Is Playa del Carmen Safe? What I’d Actually Watch Out For

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Hell yes!! Right now, Playa Del Carmen is pretty safe to visit … and I’d highly recommend it! Still, you should exercise caution and stay aware of your surroundings. There are a few things you MUST be aware of some things to maximise your safety.

This stunning city on the Caribbean Sea is not to be missed when visiting Mexico. Playa Del Carmen is world-renowned for its powdery white sand beaches and clear blue seas, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular destinations in the country.

When I visited I have to say I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. It’s so much more than your average beach resort. With adventure activities, culture and incredible food … I would recommend it if you’re travelling to Mexico, especially if heading near Tulum or Cancun. Personally, I found Playa del Carmen easier to enjoy than Cancun because it felt more walkable and less resort-dominated, but that does not mean you can switch off completely.

Its rising popularity is just one reason it’s such a safe place to visit in Mexico. Whilst we often try to avoid touristy locations, they do often bring safety in numbers and local authorities are often much more proactive when it comes to keeping trouble away.

However, we are talking about Mexico here. The country unfortunately does have somewhat of a reputation when it comes to drug-related gang violence and trafficking. Violence and crime do of course happen in Playa Del Carmen, but it very rarely involves tourists. Instead, it’s petty crimes you’ll want to be wary of, things like theft, scammers and pickpockets.

Crime here tends to happen outside of the areas most tourists visit. Quintana Roo, the area the city sits in, is also statistically one of the safest places in Mexico.

You’ll want to be particularly careful with your belongings on the beach, on a night out and in busy areas in particular. Theft is one of the more common issues you could face by letting your guard down. Be careful in bars and other crowded spots too.

Other than crime, the other safety concern to be aware of in Playa Del Carmen is the weather. Things like hurricanes in particular are something you should be aware of across the Yucatan Peninsula. They are most common during the rainy seasons between September and November.

Check travel advisories to stay aware of the situation, and chances are, things will go smoothly.

Before you go on any kind of trip, travel insurance is essential. As part of your preparations, make sure that your travel insurance for Mexico covers the kind of vacation you’re taking.

Sort out your insurance before you go. There are several good options, but our overall pick is SafetyWing. Most of the Broke Backpacker team has used it at one point or another, and we’ve filed claims for rabies jabs in Bali, a hospital stay in Mexico, and a clinic visit for a stomach bug that wouldn’t quit. All paid out.

It’s month-to-month, no lock-in, no itinerary required, and you can buy it after you’ve already left. A little over $2 a day if you’re under 40.

New SafetyWing customers: use code BROKEBACKPACKER for 8 free weeks of electronics theft coverage. You have to scroll down and click the pink camera on their landing page to enter it, and you have to do it before creating your account.

The safest places to stay here are generally the central tourist zones, well-reviewed accommodation areas, and neighbourhoods with good lighting, easy transport, and regular foot traffic. I only book a place with an 8+ rating on Booking, and enough reviews to show a clear hit.

The truth is, like everywhere, nowhere is 100% safe. But it really helps to locate yourself in a less dangerous area – plus there are just more fun things to do in these places too! Here are my tips on where to stay in PDC:

Downtown Playa Del Carmen

This is where I stayed during my first visit here, and I suggest you do the same. It’s close to Quinta Avenida, restaurants, bars, beach access, and transport, including the ADO bus station that takes you to other parts of Mexico on comfy long-distance buses.

It’s convenient, but does get very busy, and pickpockets love the huge number of foreign tourists here. Nightlife areas especially attract unwanted individuals who won’t hesitate to try and grab your stuff. You should stick to well-lit streets at night.

Playacar

Right next to the ADO bus station (it straddles both downtown and Playacar), this is an easy place to reach from Cancun International Airport.

This neighbourhood is also super safe – a popular gated resort area with a mix of locals and tourists – making it ideal for a safe place to travel with your family in Playa Del Carmen, that’s quieter than downtown. It’s more expensive admittedly, but hey, can you really put a price on safety?

An added bonus is the small Mayan Ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea which many tourists miss!

Puerta Aventuras

A wildcard for those looking for something extra while visiting this famous Mexican beach hotspot. Just a short drive away is the best place in Playa Del Carmen for insane beaches and it’s also statistically safer than downtown. This is a great place for peace and quiet, albeit a little further from the centre.

