Crime in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Crime rates in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Level of crime
38.81 Low
Crime increasing in the past 3 years
60.14 High
Worries home broken and things stolen
40.14 Moderate
Worries being mugged or robbed
34.46 Low
Worries car stolen
29.34 Low
Worries things from car stolen
37.15 Low
Worries attacked
25.17 Low
Worries being insulted
20.14 Low
Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender or religion
12.23 Very Low
Problem people using or dealing drugs
36.69 Low
Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft
45.75 Moderate
Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery
34.63 Low
Problem corruption and bribery
63.04 High

Safety in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Safety walking alone during daylight
87.25 Very High
Safety walking alone during night
62.25 High

Contributors: 150

Last update: February 2023

These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years.

If the value is 0, it means it is perceived as very low, and if the value is 100, it means it is perceived as very high.

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27 Comments so far
Leslie on Oct 17, 2022:
Is puerta vallarta safe for me to carry my child? Is kidnapping a problem here?
Bruce Brooker on May 25, 2022:
We live in Vallarta. We split our time between Toronto and Vallarta. We feel as safe in V as we do in Tor. We have not been subject to any crime or violence in the 30 years of living in Vallarta. We have seen crime, but not have been victims of crime. We are constantly aware of our surroundings at all times and we do not wear expensive looking accessories or clothing. We speak Spanish, that way we can over hear conversations of the local populace and detect any potential bad situations. We know what we are doing and where we are going. Listen...pay attention. Keep your ears and eyes open and your mouth closed. Trust your instincts. Remember, even if you feel the need to identify as an "ExPat", you are visiting. Even if you live there, you are visiting.
Bruce Broker on May 25, 2022:
We live in Vallarta. We split our time between Toronto and Vallarta. We feel as safe in V as we do in Tor. We have not been subject to any crime or violence in the almost 20 years of living in Vallarta. We have seen crime, but not have been victims of crime. We are constantly aware of our surroundings at all times and we do not wear expensive looking accessories or clothing. We speak Spanish, that way we can over hear conversations of the local populace and detect any possible bad potential bad situations. Listen..keep your ears and eyes open and your mouth closed. Trust your instincts.
Josex on May 24, 2022:
I was a victim of a crime in an hotel from Puerto Vallarta. The name of the hotel was ola's altas suites. They stole a large amount of money,since they have no security.
LA Guys on Aug 29, 2021:
We just moved here August 1and live in the Alta Vista neighborhood. Been coming here since the 90s. Just saw a guy pushed out of a black VW beetle (newer model) and got beat up by the driver and another guy with the driver. This all happened right outside our balcony in the middle of the day on this Sunday afternoon. Looked gang style including the victim. All involved looked like they were in their mid to late 20s. This is a dead end street so we are guessing the assailants knew they could beat the crap out of this guy and then drive away. Otherwise this is a quiet street but you never know. All happened so fast and didn’t take any pics cuz you never know if they had guns or whatever.
watewut on Aug 25, 2021:
I love PV! I'm from Honolulu originally and recently moved to PV because it is a beautiful beach city and much more affordable than Honolulu. I've not even seen any kind of crime unless you consider someone selling weed on the beach a crime. I'm sure things like thefts do happen but in general it seems extremely safe. These people here are really nice and welcoming and remind me a lot of Hawaiians in that regard. Hell I think Hawaiians are more likely to knock out a tourist than a Mexican in Puerto Vallarta is.
Joe coates on Aug 07, 2021:
I’ve been here for 6 months now. I’ve seen no crime no attacks . I’ve been treated very courteously but virtually everyone. I’ve lived in Miami Toronto Vancouver nyc Detroit and Canada and the USA are 100 percent more dangerous. See for yourself. Don’t buy into the bill everyone tries to feed you about cartels. I’ve seen no sign of one. And I get around to all neighborhoods but use common sense. You should too. And enjoy lovely Mexico and it’s friendly courteous citizens.
