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Playa del Carmen safety

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Tmatts
  9/9/2017 17:45 EST

Hi folks,
My wife and I are planning to come to Playa del Carmen in January and stay for a few months to see if it's a good fit for our retirement. We've heard recently of increased violence in the town, related to the drug trade. Is there anything to this? Is the town any less safe than it was a year ago?
Thanks!
Tom

joaquinx
  9/10/2017 11:13 EST

I you're going to involve yourself in the drug trade, I would suggest that the competition is fierce. My advice would be not in buy, sell, or hang with the those who do and you'll be safe.

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RVGRINGO
  9/10/2017 12:22 EST

Also, please try to avoid drowning, being run over by drunken tourists, tripping in holes or on cobblestones, being bitten by disease ridden mosquitoes or falling off the balcony into an empty swimming pool. These are just some of the dangers of visiting a tourist destination, especially in the winter weather, which will entice you to buy and return for the intolerable summer weather, which will entice you to visit the interior of the country, where sane folks live in comfortable weather, econoically, all year long.

Cozumeldeb
  9/10/2017 13:40 EST

Haha, RVGringo, you are the expert on Lake Chapla/Ajijic..and what u say is somewhat true. Drunken tourists are everywhere, but mostly on their feet, not driving, there are bugs, mosquitoes, + scorpions pretty much everywhere.

Cozumeldeb
  9/10/2017 13:40 EST

Haha, RVGringo, you are the expert on Lake Chapla/Ajijic..and what u say is somewhat true. Drunken tourists are everywhere, but mostly on their feet, not driving, there are bugs, mosquitoes, + scorpions pretty much everywhere.

MexJuan1
  9/10/2017 14:56 EST

PDC is a safe place to live. I've been here, going on, 3 years now and have not experienced or seen any problems. There has been some issues at the Clubs (Blue Parrot) and I've read about issues at Strip Joints. I'm 65, don't drink, smoke do drugs or go to bars or clubs. I would suggest that you do the same and you'll be fine. You don't have to be a hermit either! I walk, bike, taxi and bus all over the place. The locals and tourists, in my experience, have been very, very nice. STAY CLEAR OF ANYTHING HAVING TO DO WITH STREET DRUGS, PERIOD!!! If you get into that and wrapped up with the police, things won't turn out well for you.

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Cozumeldeb
  9/10/2017 15:47 EST

Agree with Mex Juan1, totally. Didn't finish my earlier comment, be aware, be wise and stay away from bad neighborhoods.. You'll be fine. MX is retirement paradise.

Tmatts
  9/10/2017 15:49 EST

Thanks to those of you have already responded to my request. It seems my message misled some folks to think I was somehow involved in, or have plans to be involved in, the drug trade. Let me assure you that is not the case. What we had read recently was that innocent bystanders were being injured as a result of violence among rival drug dealers. That's what I was asking about. In any case, thanks again for your responses.

giershift43
  9/10/2017 20:20 EST

Mexjuan, do you have places you would recommend staying in Playa del Carmen. I hope this winter to spend as much time as I can in the warm Mexican Sun.

longtimelurker
  9/11/2017 08:40 EST

Things have changed in the last year, not for the better. Besides the drug plaza fight, there has been an increase in assaults (stabbings) in the early morning hours, tourist and locals alike. Don't walk around at 2am by yourself. Even if you are staying 4 blocks away from wherever you are, take a taxi if it is in the middle of the night.

Otherwise I would partake in any other activities you want to. There are some great new restaurants and bars in Playa Even in the dead season of Septhambre, there were thousands of people out and about yesterday on a beautiful Sunday night.

Just be street smart.

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