Safety in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Safety in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta sees a couple million visitors per year, which we think is pretty impressive for this small city of around a quarter million. While that alone doesn’t make it safe, of course, we’d join those millions any day! What those numbers do point to, though, is typical “tourist” crime: pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, and the like.

So the basis for our safety suggestions is simple: Don’t be a target. We do this by trying to be street-smart and using our common sense. Just by following these guidelines, you can have a safe, relaxed language-learning vacation in Puerto Vallarta:

Before Arriving:

Don't bring or wear jewelry, especially gold. It’s the beach -- you don’t need it!
You’ll want your camera, of course, to share your Puerto Vallarta fun with your friends at home, but think in terms of not bringing anything you couldn’t part with.
Copy or scan your passport and travel documents. Write down the international contact numbers for any credit, debit, or bank cards you might bring. US toll-free numbers don't work from Mexico, so be sure to note the regular (sometimes “collect”) numbers.
Send all of this info to a trusted someone at home whose phone number you know by heart, or even better, email them to yourself (to a web-based service so you can retrieve them).
Don't bring cards you don’t need. We can’t stress this enough. You don’t need your social security, grocery store, or frequent customer cards, for example. You also don’t need five credit cards (hopefully) or more than one ATM card. The fewer the better.
Credit or ATM cards are the easiest way to get pesos, and usually give you the best exchange rate, but have a Plan B in your head. Yes, dollars are accepted at some stores and restaurants, but you’ll get a lousy exchange rate and many things, like busses, taxis, and many businesses, require pesos anyway. You are in Mexico, after all.
Let a person at home -- probably the same person with your documents -- know your travel plans but don’t share specifics with other travelers.
Get a money belt or pouch -- one of those things that goes under your clothes (not a fanny pack!). I have been traveling without incident for over 20 years and swear by one of these.

Once You're in Puerto Vallarta:

Use ATMs at the bank during daytime hours. Follow their instructions, like covering your hand when you enter your PIN. Then put your withdrawal away immediately, while you’re still standing in front of the machine. Don’t go out in the street with a wad of bills.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like markets or busses. Pick-pocketing and purse-slashing (to get the wallet) have occurred on busses. We totally recommend taking busses, by the way; we’re just telling you to watch your stuff. See the point below about where else to stash your cash too.
Ask your Spanish school if there are any areas of the city you shouldn't go to.
Put in your front pocket only the cash you need in the next few hours. Hide 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. A wallet in your back pocket or in a purse is pretty easy pickin’s for someone who knows how. Don’t give ‘em a chance.
Generally try not to stand out as a tourist. Oh, get real! I know. You are a tourist. So am I when I go to Puerto Vallarta. What we mean by this is simply be as discreet as you can. A distracted tourist looking at her large map in the middle of a popular area with a fat purse dangling loosely from her shoulder? You got it; it screams target. Like we said, just try not to be one.
Take a sitio or called taxi. Don't just hail one. This is sort of a general rule in Mexico, although in Puerto Vallarta, with the exception of from the airport, we might hail one. You’d probably want to speak some Spanish though, not have all your earthly belongings with you, and definitely define the price before you got in the cab. A “radio taxi” is always safer, though. Your hotel, host family, or school can advise you further on safety in taxis. (Whenever I go to a new place, I ask locals first about this.)

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 Puerto Vallarta? It would be no fun to worry while you're at the beach, so just ask us.