Stefan Cansler on Jan 13, 2021:
You’ve done a very good job conveying your passion with accurate information.
https://www.rvblinds.com/
ChicanoMan323 on Sep 13, 2020:
Dude, no one travels to Mexico more than Americans do. I don’t know if you know this, but there are 40 million Americans of Mexican descent, meaning a lot of Mexicans have family in the United States. Why do britons and Canadians think they’re so much better than Americans? Of course we know how to act, we’re more familiar to Mexican culture than probably any other culture is. If you want an honest opinion, Mexicans generally think Americans are really nice. Like I said, most Mexicans have family in the US.
HampshireMan on Sep 11, 2020:
My wife and myself have been taking holidays in Mexico, mainly visiting Puerto Vallarta, since 2013, without any problems. We take public transport and taxis to get about with no problems. I’m a British national, my wife is an American. I am a Spanish speaker, albeit not a fluent speaker, but enough to make contact with the locals. We believe in treating people the way we would want to be treated: friendly and out-going, not condescending, as it seems most Americans can be when travelling abroad. Britons and Canadians travel more outside of their respective countries, than do Americans, thus knowing how to behave as guests in a foreign country, and, for the most part, avoid loutish behaviour! Learn some Spanish, read-up on the area your visiting and treat the locals as equals, not as your servants.
ChicanoMan323 on Sep 03, 2020:
I don’t want to scare you, but it isn’t uncommon for cartels to deal with people who harm tourists/EXPATS in an unorthodox fashion. It seems like he committed a hit and run. If he stuck around to help you out I would believe your initial assumption. Beach cities are safe because they’re heavily invested by cartels, and they want you to return and keep spending money. They do actually protect foreigners, that’s not a myth.
Bev F on Sep 03, 2020:
I thought the taxi authority is probably protecting him. Why kill him? There were witnesses, but I guess they have all disappeared.
ChicanoMan97 on Sep 02, 2020:
I can assure you.... that Taxi driver is probably dead.
Bev F on Aug 29, 2020:
On February 5th, I was walking down the south side of calle Allende, almost to the Malecon, when I felt a crunch on my head. That is the last thing I remember until I came to. There were police, an ambulance and curious onlookers. Turns out I was hit by a taxi. I have a case number and hired an attorney. No luck. The license number given to the police is no longer in the system. I loved living in PV. I walked daily. I am so disappointed in Puerto Vallarta and its lawlessness. It is not a safe place anymore.
Mexicdn on Jul 20, 2020:
Anyone who even remotely suggests that Cdns don't tip well us simply showing their lack of comprehension. It's easy to tip well when you're getting over 30% more for your dollar. So when you buy something for 600 pesos and pay less than $30/us we're paying $40/ cdn. So you tip %10. That's $3/US and $4/CDN. So we barter INTELLIGENTLY in order to get a fair price. Also, and in case you weren't aware, CDNs are loved by more Mexican ppl than Americans. Sorry to burst your bubble but Mexican ppl only tolerate your arrogant superior attitude because your redneck buck is hi on the financial markets. Reality sucks. Funny how that works but ask a taxi driver about a good bar and they'll be able to tell you where every "Canadian" bar is but not any "American" bars. God I hate stupidity. Whether you're Canadian or American in Vallarta makes no difference to any of us who live here full time. All we care about is that you're nice, enjoy pleasant company and conversation, and laugh. Other than that we don't truly care
RobertH on Mar 19, 2020:
I have lived here for 2 years full time and the crime is increasing as well as issues with the local police.
It's generally safe but it's no no crime free paradise without problems
Gailgoldcoast@aol.com on Jan 07, 2020:
Villa In puerto Vallarta
Crime rate. Is it safe place to visit
Anonymous on Dec 14, 2019:
You are all on some amazing crack! PV is one of the safest places in all of America's !!!

