Zihua will change your mind about the dangers of Mexico. I have traveled all over Mexico with friends, family, and solo. How safe is it to travel to Mexico? (2021) - Wise [] visited Los Cabos this past fall after not visiting Los Cabos because I listened to people who said Mexico was too dangerous I came to the conclusion there are simply too many great beaches to choose just one as [], [] Related Post: How Safe Is It To Travel To Mexico [], [] Cabos is one of Mexicos most popular tourist spots. Agree 100% I was raised in Cancun. Across the U.S., drug overdoses killed an estimated 100,000 people in 2021 . They are real Pigs in a uniform. Weve all heard the stories about the corrupt cops south of the border. Is Guadalajara close to Puerto Vallarta? - 2023 I have traveled to Mexico and just returned from traveling to Cancun solo in March. First, it is important to note that Mexico has a lot of traffic laws that are different from the United States. It's a 65-mile drive from the border to Rocky Point, but it can take about 80 minutes to get there because of the variable speed limits. Is it safe to drive all the way through Mexico? And before you say that Im a narco. I felt more unsafe in Rome than I did Mexico and Rome has the same level 2 warning that Mexico has but Rome doesnt have the same stigma associated with crime. There are some occurrences of drug-related violence which I will talk about below. They couldnt wait to say Trump is racist towards black and brown people. Even as travel is discouraged to all of Mexico because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. State Department continues to update its warnings concerning kidnappings and . Mexico is statistically much safer than the United States. When you compare the number of murders to the entire population, it is still a tiiny fraction. Happy to have you and please feel free to reach out and follow me on facebook and instagram. Safety is definitely a concern when visiting any country; However, Mexico is not quite what people make it out to be because most Americans are killed because they are looking for drugs. You may get pickpocketed if you look like an overweight poorly dressed american with a fanny pack. You have done so and have shared it admirably. You are absolutely correct and those who state that Mexico is safe are in denial! You do not need to provide a negative result of a Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination to enter. I just read into is It Safe To Travel To Mexico.This is exhausting and stressful but Ive already made plans to this country Ive been wanting to return to and I dont want to cancel them (Ill loose money). So cut the crap of that violence in Mexico is a myth, please. I beg them to keep their low self-esteem bodies at home watching the Fox News coverage of innocent Americans gunned down en mass while attending church, shopping at Walmart, the movies. Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico in 2023? - Boundless Roads Is Cancun Safe? - TOP TIPS for Safe Travel (2023) - The Broke Backpacker I bring race into the post because it matters. No matter where you go, always due your research before you go. are you buying drugs? You do not need a vehicle permit (Temporary Importation Permit, or T.I.P.) Thank you for the great information. Cover your child with sunscreen or protective clothing before heading to the beach. Well, Boston for starters. But very little of it notes that Mexico is a HUGE country with thirty-one states (+ plus the Distrito Federal). You now said you cant trust the American press. Baja Safety | AllAboutBaja.com Here are a few tips to help you stay safe in Mexico as a solo traveler and take the Mexico Travel Warning seriously: Beaware of the travel warnings but dont let the media scare you into thinking Mexico is this scary place and you will be killed if you travel alone. The strategy you Should NOT use to Deal with Corrupt Mexican Police. Microsoft did something new in Windows 10 that wasn't available in Windows 8, which is adding a feature to the Settings app to allow you seamlessly . Also who is responsible for the very existence of those disgusting abhorrent criminal cartels in Mexico? amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; So hurry, come and visit us soon. Here are the annual numbers of MURDERS, given by MSA (or Metropolitan Statistical Area). Thoughts? If you use common sense and take reasonable safety precautions, you should have no hesitancy in visiting Mexico because Mexico is safe. Our Police rarely catch criminals. I went to Belize last year to the Belize lobster festival ( https://passportsandgrub.com/placencia-lobster-festival/ ) we had a ball and there were tons of kids everywhere. Give me a few days to research this resort. It is a level 3 where most parts of Mexico is a level 2. You enjoy the culture but dont want to experience the culture and food first hand. Kristi- you are exactly right. The lady who ran the tour insisted we go thru the town on the way back, the bus driver didnt say much, but it was obvious he did not want to. There is police protecting visitors. The authorities cracked down hard, however, and dismissed hundreds of officers, including some top officials. I am not familiar with Grand Moon Palace. Drug