Cancun receives millions of tourists, and the vast majority complete their holiday without serious problems. At the same time, it is wrong to treat Cancun as if the security situation is identical to a Norwegian holiday town. There is crime in Quintana Roo, and some incidents linked to organized criminal groups have also occurred in tourist areas. The right approach is therefore neither panic nor naivety.
Short answer
For ordinary tourists who stay in established tourist areas, use normal common sense and avoid risky situations, Cancun can normally be visited in a safe way. But you should follow updated travel advice before departure.
Hotel Zone
The Hotel Zone is Cancun’s main tourist area. Security and tourism are very highly prioritized here. That does not mean crime never occurs. Use the same basic rules as in other major tourist destinations:
- keep an eye on your phone and wallet
- do not show large amounts of cash
- use the hotel safe
- avoid getting very drunk alone
- use reputable transport
Downtown Cancun
Downtown is not automatically “dangerous.”
Many locals live, work and eat here every day. But tourist areas and less-visited neighborhoods are different. Stick to places you have a reason to visit, especially in the evening.
Nightlife
The area around Punta Cancún has a lot of nightlife. Here we would be extra alert to:
- alcohol
- drinks
- valuables
- getting home
- people offering drugs
Do not buy or use illegal drugs. In addition to the obvious legal risk, the drug market is closely linked to much of the organized crime in Mexico.
Taxi and transport
From Cancun Airport you should only use authorized transport providers. The airport explicitly warns against unauthorized operators. (Cancun Airport) For regular taxis in Cancun:
- clarify the price
- use transport the hotel knows
- do not get into a random vehicle if the situation feels wrong
With children
We would not have any general objection to choosing Cancun as a family holiday destination solely because of safety. A resort in the Hotel Zone or Playa Mujeres functions in practice like many other international resort destinations. The biggest practical risks with small children can actually be more everyday matters:
- strong sun
- heat
- traffic
- sea and currents
- dehydration
Can you walk around at night? In busy tourist areas around restaurants and shopping centers many people naturally do this. But avoid wandering randomly into dark and deserted areas you do not know. Take a taxi if in doubt.
Valuables
Do not carry more than necessary. Passports, extra bank cards and larger sums of cash can normally be kept in the hotel safe when not needed. Preferably have with you: one card + a little cash with you.
Card fraud and ATMs
Use ATMs at:
- banks
- hotels
- shopping centers
- other controlled areas
Be skeptical of standalone ATMs in random places. What do official travel advisories say? The security situation can change. Therefore this article should never be the only source of information. Before departure Norwegian travelers should check the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (UD) current travel advice for Mexico, and if needed also local authorities’ information.
