No! I cant understand why people think it is so unsafe. It's a nice way to get to see the surrounding area. As a few other Western countries have done, we need to legalize drugs and take away much if the profit motive for the cartels. You now said you cant trust the American press. exactly! Are you regurgitating what the media wants you to believe or have you had first hand experience with crime in Mexico. Plus I dont want my money to benefit the corrupt people down there. all three destinations are safe but I havent been to Tulum in years and I recently heard that while its still safe the beaches are not what they once were because of tourist. Hi, I have family that live in Nayarit in the city of Tepic near San Blas. lol, no great loss Jeff. How far can you drive in Mexico? - 2023 The areas that are dangerous should be avoided. Keep your valuables locked up when you leave the hotel. FYI theres no fine for not wearing a mask and even though it wasnt terribly expensive the experience of being shaken down by the POLICE will keep me from returning to CDMX. Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Tulum 2021? It really is just like going anywhere in the US. I was actually scared to death in Rome but thats another story. I worry that a young family would be a target, am I crazy? Mexico is completely safe and there is no need to be afraid to travel to Mexico. But, as I said, no one ever asked or looked. [Updated December 2020], Is Cancun Safe For Travel? Or Evansville, Indiana. YES! In fact, there are multiple reasons why visiting Mexico should be on your bucket list. 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. Contrary to this article and any liberal crap youre hearing. I have been there recently and did not feel safe. He was visiting from California and was in a resort area and was stabbed to death. Coastal destinations, like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Riviera Nayarit, Cancun, and the . Travel Warnings & Safety [Updated Nov 2021], Is Johannesburg Safe for American Tourists - Safety Tips & Concerns, The 40 Cannons Costa Maya: A World-Famous Snorkeling Destination DesertDivers, Is Cancun Secure for American Vacationer in 2022 [Updated Sept 2022] alafaqtravel, The Resort Also Offers A Variety Of Activities For Children And Families PrestwickCountryClub.net, Best Private Jet Charter Companies 2022 Guide & Best Prices. Should I be concerned? To avoid . 19 Can a US citizen buy a car in Mexico? The whole time they didnt give me the emergency number for my embassy and they let me call the embassy at 5pm when it was closed. DO NOT GO TO MEXICO!!!!!!!!!! This is how you know its corrupt!!! There is a criminal element no matter the destination and take the same precautions you would at home. 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. Only use well-known tour operators: Most of the cheaper tour operators will not have up-to-date equipment and experienced guides. After considering Chapala, Ajijic and Puerto Vallarta, we opted to purchase a home about an hour north of Manzanillo. I like to explore and make my own itinerary as I go therefore tour buses do not give me the freedom I want when traveling and they may not cover every place I want to see. In the future, Id steer clear of assumptions and use facts. Make sure you have a written prescription in case you lose your medication. As I stated in the article I felt more afraid in Rome than Mexico. We did not live in a gated neighborhood. please advise. The Mexican media of course attempts to downplay these incidents. I just returned from Mexico on a solo trip and I survived and I felt completely safe. I was told that the original bottle is sufficient with clear labeling. #DOBetter. 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. Remember, these warnings go into effect because of a spike in criminal activity but these warnings are not for the entire country. It's important to be cautious when you travel, especially if you are alone, and to know which areas are safe to travel to and which are to avoid. Thanks. Dont travel at night: Most crime occurs at night. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; the mall, a garlic festival, a concert, or just an average day at school. I am not a paid promoter of the Mexican Tourism board and they actually are not even aware of my article. Is Mexico City Safe? - Fodors Travel Guide There are driving restrictions in Mexico City. I also hope to do an excursion or two but want to make sure I am keeping us safe. 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. If the answer is no then you should not be concerned is it safe to travel to Mexico? 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. My wife is more than paranoid than me. Any advice other than dont do illegal things which are we dont want plan on? In Rome You arent likely to get shot in a public place, blown up on a ferry, beheaded, cheated at every turn, and the health standrds and cleanliness far exceed any city in mexico. You might be subject to a health screening before . Ixtapa is a place surrounded by a mountain range that descends to the sea and frames this wonderful town. For the life of Gawd do not go to a foreign country buying drugs and then play the victim when something bad happens. There is no doubt that there has been horrible violence in Mexico due to drug wars between warring factions but that violence has, for the most part, been in isolated areas. There are a number of precautions that need to be observed but Guadalajara is an amazing tourist destination. It so refreshing to have someone comment that is not from #45 Base. Use ride share services where possible instead of taxis. I have traveled all over Mexico and I have never felt unsafe. are you just going off of the media? And how do you secure them in your motel room? A safety expert who has coached countless drivers and worked with