But, as I said, no one ever asked or looked. Thank you so much! Solo travel in Mexico can make one feel very vulnerable at times - though that goes for many places too. Is Puerto Vallarta Safe for American Tourists? While most officers will not do anything illegal beyond soliciting bribes for traffic violations, they most certainly can act above the law when they really want to. Mexican law states that you have to hire a customs agent (agente aduanal) to facilitate importing a car to Mexico permanently. Here you will enjoy a traditional atmosphere and peaceful environment that several beaches offer you in order to relax, or find activities such as sport fishing or bird watching and as a great closure for these activities, trying a fish that cannot be fresher. 19 Can a US citizen buy a car in Mexico? Trump also espouses that you cant trust the American press. But are the odds higher in Mexico? Yes, traveling to Mexico can be dangerous. This would be our first trip to Mexico. Remember, Congress makes the laws. The longer we were in Baja the more and more we liked it and really enjoyed all of the people and the beautiful scenery that they have here. It will be your loss because this woman has provided a most thorough examination of travel in Mexico. Be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for fake taxis, watered-down drinks, car rental scams, and foreign exchange scams which are just a few of the scams you should be on the lookout for while in Mexico. It is a popular port for cruise ships because it is close to many of Mexicos popular tourist destinations. 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. Planning on visiting and backpacking across Yucatan Peninsula..Cities/Areas that Ill be visiting are as follows:- They just love drinking lots of booze, killing others as they race downs the hill from the La Bufadora , no police patrols; this is the Macho way of life for our ignorant Male citizens. Mexico is the undisputed murder/rape/kidnapping capitol of the world. If you are traveling between cities or other rural areas, stick to the daytime. In 2020 Mexico had the highest number of homicides in the countrys history, there were 17,439murders, a 1.7% increase but most of the deaths in Mexico are due to fighting between cartels and if you are not part of the cartel then you are probably safe. To avoid . I hadnt visited in 10 years because of the travel advisories and I regret it deeply. I am traveling to Puerto Vallarta with my two little kids ( 5 & 10) and husband in August and am becoming paranoid about the reconsider travel alert that is on this area. I was traveling but I will be home for the next few weeks to help you. After considering Chapala, Ajijic and Puerto Vallarta, we opted to purchase a home about an hour north of Manzanillo. Thanks. We did not live in a gated neighborhood. Use that same energy to condemn traveling to the U.S. Rome is notorious for criminal activity but it does not receive the same fear as other destinations. 4) Pennsula Maya is more American than Mexican, the owners of hotels and restaurants are foreigners, and Mexican government always protects foreign investors. Is it better for us to have cocktails at the hotel bars? Not just on the resorts because thats not the kind of traveler I am but the people of Mexico have been nothing but kind and friendly. are you riding around in not so nice neighborhoods in the states? Cancun is our destination of choice, but Tulum is also worth visiting. Im about 4 chapters away from finishing J.E. Cops who are only there to rob tourists and protect cartel. So cut the crap of that violence in Mexico is a myth, please. Public work projects are often delayed because they fail at securing the resources needed to complete the projects; the contractors steal the money and run! You are absolutely correct and those who state that Mexico is safe are in denial! Most visitors to this region describe the area as just as safe as most American cities. as they battle over lucrative tourist rides. I suggest Belize and if you are adventurous ditch the beach and stay in the jungle at Kaana Luxury Resort. I am afraid of hanging out. They are real Pigs in a uniform. You very well know why, because chopped up tourists stuffed in car trunks are splashed across the evening news. 