Crime and Safety in Cabo San Lucas in 2021/2022
Cabo San Lucas is an exciting Baja California Sur retreat that attracts A-list celebrities and visitors from all corners of the globe. It has magnificent resorts, endless sunshine, and robust party life.
Many people interested in visiting often wonder about crime. The news frequently highlights violence, drug cartels, and kidnappings in Mexico. Do these things also happen in Cabo San Lucas, or is it safe?
In this article, we’ll go over everything travelers need to know about crime in Cabo San Lucas in 2021 and 2022 – from general safety to tips for staying safe.
General Safety
So, is Cabo San Lucas generally safe?
The answer is yes.
Millions of tourists visit the area each year without incident. It is relatively safe compared to most of Mexico and major cities in the United States.
The main tourist area in Cabo San Lucas along the water has plenty of people around and is well lit, so it is rarely a crime target.
Of course, don’t forget to be aware of your surroundings at all times and practice standard safety precautions.
Theft and Scams
In Cabo San Lucas, there aren’t very many instances of mugging or violent robberies involving tourists.
However, travelers should know that pickpocketing can occur. People who flash expensive belongings or money while out in public are often targets of this type of crime.
Telephone scams targeting tourists are also common in Cabo San Lucas. Scammers call demanding ransom for a fake kidnapping or money for a relative in trouble. Be wary of any calls asking for payment.
Transportation
Tourists should also be wary of scams on taxis and rideshare vehicles.
Many illegitimate vehicles wait outside the airport. Travelers who use this type of transportation can get ripped off and pay significantly more than the going rate.
A way to avoid this problem is to call the hotel ahead of time to help with arranging transportation. That is the best way to make sure that a ride is legitimate.
Additionally, negotiate the taxi fare before setting out to avoid surprises.
Female Travelers
Cabo San Lucas is also a favorite destination for bachelorette parties and girl’s getaways.
Safety is a top concern for many female travelers.
Fortunately, Cabo San Lucas has low crimes against women, especially in well-lit crowded areas.
Of course, it is critical to have situational awareness, even in generally safe areas. For example, never leave drinks unattended, even at the resort, avoid discussing hotel locations in public, and keep an eye out for people following you.
Overall Tips
Overall, Cabo San Lucas is a safe destination for millions of people who visit. It is much safer than many cities in the United States and other popular locations.
However, there are a few tips to reduce risk even further.
These include:
- Sticking to well-lit, populated areas
- Exercising situational awareness
- Avoiding discussing private information in public, such as room numbers, hotel names, and identifying information
- Never leaving drinks unattended
- Being wary of phone threats and scams
- Arranging public transportation ahead of time to ensure rides are legitimate
- Discussing transportation fare at the beginning of the trip
With these safety precautions, travelers can avoid risky situations and enjoy their Cabo San Lucas adventure.
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