There are several threats to solo female travelers in Playa del Carmen. But, overall it remains a relatively safe place. Women should be careful around the party scene and know to avoid common scams. Though cartels lurk, tourists typically remain untouched. Continue reading to see the major threats to women travelers
Are cartels a threat to female travelers in Playa del Carmen?
Cartel shootouts are the main threat to travelers in Playa del Carmen. Unfortunately, tourists have gotten caught in the crossfire. Most shootouts occur in bars on the outskirts of the city. But they do happen occasionally in touristy areas. For example, armed men opened fire in a bar just blocks away from the city center in March 2023. Three people were hurt.
Even so, staying within touristy zones of the city is the best way to avoid cartel shootouts. I would personally stay within the city center, beach strip or a resort while traveling alone to Playa del Carmen. Even so, remaining aware of your surroundings is crucial.
What does the U.S. State Department say?
The U.S. State Department has labeled Playa del Carmen’s home state, Quintana Roo, is Level Two “Exercise Increased Caution.” It is in good company, other countries with the same rating include the United Kingdom and Germany. The State Department warns that, “travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations.” I could not agree more. Travelers in any part of Mexico should pack a dose of common sense.
Are Playa del Carmen’s resorts safe for women?
Resorts are statistically the safest place for women in Playa del Carmen. But the resorts have their own risks. Women foreigners have experienced sexual assaults and drink-spiking while at resorts, though these incidents are rare. There are even reports of abuses by resort staff. Here are some other tips to avoid these threats:
- Don’t give out your room key. Women have reported being sexually assaulted after resort staff offered to escort them to their room. In multiple different accounts, the staff member asked the victim for their room key.
- Use a doorstop with alarm. Some accounts of sexual assault detail resort staff entering a woman’s room using a hotel-sanctioned key. Use a door stop with an alarm to prevent people from entering your room while you sleep. This one is my personal favorite.
- Watch your drink(ing). Women should enjoy the nightlife! But keep an eye on your drink and don’t drink to the point of losing consciousness. Nightcap is my favorite tool to prevent drink spiking while out dancing.
Which areas of Playa del Carmen are unsafe?
The Undersecretary of Public Security highlighted the areas around Playa del Carmen with the highest number of criminal reports.
This includes the neighborhoods —
- In House
- Villas de Sol
- Luis Donaldo Colosio
Two are on the outskirts, where tourists are unlikely to visit. But the third, the Luis Donaldo Colosio neighborhood is just a 10 minute stroll from the popular tourist destination 30th street. Use the map as a guide you while wandering around Playa del Carmen.
How to get around Playa del Carmen as a solo female traveler?
Taxi
Call a taxi through the locally-popular “Radio Taxi” app. The price of the fare is well worth the peace of mind when moving around after dark,.
Uber
Uber is technically illegal in Playa del Carmen. But, the app is live anyways. Angry taxi drivers have used violence to try to scare Uber drivers. In some cases, their passengers have been caught in the crosshairs of the aggression.
Car
Driving in Playa del Carmen is fine traffic-wise. But be aware that local police are known to pull over tourists at a higher rate, sometimes asking for bribes.
Walking
Walking is the best way to get to know Playa del Carmen intimately. But be careful! Cars act as if they have right-of-way, so don’t expect them to stop for you!
What women should expect in Playa del Carmen’s party scene:
Catcalling
Women have reported being catcalled by both locals and foreigners while en route to a party or nightclub. In my experience, this commenting rarely escalates. However, local friends have told me stories of being followed home. If this happens, my preferred tactic is to enter the closest store and alert the staff.
Wandering Hands
In Mexico’s party scene, men often feel entitled to touch women’s bodies. Women have reported that men grabbed their arm, waist, or even other body parts in an attempt to get their attention. In my experience, it is best to swat them away or give then a menacing glare if you’re not interested. If they start to crowd your personal space, a good foot-stomp may be in order.
Watch Your Drink
Notably, there are fewer online reports of date-rape drugs being used in Playa del Carmen, when compared to other areas of Quintana Roo. While the media coverage may paint an optimistic picture, women should still take the necessary precautions while out. Again, Nightcap is a tried and true way to keep your drink safe.
