Vallarta is extremely safe. It is much safer than most large US cities. Of course, if you do something silly like get stinking drunk and flash around a lot of money, you MAY have someone take your money but that is highly unlikely if you keep a clear head and don’t do anything that makes you an easy target.
Taxis do not take you off the beaten path to rob you, and the cops do not routinely come after someone for a bribe. If you heard horror stories from “someone who heard from someone else that…” take it with a grain of salt. They probably have never been here and they just like to spread some urban legends or possibly are just jealous you are going to Puerto Vallarta and they are not.
On the other hand, the people who do get into trouble are usually people looking for drugs. They either approach someone who is undercover, or they get mixed up with someone who is not all that upstanding. Once again, drugs are not legal here and can and will get you into trouble. So, play it safe unless you want to see what the inside of cell block C in Las Juntas looks like. Oh, and the law here is Napoleonic law, “Guilty until you prove yourself innocent”. Have a good lawyer.
The most dangerous thing in Puerto Vallarta may well be the sidewalks. Watch where you are walking. There are potholes, steep curbs, guidewires, cracks, crooked steps, rough patches that need your attention as you move thru town. Also be advised that pedestrians do not necessarily have the right-of-way for vehicular traffic. Keep your eyes open at intersections and try not to step in front of an oncoming bus. Look up and notice the traffic signal lights and abide by them.
Mustard Scam Vallarta has the "Great Mustard Scam" going on again. This scam is not new to the area nor to any tourist destination in the world. It is widely used in Europe, Las Vegas and maybe even your local country fair. What happens? The scam is this; someone squirts mustard or some awful goop on you and then points it out to you and offers to help clean it off. Normally two people are involved in the scam. Sometimes they clean you right on the spot but most often they will try to take you to a bathroom where they clean you up and clean you out of your money. Most times they get the wallet out, the money out and/or credit cards and the wallet back into your purse or pocket before you even notice it is gone. And geez...they seemed like such nice people! Heads up! Never accept help for getting cleaned up. If you are in a store walk directly to the service desk, ask for a manager and point out the "helpers" if they have not already ran out the door. Check your pockets, wallet/purse also right away. If you are out on the street go to the nearest shop or store after you told them you do not want their "help".
