Generally, Playa del Carmen is a very safe city. The tourist areas are well patrolled by police and the locals are friendly. Most safety tips are common sense to follow any time you travel.

* Stay on the main streets where other tourists travel
* Never walk alone at night
* Avoid wearing jewelry or carrying anything that will make you a target for thieves or pickpockets
* Be careful using ATMs, especially at night

A note on using credit cards: If you plan to use your credit card while in Mexico, it is a good idea to inform your credit card company before you travel. Many credit card companies will freeze activity on a credit card if unexpected foreign transactions begin showing up.

For medical emergencies dial 065 from any public phone. This number will connect you to the Red Cross emergency service that will send a free ambulance.

Prescription Refills

It is generally very easy to get refills of most prescription drugs in Playa. There are pharmacies on nearly every block of 5th Avenida. They can look up the name of your drug and provide you with brand name or generic refills. You do not need a prescription for medical drugs (narcotics are illegal and can not be purchased, however). The best pharmacy in the city is located in the local Walmart. Not only do they carry more brands in stock, they are generally cheaper than anywhere else in town.