numerous fleet managers discusses the importance of cultivating a passion for safe driving. I will be traveling to Piedras Negras at the end of this month. We feel completely safe. OR SHOULD WE REMAIN AT A RESORT?? It might sound silly to them to create a safe word because nobody ever thinks something is going to happen until it does. Driving to Baja California: What You Need to Know How long is the ride from Cancun to Tulum? - 2023 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. Motor insurance is an essential part of owning a car, as it offers protection against . As citizens, we cannot trust our police; its been decades of corruption, no one stops this. Lets discuss Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now! Drug violence remains a serious problem in the country, and it's best to stay up to date on local news. But beyond that it is very safe. Italy has the same level 2 warning so why is Mexico considered more violent and why are you asking is it safe to travel to Mexico?. Mexico is safe and I am sure you eat a Mexican restaurant every Friday and drink margaritas every Tuesday. After all, plenty of affordable public transport options exist in this already traffic-clogged city. If you would like to donate toPassports and Grub click here! Can I trust the water and food at the resort, or should I purchase bottled water? Although many Americans go south of the border to have a little fun remember the last thing you want is to end up in a Mexican Jail. My brother was murdered there 11/9/18. Much appreciated!!! Weve all heard the stories about the corrupt cops south of the border. Is the State Dept. Baja Safety | AllAboutBaja.com Happy to have you and please feel free to reach out and follow me on facebook and instagram. Mexican rays are intense and can lead to severe burns or sun poisoning, especially during the warmer spring and summer months. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. Tijuana had a metro area population of 2,1240,000 in 2020, up from 2,054,000 in 2019. But you definitely cant relax and put your guard down like you can in other nice places. When deciding whether or not to visit Mexico as a tourist its important to consider safety. I also want to do an excursion to Isla Mujeres. The answer to Q1 would be yes, I would be concerned about traveling to certain parts of Italy. Thank you so much! You will also be told what you did wrong. are you buying drugs? You have been warned. Hello, I am going to Cancun in March and Im a little nervous as I am taking 2 small children. You should get to one of the dedicated agencies to facilitate the process of getting Mexican car insurance. Travel Warning Puerto Vallarta Mexico | Security News 2023 And I had a number of them, set up by day, so they werent in their original bottles. Screw you million times screw you infinity dont come here if youre going to criticize us, stay away!!! You know why I dont encounter issues at home and abroad? Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. I have traveled to Mexico alone, with my bff, my husband and I am taking my daughter next year. Is Guadalajara close to Puerto Vallarta? - 2023 We hesitated until they got the handcuffs out. Like all Americans, I am a little hesitant. At least thats the plan. I went to the grocery store and purchased beer and wine because it was cheaper. I suggest finding one that has a chef and they will prepare authentic Mexican cuisine and you wont have to worry about going out every morning to find breakfast. Our Police rarely catch criminals. Excellent, informative article Tomiko. Tijuana's metro area population increased by 20.22% in 2021 to 2,181,000 people. Instead, learn the risks and decide how much risk you can accept. Mexico is completely safe and I went last year and everything was fine. I have not stayed at the secrets resorts but let me see what I can find out and I will get back with you. as I stated Italy, Czech Republic, Spain, and other countries have the same level warning which just means be safe. 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. As safe as it is anywhere. Everything else you here is pure BS ! Once an American tourist is murdered travelers begin questioning whether Mexico is safe to visit. Too easy for the cops to set you up for arrest. After spending more than six months in Central America, driving through eight countries ( Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama ), I can say, generally speaking, it's all relatively safe and sane. Will spend the night with her. Use your common sense and stay out of trouble. If they can cheat you in some way they will. It is a popular port for cruise ships because it is close to many of Mexicos popular tourist destinations. 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. Taxi drivers are reportedly furious over a court ruling. 18 Safest - Mrida. Ive visited Mexico plenty of times and my husband and I have never experienced anything but sweet and kind people. 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. Do you know who else had 111 murders in one year? The people of Mexico are friendly and if you treat others with respect it will go a long way toward your having a pleasant and safe time. When you compare the number of murders to the entire population, it is still a tiiny fraction. Btw,, Im Mexican. At lease they share a small amount with the police and city officials/inept employees. I recommend staying in Cancun or Cozumel since you are older. Now I see all this debate about Cancun and its a little scary. U.S. government employees may not travel to: Tepic 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 . No more Mexico for me and my family. Sir, that is called privilege. [], [] U.S State Department has released a Level 4 do not travel warningon five Mexican states, and the entire country has a Level 3 Travel [], [] doesnt matter if you are traveling to Mexico or Italy nothing can ruin your trip faster than being pickpocketed, credit cards are stolen, or [], [] Is Mexico Safe: Mexico Travel Warning [], [] between Mexico and Guatemala, the tiny country of Belize has become one of the most popular destinations in [], [] Stay alert even in tourist areas, where petty crime is common. If you dont go looking for trouble you wont find trouble. Mexico is not safe, sure maybe a small percentage run in to issues but do you want that small percentage to be your family killed? 