Thousands of miles north of where it is. Mexico is generally safe for American tourists if you take proper precautions, research the city you are traveling to, and use common sense. Driving In Mexico- A Complete Tourist Guide - Rentalmoose Is Tijuana Safe? Mexico: Expert Travel Advice (2023) - Layer Culture (We are a family of 5 with blonde haired blue eyed kids. Is It Safe To Drive in Mexico To be completely honest, that depends. Plus I dont want my money to benefit the corrupt people down there. I actually felt more unsafe when I was in Paris. Innovative Motor Insurance Solutions: Encouraging Safe Driving Habits In fact, over 30 million people visited Cancun in 2022 - and the vast majority of them come and go completely unscathed. 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. Have you been robbed or kidnapped in Mexico? On the coach the police checked my documents and saw my form had expired, they told me they had to arrest me. Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. My friend wasnt wearing a mask so they demanded a fine from both of us. In general, road conditions in Baja are better than in Arizona. While I have never been a victim of a crime in Mexico I have been the victim of one several times in the states and that does not stop me from going out. First, my wife and I are world travellers and we are not the party type when we travel. Is this a trip I should be stressing this much about Ive seen the Taken movies lol. Im about 4 chapters away from finishing J.E. Jeff- Its approximately a 2 hour drive to San Miguel. If you know you are going to Mexico or any country for that matter you need to have your documents in order. Glad you are safe, My boyfriend and I traveled to Cancun in February of 2018 and had something put in our drinks MY boyfriend ended up in the hospital with a large bill to pay and thought I was never going to get out Now afraid to travel there How do you get the feeling back to travel I have been going to Cancun since 1997 and just loved it. Reconsider travel to Mexico due to COVID-19. you sound as if you have been watching too Fox News and the shit hole country theme. The basics. Mexico is the undisputed murder/rape/kidnapping capitol of the world. Solo travel in Mexico can make one feel very vulnerable at times - though that goes for many places too. Malika- I have never been to Nayarit but I did a little digging before I responded and this is what I found. Stay the heck away from here! Covid cases in Baja Mexico are surprisingly low. Cover your child with sunscreen or protective clothing before heading to the beach. As my readers are planning their spring and summer travel I have been receiving a lot of questions on is Mexico safe and more specific questions about whether is Cancun safe, is Cabo San Lucas safe, is Tulum safe, and MexicoCity travel advisory. the mall, a garlic festival, a concert, or just an average day at school. Dont give them a reason to want to, because you will not win. Right now theres also an issue in the Yucatan with toxic algae called sargassum that carries deadly heavy metals and releases a dangerous gas. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Nayarit state. Now I see all this debate about Cancun and its a little scary. I cant guarantee that nothing will happen but I also cant guarantee you wont get robbed as you are leaving your home but it doesnt stop you from running errands, going to work, shopping, or just hanging out. I took a tour of the Arch, went sightseeing, Camel, and Safari excursion and I felt completely safe exploring Mexico solo. Its just that, eventually, you end up in the middle of a shooting or someone robs you in the street. We will agree to disagree on traveling to Mexico. No! I will say that unfortunately the violence in Sonora (Guaymas/San Carlos) Area is something to be concerned about. Thats the equivalent of his support base. I have traveled all over Mexico and I have never felt unsafe. Is Cabo San Lucas Safe For Travel 2023 [Mexico Travel Advisory] Mexican rays are intense and can lead to severe burns or sun poisoning, especially during the warmer spring and summer months. Mexican law states that you have to hire a customs agent (agente aduanal) to facilitate importing a car to Mexico permanently. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D. Tell your girlfriends not to worry and have a good time. As in the US cities where there is a majority of black and brown people there is much more crime. The Yucatan, for example, is especially suited to driving: Many beaches, barely developed ruins, and intriguing villages lie a good distance from the main road. Whether it is the cab or bus driver giving you incorrect change, A cab cartel that fixes prices so high that a 10 minute cab ride is $40 to $70US, as they try to block Uber, overpriced food that is sold as high quality but what you get is inferior (advertised USDA Prime steak but get a tough dry low quality cut of meat most likely from a backyard butcher) and before you ask why are you eating steak in Mexico the answer is because all of the tourist destinations only have Italian, American, and Japanese restaurants or horrible fancy Mexican restaurants- you have to take the risk and go into town for authentic mexican to eat the authentic mystery meat tacos which are usually inferior to Mexican in Los Angeles because of the inferior ingredients. Use the same common sense you do anywhere else you will be fine. 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. I did a little research and everything I found said Manzanillo was safe and crime was virtually nonexistent because the Mexican army and Navy is based there. But beyond that it is very safe. I am traveling to RIU Palace Peninsula all-inclusive in September 2019. I bring race into the post because it matters. I lived in Mexico for the past four years splitting time between Mazatlan and San Carlos/Guaymas. Everything else you here is pure BS ! A safety expert who has coached countless drivers and worked with numerous fleet managers discusses the importance of cultivating a passion for safe driving. Im from the UK and id only asked 30 days at the border as I didnt want to stay longer. I checked my friends Goats on the road and they sent me this article. 