Canadian can be cheap, however we don't tend to tip the gas bar, the taxi driver or on ever bloody drink we get at a resort. We do tip on food services as bars and restaurants. America's tip (over tip) on everything they touch.

We are not haggling for cheap purchase's when vendor's want to pay equal for something we can buy at home it's not a good deal. Example, we are here right now and they want 400 pesco for a women's Beach hat. That hat is worth 10.00 CDN, why you can buy the exact same beach hat at home from the Bay for 25.00 bucks.

Majority of these comments come from people that have a no clue about anything.

Go educate yourself, talk to the expats that spend time in Mexico or PV. Get away from the resorts and cruise ship port people and truly meet PV.
Amonymous on Nov 29, 2019:
Dufuss, Canadians are not too popular in PV because of the greediness and cheapness they display...cheap tippers and they barter way too low! I have asked taxi drivers, waiters, maids, and anyone in the service industry who the best tippers were and this was the unanimous reply....Americans no 1, Mexicans no 2, canadians were no 3, French Canadians dont tip at all! So Canadians reach in those pockets you tight jerks!
Anonymous on Nov 26, 2019:
I've spent 6 years living in PV. NEVER had issues of safety. I am Canadian. I make that evident. Understandably Americans are not to popular here. Thanks to US putting a gangster as POTUS. Trump wouldnt last 6 months in Mexico in regards how he does business. He'd be hanging from a bridge in Sonora very quickly.
Dave on Nov 05, 2019:
Wow I would hate to travel with these folks below. PV is the safest city in Mexico. I bought a house there, travel around freely and have never had an issue in the airport, outside the airport, or anywhere else. I dont speak spanish but every local is friendly and accomodating. I do think the vendors at the airport are annoying but no more than they are in Maui or SF or any other tourist location. They have to make a living so if you dont want to be bothered... so no gracious and go to a taxi booth like everyone else and get a car. We have traveled all over PV and compared to Barcelona or Rome, PV is a picnic. I would encourage you to be cautious and make sure you have a guide service or someone that knows the area but we go to the Botanical Gardens, zoo, Los Animas and downtown without worry.

The people of Mexico are by far and away some of the nicest people I have ever met. The idiot Robert below is probably an inbred racist who still thinks the earth is flat, Putin is Americas new BFF, and the sun rises and falls over his house and Trumps and no one else.
Dennis on Oct 18, 2019:
Also be cautious of a woman named Grace who works the counter at the airport. She is a liar and tries to sell you a visit Vidanta. STAY AWAY ITS A SCAM TO SELL YOU TIME SHARES!!!!! DO NOT STOP AT THE AIRPORT!!!! They will scam you ans waste your precious time. Avoid stopping at all at the airport... I wish someone would have warned me and my family!!!!!!
Dennis on Oct 18, 2019:
Visited Puerto Vallarta this past month. Resort was wonderful. Leaving resort was not good. People are watching your every movement. I am an American and I can assure you that it is not safe. My family was not aware of what was happening but I was. Stay on the resort 100%. Watch for anyone approaching you when you get off the plane in the air port DO NOT STOP FOR ANYONE!!!!!! They will scam you into something. Walk outside and get your own cab!!!!! This is the hard truth. Believe it!!!
Robert on Oct 18, 2019:
Never visit Mexico. They act like violent animals or worse. This country is disgusting thanks to a criminal population.. stay safe . Stay out
Robert on Oct 18, 2019:
Never visit Mexico. They act like violent animals or worse. Thos country is disgusting be thanks to a criminal population.. stay safe . Stay out
Mary on Apr 10, 2019:
I have been to PV 6 times. I have stayed the past 8 weeks in PV. I have never felt like I was in danger. Use your head and do not ask for trouble. If you are looking for trouble, you will find it. Looking for drugs or hanging out WASTED, YOU WILL FIND TROUBLE. There is crime everywhere. In the US we have hate crimes, rapes, terrorist (don't go to a night club you may get killed), and thieves. So please do not even try to go there it is so dangerous (US). Respect the town, Mexican people, and their culture. Live a little and try to make friends with the Mexican people...they do not bite.

I get it you want to have fun, just don't be a knuckle head.
Marcel on Mar 14, 2019:
AMAPAS HIT AGAIN! March 3, 2019, Amapas area condo robbed while sleeping at 5:38am. Keypad locked gate. Burglar came in extra VACANT bedroom/drapes drawn, DUAL slider patio door, that we had locked. He hid from security camera. Johnny bar in place, but does not prevent access from outside slider door. Should be safe right? Make sure your place of stay has doors/windows that do not slide open from outside (need permanent lock on these), bars on windows/doors, and check to see if any cleaning service has solidly locked up after. Have programmable safe (no key or combination) in room/condo bolted to building.

We've been coming to PV for over 35 years for 2/3 months stay. Never had a theft before. True, crime rate is not as high as corrupt Chicago, Il. People do not usually vacation in Chicago.

We are well traveled, in our 70's, and have never been robbed anywhere, until now. Make with translator and follow up on police report. Police came back, in a few hours, without translator, to returned some stolen documents: driver's license, social security card, after making police report at approximately 10am. Could not ask the police details on where/how they found my documents. Jewelry/watch/phone/cash/credit cards, misc were not. Lack of communication makes one skeptical. We will return once more to conclude business here, then not excited for future visits.

Thank God, we were not injured.