Mexico Travel Security Advice
For the most part, traveling to Mexico tourist destinations such as Cancun and Cabo can be a safe and pleasant experience. It is very easy to only see and hear the negative aspects of Mexico which can develop unrealistic risk concerns and fear; the stories of express kidnappings, robberies, and acts of violence are disturbing, but these incidents are often limited to certain areas and are often the result of conflicts between drug cartels, rival organized crime, and police across the country. Visitors could be accidentally involved, and occasionally are, but it is low risk in certain tourist areas. The most likely risks you will encounter in tourist areas are the high probability and low impact issues surrounding opportunistic crime, assault, and personal safety.
Top 10 Safety Tips Mexico
1.Share the details of your travel plans with people you trust. Create a one page document to summarize information of any destination, keep one copy for yourself and one for each person you intend to inform. Ensure that at least one of these people speaks fluent Spanish; having someone familiar with the language and the local culture will immensely help in case of any emergency;
2.Consult with security experts to assess the situation in the specific area you intend to visit and adopt safety and security precautions;
3.Make a copy of your passport to carry with you and secure the original upon arrival in the hotel’s room safe.
4.Exchange currency through your bank or a money exchange office at the departing airport. Always carry a small sum of local currency and be cautious, there may be someone watching you; It is also recommended to travel with a prepaid credit card to limit losses in case of theft;
5.Wear conservative outfits, to blend in with the locals as much as possible, are always recommended as well as avoiding flashing cash;
6.On arrival at the hotel familiarize yourself with emergency exits, fire system and local emergency contacts for first responders; this is a safety and security precaution to reduce risks in case of a critical incident;
7.Utilize secure ground transportation with the option of a close protection officer, armed or unarmed, who will enable your daily activities and plan on routes and itineraries aside from is protective role; Unlicensed drivers had been often the main cause of RTC’s (Road Traffic Collisions) and in some cases, accomplices of violent crimes;
8.Avoid public transportation as well as ridesharing services. The poor conditions of the roads and public transportation, together with undisciplined motorists remain a serious concern for travelers; See more about rideshare safety here
9.Refrain from sharing personal information with local strangers and never leave your drink unattended as substancescan be used to “spike” your drink;
10.Use caution with street food, water outside closed bottles and drinks poured from a bottle into a glass, not in your presence;
ETS Risk Management is committed to providing high-quality secure ground transportation and executive protection services across Mexico.
To learn more about protective services in Mexico click here