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. You have now aligned yourself right there with him. 4) What are road conditions like in Baja, Mexico? Bajabound is one of them. I doubt that will happen because you are with your kiddos and mom. 2) Organized crime dont like to mess with tourists, because the foreing country will demand a clarification and Mexican government, who is involved with the crime), will need to do something, and thats like shooting to oneselfs foot. Driving Your American Registered Vehicle in Mexico requires you to purchase Mexican driving insurance because US car insurance is not valid here. While the United States has issued a travel advisory for the entire country of Mexico I want you to rest easy in knowing that Cancun is safe and there are not any current travel restrictionsplaced onCancunand theRiviera Maya. My brother was murdered there 11/9/18. No place in Mexico, Latin America or the Caribbean is SAFE for gringos who are regarded fair game like deer hunting season ! Understand, dont Deny. Thinking of a trip in July to Rocky Point. Use first-class bus companies these bus companies take toll roads that have security checks on passengers as they board. Only use well-known tour operators: Most of the cheaper tour operators will not have up-to-date equipment and experienced guides. Mexico City (Distrito Federal) is Level 2. 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. Hi Taxi drivers are reportedly furious over a court ruling. Do you leave your valuables out in plain sight in the states? Safety and Travel Restrictions for Mexico (November 2021), 2022 Costa Rica Packing List - Costa Rica Travel Guide, Is Puerto Vallarta Safe? Mexico is safe and I am sure you eat a Mexican restaurant every Friday and drink margaritas every Tuesday. Things happen and we as travelers have to cautious no matter where we are traveling too. Is Oaxaca Safe? Your life is cheaper in Mexico than many places in the world and the people there are opportunists. A growing favourite for tourists who hate tourists, Mrida is a wonderful alternative to nearby Cancun's Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Hi, I have family that live in Nayarit in the city of Tepic near San Blas. you are absolutely right. why are you traveling and your documents are expired. 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. No need to be concerned. Once an American tourist is murdered travelers begin questioning whether Mexico is safe to visit. And Orlando. Mexico is killing american tourists left and right and very few media publications talk about it. In short, dont go looking for trouble and the probability is very high you wont find it. 20 What is the safest place in Mexico to live? When my readers ask me is Mexico safe, my response is a resounding yes if you do not go looking for trouble! Mexico is open to travelers. Use common sense and obey the traffic rules. I am not a paid promoter of the Mexican Tourism board and they actually are not even aware of my article. Is Baja California Safe? (Everything You Need to Know) So many Americans regularly travel to Tijuana. Level 2: Except for the two Level 1 states, travelers to all the rest are advised to exercise increased caution. They are: Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, state of Mexico, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretara, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala and Veracruz. Solo travel can be extremely liberating but you must do your research and make sure you understand the laws of the destination you are traveling to because your safety is your number one concern. However, I must also make it clear that you MUST exercise increased caution at all times. There is a criminal element no matter the destination and take the same precautions you would at home. There are a number of precautions that need to be observed but Guadalajara is an amazing tourist destination. This includes the entire states of Baja California (B.C.) They are real Pigs in a uniform. lol, no great loss Jeff. Towing your car is technically something that the officer cant do, even though they will threaten it, but if you give them enough of a desire to cause you harm they will absolutely find a way to make it happen. They made 1 arrest yet 3 people murdered Taylor in Playa Del Carmen. Mexico isnt this big bad place where you will be slaughtered at every turn and I suggest you turn off Fox News. Im not going to let time go by again without seeing my extended family that lives there and enjoying this beautiful place. I am trying to plan a trip to Cancun in September 2019. I am all about saying money so I dont use the mini because of the mark up not because Im afraid something will happen. 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. All Americans are targets. Killings are daily by local Meth users, which is widely distributed to people in Baja. In the past three years, crime has been on the rise due to uncertainty among the people and their government. They threatened to kill my wife and baby if I didnt pay. Is there any activities you recommend, any transportation from the airline to hotel ? 