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Every part you have to know to be ready for solo feminine journey in Mexico – together with security suggestions and journey recommendation.
Outdoors of England, Mexico is the nation I do know the most effective. I’ve visited a number of occasions, usually spending just a few months at a time there. I by no means get tired of that magical nation (or its mouth-watering delicacies!), and I’ve turn into a little bit of an professional in travelling there!
Beneath, I’ve shared all my journey suggestions and recommendation for solo feminine travellers in Mexico. Use the contents menu to skip to the sections you want – and be at liberty to ask questions within the feedback.
Greatest Locations in Mexico for Solo Feminine Travellers
Mérida – Mentioned to be the most secure metropolis in Mexico, and one of many most secure in all of North America, Mérida is considered one of my private favourites. It’s stunning, walkable, pleasant, and tremendous chilled-out. Excellent for solo travellers.
Oaxaca Metropolis – A cultural hub well-known for its vibrant markets, colonial structure, and world-class meals scene. Secure and walkable, it’s superb for solo travellers who need to immerse themselves in genuine Mexican traditions.
Mexico Metropolis – The bustling capital blends world-class museums, vibrant neighbourhoods like Roma and Condesa, and glorious public transport. The central districts are vigorous and well-policed.
San Miguel de Allende – A UNESCO World Heritage metropolis with vibrant streets, artwork galleries, and a thriving expat group. Its slower tempo and pleasant vibe make it particularly interesting for solo travellers.
Tulum – Well-known for Caribbean seashores, yoga retreats, and Mayan ruins overlooking the ocean, Tulum is widespread with solo travellers. This boho-chic seashore city combines leisure and journey – however its recognition makes it pricier than different locations.
Isla Holbox – One in every of my favorite locations on the planet, Isla Holbox has beautiful white sand seashores, unbelievable wildlife, epic sunsets, and virtually no automobiles: you get round on foot, by bike, or by golf cart!
Is Mexico Secure for Solo Feminine Travellers?
The quick reply is YES: total, Mexico is secure for solo feminine travellers. Nonetheless, there are some things to pay attention to, which I’ll define beneath.
Mexico has an unfairly unhealthy status, in my view. Persons are at all times telling me it’s “too harmful” to go to, particularly as a girl travelling alone. However after a number of repeat visits, usually alone, I strongly disagree.
Don’t get me flawed; there are issues and potential risks (listed beneath)! However there are dangers for travellers in each nation, and so long as you utilize frequent sense and take the best precautions, I actually imagine that Mexico is an ideal vacation spot for solo feminine travellers.
Regardless of which nation you’re visiting, my recommendation to all solo feminine travellers is to stay vigilant, apply frequent sense, and keep away from harmful conditions. I’ve included some extra particular Mexico solo journey suggestions later on this article to assist out.
Crime
Political demonstrations are frequent, notably in Mexico Metropolis, and may probably be violent. In the event you see any protests happening, keep nicely away.
Avenue crime, comparable to pickpocketing and theft, is frequent in main cities and vacationer resort areas. I’ll share some extra particular suggestions that will help you keep away from them within the subsequent part of this publish.
Spiking – Criminals have robbed or assaulted travellers after spiking their food and drinks. Extra on this beneath.
Sexual Assault – Although uncommon in comparison with petty theft, incidents do happen, notably in nightlife districts.
Kidnapping is a danger in sure excessive‑crime states (see beneath), however vacationers are usually not normally focused. “Categorical Kidnappings” (short-term abductions for money) can occur, notably in city areas, with criminals forcing victims to withdraw cash at an ATM. Take a journey cash card with a withdrawal restrict, and depart your major financial institution card within the resort secure!
Gang violence and drug crime – Cartel exercise is essentially concentrated in particular states like Colima and Sinaloa (see beneath). Vacationers are not often focused, however violence can spill into public areas. Persist with safer areas and comply with official journey advisories always.
Pure hazards – Mexico is susceptible to hurricanes (particularly June–November in coastal areas), earthquakes, and occasional volcanic exercise in sure areas. Examine climate forecasts, comply with native emergency steerage, and register along with your embassy if travelling throughout hurricane season.
Prime Tip: A very good anti-theft bag can turn out to be useful – search for one with slash-proof straps and hidden pockets to safe your valuables in. I like the Travelon vary.
Areas of Mexico that Are Not Secure
Sure elements of Mexico are usually not secure for vacationers as a result of elevated cartel exercise, crime, and terrorism. Colima, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas are finest averted altogether, as they’re among the many least peaceable states and carry a excessive danger to travellers, with a “Do Not Journey” warning from main authorities journey advisories.
