Is Mexico too dangerous?
Tuesday April 8, 2008
I do know that tourists are often targeted for crime (in Mexico and elsewhere), but there are some fairly simple steps you can take to avoid being a victim. Click through for some suggestions:
What do you think? Would you travel to Mexico, or is it just too dangerous? Please answer our poll and if you have anything else to add, click on "Comments" below.
Comments
I have a destiny-like magnetism toward Mexico, but I think the country is very dangerous.(kidnapping, drug runners, marxists who hate all Americans, other violent crime) I don’t recommend my friends to go unless they must.—-Paul
I have traveled in Mexico many times and never felt threatened. I do tend to visit areas of interest rather than tourist areas where most of my time will be spent with other tourists. I leave my expensive jewelry at home and only have a drink or two.
I feel much more at risk in many major cities of the world where there is kidnapping, drug runners, and hate mongers of all varieties. I feel much safer in Mexico. Ann
My husband and I entered Mexico after a disasterous flight, ending up in the wrong city with no luggage and four hours away from our destination. We decided to take a taxi from the airport and ended up in San Miquel at 4:00 in the morning. All our information was in the luggage that was missing, so we had no contact info. All our cash was on us. The people on the street were fabulous, very helpful and concerned for our welfare - and very few even spoke English. WIthin two hours, we were in the home we rented because the residents made every effort to get us there. Mexico is as safe as any other country. It is up to the traveller to stay out of places that are troublesome and stay away from crowds that attract trouble.
Mexico is more dangerous than it has been in the past. That said, it is just like the US in that there are places you never go, other places that you only go in daylight, and places where it is safe at all times. Use your head, ask locals about safety issues/concerns and have a wonderful time.
Is there violence in Mexico? Yes. Could you be a victim of crime in Mexico? Yes. However there is also violence anywhere you travel and the United States does not have a good record in that regard either. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is much higher north of the border than visiting our Mexican friends south of the border. As an example, the State Department issued a travel alert because 16 tourists were victims of violent crime in northern Baja where 60 million come to visit each year. In the same time period 26 tourists were victims of violent crime in California State Parks. So where is the travel alert for California??? Tijuana is portrayed as a dangerous and violent city yet there are many cities in the USA like Los Angeles, New Orleans, Chicago, Philadelphia and Baltimore where you are much more likely to be a victim of violent crime or even killed. I don’t hear anyone in the media warning travelers to any of those or other cities where tourists are attacked on a daily basis. The media has chosen to portray Mexico as a very dangerous and violent place by replaying over and over the pictures and videos of isolated events. Imagine if the media in other foreign countries were to replay over and over the videos of the multiple high school and university shootings and of police beating helpless subjects from events that had happened in the USA over time? We would see a big reduction in foreign tourism to the USA if that happened. Don’t just listen to the yellow journalism in the USA - talk to Gringos who actually travel to Mexico and the thousands who make Mexico their home today. Mexico offers a great climate, lower cost of living and ability to enjoy living in an ocean front community - a luxury out of reach by most in the USA. We need fair and biased reporting by the news media.
Thank you all for your comments. Linda’s experience is on a par with what most people have told me and my own experiences here in Mexico. I do agree that it’s important to take precautions and avoid some areas that are more prone to crime. But I think that in Mexico, as in most of the world, there are more people who want to help you than harm you.
I have been to Mexico many many times and often travelled alone. I have never ever had a bad experience with anyone. On the contrary, I have found the Mexican people to be extremely helpful and kind. I am sure Mexico,like any country has it’s share of crime but I have never seen any. However, I am also careful as I am in any Country, including my own. Go, Enjoy, have fun!
Bravo for Ron’s comment!!
I’m 3rd generation Mexican-American and when I was a teen I always heard how dangerous Mexico is so I never wanted to visit. When I turned 20 I went for the first time and quickly became addicted to Mexico. I’m 29 now and I go Mexico at least 3 times a year. Crime is everywhere it’s a global issue and I find it humorous how many Americans think that this side of the lawn is much better. I live in S.F. and at least 3 times a week I read about shootings in Oakland. I always hear stories about how their perceptions change once they visit the country. Another thing, everyone thinks I look Indian or Middle-Eastern and I have walked countless of times in Mexico City and I never felt unsafe. The beaches are great but DON’T overlook the rest: Guanajuato, Morelia, Queretaro, Guadalajara..I can so much more.