Cozumel is among the safer islands in the Caribbean, but you should still use commonsense precautions. Don't leave your belongings unattended at the beach or visible in a parked rental car, and don't walk along deserted beaches in the evening. This is especially true on the less-populated east side of the island. (There are sometimes military patrols in the area watching for drug smugglers.) There are police patrols, including English-speaking tourism police, along the
malecon and at the beaches.
Tourists are not generally the target of crime, and driving around the city is generally safe. However, it is a good idea to take a taxi to your hotel at night. If you rent a car, it's best not to leave it parked on the street overnight.
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.
Dos & Don'ts
Do greet everyone with a
buenos dias (good day),
buenas tardes (good afternoon) or
buenas noches (good evening). Mexicans value this practice and will always extend a greeting, even to strangers, before getting down to business.
Do know that prices may be quoted in pesos and/or U.S. dollars. (Pesos are marked M$.) Although U.S. dollars are often accepted, you can't always be certain. In general, you'll get the best rate if you pay in the denomination marked on the item.
Don't walk out of a bar or cantina with a bottle of beer. Most beer bottles have deposits paid for by the establishment, so the staff keeps a close eye on them. (If you want to take the beverage with you, ask for a plastic cup.)
Do get away from the tourist areas and explore San Miguel's funky back streets with their colorful houses and typical Mexican street life.
Don't enter churches wearing shorts or beach clothing.