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. Ukraine is dominating the election in Estonia, a key NATO ally. Here's We dont need you! At lease they share a small amount with the police and city officials/inept employees. You might be subject to a health screening before . Its generally safe to drive in Mexico, but I suggest parking your car at night and dont stay out too late. Mexico is no exception. According to Numbeo.com, Baja California is moderately safe. Ive visited Mexico plenty of times and my husband and I have never experienced anything but sweet and kind people. Also, have copies of your prescription and keep the original label on the bottle. Weve all heard the stories about the corrupt cops south of the border. Ask Tyler Meyers family what they think of Mexico. I would love to hear your feedback when you return. I just returned from a solo trip to Cancun and felt completely safe. I use viator to book all of my excursions but if you are staying at an all inclusive they may provide excursions as part of your trip. Click on the link to get a quote. If you arent on guard all the time you will be a victim. Italy has the same level 3 warning so why is Mexico considered more violent? We love the small town ambiance to be found in Barra de Navidad, Melaque, La Manzanilla and Cuestocomate. Im excited for her, but still a nervous momma. Level 4: The six states with the do not travel advisory, because of kidnappings and other crimes, are the northern border state of Tamaulipas, the central state of Zacatecas, and the Pacific coast states of Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacn, and Guerrero. Remember, these warnings go into effect because of a spike in criminal activity but these warnings are not for the entire country. So come on down and enjoy! Have a great week! I saw on the news today Venezuela was experiencing some issues. Is it better for us to have cocktails at the hotel bars? The fears we have of Mexico are not accurate. As citizens, we cannot trust our police; its been decades of corruption, no one stops this. Do your own survey. Youre not likely to be killed by an organized crime group in a resort city like Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas; instead, youre more likely to have your valuables stolen while in a touristy area during daylight hours. Italy, Europe and a lot of other countries have the same warning level. In that case, the order is clear: protect them. You must work for the Trump administration if you believe Mexico is dangerous. are you riding around in not so nice neighborhoods in the states? 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. We dont need your disgusting stupid opinion on whether or not it is safe or not safe here when you are the ones responsible for making it them safe regarding drug trafficking and you are the ones who stole more than half of our territory to place an illegal border and then you call us Invaders? When deciding whether or not to visit Mexico as a tourist its important to consider safety. Give me a few days to research this resort. I am afraid of hanging out. I am also going to Nayarit, is that safe?? The key is to remain calm and accept your mistake and when it is inevitable that they take you to jail then subtly offer a bribe, it is like a negotiation, start with a low amount and they will go up to agree on an amount. 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. I was told that the original bottle is sufficient with clear labeling. And yes there are dangerous places in every city. Screw you million times screw you infinity dont come here if youre going to criticize us, stay away!!! The writer is pushing racism. It is really sad that probably half of the people commenting have not even been to Mexico but yet they are reguratating Fox news talking points. They want to go fishing. Travel advisories are in place for a reason and even they are not as strong as they should be. Join Facebook groups such as Cancun Mexico Travel, Tours, Tips, and Ideas that are dedicated to traveling to Mexico and understanding what Mexico travel warnings really mean. 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. Basically, it's safe to drive in Puerto Vallarta. No other country on the planet including Spain has done more damage to Mexico than the USA. 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. Is Mexico Safe for American Tourists 2023? Mexico Travel Advisory Any tips anything else that would be helpful ? Our Police rarely catch criminals. It is a level 3 where most parts of Mexico is a level 2. We leave for Mexico in 2 weeks, and with the latest on Venezula, should we cancel? For my money there is much nicer safer places to go. Saying it is safe is hogwash. But risks vary, a lot, and so does peoples tolerance for risk depending on their personalities and life experience. But Mexico is at least as remarkable and there is a clear difference in how each of these storied destinations is portrayed in contemporary news. I have appreciated your research and reassurance to all who have posed these questions to you. If youre worried about visiting a specific location, it pays to research that area before you book your travel. Mexico is extremely dangerous. extends to certain parts of Sonora state, which borders . Thisprompted the U.S. State Department to up the ante on its travel advisories to the country late last year, placing five Mexican stateson its highest Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory under its newly revamped system which is another reason why many are wondering is Mexico safe. New Orleans is still an amazing place to visit and the Media is right to champion this inspirational city. There are dangerous areas in Mexico, as in any country. Mexico is statistically much safer than the United States. There are certain things you need to be aware of while visiting Mexico City to ensure you have a safe trip. Why bring up black and brown? They do not like Americans and we are the great melting pot, so no color, just being American is enough. People are being decapitated and murdered- over 30,000 last year alone 1 of those being my brother Taylor. Were quite nervous about this. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Get it? 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. Oh, and if you get murdered there, the Mexican cops will try to humiliate and blame you, ex. 