Like Playacar, it’s more of a resort type of environment, which is great news for couples and families, although more intrepid explorers may not be overly impressed.

The nightlife is pretty non-existent here, and you’ll need transport to get around. Ask your hotel for a reliable taxi. Unfortunately, my trusty friend Uber doesn’t have a presence here.

No area is 100 percent safe. The goal is to reduce risk by choosing a base with good reviews, easy transport, and safe access at night.

Dangerous Areas in Playa del Carmen 

Most visitors will not need to visit neighbourhoods far from the beach/tourist corridor, and safety risk tends to increase when you wander into unfamiliar, poorly lit, or isolated areas, especially at night.

You shouldn’t go down dark side streets at night, this is where muggers love to lurk. And empty beaches are also a no-no when dark, stick to them in the day instead. Don’t venture too far from Quinta Avenida and the beach zone where you’ll often find crowds to blend into.

Public transport stations at night turn into little gathering points for sketchy people – though the ADO bus terminal is generally okay. Take a taxi instead of the bus to get there, and wait inside the bar or restaurant until it’s at the front door, just to be sure. 

Don’t get in any taxis you don’t know. Without the safety barrier that Uber provides, you should always contact your accommodation or a local friend for taxi recommendations, and agree prices before getting in.

The bottom line though, is to mostly stick to tourist spots. Isolated areas are where drug traffic passes through, and tourists are treated with suspicion. I’d also suggest only exploring in the day.

Keeping Your Money Safe in Playa Del Carmen

One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.

The best solution? Get a good money belt. Then you can hide it under your clothing.

Playa del Carmen is generally a safe place. However, it is important to note that it’s not always 100% safe. 

But if you don’t go looking for trouble, it’s very unlikely trouble will come looking for you. Crime against tourists is rare, but it’s good to know how to minimise the risk. Here are some top tips for staying safe in PDC.

Personal Safety

• Stay aware in crowds: I found Playa can be pretty crowded, especially in beaches and bars. This makes it easy for someone to snatch your phone/wallet without noticing. Be wary of your surroundings and avoid being surrounded by strangers.
• Avoid isolated streets at night: If thieves target you in crowds, you were picked out through bad luck, but if you go down a quiet dark street, then criminals are more likely to target you specifically, and could be more violent. Stick to busy areas.
• Do not drink so much that you lose control: This is when you become vulnerable and bad people will target you to do bad things. Ladies, you’re at even higher risk. Drink responsibly, and go out with several friends with than alone.
• Do not accept drinks from strangers: I’ve heard far too many horror stories of this happening in Latin America. I only drink bottled drinks, and never let them out of my hand until finished.
• Trust your instincts and leave uncomfortable situations: If it feels dodgy, it probably is. Get out of there ASAP. If you’re wrong and the situation turns out to be harmless, you lose nothing by leaving anyway.
• Do not resist if mugged: I stupidly did this when mugged in Ecuador. Decided to fight 3 guys who snatched my phone. Got it back and ran off safely, but in Latam, muggers are often armed. I was very lucky not to be harmed that day.

Theft and Scams

• Do not leave items unattended on the beach: Unfortunately this is Mexico, not Japan. Leave valuables behind and you’ll witness a disappearing act so quick that even a magician would be impressed. Leave a towel behind only.
• Keep valuables locked up: If you have a hotel safe, use it, in a hostel, use the lockers and bring your own padlock. Padlocks are invaluable, which is why they feature on our essential travel packing list.
• Use secure ATMs: I only ever withdraw money from ATMs in banks or secure places like shopping malls (or airports if I have to). Card cloning is a risk in PDC, so you should never use street ATMs (this rule applies anywhere really).
• Agree taxi prices before getting in: If you don’t you will almost certainly get ripped off. Unfortunately there’s no Uber to avoid this, so book taxis through your accommodation or a trusted local friend instead.
• Dress down and avoid looking flashy: I always wear plain unbranded t-shirts so I don’t stand out. Will probably horrify a few fashion-conscious Italians, but that’s a small price to pay for staying under the radar of criminals. And never wear jewellery either. I always used to wear a watch, but never do now as I got used to not doing so after 10 months in Latam.
• Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt.