violence remains a serious problem in the country, and it's best to stay up to date on local news. To avoid unnecessary illness, always make sure your bottled water is sealed. The port is also a good base for exploring the Mayan Riviera. I went on an excursion through a cruise line in the Dominican Republic, which the cruise line strongly suggests using their excursions for safety. You in general have to watch your back and constantly be on guard so you arent cheated or robbed. If you know you are going to Mexico or any country for that matter you need to have your documents in order. I will see what else I can find for you. I have never been robbed, kidnapped or raped or even pickpocketed why visiting Mexico but the media will have you believe its more dangerous than the US. If you had a choice of Belize or Puerta Vallarta which would you do? So why is the U.S. State Dept. Like in many Mexican cities, the roads in Los Cabos are kept safe by speed bumps. #DOBetter. We leave for Mexico in 2 weeks, and with the latest on Venezula, should we cancel? After considering Chapala, Ajijic and Puerto Vallarta, we opted to purchase a home about an hour north of Manzanillo. As you drive, you'll notice signs warning you about upcoming topes that keep cars from speeding at dangerous rates. YES! I can still cancel the trip but prefer not to. According to Numbeo.com, Baja California is moderately safe. Maybe you live in one of those areas, so Mexico feels just as clean and safe as home to you?Adding your political views negates your argument that Mexico is a safe place. Conditions in any country may change at any time. Which do you fell is safer, we have kids ages 12, 12, 15. After all, plenty of affordable public transport options exist in this already traffic-clogged city. extends to certain parts of Sonora state, which borders . Can I trust the water and food at the resort, or should I purchase bottled water? My experience with Mexico has been nothing but pleasant. The same police wouldnt doubt in kidnapping a Mexican, but never a tourist. You do not have an automatic. we are a group of seniors and nervous to begin with . It might sound silly to them to create a safe word because nobody ever thinks something is going to happen until it does. This would be our first trip to Mexico. I agree with you and I didnt say Mexico was not safe in fact just the opposite. Thanks so much for the feedback and I really appreciate you! Keep reading as I dissect fact vs. fiction when it comes to criminal activity in Mexico. Mexico is open to travelers. When was the last time you visited Mexico or are you just saying avoid Mexico because the media tells to you avoid Mexico? This article will cover exactly what you need to know about safety in Mexico before visiting, the dos and donts, how to stay safe as a solo female traveler, and tips on how to deal with the Mexican police if you get pulled over. Read the entire Travel Advisory. As I stated in the article I felt more afraid in Rome than Mexico. I didnt want them to know I was alone. Keep in mind that bad things can anywhere not just in Mexico but I am sure there are crimes taking place right in your very own neighborhood. Then a I safe?? Avoid mini-bars in our rooms? I solo traveled to Cancun earlier this year for 7 days. I would not put my life in danger and travel to a country where I could be killed. I suggest Belize and if you are adventurous ditch the beach and stay in the jungle at Kaana Luxury Resort. After a long time I am going to visit North America and my first plan to visit Mexico.For this awesome place, I already discussed and contact with Oscar Cancun Shuttle for transportation from Airport to travel places. Taylor Meyer. It is a delightful and friendly fishing town with a resort town, Ixtapa, just 15 minutes away (if you like resorts). I have not stayed at an airbnb but my travel colleague whom I trust only stays at airbnb and she just returned from Mexico and Belize and she stayed in airbnb on both trips and she didnt have any issues. Thanks for the info. No other country on the planet sells weapons like candy like yours does. You have to be out of your mind or, more likely, paid to write this. I only go into this with such gusto due to the fact that I have not experienced the media overly covering the travel advisories or creating excessive drama around the danger. After 76% of respondents to a social media survey said that they felt unsafe traveling on Mexico's highways, Mexico News Daily asked readers to weigh in on the issue via last week's MND Poll . The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. Of course, in the U.S. we would then be issued a ticket that requires us to pay a fine or appear in court at a later date. I plan to book all excursions through resort. We are so quick to point the finger at other countries but not at ourselves. why are you traveling and your documents are expired. