The hotel zone and tourist areas of Cancún are generally safe. Check your government's current travel advice, and take common-sense precautions.
What to watch out for
- Taxi overcharging and unlicensed drivers.
- Timeshare pitches offering 'free' tours or meals.
- Rip currents and rough water: heed the beach flags.
- ATM fraud: use machines inside banks.
- Sunburn and dehydration.
Areas to be careful in
Stay in the hotel zone, downtown and Playa del Carmen's main streets at night.
Health
Drink bottled water and use reef-safe sunscreen in cenotes.
Emergency numbers
911 for all emergencies.
Save the number in your phone before you travel, and keep a copy of your passport and insurance details somewhere separate.
Prices, ticket rules and safety conditions change. Treat this as a starting point and check official sources and your government's travel advice before you go.
Cancún & Riviera Maya safety questions
Is Cancún & Riviera Maya safe for tourists?
The hotel zone and tourist areas of Cancún are generally safe. Check your government's current travel advice, and take common-sense precautions.
What are the most common scams in Cancún & Riviera Maya?
Taxi overcharging and unlicensed drivers. Timeshare pitches offering 'free' tours or meals. Rip currents and rough water: heed the beach flags.
What is the emergency number in Cancún & Riviera Maya?
911 for all emergencies.