Is Playa del Carmen Safe? Top Playa del Carmen Safety Tips for 2025

Are you planning a trip to Playa del Carmen and wondering if itβs safe? Youβve come to the right place!
As a travel blogger with years of experience living in Playa del Carmen, I can confidently say that safety is one of the most common concerns people have about visiting Mexico.
While the country often makes headlines in international media, the reality is that Playa del Carmen isnβt much more dangerous than other major citiesβif you know what to avoid and take the right precautions.
In this post, Iβm sharing everything you need to know about staying safe in Playa del Carmen, including my personal experiences, practical advice, common scams to watch out for, and my top safety tips.
Whether youβre a tourist, digital nomad, solo traveler, or expat, this comprehensive Playa del Carmen safety guide will help you feel prepared and confident during your visit.
Letβs dive in and explore how to stay safe in Playa del Carmen!
Is Playa del Carmen Safe?
Playa del Carmen is generally a safe place to visit as long as you avoid illegal activity and follow proper safety precautions.
The town is one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico and relies heavily on tourism, so the Mexican government takes security measures to ensure that visitors have a safe experience.
That said, crime does exist and you should always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against illegal activity.
However, as long as you use common sense, most tourists will not have any problems when visiting Playa del Carmen.
π¨ Do you need travel insurance for Mexico? Yes! Most insurance plans in your home country will not cover incidents abroad. I recommend using Travel Insurance Master, which is a handy travel insurance marketplace where you can compare policies. Get a FREE quote by clicking here!
How Safe is Playa del Carmen?
Let me start by saying that I absolutely love Playa del Carmen.
Itβs one of the most beautiful resort towns in Mexico, with so much to offerβstunning beaches, incredible cenotes, and a welcoming community.
As someone whoβs spent years here as a solo female expat, Iβve felt comfortable and safe most of the time.
That said, like any destination, crime does exist, and unfortunate incidents can happen. I want to be as honest as possible about my experiences so you can make an informed decision.
I truly believe that if you stay aware and follow some basic safety tips, youβll more than likely have an amazing time visiting Playa del Carmen.
Ultimately, once you know the facts, you can decide if visiting Playa del Carmen feels right for you.
Playa del Carmen Crime Index
Numbeo is an online global database of perceived crime and safety rates in major cities and countries throughout the world.
One statistic that Numbeo uses to measure crime rates is βCrime Indexβ, which is an estimation of overall level of crime in a given city or a country based on the following scale from 1-100:
- Very Low: <20
- Low: 20-40
- Moderate: 40-60
- High: 60-80
- Very High: >80
The reported Crime Index for Playa del Carmen is currentlyΒ 46.43, which is considered aΒ moderate level of crime.
For comparison, Mexico City has a Crime Index of 67.36 and Chicago has a Crime Index of 66.05.
Compared to other large cities around the world, the Playa del Carmen crime rate is lower and is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Playa del Carmen Safety Index
In addition, another metric Numbeo uses is βSafety Indexβ which is basically the opposite of Crime Index. If a city has a high Safety Index, it is considered very safe.
Currently, Playa del Carmen is reported to have a Safety Index ofΒ 53.57, which is considered aΒ moderate level of safety.
For comparison, Mexico City has a Safety Index of 33.64 and Chicago has a Safety Index of 33.95.
Playa del Carmen Travel Advisory
Officially, the U.S. State Department has issued the travel advisory for the Mexican state of Quintana Roo (where Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Tulum, and Riviera Maya are located) as a Level 2 -“Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime and kidnapping.
There are currently no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state but it is recommended to exercise increased caution after dark and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.
Playa del Carmen currently has the same travel advisory level as destinations in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spainβdemonstrating that traveling to Mexico is just as safe as a trip to Europe.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
If you are a U.S. citizen, I’d highly recommend registering for the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows you to submit your travel plans to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico.Β
You’ll then receive news and safety alerts by email for the areas you’re traveling to. I’m enrolled and have found it to be very helpful and informative!Β
Mexico Safety in the Media
It’s no secret that there’s lot of media hype about violent crime in Mexico, especially on American news channels and social media.
I’m not saying these stories are false but I do think that the media does a good job at blowing many of these incidents out of proportion.
For example, the widely-publicized incident that happened years ago in the border town of Matamoros was over 1,300 miles away from Playa del Carmen in a state with a long-held βDo Not Travelβ advisory.