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Taking precautions when withdrawing money at ATMs and using licensed taxis can help reduce the risk of being kidnapped. Located just a three-hour drive away on the Yucatn Peninsula, it's the perfect getaway to trade in the poolside resort experience for a dip into freshwater cenote sinkholes - over 6,000 of which can be found along the coast, thanks . I have traveled all over Mexico and I have never felt unsafe. Contrary to this article and any liberal crap youre hearing. The majority of visitors to Mexico City DO NOT experience any crime because the highly populated touristy areas are heavily guarded by local police to ensure those areas remain safe. For my money there is much nicer safer places to go. As i stated if you are not going into crime-ridden areas looking for drugs and stay on the main roads you will be fine. For example, in Mexico, it is illegal to turn right on a red light. Do you have a recommended taxi company we can use in cancun for transport from airport to our hotel? Any political issues should be aimed at the Mexican politicians who are partners with the cartels and the Mexican people who go along with it as the status quo instead of fixing the issues. The Mexican government is highly motivated to keep tourists safe in order to preserve the tourist trade but you must also do your part when traveling to Mexico, Here are some precautions that you can take in order to make sure your. Cabo San Lucas is a popular beach resort town located on the Baja peninsula of Mexico, filled with top-rated boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and crystal-clear waters. When it comes to International Driver's License, Mexico is not that strict as long as your license is in Spanish or English. Use a money belt: Keep the thieves at bay. And then theres the smaller crimes, like every single time Ive gone to Mexico my credit card has been stolen. Driving Your American Registered Vehicle in Mexico requires you to purchase Mexican driving insurance because US car insurance is not valid here. Is it Safe to Drive in Los Cabos? Tips for Tourists - Villa del Palmar You should stick to writing about stuff you actually know about. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have issued a new warning to visitors of Cancun and the Mexican state of Quintana Roo over a potential conflict between taxi drivers and ride-hailing service companies which has caused many tourists to wonder is Quintana Roo safe. Also, have copies of your prescription and keep the original label on the bottle. As a white male travelling alone to the bakery I was profiled by Puerto Penasco police. The fears we have of Mexico are not accurate. I watched a timeshare representative at the airport threaten an old lady with arrest because she told one of the potential victims that they were getting defrauded. I feel somewhat better about their safety after reading your article. Part of the problem is the enormous market for illegal drugs here in the States. It so refreshing to have someone comment that is not from #45 Base. Your site implies they will be fine if they keep their noses clean. I believed Mexico was dangerous, I would be killed, kidnapped, and held for ransom by the cartel because of the Mexico travel warning issued by the U.S. Government. There are driving restrictions in Mexico City. Is Baja California Safe? (Everything You Need to Know) The short answer is yes, it is safe to visit Mexico City. How far can you drive in Mexico? - 2023 And when it comes to crime in Mexico, cities often have more crime than rural areas simply because they have larger populations (and thus more opportunities). Mexico Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller Should I be worried and encourage them to go elsewhere? amzn_assoc_asins = "B07GDKQRJY,B07PGL5DFV,B06XZTZ7GB,B000UVTDLG"; Millions of people visit Mexico each year and 99% of travelers do not run into any trouble but the 1% that makes the news is all that you hear about. Travel advice and advisories for Mexico Tell your girlfriends not to worry and have a good time. ), Melissa- Exactly! Taxi drivers are reportedly furious over a court ruling earlier this month that allows Uber to operate in Quintana Roo without a public transport license. Level 4 Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. All Americans are targets. Violent crimesuch as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robberyis widespread and common in Mexico, warns the State Department. It is absolutely gorgeous and I felt very safe at all times. Since you mention Rome, Rome is far safer then even the safe places in Mexico. I think you will be just fine. Do you recommend staying in a larger city like Cancun or Cozumel or is Tulum ok? The cartels and politicians cash in while the regular people barely survive. I have know people that have beeb kidnapped and I dont dare to tell you the horrors theyve told me. Well, that would be a perfect example of how things could go wrong. Express kidnappings are used to obtain money by forcing their victims to empty their bank accounts. Fortunately for the rest of us, they wont travel beyond the trailer park. So many Americans regularly travel to Tijuana. The land border between the US and Mexico is open for travellers going to the US who have been vaccinated with WHO approved COVID vaccines. I will suggest not driving at night. While this may happen occasionally this is not the Denzel Washington movie Man on Fire. I suggest you do a little more research and not take the media at face value. Did you know that, according to the FBI, an estimated 15,241 persons were murdered in the U.S. in 2009 111 U.S. citizens were killed in Mexico last year, and almost all of them were involved in illicit drug trafficking, gun-running, or smuggling people across the border to/from the U.S? Planning on visiting and backpacking across Yucatan Peninsula..Cities/Areas that Ill be visiting are as follows:- OR SHOULD WE REMAIN AT A RESORT?? Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 U.S. citizens died in Puerto Rico, but did anybody raise a red flag about that? Cheap sometimes dangerous alcohol filled into brand name bottles so they can cheat you that way also. My friend wasnt wearing a mask so they demanded a fine from both of us. The city Council and Mayor will not address this issue of grassroots corruption. I was worried and I feel better about making plans to attend a concert there in Oct at the Foro Sol. The person who wrote this article obviously didnt talk to the yard parents of the guy on a motorcycle who was traveling through Mexico and ended up and let go few hundred pieces or the families of the other dead bodies in advance found outsiders the tourist resorts perfectly safe Mexico and all you have to worry about is the drug cartel and of course the bloodthirsty gangs other than that your trip should be a piece of cake go ahead I feel safer walking down the streets of Detroit at night alone unarmed, If you believe this person your either an idiot or high on drugs I dare you hitchhike through Chicago to Memphis to prove your point. Its ok for black men to be treated this way in the states yet you get up and go to work everyday and dont think twice about it but when you are on the other end of the mistreatment you take issue with it. Use your common sense and you will be fine. Mexico travel advice - GOV.UK Kidnappings are far and few. And I had a number of them, set up by day, so they werent in their original bottles. What if I stay at my resort and dont leave. I am sorry if I lost you at the paragraph but unfortunately you might need to look through a different lense and that is what travel . Travel advisories are in place for a reason and even they are not as strong as they should be. Stop by the local grocery store grab a 2 6 six packs and a bottle of wine for half the price. We will agree to disagree on traveling to Mexico. In general, if you're not taking part in illegal activities you don't have anything to worry about. If you live in the US and you are not afraid to go to the grocery store you shouldnt be afraid to travel to Mexico. As citizens, we cannot trust our police; its been decades of corruption, no one stops this. Saying it is safe is hogwash. I have been to Mexico multiple times and while some areas can be beautiful, we have found that almost everyone there is trying to cheat you somehow. Rome was a nightmare for me and it has the same level 2 warning as Mexico but you dont see the media reporting how dangerous Rome or other countries that has the same level 2 warning. I was felt more unsafe in Rome than I did in Mexico. The Mexican government is highly motivated to keep tourists safe in order to preserve the tourist trade but you must also do your part when traveling to Mexico. In that situation there isnt much you can do because the excursion is set up by a third party. Ukraine is dominating the election in Estonia, a key NATO ally. We are staying at a 4 star resort and have shuttles arranged to and from the airport. you want to be in if you VALUE your life. Most locals arent out to rob you or get over on you but you should always be careful and aware of your surroundings so you can avoid falling prey and becoming a scammers next lucrative customer. Trust people who are invested long-term in making your stay a good one, like booking agents and hotel staff, and be on your guard with one-off opportunities. Why cant you be truthful in dealing with beautiful and leave politics and fake news to the real media. We have a time share in cabo, been going to Mexico for years. You must go to customs agent when crossing the border, to get the import request and pay all . 9.3 million visitors travel to Mexico annually bringing in approximately 5 Billion dollars in annual revenue therefore the Mexican governments number one priority is keeping its visitors safe and happy. Avoid swimming at the beach when a black warning flag is posted. BUY YOUR OWN COCKTAILS! Should I be concerned? amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "passandgrub-20"; Having your car towed (and potentially never seeing it again) is a lot more expensive than paying him one hundred bucks. you have a fan of Mexico here and I just returned from a solo trip to Mexico and enjoyed every minute. Since you're in an unfamiliar city, you'll want to pay extra attention and follow these tips for driving in Los Cabos. I am afraid of hanging out. Its really necessary for you article to say that Mexico, Dominican Republic, Haiti and other countries where the majority of the population are black and brown people ? It's a nice way to get to see the surrounding area. In spite of your loss, you are misinformed about Mexico. Permits are enforced when driving approximately 20 kilometers into Mexico. Here's what to watch. Yes, traveling to Mexico can be dangerous. Afterall, are we not trying to keep them from coming to our country, illegally? It is no different than you being in your own hometown and crime is restricted to certain areas. 