Tips on Cancun Warnings or Dangers

Cancun Warnings and Dangers

Few cities are built for tourists quite like Cancun, one of the best places to go in Mexico for beaches, bikinis, and fantastic nightlife. Still, Cancun has its share of dangers to avoid. And while there’s a larger police presence in Cancun than in other parts of Mexico, heeding these Cancun warnings can prevent you from needing their services.

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Pickpockets

As with many parts of the world, lots of visitors in one place will usually mean lots of thieves in that place as well. Cancun is no different. If you “advertise” yourself as a wealthy visitor, you are likely to find yourself relieved of some of your valuables. Never carry any precious items (such as jewelry, watches, or expensive purses) with you; fast-fingered pickpockets can distract you and get them off your hands and fingers faster than you may notice.

Be careful on public transportation in Cancun and in crowds, as pickpockets frequent areas where there’s a lot of distractions. Finally, consider a traveler’s wallet that fits under your clothing instead of carrying your money in a pocket. If you do carry cash on you, put some in more than one pocket or find another way to hide your money while walking around Cancun.

Kidnapping

Though rare, you could be kidnapped and held for ransom in Cancun if you put yourself in a bad situation. By far the easiest way to prevent this is to avoid going out at night. However, given the vibrant Cancun nightlife, many tourists want to experience the bars and clubs. So, be careful when drinking: Never leave your drink alone, never accept a drink from strangers, and be sure to stay with friends or family when you go out. Since every major hotel has its own bar, you can enjoy a few drinks if you choose not to travel into the city at night.

Water Warnings

The drinking water in Cancun is largely unsafe to drink. Still, in the intense heat (especially in the summer) you will need to hydrate constantly to prevent dehydration and heat stroke. Bring large bottles of purified water with you wherever you go, and don’t be afraid to pay higher prices for water at tourist locations; it’s well worth it.

In the “hotel zone” of Cancun, the water may be safe to drink, as the hotels filter it themselves. Be careful with public drinking fountains, however: Spending a few dollars on a bottle of water is better than catching anything in the system. Also, be certain to order drinks without ice at restaurants, as the ice may have been made with unsafe tap water.

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Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Cancun.

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