Drinking In Mexico: Tips that Could Save Your Life

Tips on staying safe in Mexico from poisoned booze

 Mexican authorities have seized more than 10,000 gallons of tainted alcohol and opened an investigation into an illicit manufacturer who had been supplying numerous resorts, nightclubs, and restaurants. In light of these findings, Allianz Global Assistance shares reminders of important alcohol consumption safeguards while traveling overseas.

Tourists walk along the beach in front of Zazilkin, a hotel with rustic cabanas in Tulum, on the Yucatán Peninsula. Photo by Michael Nagle.
Tourists walk along the beach in front of Zazilkin, a hotel with rustic cabanas in Tulum, on the Yucatán Peninsula. Photo by Michael Nagle.

“Whether staying at an all-inclusive resort, or an Airbnb within the city, staying alert and being prepared when traveling is vital,” said Kimberly Seay, RN, director of assistance at Allianz Global Assistance USA, and a former ER/Trauma nurse. Seay recommends the following 10 tips for travelers to follow when consuming alcohol on vacation:

  1. Drink in moderation/limit alcohol usage
  2. Insist on watching your drink being made
  3. If you are suspicious of the color, then trust your instincts and – do not drink it
  4. Bottled or can beer does appear to be a safer option
  5. Insists that the beer is opened in your presence
  6. Buy your own alcohol at “duty-free” and only drink what you brought, even if you are required to pay a “cork fee”
  7. Never, ever leave your drink unattended
  8. Be observant and aware of your surroundings
  9. If you do feel ill seek attention, don’t delay
  10. Call your travel insurance provider if you need help finding medical care, or if you are admitted to a hospital

While destinations cannot guarantee that tourists will remain 100 percent safe on their vacation due to unforeseen situations that can occur, it’s important that travelers remain vigilant, and take the necessary precautions before and during their trip.

“The best and easiest way for travelers to take precaution when abroad is to invest in travel insurance,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “Having travel insurance with sufficient medical coverage guarantees travelers won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for international care if they need medical treatment. The right travel insurance provider will also be there 24/7 to answer questions and help with problems. Our Allianz TravelSmart app provides helpful tools, including a database of approved healthcare facilities overseas, local emergency numbers, one touch dialing to reach your provider in an emergency, and more.”

Allianz Global Assistance offers travel insurance* through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, other travel suppliers and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: www.allianztravelinsurance.com.