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? The most important thing to remember when traveling to Mexico is that for the most part, Mexico is safe if you follow simple rules of behavior. When was the last time you visited Mexico? If you act tough and get angry and make threats, the officer will simply arrest you for being disorderly or assaulting him or her, etc. Taking precautions when withdrawing money at ATMs and using licensed taxis can help reduce the risk of being kidnapped. It was wrong. [Updated December 2020], Is Cancun Safe For Travel? Damn Skippy, I will, and in fact, I am currently planning my next trip to Mexico in June. Use ride share services where possible instead of taxis. 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). Don't Drive in Mexico or Central America! (Kidnapped, Killed, or Worse?) Or Evansville, Indiana. as I stated Italy, Czech Republic, Spain, and other countries have the same level warning which just means be safe. It is an appealing fishermen village that offers you a familiar and safe environment, whose main attraction is its beautiful and highly protected bay just a few kilometers from the hotel zone. But very little of it notes that Mexico is a HUGE country with thirty-one states (+ plus the Distrito Federal). Avoid swimming at the beach when a black warning flag is posted. It also warns people to exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.. Use your common sense and you will be fine. Planning on visiting and backpacking across Yucatan Peninsula..Cities/Areas that Ill be visiting are as follows:- So happy I stumble upon this useful site! Although this warning appears to be focused around gang and drug violence, this August advisory included Cancun and Los Cabos, two of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Is Mexico City Safe for Tourists? (Safety Tips for 2023) I am going to Cancun in April with two of my old college friends. Cancun and Cozumel are just like staying in any American city and you will be completely safe. Most visitors to this region describe the area as just as safe as most American cities. the American man on a group trip in PDC who was robbed and murdered last year was falsely reported by the Mexican press to be a drug addict having public sex with a transsexual, all lies to make tourist think well that would never happen to me it can definitely happen to you, and the chances are going up every day. I have lived 11 years in Asia and NEVER a problem there ! I think about 30% of the comments are slandering Mexico and supporting Trump. 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. I will suggest not driving at night. What advice can you give me? Although Cancun is far from what I'd consider a completely safe city, it's far from overly dangerous. I have know people that have beeb kidnapped and I dont dare to tell you the horrors theyve told me. Mexico has the same travel warning as Europe and many other countries but they dont have the stigma that Mexico has. Do as Tomiko suggests and you should do just fine. Be in by 9 pm and NEVER drive at night. For the most part, bus travel is the best way to get around in Mexico, but if you are anything like me I prefer to be on my own time and not have to wait on other people. So why is the U.S. State Dept. I would like to do a couple of excursions as well which would take us off the resort but traveling with the resort tour guides. President Trump and the American media wants you, and everyone else to believe that Mexico, Dominican Republic, Haiti and other countries where the majority of the population are black and brown people are the most dangerous places to visit and its simply not true.. Dont compare at all staying in the golden zones of the Mayan coast (where most Mexican cant even dream of even going) with going to the real Mexico. Is Puerto Vallarta Safe for American Tourists? Do you have anything to add for cruise ship safety or safety at these ports? In that situation there isnt much you can do because the excursion is set up by a third party. However, you should still travel with increased caution. I travel to Mexico solo and with my husband and nothing has ever happened to me. While many people worry about cartels or criminals preying on tourists in areas like Cancun or Mazatlan, there are much more common risks for travelers like buying drugs in a foreign country. Mexico danger map: Latest warnings from U.S. State Department No one! Thats why, so why the superior tone? Violence is used. How do you feel about this area? And I had a number of them, set up by day, so they werent in their original bottles. How big is your own city when compared to Mexico? Zihua will change your mind about the dangers of Mexico. I visited Cabo San Lucas in late September and I felt completely safe not only at the resort but also as I ventured out into town. The State Department cant issue a Travel Warning, because it is not a foreign country. This is a very big no-no. for driving in Baja Mexico as a tourist. They say the kidnapping for ransom rate is high. If you would like to donate toPassports and Grub click here! Tomiko, obviously you are a paid promoter of mexican tourism. New Orleans is one my favorite cities in the states but the FBI reports the murder rate of New Orleans has declined but it is still nearly 4 times higher than all of Mexico and over 5 times higher than Mexico City. Avoid back roads and nighttime driving and hire taxis and driving services through the hotel where youre staying. Why would you want to just stay at your resort? You very well know why, because chopped up tourists stuffed in car trunks are splashed across the evening news. Use common sense and you will be fine. How safe will we be? 20 Are cars cheaper in Mexico? [], [] I acknowledged in my earlier article Is Mexico safe the nations beneath have the identical Cancun journey advisory and most of the people dont [], [] is a beachfront resort located in Puerto Morelos, a popular tourist destination in Mexicos Mayan Riviera. Tomiko, Mexico in these areas are now up to a Level 4. I just returned from Mexico and I while I didnt drink from the mini bar it wasnt because I was afraid. 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.