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Every part it’s good to know to be ready for solo feminine journey in Mexico – together with security suggestions and journey recommendation.
Exterior of England, Mexico is the nation I do know the most effective. I’ve visited a number of occasions, usually spending a couple of months at a time there. I by no means get tired of that magical nation (or its mouth-watering delicacies!), and I’ve grow to be a little bit of an professional in travelling there!
Under, 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 happy to ask questions within the feedback.
Finest 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 certainly one of my private favourites. It’s lovely, 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 perfect for solo travellers who wish 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 full of life 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 rest and journey – however its recognition makes it pricier than different locations.
Isla Holbox – One among 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. Nevertheless, there are some things to concentrate on, which I’ll define beneath.
Mexico has an unfairly unhealthy status, for my part. Persons are all the time telling me it’s “too harmful” to go to, particularly as a lady 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 employ frequent sense and take the proper precautions, I really 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, follow 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, significantly in Mexico Metropolis, and might probably be violent. In the event you see any protests happening, keep nicely away.
Avenue crime, equivalent 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 put up.
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, significantly in nightlife districts.
Kidnapping is a danger in sure excessive‑crime states (see beneath), however vacationers will not be often focused. “Specific Kidnappings” (short-term abductions for money) can occur, significantly in city areas, with criminals forcing victims to withdraw cash at an ATM. Take a journey cash card with a withdrawal restrict, and go away your principal financial institution card within the lodge secure!
Gang violence and drug crime – Cartel exercise is essentially concentrated in particular states like Colima and Sinaloa (see beneath). Vacationers are hardly ever focused, however violence can spill into public areas. Stick with safer areas and comply with official journey advisories always.
Pure hazards – Mexico is liable to hurricanes (particularly June–November in coastal areas), earthquakes, and occasional volcanic exercise in sure areas. Verify climate forecasts, comply with native emergency steering, and register along with your embassy if travelling throughout hurricane season.
High Tip: An excellent anti-theft bag can come in 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 components of Mexico will not be secure for vacationers as a consequence 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 (Overseas, Commonwealth & Growth Workplace) at the moment advises in opposition to all however important journey to the next states:
Colima
Guerrero
Michoacán (besides the 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 examine the newest journey advisories from both the FCDO (the UK’s overseas 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 tips will allow 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. Stick with ATMs inside banks or procuring centres, and canopy the keypad when coming into your PIN.
Faux tour operators – Avenue sellers could supply low cost excursions that don’t exist or minimize corners on security. E-book excursions by way of respected firms – I wish to e book by way of GetYourGuide or Klook in Mexico so I can examine current critiques from different travellers.
Avenue distractions – Teams could 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 preserve valuables safe. I like to recommend an anti-theft cross-body bag like these ones.
Faux cops – Criminals could pose as police and try and wonderful or arrest you. All the time ask for ID and take a be aware of the officer’s identify, badge quantity, and patrol automobile quantity. Ask for a duplicate of the wonderful, which is payable later, somewhat than paying on the spot.
Cash switch scams – In case your cellphone is stolen or hacked, criminals could contact your loved ones or associates posing as you to request cash. It is likely to be a good suggestion to agree on a “codeword” with family and friends members, to allow them to examine 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 embrace tainted alcohol inflicting blackouts or sickness, and counterfeit spirits containing methanol, which will 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.
Stick with well-established bars the place you’ll be able to see what’s being poured.
By no means go away drinks unattended.
By no means settle for drinks from strangers.
Keep away from ingesting to extra.
In the event you really feel abruptly unwell or suspect spiking, search medical assist instantly and alert native authorities.
Trouble, Harassment and Assault
As a solo feminine traveller, undesirable consideration from males was an occasional drawback in Mexico, though not as unhealthy as in different components of Latin America (in my expertise).
Fortunately, this was fairly lighthearted more often than not. Nevertheless, harassment will be a difficulty in crowded areas, equivalent to public transport, busy metropolis centres, and nightlife districts. Keep away from going to bars solo or strolling alone at evening: Uber from door to door is the most suitable choice after darkish.
High Tip: The metro in Mexico Metropolis has women-only carriages. These are often the primary automobile on every prepare and marked by a pink border.