To advise travelers not to travel to Playa del Carmen because of an incident that happened in a completely different part of the country would be like saying you shouldnβt travel to California because of something that happened in New York.
So, itβs important not to let sensationalized news stories cloud your judgement and to do your own research into the safety situation in Playa del Carmen before making a decision.
Crime in Playa del Carmen
Crime does exist in Playa del Carmen, as it does is most major cities around the world. These are the most commons types of crime in Playa del Carmen:
Petty Crime
Petty theft is one of the most common crimes in Playa del Carmen since it is primarily a vacation town where tourists are more prone to relax and indulge in alcoholic beveragesβmaking them an easy target.
One important thing to remember is that Mexico is considered a third-world country. There are many people here that are struggling to make a living so the chances of theft and exploitation are high.
However, as long as you take proper precautions and keep a close eye on your belongings at all times, you can avoid getting taken advantage of.
Always be aware of your surroundings, watch your alcohol consumption, and never let your guard down.
I always wear a belt bag or crossbody purse whenever I’m walking around town or out and about.
And even when dining at restaurants, keep your purse in your lap and never unattended. I’ve seen security footage posted on Facebook where thieves will create a distraction and steal purses or bags from the back of chairs.
Additionally, be sure to use your hotel safe and securely lock your hotel room or apartment rental at all times.
Drug-Related Crime
Iβm not naΓ―ve to the fact that there are drug cartels in the Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Tulum areas, which make them less safe than nearby island destinations like Cozumel or Isla Mujeres.
Drug violence exists in the Mexican Caribbean region because itβs a popular vacation destination and thereβs a market for drug trafficking.
However, from my experience the drug-related incidents have been very targeted and are usually not directed at tourists.
That’s not to say that there isn’t a risk of injury for innocent bystanders but as long as you are not involved in drugs and illegal activity, you more than likely won’t be exposed to these dangers.
Corruption and Bribery
Another unfortunate type of crime in Playa del Carmen is corruption and bribery by authority figures such as police officers and military personnel.
Now Iβm not saying that every authority figure in Mexico is corruptβthere are plenty of honest and hardworking police officials but there are also some bad ones out there that ruin their reputation.
Some police officers have been known to abuse their power for moneyβthey will usually target intoxicated male tourists and threaten to arrest them if they don’t hand over their cash.
These incidents are more rare and most tourists will not have much interaction with these types of figures or situations but it’s an important thing to be aware of.
Is Playa del Carmen Safe for Tourists?
If you’re visiting Playa del Carmen on vacation, you have very little to worry about in regards to safety.
The entire Riviera Maya region depends primarily on tourism so it’s generally safe for visitors.
But at the same time you also have to be a responsible traveler, take proper precautions, and avoid being a target.
There are millions of tourists that travel to Mexico every year and very few have any issues with safety in Riviera Maya.
Playa del Carmen Resort Safety
If you’re visiting Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya and don’t plan to leave the resort, you honestly won’t face many risks.
However, if you are staying at a Playa del Carmen all-inclusive resort, you’ll want to be careful of your alcohol consumption and try not to stay out late aloneβeven if it’s just at the hotel bar.
There have been incidents at resorts in recent years where alcohol has been tainted but this is definitely not the norm.
And Iβve seen recently where more hotels in Playa del Carmen are taking increased safety measures against tainted alcohol like destroying the empty bottles after use so they canβt be refilled.
You’ll also want to utilize the hotel safe to lock up your valuables, credit cards, passport, and travel documents.
Don’t just assume your valuables will be safe in your hotel room. You never know who has access to your guest room including housekeeping, maintenance, security, and other resort staff.
Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue Safety
Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) is Playa del Carmen’s most popular pedestrian-only street and main tourist area.
It’s a great place for shopping in Playa del Carmen, but it is a crowded and lively place which makes it an attractive location for pickpocketers.
Always be vigilant of your surroundings and hold on securely to your purse and cell phone.
For ladies, I would definitely recommend a crossbody purse or belt bag. Men should always keep their wallets in their front pockets.
π This is the belt bag I personally use and recommend for traveling safely in Mexico
Also, it’s important to know that you will more than likely be offered drugs while walking down 5th Avenue. Just ignore it and keep walking.
As I mentioned, if you avoid the drug scene in Playa del Carmen you will avoid trouble.
Playa del Carmen Beach Safety
Many of the beaches in Playa del Carmen will be very crowded and have no shortage of vendors trying to sell you their goods and handicrafts.
