If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, whether just for a week or a few months, it’s important to consider your safety. As beautiful and welcoming as Mexico is for the most part, it can also be dangerous if you venture into the wrong areas.
There are also safety considerations you’ll need to take regarding your health and well-being. Traveling to Mexico from another country requires you to organize a digital nomad visa, as well as health and travel insurance. You might also need to get certain vaccinations to protect yourself against viruses that are prevalent in Mexico.
Whether you’re traveling to Mexico from the United States, the United Kingdom, or elsewhere in the world, take the following safety tips into account during your travels.
Research Your Chosen Destination Thoroughly
If you’re traveling to an area of Mexico you’ve never previously been to, you will need your do plenty of research before setting off on your exciting journey. It’s important to take a look at the local amenities, healthcare facilities, and crime rates to familiarise yourself with the most important things.
Take a look at virtual maps so you can visually learn about the area where you’ll be staying. Read online forums to see what previous travellers thought about the area or the specific accommodation that you’ve chosen.
You might also wish to look at the legal side of things and learn about some of the local and national laws that govern the area where you’re staying. Although you don’t need to know about every single obscure law, it’s good to know the basic rules and regulations to avoid legal issues during your vacation.
Familiarizing yourself with as much as possible about your travel destination prevents you from getting into difficult or scary situations. It also prepares you mentally for what’s to come and enables you to put a plan of action in place to maximize your safety while abroad.
Purchase Comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance
Both travel insurance and medical insurance (or a combined policy of travel medical insurance) are necessary when you’re going abroad. You will need to purchase a Mexico travel insurance plan before you travel, so it’s active from the moment you leave your home.
Travel insurance protects you from unexpected travel-related events, such as cancelled or delayed flights, natural disasters, or stolen luggage. Your travel insurance company will contribute toward some or all of the costs associated with rearranging your trip or finding your baggage if it gets lost or stolen.
Medical insurance enables you to access the healthcare facilities in your chosen area of Mexico while you’re staying there. In many countries, you’re not allowed access to any healthcare facilities, treatments, or surgeries if you don’t have a valid health insurance plan.
Health insurance will also reduce the costs of medical treatments if you need them during it an injury or illness during your trip to Mexico. You will need to make sure that your health insurance policy covers your personal needs; for example, if you suffer from a chronic health condition, your policy must cover your regular treatments or therapies.
Choose Transportation Carefully
Getting into a vehicle with a stranger is risky no matter where you’re traveling. If you book a taxi for personal travel while you’re in Mexico, make sure to book with a reputable company and check the identity of the driver before you get into their vehicle.
Avoid saying your name before they do so you can confirm that they have received your booking and are a legitimate and licensed taxi driver.
Be vigilant when using public transport, such as trains, buses, coaches, and trams. Consider using well-known transportation apps to book your journeys so you can be sure that you are traveling safely. Don’t be afraid to move seats if somebody is making you feel uncomfortable or inform one of the transport staff members so they can take action to protect you and other passengers if needed.
Avoid any suspicious looking people and keep your belongings within sight and close to your side at all times. Petty theft is commonplace in many areas of Mexico and tourist-rich areas are targets for thieves. Being extra vigilant and aware of your surroundings when traveling on any mode of public transport keeps you and your belongings safe from pick-pocketers and thieves.
If possible, avoid traveling alone during your time in Mexico. Make your journeys in daylight hours and do not wander alone at night in, particularly poorly lit areas or near beaches. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to get lost along the coastlines and run into the wrong people when you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Inform Your Loved Ones of Your Trip
Letting other people know where you’re going and how long you’re going for is a good idea when you’re heading abroad. Let your parents, siblings, partner, or friends (or everybody) know the important details of your trip so they can infer when something’s wrong or you need help in an emergency.
It’s also a good idea to stay in close contact with your loved ones during your time in Mexico. Being so far away from your family and friends can make it difficult for them to know when you’re in trouble. However, by contacting them daily or on alternate days, you can keep them informed of how you’re doing and whether you’re concerned about your safety.
Check Online for Local Updates and Warnings
Even if you don’t make an effort to follow the news at home, it’s worth doing so while you’re traveling through Mexico. Follow news pages and keep up to date with the latest alerts and warnings in your chosen travel destination so you are aware of potential dangers.
Sadly, certain areas of Mexico are affected by high number of violent crimes and it’s essential to avoid these areas completely. You can stay informed of where you should and shouldn’t travel within the country by keeping up with local and national news updates.