Play It Safe in Playa del Carmen
Playa is for playing. It’s the beach, after all! We would go there in a second (it’s Laura’s fave), especially because it’s such a popular tourist area. But even in Playa we’d follow the same “rules” we’d follow anywhere else we traveled, with the simple goal of not being an obvious target to criminals. So we recommend keeping these points in mind as you prepare for your safe trip:
Before Arriving:
- Don't bring or wear jewelry, especially gold. This is the beach; you don’t need it!
- While of course you’ll want to bring your camera to snap that Caribbean blue (otherwise your friends won’t believe you!), a general guideline is not to bring anything you can't part with.
- Make copies or scans of your passport and travel documents. Leave them with a trusted friend whose phone number you know, or even better, email them to yourself. Same for the international contact numbers for any credit, debit, or bank cards you might bring. (U.S. toll-free numbers don't work from Mexico.)
Don't bring any more cards than you need. Honestly, you won't need most of what's in your wallet, so leave any social security, grocery store, or frequent customer cards at home. - Credit or ATM cards are the easiest way to get money (and usually give you the best exchange rate), but have a back-up plan.
- Let someone at home know your specific plans but don't share them with people you meet while traveling.
- We swear by a money belt or pouch -- one of those things that goes under your clothes (not a fanny pack!).
Once You're in Playa del Carmen:
- Use ATMs during the day, and in the bank or in a store, not the stand-alone ones. Put your money away as soon as you get it (not in the street).
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like markets or busses.
- Ask your Spanish school if there are any areas you shouldn't go to.
- Put only the cash you need immediately in your pocket. Put the rest of it, your cards, and your passport in your money pouch under your clothes, or in the hotel safe if there is one.
- Generally try not to look like a tourist. Okay, this is pretty much impossible and almost silly in tourist-filled Playa, but the idea is discretion.
- Take a sitio or called taxi. Don't just hail one. Go to the official taxi stop or have your school or hotel call an authorized cab for you.
- If you’re leaving valuables on the sand while you take a dip in the lovely water, think about leaving a friend there with them. Or don’t bring them to the beach to begin with.
- You’re going to think I’m crazy, but don’t drink too much while you’re out. Most of us are going to imbibe in Playa, I understand, but as you lose control, you, well, lose control. So think about how much you’re drinking and consider having your last nightcap(s) once you’re home (in the hotel or wherever) again.
The website Travel.State.Gov offers the U.S. Department of State's take on safety and travel in Mexico. We also like the Is It Safe To Travel To Mexico? blog.
Have a question about safety in Playa del Carmen? It would be no fun to worry while you're there, so just ask us.
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