Mexico is an amazing destination filled with rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture. But, like any place, it’s important to take some basic steps to stay healthy and safe while you’re there. Whether you’re exploring cities like Mexico City and Cancun or heading out to rural areas, there are things you can do to minimize risks.
Health Tips for Travelers in Mexico
Stay Hydrated and Watch What You Eat
One of the easiest ways to stay healthy in Mexico is to be mindful of what you eat and drink. Drink plenty of bottled water because tap water in Mexico isn’t always safe to consume, even in the cities. Restaurants will usually offer you bottled water, but it’s a good idea to carry your own with you.
If you’re going to indulge in street food (and you should, it’s delicious), stick to stalls that have a high turnover of customers. These spots usually have fresher ingredients and less chance of food being left out in the heat for too long. Wash your hands with soap and water, and consider carrying hand sanitizer for when soap isn’t available.
Recommended Vaccinations
Before traveling to Mexico, you should be fully up to date on your standard vaccines like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP). The CDC also recommends vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid, especially if you’re planning to eat street food or stay in rural areas. If you’re heading to the Yucatan and other areas with tropical climates, ask your doctor about malaria and dengue fever prevention too. Mexico has areas that are at risk for these diseases, especially during the rainy season.
Give Your Body Time to Adjust to the Heat
Mexico, especially in the summer months, can be really hot. It’s easy to push yourself too hard when you’re excited about exploring, but take a break, stay hydrated, and aim to get out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day. Heat exhaustion can hit you fast, and heatstroke is a serious issue in Mexico’s warmer regions.
Don’t Forget About Altitude
Mexico City and other mountainous regions are high-altitude areas. If you’re not used to it, you might feel light-headed or short of breath. Drink more water than usual, avoid alcohol for the first couple of days, and take it easy while your body adjusts to the altitude. It helps to ascend gradually if you’re going from sea level to high altitudes.
Handling Safety in Mexico
Know the Local Emergency Numbers
In case of emergencies, it’s important to have the local numbers ready. The main emergency number in Mexico is 911, which will connect you to the police, ambulance, or fire department. Make sure you have this written down or saved in your phone.
If you feel uneasy and want to reach your country’s embassy, it’s a good practice to know where your nearest embassy or consulate is located in Mexico. The U.S. embassy, for instance, can offer some assistance if you’ve lost your passport or encountered legal trouble.
Keeping Safe in the Cities
In urban areas like Mexico City, Cancun, or Guadalajara, the key is to stay aware. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can happen in crowded markets or buses. Keep your wallet in a front pocket and avoid flashing expensive electronics or jewelry in public places. It’s also a good idea to avoid wandering around at night in less busy areas.
When using ATMs, go to ones inside buildings like banks or large stores. This reduces the chance of falling victim to ATM fraud or theft. Pick well-lit ATM locations and avoid withdrawing large amounts at once.
If you’re taking taxis, use ride-share apps like Uber instead of hailing them from the street. Ride-sharing apps are safer and more reliable. If a local tells you a certain area is unsafe, take that advice seriously — locals generally know what areas to avoid better than tourists.
Safety in Rural Areas
If you’re venturing into Mexico’s rural areas, you’ll encounter stunning nature, small towns, and plenty of adventure. But rural areas also come with their own risks. First, let someone know where you’re going. Cell service can be spotty in remote areas, so it’s a good idea to have someone aware of your plans and your return time.
Stick to well-marked trails or roads if you’re trekking. There have been instances of travelers getting lost in rural areas, which can quickly become dangerous without adequate water and a charged phone. For added protection, consider hiring a local guide if you’re planning any backcountry treks.
Animals like insects and reptiles are more common in rural Mexico. Carry insect repellent, and watch where you step during hikes. Stepping on a snake or scorpion is a risk in certain regions.
Transportation Safety
Mexico has a reliable transportation system, but roads can sometimes be narrow, and traffic in the cities can feel chaotic. If you’re renting a car, drive cautiously, and avoid night driving, particularly in rural areas. Roads can be less maintained or harder to navigate at night.
Public transportation is fairly safe in Mexico. In big cities, buses and metros are commonly used. Just make sure you’re aware of your surroundings, as overcrowded buses and metro cars can be prime spots for pickpocketing. If you’re taking a long bus ride, pick a reputable company, as quality can vary.
Natural Hazards
Mexico, particularly along the Pacific Coast, is prone to earthquakes. While you’re unlikely to experience a major one, it’s good to know what to do if one happens. Drop, cover, and hold on in a sturdy part of the room, or follow the building’s emergency procedures, which are often posted in hotels and public areas.
Mexico also has a hurricane season from June to November, particularly along its coastlines. Make sure to check the weather forecasts if you’re planning a trip during these months, and if you happen to be caught in a hurricane warning, follow local advice immediately and seek shelter. Your hotel or local authorities will likely have contingencies in place.
Basic Safety Precautions You Should Follow
Blend In With the Locals
When traveling in Mexico, it’s best to try and blend in as much as possible. Dressing conservatively, especially in religious areas, is always a good idea. Avoid wearing clothing that screams “tourist” like flashy gear or clothes that are overly casual in more formal settings.
It’s also respectful to learn basic phrases in Spanish. You don’t need to become fluent, but knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and other simple terms shows that you respect the local culture. Plus, it’s helpful in case you need to ask for directions or help.
Guard Your Belongings
While Mexico is generally safe, it’s always smart to be cautious with your personal belongings, especially in tourist hotspots. Use a money belt or hidden wallet for important things like passports, credit cards, and larger sums of money. And when you’re at the beach or an outdoor café, always keep an eye on your bag—never leave your belongings unattended.
Stay Connected and Carry Maps
Before you head out, download offline maps of the cities and areas you plan to visit. Apps like Google Maps allow for offline use, which is handy in places with no cell service. Make sure you have a local SIM card or an international phone plan so that you can stay connected during your travels.
In case your phone dies or you’re in a remote location, it’s good to have a paper map as a backup. Many tourist information centers or hotels have free maps that you can take with you.
Health Insurance and Emergency Care
Get Travel Insurance
If there’s one thing I always recommend, it’s getting travel insurance. Accidents or illnesses can happen to anyone, and if you need medical care, you’ll want to be covered. Some travel insurance plans also cover trip cancellations or lost luggage, so it’s worth the investment.
Make sure your travel insurance plan covers medical evacuation, especially if you’re traveling to rural areas where getting to a proper hospital might take some time.
Know Where to Find Medical Help
Mexico has good hospitals in most cities, especially in places that are popular with travelers. If you’re staying in a remote area though, it might be harder to find care. Some pharmacies in Mexico can offer basic medical consultations and medications without a prescription too, but if you’re seriously ill, it’s important to find a hospital.
Final Thoughts on Staying Safe in Mexico
Mexico is an incredible country to visit, but like anywhere else, it’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions. By preparing ahead and being cautious, you’ll ensure that your trip is not only safer but more enjoyable as well. Stay healthy, explore responsibly, and most of all, enjoy everything Mexico has to offer.
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