Health and Weather

• Protect yourself from the sun: Mexico is a sunny country, and Playa del Carmen is particularly intense, especially by the beach. Use good sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and stay in the shade where possible.
• Drink water: It’s easy to get dehydrated here, especially if you go hard on the booze. Drink lots of water throughout the day, and when you hit the bars and clubs.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen if swimming/snorkelling: It’s important not just to protect yourself, but to protect the reefs too. Not all sunscreen if reef-friendly, so do your research first to ensure what you’re using is.
• Monitor hurricane season: June-November is hurricane season. Whilst big scary “hurricanes” themselves are uncommon, bad weather, choppy waters, heavy rainfall, and electrical blackouts are all frequent occurrences. August-October are the worst months.
• Carry basic first aid: I always have a good medical kit which isn’t used often, but is invaluable when it is. It came in handy the day after I left PDC for Tulum when I saw a woman fly off her scooter and across the concrete. Ouch. I patched her up on the spot with wound wipes and plasters for her smaller cuts, before her boyfriend took her to a hospital.

Legal and Practical

• Avoid recreational drugs: Drugs are for mugs anyway. At worst, they kill you, as my school classmate found out before he reached his 20s… Even without that, you can get in legal trouble. There are fake dealers here working with police.
• Carry a passport copy: It keeps your original passport safe and secure. Sometimes authorities may ask for it. This didn’t happen to me in PDC, but it could do, so a copy is safer than the real thing.
• Know emergency numbers: From petty theft to an accident after too many tequilas, there’s so much that could go wrong. Just write down the emergency numbers just to be safe. 911 is standard for police, ambulance or the fire brigade.
• Learn basic Spanish phrases: I hit Duolingo hard before my first Mexico trip. Even just knowing basics such as asking for directions and ordering meals went a long way. In emergencies, every little helps to let locals understand what’s happening.
• Report serious crimes properly: This is important because it will get you the documentation needed to claim on insurance and be able to prove what happened.

Yes, Playa del Carmen can be a good destination for solo travellers, especially because it is social, walkable in tourist areas, and has plenty of hostels, tours, beach clubs, and day trips. The main thing is to avoid putting yourself in isolated or vulnerable situations.

Of course, solo travel in Mexico is different than travelling with other people. But it’s still perfectly safe, if you are sensible and follow some extra safety protocol. So here are some pointers for travelling solo to Playa del Carmen:

• Make friends: Always the top tip for solo travellers. There’s safety in numbers plus it’s way more fun. 
• Avoid walking alone at night: Regardless of gender, unless you’re in one of the well-lit tourist spots, it always safer to just take a taxi. 
• ONLY use official taxis: Ideally booked through your accommodation or a trusted contact.
• Check out reviews: The best hostels in Playa Del Carmen will have good, honest reviews from solo travellers like you. I like to check the negative reviews to look out for major red flags (safety issues, or things like bed bugs).
• Stay in a central location: Make it easy to get back at night.
• Know your limits: Know your drinking limit, when to get out of the sun, and when to call it a day.
• Book yourself on a tour or activity: Something like cooking classes, a history tour or a food tour, or even Spanish language classes, is a good way to meet like-minded people and get more in touch with the culture of Mexico.
• Don’t take anything unnecessary to the beach: If you are by yourself, there’s no one to look after your belongings.
• Ask for local advice: From your accommodation staff who know the area best.
• Know the emergency number: 911.
• Download offline maps: Sometimes internet doesn’t work even if you have data. I use maps.me as my go-to offline maps. They’re brilliant, just remember to download the maps for your destination whilst you still have Wi-Fi.
• Save your accommodation address in Spanish: If you’ve had a bit to drink, and your Español is a bit iffy, then it will come in handy to have your address in writing, so you can easily share it with a taxi driver.
• Keep enough cash for a taxi home: Without Uber, it means taking street taxis. And they don’t generally do card payments yet (even if they do, it could be a scam). Bring cash to be on the safe side. Mexican pesos are needed here.

Yes, many solo female travellers visit Playa del Carmen safely, and it can be a good place to start a Mexico trip because it has hostels, tours, English-speaking services, and a large traveller community. That said, solo female travellers should be more careful with nightlife, transport, accommodation location, and who they trust.

However, it is different from travelling with someone else. Plus, other people will be concerned about you on your trip. So here are some safety tips for solo females in Playa Del Carmen to put your mind, and their minds, at rest.

