Is San Miguel de Allende Safe for Travel in 2024?

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Safety Score
71

San Miguel de Allende is the principal city in the municipality of San Miguel de Allende, located in the far eastern part of Guanajuato, Mexico. A portion of the Bajío region, the city lies 170 mi from Mexico City, 53 mi from Querétaro, and 60 mi from the state capital of Guanajuato.  The city’s name derives from 16th-century friar Juan de San Miguel and a martyr of Mexican Independence, Ignacio Allende, who was born in a house facing the city’s central plaza.

Warnings & Dangers in San Miguel de Allende

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

San Miguel de Allende is not the safest place for travelers, but you can avoid most of the troubles if you use common sense and take precautions.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM

Public transport is well-developed and safe. Keep an eye on your wallets on buses to avoid pickpocketing. Use only licensed taxi services.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Pickpocketing happens just like everywhere else - in the area of train stations, in the main squares, and in places where tourists gather. Always keep track of your belongings, do not leave your wallet and phone unattended.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW

The city is not subject to any serious risks of natural disasters.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM

In the suburbs of San Miguel de Allende, local gangs' showdowns take place, during these showdowns, there are shootings and kidnappings. Avoid these areas and don't get involved with drugs.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM

The risk of a terrorist attack is not so high but as usual in Mexico, you should be prepared for anything. Tourists or locals rarely find themselves in a conflict zone.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

Fraud is commonly associated with street vendors offering counterfeit goods to tourists. Don't buy them even if the price is very attractive. Also, only withdraw money from ATMs at banks with cameras to avoid skimming your card.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM

Women traveling alone in San Miguel de Allende should avoid late-night walks and be very discreet on the city streets. Heightened precautions won't hurt.

How Safe Is San Miguel de Allende for Tourists?

San Miguel de Allende is a relatively safe city to travel to.

The crime index here is at an average level.

The main problems are related to corruption and vandalism.

However, in recent years, the crime rate has increased significantly in San Miguel de Allende.

Sometimes a showdown of crime bosses takes place in the city, but more often it happens in the suburbs and places that are not attractive to tourists.

The new policy prioritizes security, especially in cities that attract tourists.

As usual, you need to take measures for your safety, do not appear on the streets at night, do not get drunk in bars.

Keep track of your belongings and your surroundings.

Do not trust those who ask or offer you help.

These could be scammers.

Public transport can be unsafe, and you need to keep a close eye on your pockets.

It is better not to walk around the city late at night and to avoid sitting in bars.

Much of the city center is heavily patrolled by armed police.

San Miguel de Allende is visited by many solo travelers, and women traveling alone are not uncommon.

Use common sense to protect your life and property.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit San Miguel de Allende?

No visas are required for tourist proposals to enter Mexico for many countries of Europe, US citizens, and so on. You should have a valid passport and a tourist permit. The maximum possible stay is 180 days. For a longer stay or other options, you should visit the Mexican embassy.

Which Currency Is Used in San Miguel de Allende?

The Mexican peso – is the official currency in Mexico. There are one hundred Mexican centavos to every peso. The symbol for the Mexican Peso is $, so you can see MX$ or MN$ in banks and exchange points.

How's the Weather like in San Miguel de Allende?

In San Miguel de Allende, the wet season is overcast; the dry season is partly cloudy and warm year-round. The best time of year to visit San Miguel de Allende for warm-weather activities is from mid-April to mid-June.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in San Miguel de Allende?

There are 3 airports available to get to San Miguel.
  • (BJX) Del Bajio Airport, Leon/Guanajuato. The Leon airport is about an hour and fifteen minutes from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
  • (MEX) Juarez Intl, Mexico City, MX.
  • (QRO) Queretaro Airport, MX.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.

What Are Some Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende?

Hidden behind the large half-open doors fronting the streets of this colonial Mexican town, we glimpse magnificent Baroque and neo-Gothic mansions, built around garden courtyards with fountains. Many house boutique hotels, designer shops, restaurants and art galleries.

Is the Water in San Miguel de Allende Safe to Drink?

Tap water is not drinkable in San Miguel de Allende. You should buy bottled water or boil tap water.

Is Uber Safe in San Miguel de Allende?

There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a taxi from your smartphone application. The fare will depend on the time of day, and the distance traveled.

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2 Comments
  1. Avatar for Laura grace Laura grace

    What do you do if the Mexican officials seize your car at the Monterrey border even though you had all the paperwork . They want 20k to get it back , any body know what to do ? Thank you

  2. Avatar for Greg Greg

    Sounds like any American city

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