Never bring valuables to the beach and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. It’s an easy environment for bag snatchers to make a quick getaway.
Whenever I go in the water, I always secure my beach bag and keep a close and watchful eye on it.
If you want to be extra cautious, you can use a Pacsafe, which is a portable safe you can strap to a beach chair or permanent fixture.
Playa del Carmen Nightlife Safety
If you are going out to the nightclubs or bars in Playa del Carmen, always keep an eye on your drink or keep a hand over it. Drink spiking can happen, especially for ladies.
This is not something I’ve heard of a lot but it does happen, sadly as it does in many bars around the world.
Watch your alcohol consumption and never accept drinks from strangers.
Playa del Carmen Water Safety
It’s important to know that the water in Playa del Carmen is not safe to drink for both tourists and locals. Itβs best to stick to bottled or purified water while visiting.
I would also recommending bringing along a collapsible water bottle to stay hydrated during your trip.
It can be very easy to opt for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages so having a water bottle on hand can be a huge help.
Or if you really want to save money, you can buy a water purifier bottle to remove contaminants from tap water.
π§ Check out my full Playa del Carmen water safety guide for all of the answers to the most frequently asked questions about drinking the water in Mexico.
Playa del Carmen Taxi Safety
Another safety concern in Playa del Carmen is around taking taxis. I have taken a lot of taxis in Playa del Carmen and have personally never had any bad experiences but unfortunately it does happen.
Many of the taxi drivers are friendly and are just trying to make a living but there are also not-so-friendly taxi drivers that give them a bad name.
I’ve also heard a few stories of bad things happeningβlike kidnapping and thefts at knife point.
This is more likely to happen at night so I would avoid taking a taxi alone at night if possible.
If you do take a taxi, be sure to follow these safety tips:
- Confirm the price upfront: Always confirm the price of the taxi before getting in. Taxis drivers will definitely overcharge for tourists.
- Try to speak Spanish: If you can speak Spanish with the driver, you are more likely to get a fair rate.
- Never sit in the front seat:Β This sets you up for someone to hop into the backseat and attack you from behind. Also, don’t get in a taxi if there is someone in the passengers seat.Β Chances are they are working together.
- Record the taxi number: It’s a good idea to save the taxi number in your phone or send it in a quick text message to a friend in case of emergency or if you leave anything behind.
- Double check for personal belongings: Always be sure to check the backseat of the taxi before exiting for any items that may have been left behind. If you do leave something, chances are you will not get it back.
- Don’t take taxis from 5th Avenue: The 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen taxi zone will be charged the tourist rate which will be double or triple the normal price. In most cases, you can walk one block up to 10th Avenue and hail a taxi at the normal rate.
π It’s also important to know that Uber in Playa del Carmen is currently not available or safe to use. While it was approved to operate back in January 2023, opposition from the local taxi union has still made it unsafe for Uber drivers and passengers.
Rental Car Safety in Playa del Carmen
If you want to explore some more off-the-beaten-path locations around the Yucatan peninsula during your trip, you can consider booking a rental car for the freedom to drive places on your own.
Rental Car Scams
Unfortunately rental car scams are very common in Mexico and Playa del Carmen is no exception.
There are a lot of car rental horror stories including long wait times, not getting the car you booked, and extreme upcharges for insurance.
You may be tempted by advertisements online for Mexico car rentals as low as $1 per day but then youβll get nailed for all the added fees and insurance premiums.
When renting a car in Playa del Carmen, you’ll want to be very cautious and do your research online in advance.
I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
Just be sure to read the fine print and check reviews carefully as rental car scams are unfortunately common in Mexico.
Traffic Checkpoints
When driving around Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya region, you’ll also want to drive very carefully, avoid going over the speed limit, and abide by all traffic laws.
It’s not uncommon for there to be traffic checkpoints along the major highways where police officers or military personnel will stop and search vehicles.
As long as you are not doing anything against the law, you more than likely will just be able to slow down and drive past these checkpoints.
β οΈ You’ll also want to be careful for speed bumps (“topes”) in Mexicoβthey are extremely common and can sneak up on you!
Is Playa del Carmen Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Playa del Carmen can be a relatively safe destination for solo female travelers if you take the right precautions.
As a solo female who has spent years living in Playa del Carmen, Iβve learned how to stay cautious and avoid certain situations to ensure my safety.
The townβs busy tourist areas, especially around 5th Avenue, are generally safe during the day for activities like shopping, exploring, or relaxing on the beach.
