Cancún, Mexico

Rules to follow in Cancún

3 laws, restrictions, and customs in Cancún that travellers often break without knowing — and the fines or consequences that follow.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Only use authorised taxis or app-based rides — never hail from the street

Express kidnapping via unofficial taxis is a well-documented crime in Mexico City, Cancún, and other cities. Victims are driven to ATMs and forced to withdraw cash. Always book via apps (Uber, InDriver, DiDi) or official hotel taxis.

Where: Safety
Cost: Loss of cash; risk of serious violence
Tip: Uber operates across Mexico and is much safer than street taxis. At airports, use only the pre-paid official taxi stands inside the terminal.

2. Stick to tourist areas and well-lit streets after dark

Mexico has areas of high cartel activity away from the tourist zones. In border cities (Tijuana, Juárez), resort corridors (Cancún's Hotel Zone), and tourist areas of major cities, violent crime affecting tourists is relatively rare but does occur.

Where: Safety
Tip: Stay in tourist zones, use official transportation, and avoid walking alone at night. Consult your hotel concierge about which areas to avoid.

3. Possession of small amounts of drugs is decriminalised — buying is not

Mexico has decriminalised personal possession of small drug quantities, but buying from a dealer remains illegal and exposes you to criminal gangs, police shakedowns, and poor-quality product.

Where: Legal
Cost: Bribe demands from police; robbery by dealers
Tip: Police corruption around drug enforcement is a real risk — the decriminalisation of possession does not translate into safe purchase.

Rules to follow in Cancún

1. Only use authorised taxis or app-based rides — never hail from the street

2. Stick to tourist areas and well-lit streets after dark

3. Possession of small amounts of drugs is decriminalised — buying is not

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