As of December 2025, the UK’s FCDO (International, Commonwealth & Improvement Workplace) presently advises in opposition to all however important journey to the next states:
Colima
Guerrero
Michoacán (besides town of Morelia and the city of Pátzcuaro)
Sinaloa
Tamaulipas
Zacatecas
The world inside 40km of the Guatemalan border in Chiapas state.
Elements of Baja California, together with Tijuana
Elements of Chihuahua (however not together with widespread vacationer locations like Chihuahua Metropolis and the Copper Canyon rail route).
Elements of Guanajuato (primarily the southwestern areas)
Elements of Jalisco (primarily the northern municipalities)
IMPORTANT: All the time test the newest journey advisories from both the FCDO (the UK’s international workplace) or the U.S. Division of State earlier than planning any journey.
Scams to Watch Out For
Scams concentrating on vacationers are frequent in Mexico, particularly in busy resort cities and transport hubs. Being conscious of essentially the most frequent methods will assist you to keep away from them.
Taxi overcharging – Some drivers refuse to make use of meters or quote inflated fares. Agree on the worth earlier than getting in, or use ride-hailing apps like Uber or DiDi in main cities.
ATM skimming – Criminals set up gadgets to steal card particulars. Persist with ATMs inside banks or procuring centres, and canopy the keypad when getting into your PIN.
Pretend tour operators – Avenue sellers might provide low cost excursions that don’t exist or lower corners on security. E book excursions by means of respected firms – I wish to guide by means of GetYourGuide or Klook in Mexico so I can test latest opinions from different travellers.
Avenue distractions – Teams might attempt to distract you by asking for instructions or spilling one thing, for instance, whereas an confederate steals your belongings. Keep alert in crowded areas and maintain valuables safe. I like to recommend an anti-theft cross-body bag like these ones.
Pretend cops – Criminals might pose as police and try to superb or arrest you. All the time ask for ID and take a notice of the officer’s title, badge quantity, and patrol automotive quantity. Ask for a duplicate of the superb, which is payable later, relatively than paying on the spot.
Cash switch scams – In case your telephone is stolen or hacked, criminals might contact your loved ones or mates posing as you to request cash. It could be a good suggestion to agree on a “codeword” with family and friends members, to allow them to test it’s actually you in an emergency.
Drink Spiking and Alcohol Poisoning
Criminals have robbed or assaulted travellers after spiking their food and drinks. Different points embody tainted alcohol inflicting blackouts or sickness, and counterfeit spirits containing methanol, which may be deadly. Spiking and counterfeit alcohol are extra frequent in vacationer nightlife areas like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Click on right here for official recommendation on spiking and methanol poisoning.
Purchase sealed bottled drinks (beer, water, mushy drinks) when potential.
Persist with well-established bars the place you possibly can see what’s being poured.
By no means depart drinks unattended.
By no means settle for drinks from strangers.
Keep away from consuming to extra.
In the event you really feel all of the sudden unwell or suspect spiking, search medical assist instantly and alert native authorities.
Problem, Harassment and Assault
As a solo feminine traveller, undesirable consideration from males was an occasional downside in Mexico, though not as unhealthy as in different elements of Latin America (in my expertise).
Fortunately, this was fairly lighthearted more often than not. Nonetheless, harassment may be a difficulty in crowded areas, comparable to public transport, busy metropolis centres, and nightlife districts. Keep away from going to bars solo or strolling alone at night time: Uber from door to door is the most suitable choice after darkish.
Prime Tip: The metro in Mexico Metropolis has women-only carriages. These are normally the primary automotive on every practice and marked by a pink border.
Sexual assault is a critical subject in Mexico, with excessive charges nationally, however vacationers are usually not the first targets. Nonetheless, solo feminine travellers ought to at all times take precautions in nightlife areas and comply with official security recommendation. Persist with well-lit areas and respected venues, keep away from strolling alone late at night time, and belief your instincts: if a scenario feels unsafe, take away your self rapidly.
Well being and Hygiene
Meals Poisoning & Abdomen Bugs
Beware “Montezuma’s Revenge” – aka “traveller’s diarrhoea“. That is not at all particular to Mexico, however meals poisoning is usually a danger. I received hit on my final journey to Mexico, and it was NOT a fairly image, so I at all times suggest taking care!
The primary tip is to keep away from consuming faucet water. Use bottled water to brush your tooth and keep away from domestically made ice cubes (most locations use secure, store-bought ice).