Itβs a good idea to stick to the main streets and well-populated areas where thereβs plenty of foot traffic.
That said, solo female travelers should exercise extra caution at night. Avoid staying out late alone, and be mindful of your alcohol consumption, as overindulging can increase vulnerability.
This doesnβt mean you canβt enjoy yourselfβjust be aware of your surroundings and take steps to avoid becoming a target.
While I havenβt personally experienced any major safety issues in Playa del Carmen, Iβve always erred on the side of caution and learned from the experiences of others.
With the right mindset and a little preparation, solo female travelers can feel confident visiting Playa del Carmen.
Common Scams in Playa del Carmen
These are a few common scams in Playa del Carmen to watch out for:
Airport Transfer Scam
The arrivals area of Cancun Airport can be a very hectic place and is unfortunately an area where a lot of people get taken advantage of.
The airport transfer scam happens when exiting the airport and looking for your prearranged airport transportation.
Someone will approach you and tell you that your Cancun airport transfer has been canceled and that no other vehicles are available.
They’ll even call the alleged “transfer company” and have you speak to an accomplice on the phone that acts as a reservation agent. They’ll then offer to drive you to your destination at an exorbitant rate.
It’s best to ignore anyone that approaches you at the airport unless you are 100% sure they are your transportation company.
π I recommend booking your Cancun Airport transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the safest and most reliable ride.
ADO Thefts
The ADO is the airport bus and one of the largest bus companies in Mexico.
I’ve taken the ADO bus in Playa del Carmen many times and have never had any issues but it’s not uncommon for belongings to be stolen from the overhead bins.
The thief will walk down the aisle with their hands up for stability and move the overhead items along with them.
If you can, don’t use the overhead bins and keep your personal belongings on the floor in front of you or on your lap.
Overcharging or Added Service Charges
If you are dining at one of the restaurants in Playa del Carmen, it’s not uncommon for them to add an automatic gratuity or service charge.
In fact, it’s actually illegal in Playa del Carmen for them to add an automatic gratuity to the bill.
Always take the time to review your restaurant bill carefully and speak up if it’s incorrect. And if paying in cash, be sure to count your change to make sure it’s correct.
Ketchup Scam
The ketchup scam may sound far-fetched but it is a real thing!
This scam happens while you are waiting in line at grocery stores such as Walmart, Mega, Chedraui, Sam’s, or Costco.
Basically, someone comes up behind you and “accidentally” spills a ketchup packet on your shirt or clothing.
They then offer to help you clean it by escorting you to the bathroom, where another accomplice is waiting to steal your money.
So if you see ketchup or any other kind of stain, it’s a red flag alertβliterally!
Bill Swap Scam
Another common scam in Playa del Carmen is the bill swap or quick switch scam.
In recent years, Mexico released a $500 MXN bill that is blue in color. Since $20 MXN bills are also blue, it’s not uncommon for gas station attendants to try and return your $500 bill with a $20 bill in the hopes that you don’t notice.
Or, if you hand them $500 MXN, they’ll do a quick switch and say that you only handed them $20 MXN. Always keep an eye on the bills!
ATM Scams
It’s also not uncommon for card skimmers to be placed on ATMs, especially on Fifth Avenue Playa del Carmen.
If you need to withdraw cash, the safest places are inside a local bank such as Scotiabank, CiBanco, Santander, or Bancomer.
When using ATMs, you’ll want to go during the day and avoid withdrawing huge amounts of cash.
Playa del Carmen Mexico Safety Tips
Here’s a recap of some of the safety tips I mentioned in this post and a few other recommendations of things I have learned on staying safe in Playa del Carmen:
- Keep valuables in your hotel safe: Be sure to keep any valuables locked in your hotel safe. For added security on the go, I would also recommend purchasing a Pacsafe, which is a portable safe that can be secured to fixtures in your hotel room or beach chair.
- Keep your personal belongings close at all times: When walking on 5th Avenue or in crowded touristy areas, I would recommend wearing a crossbody purse or belt bag with zipper closures. If you want to be extra cautious you can buy a travel pouch to wear under your clothes.
- Never leave your purse out of sight: Always keep your purse in your lap or in close sight when dining at restaurants. It’s common for thieves to snatch bags left on the floor or hanging behind chairs.
- Keep your passport in the hotel safe: It’s better to keep your passport locked in the hotel safe. Instead, you can carry a photocopy of your passport or have one saved as a picture on your phone.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash: Only carry the amount of money you’ll need for the day’s activities as flashing large amounts of cash around can make you a target.