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. The short answer is yes, it is safe to visit Mexico City. And I had a number of them, set up by day, so they werent in their original bottles. In that situation there isnt much you can do because the excursion is set up by a third party. You in general have to watch your back and constantly be on guard so you arent cheated or robbed. [ Updated March 2021], Top 5 Reasons To Stay in a Boutique Hotel, Essential Tips for Protecting Money and Valuables during Travel, Best Plastic Surgeons in Mexico | [Updated May 2021 ], READ NOW: Belize Lobster Festival 2021 | [Updated May 2021], 20 Things To Do In Tulum & Riviera Maya [Updated May 2021], Is Italy Safe: Travel Warnings You Should Know - Updated May 2021, Things to do In Los Cabos for Couples |Updated August 2021], 11 magical warm winter getaways you need to escape the winter blues, READ NOW: Cancun 5 Day Itinerary |15 Things To Do In Cancun [February 2020], Why Do People Love To Travel | 7 Powerful Reasons Why You Should Too, Is Tulum Safe? The port is also a good base for exploring the Mayan Riviera. Oaxaca Protest Signs by katesheets (CC BY) Like Mexico as a whole, some parts of Oaxaca are not safe. unless the resort is all inclusive. My name is Pamela and I am of Mexican Canadian descent. Driving restrictions in Mexico City. The US government is saying Dont go at all?? Banjercito is the government authority that issues vehicle permits. Say you went to Nashville for the weekend and someone put something in your drink you wouldnt say I am never traveling anywhere else again. While Oaxaca might have a bit of a negative reputation in some quarters, it's unfairly gained in my humble opinion. Though it is a very different experience. Watch out for scams. the mall, a garlic festival, a concert, or just an average day at school. Stop looking at life through a racial lens. I felt more unsafe in Rome than I did Mexico. I dare you hitchhike through Chicago to Memphis to prove your point. Thoughts? Is this a place we need to clutch on tight to the little ones in broad daylight? Mexico is generally safe for American tourists if you take proper precautions, research the city you are traveling to, and use common sense. The strategy you Should NOT use to Deal with Corrupt Mexican Police. I will help anyway I can to help relieve your fears. dedicated to traveling to Mexico and understanding what Mexico travel warnings really mean. The troops they sent here are useless; they just drive around here looking ready for war in Afghanistan. I would not put my life in danger and travel to a country where I could be killed. Could there be a correlation? Hi, were leaving in 3 weeks, we will be staying 3 nights in Tulum, 1 in chichen itza, 2 in Mrida and 2 in Cancun. Mexico vs. Costa Rica For Your Next Vacation. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees to: Riviera Nayarit (including Nuevo Vallarta and Bahia de Banderas) and Santa Maria del Oro. Theyll have the most current read on the situation. You must work for the Trump administration if you believe Mexico is dangerous. I would love to hear your thoughts on Mexicos safety and is it safe to travel to Mexico so leave me a comment on Facebook,Twitter, orInstagram. Hi Nancy. They say the kidnapping for ransom rate is high. They feel like once we transfer to hotel we should stay at resort. Take a Border Patrol agent to lunch sometime. I took a tour of the Arch, went sightseeing, Camel, and Safari excursion and I felt completely safe exploring Mexico solo. Should I be worried and encourage them to go elsewhere? If you are stopped for a traffic violation in Mexico. I feel like just staying at the resort and Evan so , question our safety . We love the small town ambiance to be found in Barra de Navidad, Melaque, La Manzanilla and Cuestocomate. However, I must also make it clear that you MUST exercise increased caution at all times. In spite of your loss, you are misinformed about Mexico. How are you going to get from the airport to your resort? Otherwise youll lose readers like me. I worry that a young family would be a target, am I crazy? In addition, the State Department asks tourists to enroll in itsSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. BEWARE!!! Yes, travelling alone in Mexico is safe. Mexico is killing american tourists left and right and very few media publications talk about it. Although a travel advisory is in effect, its important to remember that tourists flock to Mexico every year without incident. If you are as well traveled as you say you are then you should know Mexico is not as dangerous as the news the portrays. Mexican rays are intense and can lead to severe burns or sun poisoning, especially during the warmer spring and summer months. Mexico Citys murder rate is 8 per 100,000, despite being the second-largest city on the planet. As a few other Western countries have done, we need to legalize drugs and take away much if the profit motive for the cartels. Having your car towed (and potentially never seeing it again) is a lot more expensive than paying him one hundred bucks. The collective IQ of which is reported to be quite low, uneducated and generally very unhappy. We would be driving from the Tuscon area using a rental car. Do you think this is safe? Ill be bringing Adderall and she has sleep medication. YES! Give me a few days to research this resort. They are more concerned with the multi million dollar quantities that people might be bringing one direction or the other. In general, road conditions in Baja are better than in Arizona. 