You can easily get to El Gran Cenote by taxi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nTaxi drivers in Tulum do occasionally try to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers by overcharging \u2014 double or even triple. To avoid this, ask the driver how much it will cost to take you to your destination. If you don\u2019t speak Spanish, just ask, \u201c\u00bfCu\u00e1nto cuesta llevarme de aqu\u00ed a X?<\/em>\u201c<\/p>\nAlthough it\u2019s not inherently dangerous for a taxi driver to overcharge you, what could potentially be dangerous is the argument over it. Drivers can be unpredictable in how they will react to you demanding they give you a fair price after the fact. Generally, it\u2019s just safer to avoid this kind of interaction by agreeing on a fare before<\/em> you get in the car.<\/p>\n10. Avoid traveling at night<\/h2>\nThe highway from Canc\u00fan to Chetumal that runs through Tulum is safe to travel on during the day but can turn dangerous at night. From Tulum to Bacalar, there are many parts of the highway where there isn\u2019t any phone signal. In the past, there have been kidnappings and other crimes in this area at night. If you are traveling from Tulum to other parts of the Riviera Maya, avoid doing so at night, even on a bus.<\/p>\n
11. Keep an eye on the news<\/h2>\n\n
<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nIn the weeks leading up to your trip to Tulum, keep an eye on current news there. I mentioned before that Tulum\u2019s rampant drug scene lends itself to increased insecurity because of turf wars. This kind of violence tends to come in waves, so it\u2019s a good idea to keep an eye on any news reports coming out of Tulum to see if there are any security threats such as this.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re visiting Tulum during hurricane season (July to November), it\u2019s also a good idea to check the weather before you go. Usually, tropical storms show up on the radar days before they reach land, so I recommend checking out the storm situation before you head to Tulum, so you can decide whether or not to make some changes to your itinerary. Sometimes hurricanes are so strong that they have to evacuate the Hotel Zone, which obviously you\u2019d like to avoid if possible.<\/p>\n
12. Get travel insurance<\/h2>\nHaving travel insurance is a great idea anywhere you go \u2014 and Tulum is no exception. Whether you get sick there or need to change your itinerary because of a hurricane, travel insurance has your back. World Nomads is one of the most popular companies; it even has options for more adventurous travelers, in case you\u2019re hoping to do some scuba diving or other higher-risk activities in Tulum. You can also find an in-depth comparison of World Nomads and another company, Safety Wing, here.<\/p>\n
13. Only use ATMs inside banks<\/h2>\n\n
<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nIn Tulum, you can find ATMs on the street, but I don\u2019t recommend using them. First of all, the fees can be insane. Second, they\u2019re right on the street, and anybody could easily come up behind you and snatch your cash with zero consequences.<\/p>\n
Stick to the ATMs inside the banks. These almost always have a door that you can lock from the inside while you make your withdrawal. There are also cameras that deter thieves from even attempting to strike. I recommend withdrawing cash from Citibanamex or Santander, because their ATM fees are lower and the exchange rate is usually better.<\/p>\n
14. Only carry the cash you need<\/h2>\nOnce you withdraw your cash, immediately bring it to your accommodations and keep it in a safe place. Only carry with you the cash you need. Since pickpocketing is so common in Tulum, this is the best way to avoid having huge sums of cash stolen from you all at once.<\/p>\n
15. Don\u2019t drink the tap water<\/h2>\n\n
<\/noscript>\u2026and wash all of your fruit and veggies!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nPretty simple: Don\u2019t drink any tap water in Mexico at all, anywhere. There might be exceptions to this rule, but I don\u2019t know of any and Tulum definitely isn\u2019t one. Even locals don\u2019t drink tap water here. You don\u2019t have to worry about accidentally drinking it via ice in your drink, because the ice is made with bottled water. Drinks in restaurants also use bottled water, so the risk of accidentally consuming tap water is very low.<\/p>\n
As far as brushing your teeth with tap water, it\u2019s probably fine to do so. I lived near Tulum for about a year and always brushed my teeth with tap water without any issues.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Keeping in mind these safety tips can make for a low-stress trip to Tulum, which means your days of laying on the beach and exploring cenotes will be so much sweeter. Tulum is a wonderful destination for solo female travelers, as it\u2019s quite easy to meet people due to the social atmosphere.<\/p>\n
A lot of travelers think Tulum is overrated, but I think there\u2019s still so much to love about this magical place. From the gorgeous Mayan ruins and pristine beaches to picturesque cenotes and thick jungles, Tulum definitely still deserves a spot on your Mexico bucket list.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n