Is Tulum, Mexico Safe?
Tulum is a beautiful town on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It is known for its stunning beaches, Mayan ruins, and vibrant nightlife. In recent years, Tulum has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
But is Tulum safe?
The short answer is that Tulum is generally safe for tourists. However, there are some risks that travelers should be aware of.
Crime
The crime rate in Tulum is higher than in some other parts of Mexico. According to the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), the crime rate in Tulum is “moderate”. This means that there is a risk of petty theft, muggings, and armed robbery.
The most common type of crime in Tulum is petty theft. This includes things like pickpocketing, bag snatching, and bicycle theft. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect their belongings.
Muggings and armed robbery are less common in Tulum, but they do happen. These crimes are more likely to occur at night, so travelers should be extra careful when walking around after dark.
Here is an excerpt from a full article on the topic at Verifythis.com
Are Cancun and other popular tourist towns safe?
The British government says Mexico works to protect major tourist destinations. Still, “those areas have not been immune to the types of violence and crime experienced elsewhere in Mexico,” the U.S. State Department says.
Although they’re not completely crime-free, the tourist zones of popular destinations are generally safer than other parts of those cities. The Canadian government tells its citizens to stay in tourist areas if they’re traveling to Mexico. The State Department recommends travelers avoid downtown Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen after dark, and instead stay in tourist areas and along well-lit pedestrian streets.
Cancun welcomes the most international travelers to its airport than any other city in Mexico, as much as two to three times more than the next most popular destination, Mexico City. Since Cancun is particularly popular, the State Department and other officials typically give specific advice for travel to Quintana Roo, which also includes Tulum, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.
The State Department has issued a level 2 advisory for Americans, recommending travelers exercise increased caution while in Quintana Roo, due to crime and kidnapping concerns. There is currently an increased police presence in the Cancun area, including in the city’s Hotel Zone, the British government says.
The State Department, British government and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), an American public-private international security partnership for U.S. companies and organizations, all agree that while tourists aren’t commonly targeted by criminal organizations in Quintana Roo, there have been incidents in which tourists have been injured or killed after being caught in the crossfire of rival groups.
The State Department also advises that travelers to Mexico City and the surrounding State of Mexico remain vigilant.
“Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely,” the State Department says of Mexico City. “Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.”
Do criminals in Mexico target tourists?
Thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break each year, and the vast majority travel safely, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico says. Officials say criminal groups like cartels or gangs are unlikely to actively target travelers. Still, just like in other popular tourist destinations, someone who makes it obvious they’re carrying around a lot of money can become an easy mark for a petty thief.
Tourists who travel smart by staying aware of their surroundings and not calling attention to themselves will make themselves less likely to be targets.
“Although there is no evidence of criminals specifically targeting foreign or U.S. businesses and personnel, criminals will target victims based on the appearance of affluence, vulnerability or lack of awareness,” OSAC says. “Regarding cartel violence, wrong-place/wrong-time incidents present the greatest threat to personal safety.”
The Canadian government warns there have been incidents in which robbers in Mexico follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money at airports, currency exchange bureaus (casas de cambio) or ATMs. It suggests travelers avoid withdrawing or exchanging money in public or easy to see areas of the airport.
Robberies and assaults on passengers in taxis not affiliated with a taxi stand are also common, the State Department says. Rather than hail taxis on the street, tourists should use regulated taxi stands or an application-based service like Uber or Cabify.
A hurried cash transaction on the street can leave a traveler fleeced with shoddy or counterfeit goods, out-of-circulation valueless currency or incorrect change, OSAC says. Tourists can also be victims of ATM skimming crimes and credit card fraud.
“Try to use ATMs in bank branches during business hours,” OSAC recommends. “Portable credit card terminals are widely available in Mexico; always request that the establishment bring a portable credit card terminal to charge a credit card in your physical presence.”
Drugs
Drug-related crime is also a problem in Tulum. The town is a popular destination for drug smugglers, and there have been a number of violent incidents related to drug trafficking.
Travelers should be aware of the risks associated with drug use in Tulum. Drug use is illegal in Mexico, and those caught with drugs face serious penalties.
Natural Disasters
Tulum is also located in a hurricane-prone area. The town has been hit by hurricanes in the past, and there is always a risk of another hurricane hitting in the future.
Travelers should be aware of the hurricane season in Mexico, which runs from June to November. If you are planning to travel to Tulum during this time, be sure to check the weather forecast and make sure you have a plan in case a hurricane strikes.
Overall Safety
Overall, Tulum is a safe destination for tourists. However, there are some risks that travelers should be aware of. By taking precautions and being aware of your surroundings, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Tulum.
Comparison to Other Cities
To put the crime rate in Tulum in perspective, here is a comparison of the crime rates in some other major cities:
- Toronto, Canada: The crime rate in Toronto is much lower than in Tulum. According to Numbeo.com, the crime rate in Toronto is “low”.
- Los Angeles, USA: The crime rate in Los Angeles is slightly higher than in Toronto. According to Numbeo.com, the crime rate in Los Angeles is “medium”.
- London, UK: The crime rate in London is lower than in Los Angeles. According to Numbeo.com, the crime rate in London is “low”.
- New York City, USA: The crime rate in New York City is slightly higher than in London. According to Numbeo.com, the crime rate in New York City is “medium”.
- Berlin, Germany: The crime rate in Berlin is much lower than in New York City. According to Numbeo.com, the crime rate in Berlin is “low”.
- Stockholm, Sweden: The crime rate in Stockholm is even lower than in Berlin. According to Numbeo.com, the crime rate in Stockholm is “very low”.
Travel Advisories
The Canadian and American governments both have travel advisories for Tulum. The Canadian government’s advisory states that “Tulum is a safe destination for Canadian travellers, but there are some risks that should be considered.” The American government’s advisory states that “Tulum is a popular tourist destination, but there is a risk of crime.”
Real Reviews from Travelers
In addition to the travel advisories, it is also helpful to read real reviews from travelers who have visited Tulum. Here are some examples of positive reviews from travelers:
- “I had a wonderful time in Tulum. The beaches are beautiful, the food is delicious, and the people are friendly.”
- “I felt very safe in Tulum. I took precautions like keeping my belongings close to me and not walking around alone at night, but I never felt threatened.”
- “I would definitely recommend Tulum to anyone looking for a safe and beautiful vacation destination.”
Conclusion
Tulum is a beautiful and safe destination for tourists. However, there are some risks that travelers should be aware of. By taking precautions and being aware of your surroundings, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Tulum.
Links to Travel Advisories
- Canada: Travel Advice and Advisories for Mexico: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico
- United States: Travel Alert – Spring Break 2023: https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-alert-spring-break-2023/
- United Kingdom: Mexico travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico