Safety in Mexico
Safety in Mexico is nuanced. Headlines about violence don't reflect the reality in most expat destinations, but awareness is important.
Understanding Mexican Safety
The Reality:
- Most violence is cartel-on-cartel in specific areas
- Expat destinations are generally safe
- Millions of Americans live in Mexico without incident
- Tourism is vital to economy - tourist areas well-protected
- Petty crime exists but is manageable
The Headlines vs. Reality:
- US State Department advisories are broad
- They cover entire states, not specific cities
- Guanajuato state has warnings, but Guanajuato City and San Miguel de Allende are very safe
Safest Cities for Expats
| City | Safety Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Merida | Very High | Consistently rated Mexico's safest city |
| San Miguel de Allende | Very High | Large expat community, low crime |
| Puerto Vallarta | High | Tourism-dependent, well-protected |
| Queretaro | High | Prosperous, modern city |
| La Paz | High | Baja California Sur, quiet beach town |
| Lake Chapala | High | Established expat area |
| Guanajuato City | High | Colonial, university town |
| Oaxaca City | Moderate-High | Cultural hub, mostly safe |
| Mexico City | Moderate | Varies by neighborhood significantly |
Areas to Avoid or Exercise Caution
States with US Travel Advisories (Do Not Travel):
- Tamaulipas
- Sinaloa
- Michoacan (parts)
- Guerrero (outside Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo)
- Colima
- Zacatecas
Border areas generally require more caution.
Always check current US State Department advisories and local news.
Crime Types
More Common:
- Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching)
- Car break-ins
- ATM skimming
- Rental scams
- Taxi overcharging
Less Common in Expat Areas:
- Violent crime
- Home invasions
- Kidnapping
Safety Tips
General:
- Research neighborhoods before renting
- Don't flash wealth (jewelry, electronics)
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours
- Keep copies of documents separate from originals
- Register with your embassy
- Get local SIM card for emergency calls
When Out:
- Use Uber over street taxis
- Be aware of surroundings at night
- Avoid isolated areas
- Don't carry large amounts of cash
- Keep phone/wallet in front pocket
At Home:
- Choose housing in safe neighborhood
- Consider gated community or building with security
- Get to know neighbors
- Don't advertise being away
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency | 911 |
| Tourist Police | 078 |
| US Embassy | 55-5080-2000 |
| Canadian Embassy | 55-5724-7900 |
The Bottom Line
Most expats live in Mexico for years without safety incidents. Choose your location wisely, use common sense, and you'll likely be fine. The safety concerns are real but manageable with awareness.
Pro Tips
- •Merida consistently ranks as Mexico's safest city
- •Most expat destinations have low crime rates
- •Use Uber instead of street taxis
- •Avoid flashing wealth in public
- •Check US State Department advisories for specific regions
Have questions about safety in Mexico?