Is Mexico actually as dangerous as you’re being told?

Mexico offers surreal beaches, mouth-watering food, adrenaline-filled adventures, soul-stirring festivals, and nightlife that defies expectations. Mexico’s inhabitants are widely known for their rugged entrepreneurship, running restaurants out of their homes or setting up lovely taco stands on the side of the street. Consequently, Mexico offers choices, especially for those seeking simpler lifestyles, and although not in every aspect, it could be seen as the antithesis of Dubai. 

Until now, everything seems alright. You may even be on the edge of desire, just one breath away from buying those tickets. Mexico’s safety, however, can be a concern for some, particularly due to violent crime issues and regional risks. Lately, since the tragic death of Valeria Marquez, the influencer shot on camera during a TikTok live stream in her beauty salon, people have started to reveal their fears of being kidnapped or killed, wondering if Mexico is actually a place worth visiting if putting their lives at risk. Let’s explore whether Mexico is truly as dangerous as it’s often portrayed or if it’s been unfairly stereotyped due to a handful of tragic events amplified by the media.

Is fear the predominant emotion in Mexico?

Although Mexico is a popular holiday destination for countless people worldwide, homicide rates have increased tremendously in recent years, primarily because of violence associated with transnational criminal organizations. Mexican drug trafficking is key in the flow of cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine smuggled between Latin America and the United States, leading to substantial corruption that has made room for a significant number of drug cartels and gangs. The state of Guanajuato is reported as the place with the world’s most violent cities, obtaining benefits for criminal groups such as CSRL and CJNG. Furthermore, the state of Zacatecas is presented as a home for multiple organized crime groups, witnessing increased instances of extortion and Kidnapping. Other places to be avoided include Micochan, Jalisco, Queretaro, Durango, Sinaloa, Guerrero, Chihuahua, Tamaulipas, and Nuevo Leon. 

Moreover, poverty in Mexico contributes to the country’s high crime rates, creating a climate where individuals may resort to criminal activities out of desperation. Even large urban areas such as Mexico City and Ecatapec are vulnerable to high crime rates, where desperate individuals may resort to violence for as little as ten dollars. On a more positive note, destinations such as the Yucatan Peninsula, Puerto Vallarta, and San Miguel de Allende are considered relatively safe for travelers, benefiting from robust safety measures that support the significant tourism industry. With an increased awareness of the risks and a heightened attention to precautions, you may have a safer and more enjoyable trip to Mexico. Thus, the following paragraph will explore how to stay safe in Mexico, analyzing the things you need to do and those that must be avoided. 

How to stay safe in Mexico?

The principal safety and security risks to be aware of in Mexico include: 

• Sexual assault. 
• Drink and food spiking. 
• Kidnapping.
• Drug-related violence.
• Violent political demonstrations.
• Street crime, including pickpocketing.
• Car-jacking. 
• Unlicensed taxis.

Furthermore, we shall explore the most relevant tips for traveling in Mexico, unraveling the little choices that turn danger into responsibility. 

Use the same common sense that you would use at home

Using your common sense is crucial for a safe and enjoyable travel experience, reducing the chances of encountering trouble or falling victim to tragic events. Avoiding traveling to unfamiliar places at night and not engaging in excessive stranger interaction should be life’s guiding principle, as sometimes evil hides in the most obvious places. It can wear the mask of a stranger who approaches you with a genuine smile or in the tears of a grandfather who claims to be alone in the world. Consequently, you have to stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and always trust your instincts. 

Stay in a gated community 

Staying in a gated community provides you with increased safety and security, displaying controlled access, camera systems, and well-trained bodyguards. In this manner, you’ll always be able to report any concerns that may arise, benefiting from an extra layer of security so that you feel more comfortable and relaxed, especially if you’re a solo traveler. 

Keep your family updated about where you are 

Traveling in a place with variable safety conditions without a travel eSIM for Mexico may be risky. Staying connected allows you to contact help quickly, navigate unfamiliar areas safely, and keep your loved ones informed.

You always have to make sure that at least one person knows where you are and what you’re up to, keeping your family updated, whether through messages and calls or live location. Although countless individuals have become fans of not staying connected while traveling abroad, Mexico is simply a place that makes it impossible to turn off your phone and go with the flow. Once again, we should reinforce the idea that before traveling to Mexico, it is of paramount importance to find the best eSIM for Mexico, ensuring you can call for help anytime if you are feeling in danger. 

Do not wear expensive jewelry or designer clothes

Wearing expensive clothes and flashy jewelry can make you a target for theft and pickpocketing in Mexico. Therefore, it is recommended that you wear practical clothes that do not attract attention or scream, “I am rich, rob me!” Opt for inexpensive pieces that will help you blend in more easily, as people from places with higher poverty rates have no mercy when encountering wealthy people. 

Concluding remarks 

Like many places of incredible beauty and complexity, Mexico demands both caution and humility. Without them, danger is a very real part of the landscape, and understanding these nuances is key to navigating the country responsibly. Safety in Mexico varies drastically depending on location, time, and context. Approach it with awareness, reverence, and a readiness to see beyond the headlines.