• Trust your spidey senses: As a rule of thumb, if your gut says something is wrong, it probably is. 
• Check out good hostels for women: Read reviews from other solo females too. Stay in a female-only dorm if it makes you feel safer. 
• Don’t cheap out on accommodation: It’s worth spending that extra bit of cash to make sure you’re safe. The cheapest places come with trade-offs such as lax security, or a dodgy location.
• Get connected to other solo female travellers online: There are plenty of groups for solo travellers in Playa Del Carmen. Meet up, ask for advice, and generally become a part of a global community. 
• Stick to safe neighbourhoods:- Don’t wander around too much off the beaten track. We’ve stayed in the best areas of PDC, so we know where is secure, and where you should avoid.
• Do not leave your food and drink unattended: Drink spiking occurs. I also suggest drinking only from bottles or cans when out and about.
• Keep your personal details to yourself: You don’t need to share your life story, accommodation or itinerary details. 
• DON’T WALK ALONE AT NIGHT: I hope this is clear by now.
• Keep people updated on your travels at home: Family and friends want to know anyway. 
• Dress accordingly: Mexico is still a relatively conservative country. Observe what other women are wearing and follow suit. Dress modestly, ditch the jewellery, and avoid becoming a potential target.
• You don’t have to be polite: Or answer questions, or tell the truth. Saying “no” is always okay too! Your safety is more important that someone’s feelings. If they look dodgy, don’t engage with them.
• Be aware of dangers, but don’t get consumed by them: Try to stay rational.

Yes, it is generally safe for families, especially if you stay in Playacar, well-reviewed resorts, or central accommodation with easy transport.

Most people speak English, and there’s a family-friendly atmosphere no matter where you go. Active families with older children or teens will enjoy getting out and about snorkelling, exploring archaeological sites, bike riding, swimming in cenotes, and island excursions, plus a bunch of family-friendly restaurants.

When it comes to thinking about safety for children in Playa del Carmen, the environment is the biggest threat, mainly, the sun. It’s no joke here. The biggest safety issues to be aware of are these:

• The sun is brutal: Absolutely stay out of the sun in the hottest hours of the day – even in winter. And bring all the sun protection you can think of, because you’ll need it. Also drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Mosquitos can pose danger: Whilst Dengue fever is rare, it still occurs. Bring strong DEET repellent, and wear long sleeves to try and avoid being bitten.
• Single parent documentation: Another thing to make sure you are aware of – if you are travelling as a single parent with a child (under 18), you need a signed consent form or a notarised note from the other parent or legal guardian.
• Beware of the traffic: Mexican driving standards aren’t the same as they are in the UK, USA, Canada etc. Be very careful whilst crossing roads here, and remember that some drivers won’t even stop at red lights, so look and wait before you go.
• Food/water hygiene: Again, Mexico lacks Western hygiene standards. Don’t drink tap water (unless you have a filtered bottle), ask for drinks without ice, and give the salads a miss.
• Watch out for hurricane season: Don’t come here from June-November. The weather’s bad even without hurricanes, so it won’t be enjoyable, plus it could be deadly. Tropical storms are more common than hurricanes, but it’s still rough.
• Keep kids close in crowds: Playa del Carmen gets super crowded, especially during the dry season and in the day. It’s easy to get lost here, so look after your children closely.

Playa Del Carmen is a great alternative to Cancun for your family vacation. Apart from that, enjoy the incredible opportunity for a dream vacation with your family here!

The Safest Area

The Safest Area

Playacar

Playacar is a large and luxurious neighbourhood south of the city centre. It is best known for its glamorous resorts and vacation condos, as well as its stunning beach and natural surroundings.

View Top Hotel View Top Hostel View Top Airbnb

Getting around here safely is easy if you take care. You have plenty of options, none of which are complicated to navigate. 

Walking

It’s really easy to walk around the central areas, just make sure you stick to well-lit streets at night. I walked a little at night here, and never felt in danger, but that’s because I practice what I preach and stuck to the lively spots. Side streets and beaches are definitely off-limits when it’s dark.

Watch out for traffic and scooters. Some of the driving is crazy, so take extra care when crossing the road. Jaywalking isn’t illegal here, but it’s not a good idea, especially near blind corners.

Taxis

Taxi scams do occur, though usually just in the form of overcharging. ALWAYS agree on the price before you get in.

Ensure that they are official taxis (which you should do anywhere you go). Ask at your accommodation for reliable taxi driver recommendations. Never get in an unmarked car.

