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. I can still cancel the trip but prefer not to. I have to imagine dirty cops would take us to a dirty police station. As a tourist, you're most likely to come across petty crimes like theft. In short, dont go looking for trouble and the probability is very high you wont find it. 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. I am so sorry for your loss and I know how that feels because I lost my brother 5 years ago next week. ?Please advice. There is far more crime in countries where the majority of citizens are black or brown. Thats one place we have not considered and Ive already begun my research. 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. 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. advising tourists to stay away from those places? We have a time share in cabo, been going to Mexico for years. Though it is a very different experience. I wonder why only black and brown countries are considered dangerous. The state department has mexico ranked as a level 2 the same as Antarctica!! 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. Is the State Dept. The quick answer: Yes! The high prices you pay dont trickle down to make the lives of the lowly workers better. 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. We leave for Mexico in 2 weeks, and with the latest on Venezula, should we cancel? On Monday, taxi drivers blocked Kukulcn Boulevard one of the main roads to the hotel district in Cancun forcing some passengers to walk or even get police escorts. I agree, after this crap statement they lost all credibility. 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). 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. "Puerto Peasco is a safe place as long as. If you're . are you just going off of the media? I read through the article and then the comments. Some areas have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. Can you please reference your opinion! 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. To drive in Mexico you need a valid Australian driver's licence. Any ideas? Absolutely they are. 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 just skimmed through the preachy bits in Jane Eyre and little women or I would have still been reading the latter. But very little of it notes that Mexico is a HUGE country with thirty-one states (+ plus the Distrito Federal). Firstly, is it safe to travel via ADO buses across the Yucatan? we are a group of seniors and nervous to begin with . Comparisons to American cities are ridiculous, for example Chicagos murder rate is far lower than PDC, and most people dont pay thousands of dollars to vacation in Chicago. THat is not the case. I feel like just staying at the resort and Evan so , question our safety . You might need to look through a different lens writer and honestly consider that race may be irrelevant with this??? Cancun is our destination of choice, but Tulum is also worth visiting. 4,800 pesos and jail until we saw a judge or we could pay them 3,000 pesos right there to take care of it. 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. Why cant you be truthful in dealing with beautiful and leave politics and fake news to the real media. 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. I am not a paid promoter of the Mexican Tourism board and they actually are not even aware of my article. And I had a number of them, set up by day, so they werent in their original bottles. While Cabo is relatively safe some areas of Mexico pose an increased risk to travelers, so before you startpacking for Mexico keep reading to make sure Mexico is safe. Hi Sonia- are you renting a car to go to the beach? If the answer is no then you should not be concerned is it safe to travel to Mexico? Only thing I found was people were not that friendly, other than that we had a great time. Meanwhile, us happy, abundant, lovin-life, readers will enjoy our southern neighbor and all its colorful radiant culture, cuisine, delicious views and history. Your I am better than tone tells me exactly why you feel the way you do. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. YES! If you are stopped for a traffic violation in Mexico. Mexico is statistically much safer than the United States. More than 30,000 kills a year. Are you regurgitating what the media wants you to believe or have you had first hand experience with crime in Mexico. 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. BEWARE!!! Hi-Webare traveling to Cancun to stay at GR SOLARIS for and all inclusive visit . The level of risk is higher in Mexico, period. 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. On another important note you complain about the border, illegal immigration and so called unwanted immigrants from Mexico? See Entry requirements. In fact the police chief in Cancun area was recently beheaded by one cartel for taking sides with another. 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? Keep a cool head, be . 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. But here in Los Angeles its the areas that are predominantly Mexican that are the dangerous areas. 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. I also took my medication with me and not one person suggested it was something illegal or even looked my way. Estonia, a Baltic republic, a key state along NATO's eastern flank bordering Russia, and one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine, heads to the polls this weekend. I am going back in April myself. Yes and no. Would like to do the same this trip. My brother was murdered there 11/9/18. 4) What are road conditions like in Baja, Mexico? Ask Tyler Meyers family what they think of Mexico. Had to give them all the cashll in my pocket and truck in order not to be taken to jail. 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. you cant trust the American press. 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. Tomiko, obviously you are a paid promoter of mexican tourism. I honestly believe they wanted to sell me to human traffickers. 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. I will help anyway I can to help relieve your fears. : One of the most popular methods to extort money and protect cartel turf is through carjacks or roadblock ambushes. Cancun isnt located on the U.S. State Department do not travel list I suggest travelers continue to be on high alert. If you are traveling between cities or other rural areas, stick to the daytime. I went many years ago and drove to Chichen Itcha, Tulum and Xcaret. 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. And Puerto Vallarta is gazillions times safer than any large city in the United States. if your family loves seafood you can have lobster prepared every way imaginable! But my mother wants us to visit her grandma and she lives in the edges or Acapulco. No matter where you look but as fall break approaches, visitors are asking if Los Cabo is safe for a girls trip. So if you're a U.S. citizen with a driving license, you're allowed to drive in Mexico with your driver's license. 