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Is Tulum, Mexico a safe destination for travelers in 2024? Here’s everything you need to know about safety in the popular beach town.
You’ve probably seen photos of Tulum all over Instagram already. The fancy beach clubs, the trendy cafes, the gorgeous white-sand beaches lined with palm trees, and the jungle-chic hotels.
Tulum has been a major hotspot for years now, and it’s only expected to grow in popularity in 2024 with the opening of a new international airport and the Maya Train opening in February.
However, despite all the flash and glamour, there have also been safety concerns in Tulum. Here’s what you need to know about safety, from someone who has actually been to Tulum as a solo traveler.
Tulum Travel Advisory
Tulum is part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which currently has a Level 2 Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State.
This means travelers should “exercise increased caution” while traveling due to a higher level of crime. In Tulum, the increase in crime can mainly be attributed to organized crime and drug-related crime. However, some of it is also petty crime directly affecting tourists.
Don’t Be Too Flashy
One of the easiest things you can do to avoid getting robbed in Tulum is to avoid being super flashy.
Tulum tends to attract some “show off” travelers thanks to its high-end resorts and pricy restaurants and clubs, but it’s important to remember that you aren’t in St. Barts or Monaco.
Tourists have been warned to avoid wearing expensive items in Tulum, so maybe leave the Rolexes and $2,000 designer handbags at home if that applies to you.
Don’t Keep Your Phone Out
Phones are one of the most common things to get stolen by opportunistic thieves.
You can make it harder for them by not leaving your phone out, just waiting to get snatched.
Don’t leave your phone sitting out on the table while you’re at a restaurant or on your towel at the beach. It’s a really simple thing, but you’d be shocked by how many people don’t do it.
Always Stay Alert
Pay attention to your surroundings and stay alert while in Tulum. This includes maintaining an awareness of your belongings (phone, wallet, keys, etc.) and the people around you.
Tulum is not a destination where you have to be super “on guard” or edgy about your surroundings at all times, but it’s still a smart idea to stay alert and aware to avoid issues.
Don’t Walk Around Alone At Night
Honestly, as a solo female traveler who has traveled alone to almost every single country in Latin America, I felt very safe walking around Tulum, even after dark.
That being said, it’s a good idea to avoid walking around alone late at night. This goes for everyone, male and female travelers, and it’s good advice to follow anywhere in the world.
Only Use Bank ATMs
Some ATMs in Tulum are located out on the street and not affiliated with a bank. Avoid using these to take out money because they’re a bigger target for card skimmers and thieves.
Instead, find a bank ATM to withdraw money from. Some of these are located inside the bank and others are still located outside, but they are overall safer and more secure to use.
Know Some Spanish
This is not nearly as important as it is in other Latin American destinations because Tulum is extremely touristy and Americanized, so most people can speak English, but nonetheless, it’s a good idea to know some Spanish before traveling to Tulum.
While not strictly necessary in Tulum, speaking Spanish can help you understand more and have a more comfortable travel experience, and it makes you less of a target.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Jay
Sunday 14th of January 2024
I am a world traveler. I will never go to Mexico even I am paid to do it. The level of crime, and in the past where foreign travelers were kinapped for ramsom or killed, is enough to deter anyone with common sense to travel to any place in Mexico. I wish you people would stop recommending places in Mexico for travel because if some tourists get killed because how you promote that country, then you are responsible for what would likely happen to them.
Dale
Monday 15th of January 2024
@Jay, Highly disagree with this. To each their own, but tens of millions of travelers have safe and enjoyable trips to Mexico every year. It's up to you to evaluate your own level of risk tolerance, but for most people, the very slight risk of traveling to Mexico (or anywhere abroad) is not a big concern hence why it's such a popular destination.