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. Theyll have the most current read on the situation. Thus other countries should. When was the last time you visited Mexico? Mexico is considered a safe country to visit but there are numerous dangerous areas and regions that tourists should avoid traveling to. Been to Rome 3 times and walked the city both day and late night, without any issues. With this statement, you lost all credibility. Trust me they want to keep those tourism dollars rolling in and keep touristy areas free of crime. 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. Dont give them a reason to want to, because you will not win. Violence is used. Have you allowed the Mexico travel warning to affect your travel decisions and are you still wondering is Mexico safe for American tourists this fall? You have to look at it the same you would if you were at a bar in the states. Check out Zihautanejo. Mexico has the same travel warning as Europe and many other countries but they dont have the stigma that Mexico has. Also, have copies of your prescription and keep the original label on the bottle. Sometimes I that keeps us safe. I doubt that will happen because you are with your kiddos and mom. Conditions in any country may change at any time. I dont think our little minute amounts of meds concern them. I wonder why only black and brown countries are considered dangerous. Am I saying a trip to Mexico is going to mean certain doom for you? Is there any activities you recommend, any transportation from the airline to hotel ? Latin countries are corrupt from the top down that is the main problem, cops are on the take everywhere their morale is LOW ! Thats one place we have not considered and Ive already begun my research. 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. Thousands of miles north of where it is. I feel somewhat better about their safety after reading your article. Learn how your comment data is processed. Do you have anything to add for cruise ship safety or safety at these ports? i got arrested at 9am. #pathetic. Is it Safe to Drive in Mexico?Driving in Mexico, in general, is perfectly safe and like I mentioned above, is one of the best ways to see the country. if your family loves seafood you can have lobster prepared every way imaginable! 1) Dont compare staying in Mexico for 2 weeks versus living here a whole life. Well, that would be a perfect example of how things could go wrong. I ask why is that? ), Melissa- Exactly! If you arent on guard all the time you will be a victim. The travel advisories has zero to do with skin color. See Entry requirements. I bring race into the post because it matters. Is Mexico Safe for Travel Right Now? (2023 Safety Guide) Where should the border be placed actually? 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? They couldnt wait to say Trump is racist towards black and brown people. I felt more unsafe in Rome than I did Mexico. I honestly believe they wanted to sell me to human traffickers. 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. I am not familiar with Grand Moon Palace. If you stay out of bad areas and dont go looking for trouble you wont find any. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "passandgrub-20"; Steve- of course, the article was accusatory because I felt more threatened in Rome than I did in Mexico. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; I dare you hitchhike through Chicago to Memphis to prove your point. Is that an OK area? I am afraid of hanging out. Are you wondering is Cancun safe because of the latest Cancun travel warning and Cancun travel advisory that was issued by the United States in August 2022 regarding the travel of U.S. citizens to 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. If it is a minor infraction dont bribe them, even so, it is possible that they ask for some money, the amount depends on the seriousness of the infraction, if you passed a red light it is better if they only give you the traffic ticket, If you drive without a license, the car must be impounded and the fine is higher, in that case, I suggest you offer $ 200 pesos (if you look Mexican) if you are blond with blue eyes maybe about $500 pesos, If you are stopped drinking alcohol in the street, the fine is $ 1500 pesos or 24 hours of jail, you will probably have to pay your full fine, Those are the most common crimes for which a police officer can pull you over, obviously, if you steal or kill, the amount will be considerably higher. We have been pulled over, infractions made up and robbed every time we have rented a car in mexico. The government tried to cover up the murder to prevent bad public relations for the country and the playa del carmen area. 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. you cant trust the American press. Does Mexico have a bad reputation? Im so glad I found is it safe to travel to Mexico. Finally they let me out. I have another question for you: who stole 55% of the Mexican territory in the middle of the 19th century? Mexico is a dangerous country mainly because of the corrupted government. Level 4 Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. I dont do anything here that I would not do in Toronto. Thinking of excursions as well. I am sure they know all of the rules about not taking drinks from strangers and make sure they have safe words.