18 Safest - Mrida. We will be a group of at least 5 adults and can drive during the day instead of at night. You very well know why, because chopped up tourists stuffed in car trunks are splashed across the evening news. Do as Tomiko suggests and you should do just fine. I travel solo to Mexico a couple of times a year and I am still here alive and well. If you are not concerned about Italy or other parts of Europe no need to be concerned about Mexico. Only thing I found was people were not that friendly, other than that we had a great time. The State Department recognizes that most of the crime in this region seems to be tied to criminal organizations turf battles between criminal groups which have resulted in an uptake of violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens.. Violence is used. I cant say this enough unless youre looking for trouble in Mexico, you shouldnt have any issues. Thank you so much! Although Cancun is far from what I'd consider a completely safe city, it's far from overly dangerous. Im not going to let time go by again without seeing my extended family that lives there and enjoying this beautiful place. The state department has mexico ranked as a level 2 the same as Antarctica!! YES, if you go to Cancun, youll be safe. THat is not the case. [], [] I stated in my previous article Is Mexico safe the countries below have the same Cancun travel advisory and most people dont think twice [], [] sure you take extra precautions while traveling to certain parts of Mexico because pickpockets and petty crime are at an all-time high in certain [], [] I suggest staying in places that are filled with foot traffic both day and night with both locals and tourists, youll feel and be much safer. The people are friendly, family-oriented, very religious, and completely willing to help and answer questions therefore I believe Mexico is safe so stop asking is Mexico dangerous for tourists. If you dont go looking for trouble you wont find trouble. Dont go looking for trouble, dont go buying drugs, dont sit your drink down and thats across the board whether its in the states or internationally. I am still here and noone bothered me and in fact it was one of the more peaceful trips I have been on. Watch your child carefully when at the beach inCancun. I am sure they know all of the rules about not taking drinks from strangers and make sure they have safe words. I went to the grocery store and purchased beer and wine because it was cheaper. Is this a place we need to clutch on tight to the little ones in broad daylight? I wonder why only black and brown countries are considered dangerous. I may have to cancel this part of my trip. Italy, Europe and a lot of other countries have the same warning level. Mexico has a wealth of culture, food, and adventure so do not miss out on traveling to this beautiful country because you are worried if is Mexico safe. Rome is one of the safest cities in Europe. In fact, there are multiple reasons why visiting Mexico should be on your bucket list. Driving to Baja California: What You Need to Know It is a popular port for cruise ships because it is close to many of Mexicos popular tourist destinations. Nayarit state Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Many drive through Tijuana and drive south down the peninsula. : As mentioned above, much of the criminal activity in Mexico revolves around the drug trade and sex trade. The main area tourist is worried about is Mexicos Quintana Roo state, which includes Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera Maya. I wonder if you are just as passionate about the killing of unarmed black men in the states? Safety remains a concern for many international tourists visiting Mexico. Lets discuss Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now! While these are isolated incidents I believe for the most part Mexico is safe but you must also use common sense when traveling not only to Mexico but to any foreign country. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. It seems that the once safe Tulum is the latest victim in Mexico's safety crisis. Do you have anything to add for cruise ship safety or safety at these ports? Cancun is viewed as Mexico's tourist capital, but Riviera Maya is an alternative for the adventurous when it comes to the natural world. Mexico Citys murder rate is 8 per 100,000, despite being the second-largest city on the planet. I am traveling to RIU Palace Peninsula all-inclusive in September 2019. Could there be a correlation? Its important to check Mexico travel warnings before planning your next vacation to Mexico to make sure you really understand is it safe to travel to Mexico? When the taxi arrives, make sure that the driver has a driving license and that it looks safe (taxi drivers will usually display their license on the window or seat and will usually wear a uniform). I travel to Mexico solo and with my husband and nothing has ever happened to me. Sir, that is called privilege. I have actually taken the drive myself and I had a car service to pick me up from the airport and it was about $22/person.