Unfortunately, Uber is not currently active in Playa del Carmen. Check popular rideshare apps just before your trip, as things do change. I know there’s hostility in Mexico between Uber and traditional taxi drivers though, who use violence and intimidation to scare Uber drivers away in places where it works (like Cancun), so I’m not expecting them to expand here soon. 

Car Rental

You can drive safely in Playa Del Carmen. Many people opt for car rentals. The roads are good, the traffic isn’t too horrific, and you’ll see parts of Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula that most don’t. Make sure to use reputable rental companies and be mindful of speed bumps in seemingly random places and stop signs (“ALTO”) coming come out of the blue.

Brush up on parking rules before your trip, and never leave valuables in the car when you get out.

DiscoverCars lets you compare rates across providers before you arrive so you’re not stuck with airport-desk pricing, and can start your trip smoothly without the stress of shopping around.

Colectivos/Combis

Combis (also known as colectivos, minivans, vans, or minibuses) are generally your trusty Latin America travel buddies. They’re cheap, fast, and go to all areas across Quintana Roo. I used them to get to and from Playa del Carmen, they’re not too shabby compared to similar vehicles I’ve experienced in other parts of the world.

You should be wary of pickpockets though. Keep your valuables locked up tightly, and never let them out of your possession. I wouldn’t advise using this method of transport at night. The crime risks are higher in these.

ADO Buses

ADO Bus is a reputable bus company that serves all of Mexico. They are a safe option, they do checks on all the passengers and drivers, plus they use toll roads which are more direct.

I used them all the time between Mexico City and Merida. Never had any issues, and whilst being more expensive than colectivos, they’re the safer option. They’re especially useful if coming to PDC from Cancun Airport. Book ahead when travelling in busy periods though, they do sometimes sell out. Semana Santa and Day of the Dead are particularly busy times of year.

Ferries

Aside from land transport, there are also ferries which you may come into contact with on your Playa del Carmen trip. They serve the nearby paradise island of Cozumel.

Watch your belongings in larger crowds, especially when boarding or leaving the ferry. They’re pretty safe overall, but there’s still small risks of theft.

Tourist scams are fairly common in PDC. Though you can avoid scams easily enough if you already know the game they are trying to play. 

If you think someone is trying to scam you, get yourself out of that situation. If you aren’t sure if someone is trying to scam you, I recommend that you still get out of there. Remember too, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Here are a few of the most common scams. 

Taxi Overcharging

Probably the most common issue in Playa Del Carmen. This often doesn’t go further than them trying to hike up the price. Very infrequently, they can take you to an ATM and force you to take money out. ONLY use official taxis, negotiate a price before you get in the car, and ask for their ID and certificate.

I suggest asking locals or hotel staff for the proper rates. They’ll be able to give you a rough idea, so you don’t get (too badly) ripped off.

ATM Scams

Basically, these are false ATMs, or real ATMs with cloning devices attached. They steal your card and/or all your bank details. Only use recognised bank ATMs inside banks or other reputable places such as shopping malls.

Cover your PIN at all times when withdrawing money, and make sure you aren’t being followed when you enter a bank.

Tour and Deal Scams

If something seems “too good to be true”, it probably is. Watch out for suspiciously “good” prices, and street operators approaching you at random. They’re particularly bad around 5th Avenue, any guy who approaches you here is probably a scammer.

I always check reviews before booking a tour. The last time I didn’t, it resulted in me being stranded in the middle of the Philippine Sea getting pelted by hailstones on a broken down boat. I later checked and saw this company had honking reviews. Lesson learned.

Use a reputable operator like GetYourGuide, which reviews tours so you can see what you’re getting into before booking.

Beach and Massage Scams

A known beach scam is where someone spots you with a resort wristband and claims to be a waiter/cleaner etc. at that resort. They say something like “it’s my day off” and lure you towards a dodgy shop selling massively overpriced goods.

Another nasty one is where beach clubs price everything in USD (which uses the $ symbol) instead of Mexican pesos (which also uses the $ symbol). This means you pay literally 17x more since $17 (Mexican pesos) is around the same as $1 (US dollars).

There are also very mixed reviews of tourist scams by masseurs. When you’re most relaxed, that’s a great time to rob someone. There are even worse stories but I personally don’t know anyone who experienced this. Get a trustworthy review before you use their services. 

Timeshare/Sales Pitches

Whilst not as bad as in some parts of Mexico (I know it’s particularly bad when visiting Puerto Vallarta), there are timeshare scams here to look out for, again, they mostly happen around 5th Avenue, and it’s mostly women behind this one.