Sexual assault is a critical concern in Mexico, with excessive charges nationally, however vacationers will not be the first targets. Nevertheless, solo feminine travellers ought to all the time take precautions in nightlife areas and comply with official security recommendation. Stick with well-lit areas and respected venues, keep away from strolling alone late at evening, and belief your instincts: if a scenario feels unsafe, take away your self shortly.
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 could be a danger. I received hit on my final journey to Mexico, and it was NOT a reasonably image, so I all the time advocate taking care!
The primary tip is to keep away from ingesting faucet water. Use bottled water to brush your enamel and keep away from regionally made ice cubes (most locations use secure, store-bought ice).
Avenue meals in Mexico is reasonable, scrumptious, and often 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 ought to be more energizing, and busy stands are often widespread for a motive.
High Tip: My Water-to-Go filter bottle was my BEST FRIEND on this journey – take a look at my evaluation 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 should you’re unsure.
Warmth-Associated Points
Mexico can expertise very excessive temperatures all yr spherical, with significantly 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 bear 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.
Suggestions for Solo Feminine Travellers in Mexico
Common 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 preserve a backup bank card in your lodge room. Click on right here for extra suggestions.
Keep away from sharing your stay location on social media: put up 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 workers at your lodge/restaurant/and so forth to name a taxi for you. Activate location sharing with a trusted buddy or member of the family by way of WhatsApp should you’re ever involved.
Use respected suppliers for excursions and excursions.
*Take care utilizing Uber: in some cities, native taxi drivers have been recognized to protest the app. Learn extra on this put up.
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 equivalent to 7-Eleven or OXXO. The primary networks are Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar.
Personally, I want eSIMs: you’ll be able to obtain them to your cellphone 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 information, 1 day). The plans are higher worth once you purchase for longer: eg, 7 days of limitless information is £24 / $29.90. Use code EMILYLUXTON to get 5% off.
Be taught the native emergency numbers
Memorise or save these in your cellphone, in case of an emergency.
Emergencies (police, ambulance, fireplace): 911Mexico Metropolis Vacationer Police: (0052) 55 5207 4155
Have good journey insurance coverage
I can’t 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 coated.
I like to recommend Security Wing Journey Insurance coverage – they’ve insurance policies particularly for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and backpackers, and supply good cowl for extra adventurous forms of journey.
Keep away from travelling at evening
It’s usually not really helpful to journey at evening in Mexico, particularly outdoors 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 concern – 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. Stick with licensed “sitio” taxis from designated stands, ask your lodge/restaurant to name a taxi for you, or use a ride-hailing app like Uber or DiDi.
The reality is, I’ve walked house after darkish in a number of Mexican cities with no concern (all the time in busier, well-lit areas). Nevertheless, the most secure choice is all the time 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 a couple of excursions could make exploring simpler. They’re additionally an effective way to fulfill fellow travellers and make associates. On a current journey to Campeche, I booked a tour of the close by ruins, and the entire group ended up assembly for dinner and drinks afterwards.
Verify current critiques and be sure you’re reserving a tour firm with a great status. I want to make use of GetYourGuide and Klook to go looking, as they each have an incredible evaluation system, which makes it straightforward to seek out the most effective tour firms.
KLOOK PROMO CODE: Use code EMLUXTRAVEL once you e book with Klook to get 10% low cost for brand new clients and three% low cost for present 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 without doubt one of the most lovely, vibrant, welcoming nations on the planet.
I actually imagine that so long as you make wise selections, take the proper precautions and use your frequent sense, you have to be completely secure travelling solo in Mexico.
Suggestions for Getting Round
Public Transport
Mexico’s public transport is in depth and reasonably priced, making it potential to discover the nation with no automobile. Nevertheless, requirements fluctuate broadly between areas, and solo travellers ought to take further care, particularly at evening.
🚆Trains: There aren’t many passenger trains in Mexico. Probably the most notable is the brand new Maya Prepare (Tren Maya), connecting Cancún, Tulum, Mérida, and different locations throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. The prepare is trendy and designed for vacationers, but it surely carries the next price ticket than the bus. It will also be slower than takign the bus (relying on the journey), but it surely’s extra snug and gives a extra scenic journey.