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. Its people still live from the commerce and manufacture of objects that the precious metal allows; the baroque constructions raised during the mining boom of the Colony are still preserved. Drug violence remains a serious problem in the country, and it's best to stay up to date on local news. Thank you ! Travel Insurance is important no matter where you are traveling because accidents happen and you should always travel with insurance. The basics. There are driving restrictions in Mexico City. You should get to one of the dedicated agencies to facilitate the process of getting Mexican car insurance. So happy I stumble upon this useful site! Screw you million times screw you infinity dont come here if youre going to criticize us, stay away!!! I dont suggest walking anywhere maybe catch a bus or hire a driver. 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. [Updated December 2020], Is Cancun Safe For Travel? is all about. I would not put my life in danger and travel to a country where I could be killed. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is to reach the mountains of Mexicali and the end of the peninsula to vacation spots such as Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos. Trump also espouses that you cant trust the American press. Any advice? 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. 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. While this may happen occasionally this is not the Denzel Washington movie Man on Fire. You do not need a vehicle permit (Temporary Importation Permit, or T.I.P.) Im looking to visit Manzanillo. 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.. Is it safe to travel to Guadalajara Mexico? The same police wouldnt doubt in kidnapping a Mexican, but never a tourist. you lost all credibility as well for not doing your research and listening to one side. There are a number of precautions that need to be observed but Guadalajara is an amazing tourist destination. 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. I am not familiar with Grand Moon Palace. 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. We had no problems. OK, we love Arizona. Learn local road safety and driving laws before driving. Is this a trip I should be stressing this much about Ive seen the Taken movies lol. 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. According to Numbeo.com, Baja California is moderately safe. Thanks so much for the comment, Im traveling next month and Im worried and have high anxiety because of my two kids. Hi Nancy. Visiting the the ruins is must! How safe will we be? Do as Tomiko suggests and you should do just fine. It so refreshing to have someone comment that is not from #45 Base. Rome is one of the safest cities in Europe. Acapulco is the most famous Destination of Mexico with International level, thanks to the natural beauty environment, golden sand, tropical weather, warm sea water and its people. 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. Hello Tomiko, If you stay out of bad areas and dont go looking for trouble you wont find any. I would be careful and make sure you are aware of your surrounding. In the last few months, a Senior Police Officer and a Taxi driver were both murdered by drug cartels. Excellent, informative article Tomiko. 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. 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? you must have misunderstood my article because I am quite clear that my experience with Mexico has been nothing but safe and wonderful. Hey Bruce- I suggest getting a written note from your doctor and do not pull the label off. I dont blame you for leaving a bad review because what if things had turned out differently. Dishonest timeshare salespeople everywhere posing as your tour operator or just straight up lying which is constant from the time you arrive at the airport. 4 of us including 2 children 9 and 6. After all, no one wants to travel somewhere that isnt safe. Thousands of miles north of where it is. I am also going to Nayarit, is that safe?? Any tips on appreciated. 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. No place in Mexico, Latin America or the Caribbean is SAFE for gringos who are regarded fair game like deer hunting season ! This infuriated taxi drivers, who face higher costs because they are considered public transportation. 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. Can you please post the date and time and location of when president Trump said it is not safe to take a vacation in Mexico because of brown or black people. Yes, Guadalajara is safe for tourists. Get it? Only morons are still trying to race bait. Is this a place we need to clutch on tight to the little ones in broad daylight? I would not consider our trip to be "crazy" by any stretch of the imagination. . My 19 year old son and 2 friends are planning to go to Cozumel and stay at an air bnb by the cruise ship pier. And youre going to tell me Mexico is as safe as Antarctica? https://www.goatsontheroad.com/manzanillo-colima-travel-guide/. Use the same common sense you do anywhere else you will be fine. When my readers ask me is Mexico safe, my response is a resounding yes if you do not go looking for trouble! I have explored off of the resort and I have never experienced anything but love from the people of Mexico. I ask why is that? Ask for a hotel concierge: The hotel staff will be able to provide full tips about where to eat and what attractions you must see. Contrary to this article and any liberal crap youre hearing. When Driving, Stick to Main Roads, and Daytime Travel. #pathetic. Violent crimesuch as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robberyis widespread and common in Mexico, warns the State Department. Tomiko, Mexico in these areas are now up to a Level 4. We did that cruise last year and felt safe. We would be driving from the Tuscon area using a rental car. If you dont go looking for trouble you wont find trouble. Some sources claim that the local government is suppressing the extent of the violence in an attempt to protect the tourist industry. But beyond that it is very safe. It is not safe, dont go if you dont need to. Its generally safe to drive in Mexico, but I suggest parking your car at night and dont stay out too late. Remember, these warnings go into effect because of a spike in criminal activity but these warnings are not for the entire country. We really want to go but have been warned that it may not be completely safe. In fact, over 30 million people visited Cancun in 2022 - and the vast majority of them come and go completely unscathed.