, overall, a relatively safe place to visit, but you should read this article carefully before going to make sure visiting this Riviera Maya destination is within your personal comfort zone. This means wearing clothes that arent too flashy, not wearing expensive jewelry, or carrying around designer handbags these kinds of things attract the wrong sort of attention! The tourism market in Playa del Carmen has absolutely boomed in recent years. Dont leave your food or drink unattended, as drink spiking in bars and restaurants can happen. Theres less violence than in other parts of Mexico and as a tourist hub, there are plenty of measures taken to ensure a safe holiday for all. Obviously you dont want to bring any attention, if youre going out of your resort. Playa Del Carmen is known as a tourist town and many people walk around the downtown. They know all the wrist bands for each hotel. Is it Safe to Travel to Playa del Carmen? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. ADVENTURE IN YOU 2014 - 2023 Affiliate Disclaimer, Terms & Services, Privacy Policy, Is Playa del Carmen Safe for Travelers? As one of Mexicos top vacation destinations, you may be wondering is Playa del Carmen safe? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. See my site Policies A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. Once for a fake arrest which required a ATM withdrawal at the police station. We've taken ours through rivers, jungles, and cities and they're still alive and kickin'. This shouldnt scare you but motivate you to be extra mindful when it comes to watching what you consume. If youre concerned about Covid-19, please note that many of the resorts around Playa del Carmen have taken additional safety and hygiene measures to combat Covid-19, so if youre looking for a stress-free stay, a resort may be your best bet. Visit. f youre worried, you can always bring along a. to wear under your clothes. Mother Nature can come out in full force in Playa del Carmen. I refused, amd explained i want to dispute this incident with his supervisor. 1 post 1 review 8 helpful votes Is it safe to drive in Playa del Carmen/Cancun? Police in Mexico rescued 20 kids ranging in age from 1 to 17 from rented rooms in the resort town of Playa del Carmen, where they were . Although you may be on vacation, its always a good idea to try not to stand out too much. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Also according to the UK Government, Major tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel. This means rooms that can fit the entire squad comfortably (aka no sleeping on top of each other and privacy for mom and dad) and lots of activities to keep little ones occupied. Dont go where there are few other people in the vicinity; this includes camping in secluded places. In Playa del Carmen specifically, you should not drink the tap water. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 8pm my 17 year old son was arrested at gun point by 6-7 police officers, between the Grand Hyatt and Hilton Hotels. Traveling with an anti-theft bag is also a must to avoid your purse getting easily snatched. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". On July 27, 2021 at approx. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Mexican Police scum bags. Always felt safe. Catch the bus right outside arrivals and get dropped off at the bus terminal in Playa del Carmen's Centro, a block from Parque Fundadores. As he did a 360 around me emptying my back pockets (i had a small flashlight in my rear right pocket) he pulled it out and put me in cuffs. Playa del Carmen is the perfect place for solo female travelers. When youre out and about, its best to avoid calling attention to yourself. May is the hottest month and features the longest days and in August, the water reaches its maximum temperature of 85 degrees. Also, when showering, try not to get the water in your mouth and use bottled water when brushing your teeth. If youre staying in a hostel, definitely pack some padlocks to secure your locker with. When out at night, watch your drink. As mentioned earlier, there have been a few shootings in Playa del Carmen that has worried tourists. In this article, I break down all you need to know about Playa del Carmen safety, as well as providing a few of my top tips for avoiding trouble. The truth is that Mexico is a big country. He said i could pay now and walk away. Yes, Playa del Carmen is considered safe for American tourists. I had chain stolen at a bar. Playa del Carmen is safe as long as you stay within the tourist district, take taxis at night, and use common sense. Learn how your comment data is processed. What Are The Main Safety Issues In Playa Del Carmen? One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. I may never know. Her museum is an excellent way to get away from the sun for a few hours in a very safe location. With so many people moving around, it is better to be safe than sorry. Due to the unprecedented ferocity of the hurricane and the advent of the Sargasso plague, consider the place desperate and worthless as a safe destination. Chances are that if you are traveling anywhere else in the Maya Riviera, youll be taking a bus. Aftwr walking to the oxxo nesr CTM, i remembered i needed to withdraw pesos for the morning. Here are our top tips for staying safe as a solo traveler in Playa del Carmen. Using the buddy system makes the most sense, especially when traveling alone in Playa del Carmen. I was kept for 8 hours until they csme again and took me to a phone call at the small broken window, the prosecutor said i could leave for 3000 pesos, and it would be thrown out. This is becoming more common every year. We are headed down there tomorrow, 12/14/2020 and will be there for awhile relaxing at Riu Palace. Always make sure to keep your belongings on your person, even if you just want to go for a quick dip in the water. Is Playa Del Carmen safe to walk around? Cancn also has seen a bigger uptick in cartel violence, so if youre worried about safety, Playa del Carmen is a better bet. Crime is in isolated areas. There have been a few high-profile incidents over the past few years, including a club shooting and an armed robbery that killed two Canadians. Learn more about me here My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. I believe every word of your report because in 2005 I was the victim of police corruption. Being a solo traveler is fun, but theres real power in numbers. 3 police officers said they would give us a ride back to the hotel. These cookies do not store any personal information.
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