Don’t Walk Alone After Dark
Many women report feeling safe walking around Playa del Carmen after the sun goes down, but I tend to air on the side of caution. The best way is to use a taxi (previously arranged via the “Radio Taxi” app) will not set you back much but it will provide immense peace of mind.
Beware of Corrupt Cops
Local police in Playa del Carmen are often corrupt. Tourist report that police have targeted them outside of nightclubs and bars, asking them to pay “fines” that they’ve made up. If this happens, I would pay the fake fine in the moment. Most U.S. banks offer bribe reimbursement.
Stay Connected
When going out, it is best to have a working phone. You can either pay your U.S. service provider extra for Mexico coverage. You can also buy a Telcel prepaid SIM card at an OXXO convenience store or even at the airport!
What are common tourist scams in Playa del Carmen?
Enticing You Into Buying
Shopkeepers along the 5th Avenue (La Quinta) are aggressive. They will compliment your beauty, block your path or even drop something at your feet to get you into their shop. A simple “no, gracias” works wonders.
Photo Scam
Scammers exploit your kindness by asking you to take a photo, then dropping their phone during the handoff. They then demand money for the alleged damage. Don’t let scammers take advantage of your natural goodwill.
Fake Emergency Phone Call
Refuse requests from strangers wanting to use your phone for emergencies or simple inquiries like asking for the time. They will often steal your phone right out of your hands.
Credit-Card Skimming
Protect your credit card information by avoiding non-affiliated ATMs. In restaurants and bars, insist that the payment machine be brought to your table to keep your card within your sight.
Virtual Kidnapping
In this scam, strangers ask you to fill out a form or petition with your phone number. Later, you get a call claiming that a loved one has been kidnapped, asking for a ransom. While not a physical threat, this can be quite alarming. Do not give your phone number to people you don’t know. If this happens, immediately call the police and freeze your bank account.
Express Kidnapping
Under this scheme, fake taxi drivers drug or threaten you before driving you to ATMs to take out money. This scam does not usually target foreigners, but if you have decent Spanish you may be targeted. Do not hail taxis off the street or accept rides from taxis you did not arrange in advance.
What crimes are against tourists in Playa del Carmen?
Passport Theft
Thieves steal backpacks and cars, taking the passports that are inside. Passport theft is one of the largest issues tourists face in Playa del Carmen. Without a passport, you can’t do much. I always keep my passport locked away in my room, carrying a photocopy around with me.
Car Theft
Playa del Carmen sees the second-highest number of car thefts in Quintana Roo, behind Benito Juarez. Cars are usually stolen in the night or while unattended. But in some cases, armed men have forced passengers out of their vehicles. Paid parking lots are one of the best ways to avoid car theft. There are guarded parking lots near the Cozumel Ferry, Paseo Del Carmen, and along 5th Avenue.
According to the Overseas Security Advisory Council, the car models that are most frequently targeted by car thieves in Mexico overall include Nissan Versa, Nissan Pickup NP 300, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Beat, and the Nissan Tsuru.
Petty Theft
Crooks often target wallets and phones. Women are usually easier targets as they carry these items in backpacks and purses (which can be easily lifted) while men tend to carry them in their pocket. To stump pickpockets, put your valuables in a rip-proof crossbody bag.
What emergency numbers should I save?
Saving embassy and consulate numbers brings me immense peace of mind. I also write them down and store them in my hotel room. This way, should something bad happen, I am not panicking but instead have a direct line to my country’s services and already know the emergency line.
- For any emergency, dial 911.
- For the U.S. Consulate in Playa del Carmen, dial +52 999 942 5700.
- For the British Consulate in Cancun (the closest), dial +52 998 881 0100.
- For the Australian Consulate in Cancun (the closest), dial +52 999 942 5700.
Conclusion
Playa del Carmen is overwhelmingly safe for women traveling alone. Petty theft, car robberies and the rare incident while out dancing are the main concerns. Female travelers should avoid dangerous areas, be wary of pickpockets and be on the lookout for common scams. Solo female travelers with a good head on their shoulders should not let security concerns dissuade them from living it up in playa!
Traveling elsewhere in Mexico?
Check out the other Mexico guides, including female travel safety for Cancun and Mexico City.