Avenue meals in Mexico is affordable, scrumptious, and normally secure, however be cautious of stands the place the hygiene doesn’t look as much as scratch, or the place meat might need been sitting out some time. Search for the busiest stands: a fast turnover means meals needs to be more energizing, and busy stands are normally widespread for a motive.
Prime Tip: My Water-to-Go filter bottle was my BEST FRIEND on this journey – take a look at my assessment for a 15% low cost.
Vaccines
The Nationwide Journey Well being Community recommends that you’ve got a Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid vaccination for journey to Mexico. In the event you stay within the UK, you’ve in all probability already had the latter two, however make an appointment along with your GP in case you’re unsure.
Warmth-Associated Points
Mexico can expertise very excessive temperatures all 12 months spherical, with notably excessive warmth throughout summer season. Sunburn, warmth exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration are all very actual threats, so watch out.
All the time use solar safety and canopy up as a lot as potential, and keep in mind to remain hydrated. In the event you’re sightseeing, attempt to plan your schedule so that you keep away from the noon warmth. Learn extra on this information from the NHS.
Ideas for Solo Feminine Travellers in Mexico
Basic security suggestions for feminine travellers
Carry your valuables out of sight in a zipped bag (ideally cross-body). I like to recommend an anti-theft cross-body bag from Travelon.
By no means carry all of your valuables in the identical place, and maintain a backup bank card in your resort room. Click on right here for extra suggestions.
Keep away from sharing your stay location on social media: publish your Instagram tales on the finish of the day.
Don’t meet up with anybody you don’t know.
By no means journey in an unlicensed taxi. Use a ride-hailing app like Uber*, or get the employees at your resort/restaurant/and so on to name a taxi for you. Activate location sharing with a trusted pal or member of the family by way of WhatsApp in case you’re ever involved.
Use respected suppliers for excursions and excursions.
*Take care utilizing Uber: in some cities, native taxi drivers have been identified to protest the app. Learn extra on this publish.
Get a Native SIM or eSIM
Web entry makes travelling in Mexico a lot simpler. It’s helpful for utilizing maps to plan your journeys, calling Ubers, and utilizing translation apps when talking with locals or making an attempt to decipher indicators.
You should purchase a native SIM card from most worldwide airports, in addition to in comfort shops comparable to 7-Eleven or OXXO. The primary networks are Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar.
Personally, I want eSIMs: you possibly can obtain them to your telephone and activate them as quickly as you land. They could be a bit costlier, however they’re a lot simpler and extra handy.
eSIM Costs
Airalo: From £3.50 / $4 USD (1GB, 3 days). Use code EMILY9237 to get £2.50 / $3 off your first buy.
Nomad: From £3.44 / $4.50 (1GB, 7 days). Use code EMIL96SV to get $7 off your first buy.
Holafly: From £6 / $6.90 (limitless knowledge, 1 day). The plans are higher worth whenever you purchase for longer: eg, 7 days of limitless knowledge is £24 / $29.90. Use code EMILYLUXTON to get 5% off.
Study the native emergency numbers
Memorise or save these in your telephone, in case of an emergency.
Emergencies (police, ambulance, hearth): 911Mexico Metropolis Vacationer Police: (0052) 55 5207 4155
Have good journey insurance coverage
I can not stress the significance of journey insurance coverage sufficient! In the event you encounter a difficulty – whether or not it’s a cancelled flight or a medical emergency – you need that lined.
I like to recommend Security Wing Journey Insurance coverage – they’ve insurance policies particularly for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and backpackers, and provide good cowl for extra adventurous sorts of journey.
Keep away from travelling at night time
It’s typically not really helpful to journey at night time in Mexico, particularly exterior main vacationer zones. There are in a single day buses that cowl lengthy distances, and I do know many individuals who’ve taken them with out subject – however I additionally know a few individuals who had been robbed while sleeping on a bus. Personally, I keep away from taking in a single day buses.
Inside cities and cities, public transport is taken into account much less secure after darkish, when petty theft and harassment could also be extra frequent. It’s in all probability most secure to keep away from taking public transport or strolling alone on the town centres after darkish. Persist with licensed “sitio” taxis from designated stands, ask your resort/restaurant to name a taxi for you, or use a ride-hailing app like Uber or DiDi.
The reality is, I’ve walked residence after darkish in a number of Mexican cities with no subject (at all times in busier, well-lit areas). Nonetheless, the most secure possibility is at all times to take a taxi door-to-door.