High 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 snug (and often don’t value an excessive amount of further), with air-conditioning, reclining seats, and onboard bathrooms. They’re usually secure throughout 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 liable to petty theft. There are women-only carriages obtainable throughout peak hours, that are a safer choice for solo feminine travellers.
Different cities have bus networks and, in some instances, gentle rail. Requirements fluctuate, and buses will be gradual or crowded. Colectivos are sometimes a less expensive, quicker, and extra handy technique to get round (see beneath).
Colectivos
Colectivos are a sort 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 often have a (very low) mounted value – 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 will be poorly maintained. They will also be fairly cramped, as drivers will decide up extra passengers than there are seats.
I’ve used colectivos many occasions, and I’m a giant fan – they’re usually the most cost effective technique to get round, and so they’re generally the one choice. That is recommendation:
Preserve small change prepared for fares; most drivers don’t have change.
Maintain onto your belongings and preserve valuables out of sight.
Keep away from utilizing colectivos after darkish: go for licensed taxis or use a ride-hailing app as a substitute.
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 accessible in Mexico, significantly in main cities. It’s broadly used, secure, and sometimes cheaper than native taxis. Nevertheless, in some cities, equivalent to Cancun, native taxi drivers generally trigger points by protesting Ubers, and have even been recognized to forcibly take away vacationers from Ubers previously. Learn my put up about Uber in Cancun for the newest information.
DiDi is another ride-hailing app which is often utilized in Mexico and is usually 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 experiences that it’s much less secure than Uber – however the app options the identical built-in security options, together with an SOS button.
High Tip: Arrange Uber’s security options earlier than your journey. You may arrange a PIN verification, change on security check-ins, and add a trusted contact with whom you’ll be able to shortly share your location and journey standing should you’re involved.
Methods to Costume & Recommendations on What to Put on
Mexico’s numerous climates and cultural settings imply your wardrobe must be versatile. From scorching, humid coasts to cooler highland cities, packing sensible will preserve you snug and allow you to mix in.
There aren’t any cultural sensitivities to concentrate on, however Mexico is a reasonably conservative nation, and it’s possible you’ll get lots of undesirable consideration when you’ve got lots 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 equivalent 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 evening. Pack a light-weight jacket, cardigan, or scarf for evenings out.
Seaside & Resorts: Swimwear is okay at swimming pools and seashores, however cover-ups are anticipated when strolling by way of cities or eating places. An off-the-cuff sundress or shorts and t-shirt work nicely for resort areas.
Cultural Websites: Church buildings, indigenous villages, and archaeological websites usually count on modest gown. Cowl your shoulders and keep away from very revealing clothes to indicate respect.
Security Tip: Keep away from flashy jewelry or designer luggage, which may entice undesirable consideration. Go for sensible cross-body luggage or daypacks that preserve valuables safe. I like to recommend an anti-theft cross-body bag like these ones for journey in Mexico.
High Tip: Pack versatile layers so you’ll be able to adapt simply between scorching 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 could be a drawback, particularly in large cities. All the time watch out along with your valuables!
Keep away from taking public transport or strolling alone at evening.
Learn up on the frequent crimes and scams that have an effect on vacationers (listed above) so that you will be on the alert for them.
Take care when ingesting: persist with bottled drinks when potential and by no means go away meals or drink unattended.
Get a neighborhood pay as you go SIM or eSIM (use my referral codes above for a reduction).
Have good journey insurance coverage.
Bear in mind: the emergency quantity is 911!
Written down multi function place, all this recommendation can appear fairly scary! Please don’t let these warnings make you too nervous or put you off visiting Mexico. This can be a lovely nation with so many unbelievable locations to find – to not point out superb 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 employ frequent sense, keep vigilant, take care, and keep away from harmful conditions!
Is there the rest 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 in 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 examine for any well being points you want to concentrate on.
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 every type of lodging. It often 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 everywhere in the world.
Uncover Automobiles – Simply seek for and e book automobile rent world wide. Contains rankings/critiques for every automobile 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