18 How safe is Mexico right now? Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Tulum 2021? You do not have an automatic. Thousands of miles north of where it is. We have a time share in cabo, been going to Mexico for years. Many drive through Tijuana and drive south down the peninsula. On another important note you complain about the border, illegal immigration and so called unwanted immigrants from Mexico? I am in Tennessee and if you go looking for trouble you will find trouble. Use first-class bus companies these bus companies take toll roads that have security checks on passengers as they board. 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.. As an avid traveler who loves my family I would take my daughter to Mexico over Rome in a heartbeat. You enjoy the culture but dont want to experience the culture and food first hand. advising tourists to stay away from those places? Driving at night is not recommended in Mexico. 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. In fact the police chief in Cancun area was recently beheaded by one cartel for taking sides with another. In 2021, the Mexican Supreme Court ruled that Uber is not a public transportation company, so it doesnt have to comply with the same regulations as taxi drivers. 3) Touristic places are well guarded. Those who state that Mexico is safe are in denial! Murders are up and robberies of tourists and their vehicles. Avoid mini-bars in our rooms? Mexican Immigration Card: ALL foreign citizens traveling to Mexico for purposes of tourism or a short visit of less than 180 days must fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM) prior to their arrival to Mexico. [Updated December 2020], Is Cancun Safe For Travel? we are a group of seniors and nervous to begin with . Thanks! If you watch the American news you will believe kidnappings happen every 5 minutes in Mexico. It's a nice way to get to see the surrounding area. Hahaha! With that said I leave for Mexico in early June. While some parts of Mexico have experienced an uptick in violence, Tulum had for the most part remained a relatively safe place to travel until recently or so that is what the media portrays. Mexico is not as dangerous as the media portrays. When was the last time you visited Mexico? The government tried to cover up the murder to prevent bad public relations for the country and the playa del carmen area. There is a criminal element no matter the destination and take the same precautions you would at home. They frisked us constantly asked if we had drugs on us (the most exciting thing I had was dental floss). [], [] you afraid that travelisnt safe? as I stated in the article I felt more unsafe in Rome than I did in Mexico. I just came back from visiting. I agree with you and I didnt say Mexico was not safe in fact just the opposite. Mexico is an easily accessible vacation destination for me therefore I dont mind jumping on a flight from Nashville but I also understand why tourists are asking is Mexico safe. The cartels want nothing to do with you so simply stay away from areas they are active in. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; The basics. Then a I safe?? The U.S. State Department website reports that a strong rip current often is present between theHyattRegency and Club Med areas of the beach. I just stumbled on your site, and like you, I plan to travel this world before my final exit. Cheap sometimes dangerous alcohol filled into brand name bottles so they can cheat you that way also. Only selected vehicles bearing plates from the State of Mxico (Estado de Mxico) or the Federal District (Distrito Federal) are allowed to circulate, depending on the last number of their plate, from Monday to Saturday, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. I have to imagine dirty cops would take us to a dirty police station. Crime rates in Baja California - Numbeo. Imagine 111 people out of the nearly 8 million visitors (about 1 million of whom make Mexico their full-time home). Why cant you be truthful in dealing with beautiful and leave politics and fake news to the real media. Meanwhile, us happy, abundant, lovin-life, readers will enjoy our southern neighbor and all its colorful radiant culture, cuisine, delicious views and history. You have to be careful and try your best not to look like a tourist. You are educating, enlightening, and on-purpose. Sorry for being paranoid. traveling to this beautiful country because you are worried if is Mexico safe. We would be staying at an AirBnb owned by an American couple. You might be subject to a health screening before . As you drive, you'll notice signs warning you about upcoming topes that keep cars from speeding at dangerous rates. Its about safety. Finally they let me out. Do your own survey. 