Playa del Carmen is no longer a sleepy fishing village where everybody knows each other and nobody locks their doors. It is still a happy little town, though, where a lot of people know each other and not everyone locks their doors. Petty theft is the main problem, and tourists are advised to watch their belongings, lock their hotel rooms, and not leave valuables unattended on the beach or elsewhere. For the most part, Playa is quite safe. It's best to not be on remote parts of the beach late at night, as incidents have been reported. Leave your jewels at home and, like anywhere else, don’t flash large amounts of cash or be too showy with expensive equipment or electronic gadgets. Use the hotel safe whenever possible and don't leave valuables in plain view in your hotel room or rental car.
Report suspicious activity at your hotel to the front desk and be alert of your surroundings. Men should carry their wallets in their front pockets on crowded streets, and women should ensure their bags are fully closed and not swinging freely.
There have been reports of drug running, gang activity, and associated crime and violence in the area. If you go looking for trouble, you’ll have a better chance of finding it. Visitors are strongly advised to keep their noses clean and to stay well away from any obvious trouble or precarious situations.
Don't travel into the destitute neighborhoods, especially at night. Don't associate with questionable individuals, and stay away from problem areas.