E book Excursions
In the event you’re nervous about visiting Mexico as a solo feminine traveller, reserving just a few excursions could make exploring simpler. They’re additionally a good way to fulfill fellow travellers and make mates. On a latest journey to Campeche, I booked a tour of the close by ruins, and the entire group ended up assembly for dinner and drinks afterwards.
Examine latest opinions and ensure you’re reserving a tour firm with an excellent status. I want to make use of GetYourGuide and Klook to look, as they each have an excellent assessment system, which makes it straightforward to search out the most effective tour firms.
KLOOK PROMO CODE: Use code EMLUXTRAVEL whenever you guide with Klook to get 10% low cost for brand new clients and three% low cost for current clients.
Don’t be scared 💕
All of the above recommendation can sound scary, particularly when it’s all listed in a single place. However please don’t let these warnings put you off. I’ve travelled solo in Mexico many occasions and by no means had any points – and it actually is among the most stunning, vibrant, welcoming international locations on the planet.
I truthfully imagine that so long as you make wise selections, take the best precautions and use your frequent sense, you need to be completely secure travelling solo in Mexico.
Ideas for Getting Round
Public Transport
Mexico’s public transport is intensive and reasonably priced, making it potential to discover the nation and not using a automotive. Nonetheless, requirements differ extensively between areas, and solo travellers ought to take further care, particularly at night time.
🚆Trains: There aren’t many passenger trains in Mexico. Essentially the most notable is the brand new Maya Prepare (Tren Maya), connecting Cancún, Tulum, Mérida, and different locations throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. The practice is fashionable and designed for vacationers, however it carries the next price ticket than the bus. It may also be slower than takign the bus (relying on the journey), however it’s extra comfy and provides a extra scenic experience.
Prime Tip: E book Maya Prepare tickets on-line upfront, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons, to safe seats and higher costs. The official on-line reserving website is: reservas.ventaboletostrenmaya.com.mx
🚌 Buses: Mexico has a wonderful lengthy‑distance bus community, with firms like ADO, Primera Plus, and ETN providing dependable companies between cities. Premium buses are essentially the most comfy (and normally don’t price an excessive amount of further), with air-conditioning, reclining seats, and onboard bathrooms. They’re typically secure through the day, however keep away from in a single day journeys the place potential. I’ve taken many ADO bus journeys and have discovered them to be comfortbale, dependable, and secure.
Public Transport Inside Cities and Cities
Mexico Metropolis has an unlimited metro system, one of many largest on the planet. It’s low cost and environment friendly, however crowded and susceptible to petty theft. There are women-only carriages out there throughout peak hours, that are a safer possibility for solo feminine travellers.
Different cities have bus networks and, in some instances, mild rail. Requirements differ, and buses may be gradual or crowded. Colectivos are sometimes a less expensive, quicker, and extra handy technique to get round (see beneath).
Colectivos
Colectivos are a type of shared taxi or casual public transport that’s quite common in Mexico, particularly within the Yucatán Peninsula and across the Riviera Maya. They’re primarily minibuses or minivans that run mounted routes and normally have a (very low) mounted worth – though vacationers are generally charged extra.
They’re very reasonably priced (round 20-50 pesos, relying on distance). However they’re additionally very low finances: there’s no AC, usually no seatbelts, and autos may be poorly maintained. They may also be fairly cramped, as drivers will decide up extra passengers than there are seats.
I’ve used colectivos many occasions, and I’m an enormous fan – they’re typically the most cost effective technique to get round, and so they’re generally the one possibility. That is recommendation:
Hold small change prepared for fares; most drivers don’t have change.
Maintain onto your belongings and maintain valuables out of sight.
Keep away from utilizing colectivos after darkish: go for licensed taxis or use a ride-hailing app as an alternative.
In the event you’re uncertain, ask locals or your lodging which colectivo routes are secure and dependable.
Is there Uber in Mexico?
Sure – Uber is obtainable in Mexico, notably in main cities. It’s extensively used, secure, and sometimes cheaper than native taxis. Nonetheless, in some cities, comparable to Cancun, native taxi drivers generally trigger points by protesting Ubers, and have even been identified to forcibly take away vacationers from Ubers up to now. Learn my publish about Uber in Cancun for the newest data.
DiDi is an alternate ride-hailing app which is often utilized in Mexico and is commonly cheaper than Uber. I’ve not tried it personally, however the app is widespread, and a number of other travellers have really helpful it to me. I’ve heard stories that it’s much less secure than Uber – however the app options the identical built-in security options, together with an SOS button.
