1. Monitor the U.S. State Department advisories on violence.
These are the most authoritative reports on the subject. Popular resorts that cater to foreigners appear to be safer than cities near the U.S. border. For the latest information, see: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html
2. Update your vaccinations.
Hepatitis A vaccine, for example, was recently added to the list of immunizations all teenagers should have, but many have not yet received. The incidence of hepatitis A is higher in Mexico than in more developed countries. The disease spreads via contaminated food and water. See TenTips:Food and TenTips:Water for what is safe to eat and drink.
3. Check if your health and accident insurance covers you in Mexico.
Likely it does so but only after you submit your medical bills after returning home. You are responsible for costs when they occur. Be aware that good medical care is expensive in Mexico.
4. Consider taking out travelers’ assistance insurance.
Such policies provide worldwide, 24-hour telephone “hotlines” with staff that can direct you to competent, English-speaking physicians and hospitals. The company pays the medical costs. If medically necessary, the company arranges and pays for evacuation to a larger medical center, even back home in critical cases. Such insurance is available through major credit card companies. Call the customer service number on the back of your card.
5. Be safety-conscious.
Most accidents are preventable – but only with forethought. Reevaluate your concepts of safety. Do not assume that conditions are identical to those back home. Spring Break visitors have been seriously injured or killed tumbling off balconies with low railings, falling into unmarked ditches, getting caught in drains in pools, and renting defective mopeds and jet skis, for example.
6. Obey local laws.
Mexican law can impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in other countries. Carrying a pocketknife can result in a weapons charge if it is found on you when you are stopped for a separate offense. Being a foreigner does not exempt you from prosecution. If you have a legal problem, contact your closest Consulate office – the U.S. has offices in most large resorts. Officials can advise you, but cannot get you released.
7. Minimize alcohol use.
Spring Break vacations often involve heavy drinking. Excessive consumption leads to unruly behavior, which can lead to serious illnesses and problems with authorities. The legal age for drinking in Mexico is 18 years but is rarely enforced. Individuals 16 years of age or older can be tried as adults. Alcohol is a factor in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered by Spring Breakers.
The following can get you arrested: disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking in public, using public transportation without payment, and making obscene or insulting remarks.
8. Be aware that even legal drugs can get you into trouble.
If you take prescribed controlled substances, such as narcotic pain medication or tranquilizers, carry an explanatory letter from your physician. Possession without substantiation can lead to imprisonment.
While many prescription drugs are available for the asking at Mexican drugstores, possession of them can cause problems if you are searched for another offense. Mexico’s list of controlled medications differs from that of other countries. Mexican laws concerning controlled medication are unclear and often enforced selectively.
Don’t buy large quantities of medications to take home, even if you have a prescription from a Mexican physician to obtain them. Travelers have been arrested after buying medications or have had money extorted by criminals impersonating police officers. Those arrested were detained for 48 hours. Detainees may be asked for bribes or solicited by attorneys who demand large fees to secure their release. Also, an estimated 25 percent of medications available in Mexico are counterfeit and substandard.
9. Know the hazards of driving in Mexico.
Consult with a Mexican consulate official before driving in Mexico regarding licensing, insurance issues, and summoning help. Foreigners involved in accidents are taken into police custody regardless of guilt, and may be denied departure from the country, even if in need of life-saving medical treatment.
Many roads are poorly constructed. Drivers often do not obey speed limits or red lights, and pass irresponsibly. Driving at night is dangerous. Use only licensed taxis.
Check with your consular officials regarding which roads to avoid because of criminal activities. Travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll (“cuota”) roads, which generally are more secure. Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member. Check whether cell phones are operable where you are going.
10. Pay attention to waterfront hazards.
Waterfront mishaps are second to motor vehicles as causes of serious injuries. Individuals should heed warning flags on beaches: black or red mean stay out of the water. Strong undertow and rough surf are common, especially on the Pacific coast. Travelers should not swim without lifeguards present. Parasailing is a dangerous sport. Many Mexican resorts lack modern trauma services. See TenTips: Waterfront for more information.