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. 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. You have done so and have shared it admirably. you are absolutely right. Is it safe for tourists? As long as you keep an eye out for crime hotspots (like large swaths of deserted roads) it will help prevent you from getting lost in translation with Mexican law enforcement. So sorry to hear about your loss. You will also be told what you did wrong. I have not stayed at the secrets resorts but let me see what I can find out and I will get back with you. amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; Any advice would be helpful. However, traditional motor insurance policies have been criticized for not incentivizing safe driving. If you know you are going to Mexico or any country for that matter you need to have your documents in order. Can I trust the water and food at the resort, or should I purchase bottled water? If you had a choice of Belize or Puerta Vallarta which would you do? I will see what else I can find for you. YES, if you go to Cancun, youll be safe. Mexico is a beautiful country and worth the effort if you plan sensibly. Can I take my car to Mexico permanently? This is how you know its corrupt!!! We leave for Mexico in 2 weeks, and with the latest on Venezula, should we cancel? Use common sense and you will be fine. Just as no one should be afraid to visit the States because of our mass shootings, you should not be afraid to visit Mexico, providing you stay in the recommended areas and do no look for trouble. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; 4) What are road conditions like in Baja, Mexico? If you ask yourself these simple questions before you arrive at your destination chances are you will not have any issues no matter the destination: The American media wants you, and everyone else to believe that Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and other countries where the majority of the population is black and brown people are the most dangerous places to visit and its simply not true. I am not saying what you experienced is not correct but where is personal responsibility? I would dare you to hitchhike across Mexico to prove your point, but you would be dead. FILE - Supplies for drug users are seen at an overdose prevention center, OnPoint NYC, in New York, Feb. 18, 2022. as I stated Italy, Czech Republic, Spain, and other countries have the same level warning which just means be safe. Since you mention Rome, Rome is far safer then even the safe places in Mexico. Thats why, so why the superior tone? Are you regurgitating what the media wants you to believe or have you had first hand experience with crime in Mexico. for driving in Baja Mexico as a tourist. Have you notified family and friends of where you are going and what you will be doing? Buses do occasionally get held up and robbed. You do not need to provide a negative result of a Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination to enter. 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. Plus I dont want my money to benefit the corrupt people down there. Dont confuse Is Mexico safe? with Is Mexico safe for TOURISTS in TOURISTIC zones?. Cancun is safe to visit right now. That is about the same as Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Use your common sense and you will be fine. Sir, that is called privilege. Mexicos most popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, and Cabo San Lucas all remain safe so do not allow the current Mexico travel warning to scare you into not visiting Mexico. I just returned from Mexico on a solo trip and I survived and I felt completely safe. Level 3: The seven states for which visitors are advised to reconsider travel because of crime are Baja California (Norte), Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, and Morelos. {2021 Cancun Travel Advisory & Safety Guide, What To Pack For Mexico - 50+ Essentials For Mexico [Updated Feb 2021], MUST READ: 10 Safest Cities In Mexico [Updated February 2021], Best Country for Plastic Surgery | Eleven Countries for U.S. Travelers, 11 Luxury Father's Day Gift Ideas [Updated Feburary 2021], MUST READ: Where To Stay In Belize - Best Luxury Resorts & Beaches, READ NOW: Is Mexico City Safe For Tourists? Thinking of excursions as well. Since you're in an unfamiliar city, you'll want to pay extra attention and follow these tips for driving in Los Cabos. Oh, and if you get murdered there, the Mexican cops will try to humiliate and blame you, ex. Mexico is considered a safe country to visit but there are numerous dangerous areas and regions that tourists should avoid traveling to. I knew people that never came back. Oh btw President Trump and American main steam media arent on the same team if you havent bothered to watch the news or anything else.