Prime Tip: Arrange Uber’s security options earlier than your journey. You possibly can arrange a PIN verification, change on security check-ins, and add a trusted contact with whom you possibly can rapidly share your location and journey standing in case you’re involved.
Find out how to Costume & Tips about What to Put on
Mexico’s various climates and cultural settings imply your wardrobe must be versatile. From sizzling, humid coasts to cooler highland cities, packing sensible will maintain you comfy and assist you to mix in.
There aren’t any cultural sensitivities to pay attention to, however Mexico is a reasonably conservative nation, and chances are you’ll get a whole lot of undesirable consideration in case you have a whole lot of pores and skin on present. Personally, I have a tendency to stay to light-weight maxi clothes or shorts and t-shirts.
Daytime: Light-weight, breathable materials comparable to cotton or linen are perfect for the warmth. A large-brimmed hat, sun shades, and sunscreen are important for cover from the sturdy solar. Snug strolling footwear or sandals are finest for exploring cities and archaeological websites.
Evenings: Inland cities like Mexico Metropolis, San Cristóbal de las Casas, and Oaxaca can get cool at night time. Pack a lightweight jacket, cardigan, or scarf for evenings out.
Seashore & Resorts: Swimwear is ok at swimming pools and seashores, however cover-ups are anticipated when strolling by means of cities or eating places. An informal sundress or shorts and t-shirt work nicely for resort areas.
Cultural Websites: Church buildings, indigenous villages, and archaeological websites usually anticipate modest costume. Cowl your shoulders and keep away from very revealing clothes to point out respect.
Security Tip: Keep away from flashy jewelry or designer baggage, which might entice undesirable consideration. Go for sensible cross-body baggage or daypacks that maintain valuables safe. I like to recommend an anti-theft cross-body bag like these ones for journey in Mexico.
Prime Tip: Pack versatile layers so you possibly can adapt simply between sizzling coastal areas and cooler inland areas.
Fast Abstract: Mexico Solo Feminine Journey
Mexico has its risks, however it may be a secure vacation spot for solo feminine travellers, so long as you keep alert and take precautions.
Take note of the newest FCDO journey advisories, and keep away from sure states altogether (like Colima and Sinaloa).
Petty theft and pickpocketing is usually a downside, particularly in massive cities. All the time watch out along with your valuables!
Keep away from taking public transport or strolling alone at night time.
Learn up on the frequent crimes and scams that have an effect on vacationers (listed above) so that you may be on the alert for them.
Take care when consuming: persist with bottled drinks when potential and by no means depart meals or drink unattended.
Get an area pay as you go SIM or eSIM (use my referral codes above for a reduction).
Have good journey insurance coverage.
Keep in mind: the emergency quantity is 911!
Written down multi functional place, all this recommendation can appear fairly scary! Please don’t let these warnings make you too nervous or put you off visiting Mexico. It is a stunning nation with so many unbelievable locations to find – to not point out wonderful meals, a fabulously vibrant tradition, and beautiful seashores! I’ve visited so many occasions and by no means felt unsafe or encountered any issues.
On the entire, Mexico is secure for solo feminine travellers – so long as you utilize frequent sense, keep vigilant, take care, and keep away from harmful conditions!
Is there anything you’d wish to learn about visiting Mexico as a solo feminine traveller? Let me know within the feedback beneath, and I’ll get again to you!
Solo Feminine Journey Sources
Airalo – Purchase a pre-paid eSIM to your vacation spot to get on-line with out roaming charges. Use code EMILY9237 to get £2.50 off your first buy.
UK Authorities’s Journey Recommendation – All essentially the most up-to-date recommendation about entry necessities and visas for all locations (for British residents).
Match For Journey – The NHS journey recommendation website. Search by vacation spot to see what vaccinations are wanted and test for any well being points you want to pay attention to.
Security Wing Journey Insurance coverage – The perfect insurance coverage for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and backpackers.
Hostelworld – The perfect place to seek for hostels & finances lodging.
Reserving.com – The perfect reserving website for all sorts of lodging. It normally has the bottom costs and the widest vary.
Get Your Information – My favorite web site for reserving excursions. It has a incredible vary of choices all around the world.
Uncover Automobiles – Simply seek for and guide automotive rent all over the world. Consists of rankings/opinions for every automotive rent firm.
XE Forex App – Easy forex conversions (works offline as soon as synced) Apple | Android
Maps.Me – Just like Google Maps, besides it really works offline (when you’ve downloaded the map). Apple | Android