The city Council and Mayor will not address this issue of grassroots corruption. Be in by 9 pm and NEVER drive at night. Covid cases in Baja Mexico are surprisingly low. I think that its racist. You may get pickpocketed if you look like an overweight poorly dressed american with a fanny pack. How big is your own city when compared to Mexico? Is the State Dept. ?Please advice. When it comes to International Driver's License, Mexico is not that strict as long as your license is in Spanish or English. It is a delightful and friendly fishing town with a resort town, Ixtapa, just 15 minutes away (if you like resorts). That is about the same as Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Thats the equivalent of his support base. Can you please reference your opinion! are you just going off of the media? Finally they let me out. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; 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. I was traveling but I will be home for the next few weeks to help you. Thanks for the info. Mexico is one of the top 3 most dangerous countrys in the world!!! Basically, it's safe to drive in Puerto Vallarta. Banjercito is the government authority that issues vehicle permits. 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. And the answer is: Yes, it can be dangerous in specific areas and random accidents happen, like everywhere in the world. DO NOT TRAVEL TO MEXICO IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! I walked around in the city, I ate with locals, I shopped and I had a great time. The writer is pushing racism. You are absolutely correct and those who state that Mexico is safe are in denial! The southernmost municipality on MexicosBaja California Peninsula contains plenty of chain [], [] You can see what my friend Tomiko writes about travel safety in Mexico here. dedicated to traveling to Mexico and understanding what Mexico travel warnings really mean. Other than that enjoy your trip and follow all of the safety precautions in the post like not wearing flashy jewelry or clothes and dont get drunk. The troops they sent here are useless; they just drive around here looking ready for war in Afghanistan. I wonder why only black and brown countries are considered dangerous. Im looking to visit Manzanillo. 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 . With all of that being said 35 million tourists visit Mexico each year myself included. And before you say that Im a narco. Thanks! The same police wouldnt doubt in kidnapping a Mexican, but never a tourist. Any advice other than dont do illegal things which are we dont want plan on? amzn_assoc_region = "US"; The State Department says it may be best to only use toll roads and avoid driving alone or at night. Avoid mini-bars in our rooms? Two tourists were recently kidnapped at a nightclub in Cancun, one was murdered and fed to crocodiles, backing up countless stories posted online of being threatened to buy drugs in nightclubs. It is a level 3 where most parts of Mexico is a level 2. It is a popular port for cruise ships because it is close to many of Mexicos popular tourist destinations. . With that said I leave for Mexico in early June. And how do you secure them in your motel room? Official complaints against Uber and other drivers do occur and past disputes between these services and local taxi unions have occasionally turned violent, resulting in injuries to U.S. citizens in some instances, the warning reads. Any advice would be helpful. Understand, dont Deny. 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! The west coast also has famous violence problems (American family recently shot there) and sewage issues, Sayulita is famous for giving tourists norovirus and Acupulco has five beaches with the highest level of fecal contamination. We lock the doors we leave the house, we do not leave valuables in plain sight in our car, etc. 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. We had no problems. 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. Once I was there, I realized I may have been duped by the American media. I went on an excursion through a cruise line in the Dominican Republic, which the cruise line strongly suggests using their excursions for safety. As an American Citizen, you should also consider signing up for, I would love to hear your thoughts on Mexicos safety and is it safe to travel to Mexico so leave me a comment on. 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. Use ride share services where possible instead of taxis. As citizens, we cannot trust our police; its been decades of corruption, no one stops this. You can save time by filling out the Immigration Form (s) online. This has nothing to do with Mexico because any country will check your documents but more about you deciding it would take too long or you didnt feel like renewing your documents and mad because you got into trouble. However, you should still travel with increased caution. I am sure if you were pulled over they had a reason because the police does not pull people over no reason at all. I am sure they know all of the rules about not taking drinks from strangers and make sure they have safe words. I suggest Belize and if you are adventurous ditch the beach and stay in the jungle at Kaana Luxury Resort. Be on the lookout for them. I plan on