Is it safe to be alone?

Question

my boyfriend and i are going to Puerto Vallarta in a couple of weeks. on our first day there he is going scuba diving at los arcos in the morning. i am terrified of being under water, so i'm not going. i decided that i would walk or lay out on the beach, explore some of the city and do some shopping, maybe go to a museum. is it safe for a girl to be alone? i'm 22 and i think i could defend myself if something happened, but i'm just wondering if it's safe. it will be early morning to early afternoon that i will be by myself (about 8:30-2ish).

i've also heard that pickpocketing is a problem in PV. is it true? i was thinking of getting a money belt - the kind that clips on to the waist of your shorts/pants and slides inside your pants that you can't really feel or see. any suggestions where i could get one or two? i was planning on just bringing my debit card and using the ATM every morning to get pesos. is that a good idea?

thanks for your help! i greatly appreciate it!!!

Answer 1

I've been to Mexico about 24 times and I've never had a pocket picked, but I've always have had a money belt inside my clothes--just for that one chance in a million.

Answer 2

It's fairly safe during the day but all problems that you mentioned happen. Get travelers checks.

Answer 3

See the link below for some security options. Your local WalMart often has some of these same items for less money.They are usually mixed in with the luggage and near the shoe section.

    http://www.travelwares.com/category_s/40...

Answer 4

Yes, it is very safe.  Puerto Vallarta is considered as one of the safest cities all over Mexico.

Good idea to get your ATM card, just get money for the day and leave the card in the safe at the hotel.

I am very sorry you are not going to snorkel, this is one of the highlights of Vallarta.  You could just go and swim but not snorkel.  You could just get a little mask in order to see the wonderful colors of the ocean and spectacular fish life at Los Arcos.

Anyway, if you don´t go, you will enjoy yourself walking.  Try to go to the middle island called ISLA DEL RIO CUALE,  This is a wonderful walking area in the downtown area right next to the CUALE RIVER.

Best luck.

Answer 5

You be safe as soon as you arent looking like a dumb tourist, sorry for being rude, but it is very true, look confident and put your money in your front pocket. I think you will be okay, just go into places where there are people and if your gut instinct say no dont go. i wouldnt do the money belt,. youll be fine. bring your cell phone just in case

Answer 6

I've been going to PV for 15 years and I have never felt anything but safe.  While I've heard of the pick-pocketing, I've never known anyone to be affected - but of course, it is always best to be cautious in any tourist area.  As for ATMs - that is the only way to go.  Btw, the best ATM (no charges from your bank or from the ATM bank) is the Scotiabank ATM, located at 403 Juarez Street which is a main street in downtown PV.  As for something to do, walk the Malecon which is a "boardwalk" running parallel to beach area in El Centro (which is downtown "old Puerto Vallarta).  Google it.  From the Malecon, you will be able to venture around the shops and beaches. Enjoy PV - it is a paradise (I was there 3 times in the last 5 months!).

Answer 7

Just be aware of your surroundings and try to stay in populated and "touristy" areas. I was alone for a lot of my time in Mexico and I was never really afraid. Just be confident and look like you have a purpose. Pickpocketing is a problem anywhere. Just be aware. You can get those pouches from anywhere that sells suitcases and bags but when I was there I carried a purse and didn't have a problem. Yes, use your debit card, that works too.

Have FUN, it's MEXICO it's not as dangerous as everyone says!!!