Playa del Carmen is a booming destination in the Riviera Maya. The main tourist artery, Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), is well-lit, heavily policed, and generally safe for strolling and dining. However, tourists should exercise increased situational awareness. Petty theft, ATM skimming, and aggressive vendor scams are relatively common. Furthermore, the city's active nightlife scene occasionally sees clashes between rival drug factions; tourists should strictly avoid purchasing illegal substances to stay out of harm's way. It is recommended to stick to the well-populated tourist zones, avoid walking on empty beaches at night, and use pre-arranged transportation instead of unverified street taxis.