walking across and staying for the 3 days to do some shopping. United States, stop your stupid manufacturing and selling of criminally used weaponry in your own country and do control all the black market under the table massive selling of weapons to Mexican criminals because behind a Mexican criminal buying weapons there is always an American criminal selling it to them so dont play innocent bystander dont be so hypocrite and nasty and once and for all start having real gun control laws just like the rest of the world has. I will be traveling with my husband and two little kids to Puerto Vallarta in August. Many drive through Tijuana and drive south down the peninsula. Keep spouting the political brainwash. advising tourists to stay away from those places? Can I take my car to Mexico permanently? etc. When you compare the number of murders to the entire population, it is still a tiiny fraction. 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. The cartels and politicians cash in while the regular people barely survive. If you stay out of bad areas and dont go looking for trouble you wont find any. 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. Lets discuss Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now! Any ideas? 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 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. 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. Dont wear flashy jewelry looking like you are balling out of control will get you robbed. President Obrador has not helped. I have traveled to Mexico alone, with my bff, my husband and I am taking my daughter next year. 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 Just now returning to the US. Only thing I found was people were not that friendly, other than that we had a great time. Any advice? 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. OR SHOULD WE REMAIN AT A RESORT?? In the U.S., crashes accounted for 42,915 fatalities in 2021. I can only tell you what I have experienced. Plus I dont want my money to benefit the corrupt people down there. And yes there are dangerous places in every city. I have been to Mexico twice,once to Puerto Vallarta and to Cancun,but me and my friend are headed to Playa Del Carmen in September-no major worries? Cancun is viewed as Mexico's tourist capital, but Riviera Maya is an alternative for the adventurous when it comes to the natural world. Only morons are still trying to race bait. Mexico is no exception. Also who is responsible for the very existence of those disgusting abhorrent criminal cartels in Mexico? you could live in the safest neighborhood and you should still lock your doors at night and its no different when traveling. Rental cars are very cheap. We have a time share in cabo, been going to Mexico for years. This blog is mindblowingly irresponsible, I was not paid by the Mexican Tourism board to write this article. I dont do anything here that I would not do in Toronto. Ill be bringing Adderall and she has sleep medication. It really is just like going anywhere in the US. I am in Tennessee and if you go looking for trouble you will find trouble. The collective IQ of which is reported to be quite low, uneducated and generally very unhappy. This is the worst thing that you can do. That is on par with Albuquerque. Learn whats really happening. Crime levels on intercity buses are high, especially after dark. This includes the entire states of Baja California (B.C.) Firstly, This is the one of the best blogs on Mexico that I have found that provides useful info on places to visit, to-dos and not-to-dos as well as objective and unbiased commentaries even in the face of challenging feedback. See Entry requirements. Mexico is NOT safe For Mexicans. Hey Bruce- I suggest getting a written note from your doctor and do not pull the label off. I am still here and noone bothered me and in fact it was one of the more peaceful trips I have been on. Learn local road safety and driving laws before driving. 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 am traveling to RIU Palace Peninsula all-inclusive in September 2019. Just do the math of chances. Thank you! Permits are NOT needed in the Baja Peninsula. However, I must also make it clear that you MUST exercise increased caution at all times. The stories go on and on about one murder after the other. The bad stories you hear about Mexico are true. Mexico is open to travelers. 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. 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. Violent crimesuch as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robberyis widespread and common in Mexico, warns the State Department. PLAN ON TRAVELING TO CANCUN WITH A GROUP OF MY GIRLFIRENDS AND WOULD LIKE TO DO AN AIR BNB. However, several times you reference that the press have exaggerated the danger of travel in Mexico. Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. I would pay them no mind. Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Tulum 2021? you are absolutely right. You have to be careful and try your best not to look like a tourist. I would be careful and make sure you are aware of your surrounding. It is absolutely gorgeous and I felt very safe at all times. I would not consider our trip to be "crazy" by any stretch of the imagination. it is absolutely necessary seeing that only countries where black and brown people come from are deemed dangerous. Driving in Mexico City is generally safe, but unnecessary, stressful, and possibly misguided. You lost me too as soon as you put your untruthful, ignorant opinions in this article. Is it safe to drive through Mexico at night? Your site implies they will be fine if they keep their noses clean. 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. Had to give them all the cashll in my pocket and truck in order not to be taken to jail. Do your own survey. Schwab has been traveling and working in Mexico for 10 years and considers it safe enough to take his 7-year-old son with him on his frequent trips. For example, murders in Playa del Carmen are up by 200% this year, and many executions and armed robberies happen in the tourist zone, which is an area of about only 4 square miles. Staying at the Marriott Cancun Resort, not AI, so we will be going around for food etc, even getting groceries for breakfast. Thank you for the great information. Permits are enforced when driving approximately 20 kilometers into Mexico. Mexico is completely safe and I went last year and everything was fine. The government tried to cover up the murder to prevent bad public relations for the country and the playa del carmen area. 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. Thats why, so why the superior tone? The cartels want nothing to do with you so simply stay away from areas they are active in. I am also going to Nayarit, is that safe?? 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. 20 Are cars cheaper in Mexico? Going to Cancun for the first time. Thanks, Marcia. 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. But, as I said, no one ever asked or looked. your head. Thank you so much for commenting! There has been a lot of news coverage about violence in Mexico. no worries Jason and I apologize for the late response as I was traveling. I will say that unfortunately the violence in Sonora (Guaymas/San Carlos) Area is something to be concerned about. the police are the root of corruption here. If they can cheat you in some way they will. No. To avoid unnecessary illness, always make sure your bottled water is sealed. Driving restrictions in Mexico City. Congratulations on your trip to Mexico. 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. Secondly, Is it safe to do all AirBnB?trying to maximize my travel budget. After all, plenty of affordable public transport options exist in this already traffic-clogged city. You must go to customs agent when crossing the border, to get the import request and pay all . Nobody should be trusting advice such as this: 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, or the laughable Nothing has happened to me, and Its safer than Italy. Look at the facts, look at the government warnings and crime rates, and decide how much risk you are willing to take. And how do you secure them in your motel room? 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). My plans are Mexico City for 2 days than a bus to Taxco, MX, as Taxco was the main reason to return to purchase and photograph this small quaint town filled with churches. They want to go fishing. It is no different than you being in your own hometown and crime is restricted to certain areas. 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. I may have to cancel this part of my trip. Should I be concerned? Of course. Does Mexico have a bad reputation? On another important note you complain about the border, illegal immigration and so called unwanted immigrants from Mexico? No need to be concerned. I will be traveling to Acapulco in July with my husband and four kids ages 12,10,3,2. I doubt that will happen because you are with your kiddos and mom. Keep your valuables locked up when you leave the hotel. 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 honestly believe they wanted to sell me to human traffickers. [ 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? I ask why is that? Love it. The quick answer: Yes! Rome is notorious for criminal activity but it does not receive the same fear as other destinations. Is Tulum better than Cancun? Staying at the resort and not leaving was the only time we felt safe and were able to relax in many trips to Mexico. 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. Thats one place we have not considered and Ive already begun my research. [], [] you afraid that travelisnt safe? I will be traveling to Piedras Negras at the end of this month. Cheap sometimes dangerous alcohol filled into brand name bottles so they can cheat you that way also. Crime rates in Baja California - Numbeo. 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. You should also not drink tap water in Tulum. as I stated in the article I felt more unsafe in Rome than I did in Mexico. I stay out of areas that are dangerous. I dont blame you for leaving a bad review because what if things had turned out differently. All Americans are targets. lol, no great loss Jeff. If you really look at most of the problems involving tourists alcohol or very bad decision making is involved. When was the last time you visited Mexico or are you just saying avoid Mexico because the media tells to you avoid Mexico? why are you walking? There is police protecting visitors.