What they do is tell you about “great deals” for investing in a timeshare. They’ll often give you a bunch of freebies to hook you in – drinks, accommodation, tours, meals, you name it…

At best, they waste hours of your time, and demand payment for the “free” stuff if you don’t “invest” (throw your money down the drain) with their dreadful packages. At worst, you “invest” and stand to lose possibly 6 figures+ depending on the money you give them.

Playa del Carmen is all about the intense sun, party scene, and occasional issues from mosquitoes. Therefore I suggest packing around those factors.

I always wear reef-safe sunscreen when diving, and a hat and sunglasses on the beach alongside a money belt or hidden pouch to keep my cash safe.

I’ll have a dry bag for beach/ferry trips so my stuff doesn’t get wet, and a light rain jacket in wet season (although I try to avoid coming here at that time). On top of that I’ll bring my filtered reusable water bottle which allows me to drink tap water in Mexico without getting ill.

As a backpacker, staying in hostels means I will always need a padlock to lock my stuff in lockers, they’re almost never included. My portable charger comes in handy when I run out of juice and need to find my hostel, and I’ll always purchase an eSIM before a trip. Well, I would usually, but one I bought in Afghanistan bricked my phone’s ability to take them, so I use physical SIM cards for now…

For health, I carry a first aid kit at all times, and I use a ton of mosquito repellent to try and avoid dengue or something similarly unpleasant.

Then there’s documents. I always bring copies of my passport and insurance just in case the police want to check. Hasn’t happened to me personally in PDC, but I know it does happen to backpackers on the odd occasion. Plus I have my travel insurance details saved offline so I can use them if needed even without data.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few of the main things I would never want to travel to Playa Del Carmen without…

Product

Description

Combination Padlocks

It doesn’t get more essential than this! Not only do they allow you to lock up your backpack wherever and whenever, but they’ll also come in handy if you show up to a room without a lock. The combination style means you don’t have to worry about losing a small key either!

View on Amazon

Apple Airtags

This really might be one of the best products Apple has ever made – the peace of mind it will give you when you inevitably have to check a bag is worth the price tag. I’ve found them to be super helpful and reliable, and you can put them in so many different things

View on Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Smart Tags

The same epic concept, except for Androids

View on Amazon

Garmin inReach Mini 2

This little satellite communication device is a must if you plan to get off the beaten path. It allows you to stay in touch with family and friends even if there’s no cell service, AND it has a SOS feature that can be activated anywhere. It even gives weather updates, a literal lifesaver when off grid.

View on REI

First Aid Kit

A good first aid kit should always be on your packing list, even if you’re just headed to a resort. It’s good to fill it with essential medicines as well as equipment, you never know when you’ll be caught out!

View on REI

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

View on Nomatic

Head Torch

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

View on REI

SIM card

Jetpac stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

View on Jetpac

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

View on Amazon

Money Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

View on REI

I found Playa del Carmen to be pretty safe. Unlike some parts of Mexico (away from the tourist trail), you don’t have to worry about violent crime (unless you actively go looking for drugs). It’s pickpocketing, scams, taxi overcharging, and sunburn that are the main hazards here. You can avoid these with common sense.

Location matters, so be sure to stay somewhere safe with other tourists around. Downtown and Playacar are my recommendations. Even if you’re an intrepid backpacker, you should stick to the touristy spots rather than more local areas. Although let’s be honest, PDC isn’t where the average offbeat explorer can be found.

Stay away from drugs at all costs, don’t go down isolated alleyways or beaches at night, and you’ll be as safe as you would be in Barcelona or New York for example (actually, PDC feels much safer than NYC these days).

Use official transport such as ADO buses and reputable taxis rather than unofficial ones. Unfortunately with no Uber, it isn’t quite as easy to get around here. I found most points of interest easily walkable though. PDC isn’t that big.

Check travel advisories before your trip so you know the hurricanes aren’t incoming and the cartels are behaving (don’t worry, they have virtually no interest in harming tourists, provided you don’t touch drugs). Don’t let fear stop you travelling. It’s fine here.

Playa del Carmen can be a safe, easy, and genuinely fun place to visit when you treat it like a real city, not just a beach resort.

Looking for more info on traveling to Playa Del Carmen?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in Playa Del Carmen
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Don’t forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
• Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Mexico travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!