- Keep at least one credit card at the hotel: Don’t carry of all your credit cards with you so you still have access to funds if your wallet were to get stolen. This happened to me in Mexico City and I definitely learned my lesson!
- Don’t buy drugs: As I mentioned, avoid the drug scene in Playa del Carmen and you will avoid trouble. If you are offered drugs while walking down 5th Avenue, simply ignore it and keep walking.
- Don’t walk home alone: Use the buddy system if you can and avoid walking home alone late at night. If you have to walk home alone, be sure to text a friend that you arrived safely.
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers: Drink spiking can happen so it’s best not to accept drinks from strangers or at least ones that you haven’t seen prepared.
- Stay in safe neighborhoods: If you’re not staying at a Riviera Maya resort, then you’ll want to stay in downtown Playa del Carmen (Centro), which is the main tourist area and the safest place for walking around and being out and about during the day and night. If you’re traveling solo and staying at an AirBnB or apartment rental, consider picking up a portable door lock, which is an inexpensive safety tool that can be used to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Abide by the traffic laws: Always drive safely, at or below the speed limit, and abide by the traffic laws to avoid being pulled over and targeted for a bribe.
- Watch your alcohol consumption: By all means let loose in Playa del Carmenβit is your vacation after all! But you’ll want to be careful of your alcohol consumption and make sure you are with people you trust and drinking in a safe environment. Intoxicated tourists can make easy targets.
- Don’t be a target: Avoid wearing expensive clothing, flashy jewelry, and accessories which can make you stand out as a target for theft, exploitation, and getting overcharged.
- Stay hydrated: Since you can’t drink the water in Playa del Carmen, it can be harder to stay hydrated when you have to rely on bottled water. Make a conscious effort to stay hydrated during the hot days and pack a collapsible water bottle to take with you while you’re at the pool or beach.
- Learn some basic Spanish: It’s a good idea to learn some basic Mexican Spanish phrases before your trip to Playa del Carmen. There are a lot of English speakers in Playa del Carmen but knowing some Spanish can definitely help you to avoid getting taken advantage of.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Playa del Carmen?
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for any trip to Mexico, as there is always a safety risk whether it be from the food, water, or another type of unfortunate accident.
Most insurance companies in your home country do not cover incidents abroad, which is why travel insurance with international coverage is so important to have.
I recommend using Travel Insurance Master, which is a handy travel insurance marketplace where you can compare policies and find the best coverage for you.
π Get a FREE QUOTE from Travel Insurance Master by clicking here!
Playa del Carmen Safety: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about safety in Playa del Carmen Mexico:
Playa del Carmen is safe to walk around at night as long as you stick to the main tourist areas around 5th Avenue.
Avoid illegal activity, never leave your drink attended, and avoid walking home alone to reduce your safety risk.
Yes, Playa del Carmen is generally safe for solo travelers as long as you follow basic safety precautions and avoid illegal activity.
Solo travelers can feel very safe during the day but should use caution when walking alone at night.
When visiting Playa del Carmen, avoid illegal activity, purchasing drugs, and walking alone away from the main tourist areas.
Yes, Playa del Carmen is considered to be slightly safer than Cancun with a lower crime index and higher safety rating. However, you should take the same precautions when visiting both towns.
Yes, Playa del Carmen is generally considered to be safer than Tulum as there has been an increase in drug violence in Tulum in recent years. However, you should take the same precautions when visiting both towns.
Yes, Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue is safe as it’s a very populated area both day and night. Just be sure to avoid the drug scene and partaking in any illegal activity.
Yes, it is safe to take colectivos in to get around Playa del Carmen but it is best to take them during the day.
Conclusion: Playa del Carmen Safety Guide
So, is it safe to travel to Playa del Carmen? It’s no secret that crime does exist in Playa del Carmen, as it does in many popular tourist destinations around the world.
But as long as you are cautious and follow some of these safety tips, I do believe it is safe to travel to Playa del Carmen.
As I said, I don’t want to discourage you from visiting because the destination has so many amazing things to offer.Β
But I also want to be transparent. Do your own research and travel only if you feel comfortable.
Safety is never guaranteed but you’ll more than likely have a very enjoyable vacation in Playa del Carmen.
π²π½ Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
π¨ Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
βοΈ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
π Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
π Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
π€Ώ Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
π¨ Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
βοΈ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.