Is Cabo Safe? A Real-World Guide to Scams, Safety & Getting Around

One of the most frequent questions first-time visitors ask is: "Is it safe to leave the resort in Cabo?"

The short answer is Yes. Los Cabos is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. And most local crimes happen in remote areas where you have no reason to be. It is safe to walk downtown, visit the Marina, and explore tourist zones in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and along Tourist Corridor—even at night.

However, Cabo has its own set of scams and logistical traps. Safety here isn't about dodging cartels; it's about being "street smart." Here is the honest reality of how to stay safe and keep your money.

1. The "Hotel Fear" Trap

The Lie: You might hear hotel concierges or staff warn you that "Cabo is dangerous" and you shouldn't leave the property.

The Reality: This is usually a financial tactic, not a safety warning. They want you to spend all your money at the hotel restaurants and shops, not in town.

Hotel staff can claim the same about Uber being unsafe, and insist on using their own taxi service (triple the price, as you may guess). But in reality Uber is same safety level.

On numerous occasions I was asked by my clients to come to take photos of them at their resort because they were told that it is dangerous to go out of the hotel premises or use Uber to get to another beach. While I understand that safety is crucial (especially if you are with kids on a family vacation), it is as well quite silly to see only one beach in front of your resort, given how many beautiful coastal spots Cabo has to show. So, if your hotel tells you to stay at the premises—try to get a second opinion from your photographer, an independent tourist agent or simply ask in one of numerous FB expat groups.

2. Surviving the Airport "Shark Tank"

Your first test happens 15 minutes after you land. As you exit customs, you will walk through a hall filled with aggressive salespeople.

The Scam: They dress in uniforms and pose as "Tourist Info" or "Transport Coordinators." They will offer free rides or tours to lure you into a high-pressure timeshare presentation.
The Fix: Don't stop. Ignore them and keep walking until you are completely outside the building. Your real driver is waiting in the parking lot, not in that hall.

3. Transportation: Uber, Buses & Shuttles

Getting around is easy if you know the rules.

Uber at Airport: Uber cannot pick you up at the airport curb.
The Workaround: If you have light luggage, walk out of the airport zone to the nearest OXXO convenience store and order there. (Note: Always check local Facebook groups for the latest rules before you fly).
Departures: Uber can drop you off at the airport without issue.
Shared Shuttles: Legit vans are available after baggage claim ($15–$35 USD per person, depending on your hotel location).
The Bus: It’s cheap (~$5 USD) but drivers can drive like mad people and A/C is often broken (and, of course, they almost always crowded). It drops you at highway stops, often leaving you with a long, hot walk to your hotel lobby. So, overall this suits only those on extreme budget and, honestly, I would not recommend it.

Hotel Blockades: Many resorts will allow Uber/third-party taxi or private car to drop you to the hotel but will not allow to pick you up from the hotel. Usually you simply can walk past lobby to the main entrance of the hotel and book your Uber from there. However, some resorts have extremely big territory and their official entrance with security guards may be a few miles away from the actual entrance and hotel lobby (like Hard Rock or Nobu).

How to order Uber in Mexico: surprise-surprise!!! It is the same app that you use in USA. So, just open it on your phone and use as usual. Prices will be shown in Mexican Pesos and you can pay with the card you use in your country. Cash payment is often available but not recommended—cases when driver takes cash and afterwards claims that you haven't paid aren't unheard of.

One thing to remember: make sure you have mobile data plan if you planning to use Uber extensively as it may be problematic to find Wi-Fi connection at the beach, for example. As well, most drivers do not speak English, so make sure you choose easy-to-find spots for pick up. If need help—don't be shy to ask!

Personally, after our Cabo beach photoshoot, I always wait for my client's Uber to arrive before I head to my car. I'm not afraid that something bad and violent will happen to them, but I am concerned that their driver may not find where they wait (cause sometimes Uber system sets map pins incorrectly or the area is too complicated and additional explanation to the driver is necessary), and it is not fun to be stressed about thing as simple as Uber just because you are in a foreign country and it is after dark.

Pros & Cons of Summer

PROS: Lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. In nearby La Ventana, this gives you the incredible opportunity to swim with oceanic manta rays.
CONS: It starts getting hot and humid. Whales are gone, and many restaurants begin to close down for the low season.

4. Money Smarts: The Peso vs. Dollar Trap

Financial scams are more common than physical crime. Here is how to protect your wallet.

The Symbol Confusion: The Mexican Peso uses the same **$** symbol as the USD. A dishonest waiter might bring a bill for "$500" (Pesos) but charge your card $500 (USD).
Pay in Pesos: When the card terminal asks "USD or MXN?", always choose MXN (Pesos). Your bank’s exchange rate is far better than the restaurant's inflated rate.
Watch Your Card: Never let a waiter take your card away. Ask for the terminal ("Con terminal, por favor") and check the amount on the screen before tapping. Skimming is common.

5. Nightlife & The Police

The Shakedown: Corrupt officers may stop tourists, search them, and claim to "find" drugs (even if you don't have any). They then threaten jail unless you pay a cash "fine" on the spot. This probably will not happens when you on foot, it is more common for stopping cars with gringos in them.
Follow the laws: this may sound stupid but for whatever reason many people think that they come to Wild Wild West scenario where no rules apply. Be civil, do not drive drunk, have your driving license with you, respect parking rules (official fines are brutal). Cabo has extremely high level of car accidents, often due to drunk driving and low local driving culture.
The "Free Bottle" Scam: In clubs, promoters may offer a "free" bottle to seat you, then charge you hundreds of dollars for it when you ask for a bill.
Safety Tip: Don't carry illegal substances, don't buy anything on the street, and try not to look visibly intoxicated when walking alone at night.

6. Everyday "Street Smarts"

Petty theft is a crime of opportunity. This is universal, really. Just basic rules that apply to pretty much any place in the world (well, maybe with exception if Switzerland):

Grocery Carts: Never leave your purse in the cart at Costco or Walmart. Thieves work in teams to distract you and steal bags in seconds.
Check Your Bill: Cashiers sometimes "double scan" items. Watch the screen as they ring you up.
Gas Stations: Pay cash if possible. If using a card, watch the attendant closely to ensure they don't skim your data.
Dark Areas: Avoid enclosed, dim spaces like parking lot at Puerto Paraiso mall. While rare, robberies have occurred there.

Important Disclaimer: Things Change Fast

Conditions in Mexico can shift quickly. Uber rules, local laws, and safety situations are fluid.

Always check current Travel Advisories before you fly.
For the most accurate safety updates, contact the US Consulate (or your country's embassy) directly.

Published 04 December 2025