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 it’s safe? You’ve 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 isn’t much more dangerous than other major cities—if you know what to avoid and take the right precautions.

In this post, I’m 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 you’re 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.

Let’s dive in and explore how to stay safe in Playa del Carmen!

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.

🚨 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!

Let me start by saying that I absolutely love Playa del Carmen.

It’s one of the most beautiful resort towns in Mexico, with so much to offer—stunning beaches, incredible cenotes, and a welcoming community.

As someone who’s spent years here as a solo female expat, I’ve 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, you’ll 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.

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 “Crime Index”, 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 currently 46.43, which is considered a 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.

In addition, another metric Numbeo uses is “Safety Index” 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 of 53.57, which is considered a moderate level of safety.

For comparison, Mexico City has a Safety Index of 33.64 and Chicago has a Safety Index of 33.95.

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 Spain–demonstrating that traveling to Mexico is just as safe as a trip to Europe.

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. 

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! 

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 “Do Not Travel” 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 shouldn’t travel to California because of something that happened in New York.

So, it’s 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.

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 beverages–making 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.

I’m not naïve 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 it’s a popular vacation destination and there’s 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.

Another unfortunate type of crime in Playa del Carmen is corruption and bribery by authority figures such as police officers and military personnel.

Now I’m not saying that every authority figure in Mexico is corrupt–there 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 money–they 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. 

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.

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 alone–even 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 I’ve 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 can’t 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. 

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.

👉 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. 

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. 

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.

It’s important to know that the water in Playa del Carmen is not safe to drink for both tourists and locals. It’s 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.

💧 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.

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 happening–like 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:  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.  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.

🚗 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.

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 you’ll 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.

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.

⚠️ You’ll also want to be careful for speed bumps (“topes”) in Mexico–they are extremely common and can sneak up on you!

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, I’ve learned how to stay cautious and avoid certain situations to ensure my safety.

The town’s busy tourist areas, especially around 5th Avenue, are generally safe during the day for activities like shopping, exploring, or relaxing on the beach.

It’s a good idea to stick to the main streets and well-populated areas where there’s 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 doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself—just be aware of your surroundings and take steps to avoid becoming a target.

While I haven’t personally experienced any major safety issues in Playa del Carmen, I’ve 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.

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.

👉 I recommend booking your Cancun Airport transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the safest and most reliable ride.

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.

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.

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 alert–literally!

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!

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.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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!

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Watch your alcohol consumption: By all means let loose in Playa del Carmen–it 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

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. 

👉 Get a FREE QUOTE from Travel Insurance Master by clicking here!

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about safety in Playa del Carmen Mexico:

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. 

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.

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