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Crime in Tulum: What You Need to Know

Tulum, once a sleepy beach town, has grown into one of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations. Known for its stunning beaches, eco-luxury hotels, and vibrant nightlife, Tulum attracts travelers from around the globe. However, with increased popularity comes concerns about safety and crime. This article provides a overview of crime in Tulum based on our own experiences as local residents. Hopefully it will help you make more informed decisions.

Types of Crime in Tulum

  • Scams:
    While Tulum is generally a safe destination, there are occasional scams to be aware of. For example, some tourists have reported incidents at gas stations, such as swapping bills (claiming you handed over a smaller denomination than you did) or manipulating the meter (adding a “1” in front of the total, charging 180 pesos instead of 80 for example). Staying vigilant and double-checking your transactions can help you avoid these issues.
  • Drug-Related Issues:
    Like other parts of Mexico, Tulum has experienced issues with drug-related crime. Some progress has been made though, while there used to be some places full of dealers, we currently don’t know of any. If you do notice an unusually high number of individuals seemingly involved in selling substances, it’s best to avoid those areas. While the statistical chances of getting hurt are very low, these spots may have an elevated risk of conflict or violence. Why take the chance? Opt for safer venues to fully enjoy your time in Tulum without unnecessary concerns.

Tips for Staying Safe in Tulum

  • Opt for well-reviewed hotels or vacation rentals in safer areas like the beach zone, Aldea Zama or La Veleta.
  • Leave expensive jewelry, large sums of cash, and high-end gadgets at home or in your hotel safe.
  • Avoid walking or biking alone on remote roads, especially at night. We know of a recent incident where someone was robbed on the quiet road in Aldea Zama, between the older part and the beach. While this is not a frequent occurrence, it serves as a reminder to always stay cautious in less populated areas.
  • Be careful with taxi drivers. Taxis in Tulum are widely used and are generally considered fairly safe. Taxi drivers have earned a pretty bad reputation though. For charging extortionate rates when they think they can get away with it, but also for being verbally aggressive when you’re refusing to pay what they’re asking for example (which is why we strongly recommend always agreeing on a price beforehand). Taxi drivers even physically assaulted Uber drivers to keep/chase them out of Tulum (successfully – which is why there is no Uber in Tulum). Consider booking a private driver for a worry-free and secure way to navigate Tulum. Although the rates are a bit higher than the average taxi prices, it is probably cheaper than the prices you’ll get charged if you never negotiate (especially when riding late at night and/or to and from and within the hotel zone).

What You Could Do If You Encounter Crime

  • Report to the Police: While filing a police report is an option, be aware that the process can take excruciatingly long, they often do not speak English, and it’s known that some of them are corrupt. Also, although we don’t have any official numbers, we are pretty sure not much is done if it is not a very serious crime. Unfortunately, in many cases, the best course of action is to simply accept the loss and move on. While it’s frustrating, this approach can save you time and additional stress in dealing with local authorities.
  • Notify Your Hotel or Tour Operator: Many establishments will be happy to assist with contacting authorities, particularly as they can help bridge the language barrier by speaking Spanish on your behalf. They might give you the same advice though: to simply take your loss.
  • Use Travel Insurance: If you’ve purchased travel insurance, you can of course make a claim. You might also want to check whether it requires a police report for stolen items. If so, filing a report at the local police station might still be worth it.

Final Thoughts

Tulum is a beautiful destination that offers a memorable experience for most visitors. While it’s good to stay mindful of occasional issues like scams or the rare encounter with corrupt police, these are generally minor concerns that don’t overshadow the charm of the place too much.

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