Is it dangerous to travel to Mexico?
Mexico is a beautiful country with millions of tourists coming every year to enjoy its sun, its white sand beaches and its incredible culture! Of course, as in every place in the world there are some dangers. Is it really safe to travel to Mexico? What are the cities to avoid? Are there dangerous animals? How to face a natural disaster?
In spite of all these questions and what we hear about Mexico, you can travel here serenely without much fear.
Is it safe to go to Mexico?
Mexicans are very warm and welcoming people. As everywhere you will find some bad people. There are a lot of narcos in Mexico, but this does not concern tourists. The country lives on tourism and makes sure that foreigners are not in danger.
There is also crime, as you can see in the news, but there is no more crime than elsewhere or in any other country.
The police are very present in the country, and despite possible corruption in some places, you can feel safe.
There are some important safety rules to know when traveling, whether in Mexico or in another country:
– Avoid going out alone on a quiet, dark street at night.
– Do not withdraw money at night. When you withdraw money, be careful around you.
– Avoid carrying expensive jewelry.
– Do not take your passport with you. Keep a copy of your documents on you only.
– Put your identity papers and money in a safe.
– Don’t fight an abuser and give them what they want.
– Take out insurance before you leave. We can help you with that, feel free to contact us.
Where does it suck in Mexico?
Some places and cities are more susceptible to crime, vandalism and poverty. The security situation in the states of Michoacan, Guerrero, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas is poor. These are not very touristy cities, but in general in the touristy cities there are not too many risks.
Is Mexico City, the capital of Mexico to be feared?
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, and like all big cities, there are some neighborhoods that are worth visiting and others that are not.
If you want to stay in Mexico City, we advise you to go to the tourist areas of the capital: Coyoacan, Condesa and Roma. There is a lot to discover about the city there, about the culture and the neighborhoods are safe.
On the other hand, the most dangerous areas of Mexico City should be avoided: Tepito, La Lagunilla, Doctores and Mercado Merced.
In the capital of Mexico, avoid going out at night after 10 pm. If necessary, ask locals for help on where to go or not, they will help you without any problem.
Also at night, avoid public transportation, take cabs and Uber.
A little tip to know is that in public transportation the first two cars of subways and buses are reserved for women. Beware of pickpockets on public transportation.
The Yucatán Peninsula
It is the most visited place in Mexico and attracts the most tourists with its dreamy landscapes and its culture. A region also very festive. The army and the police are very present to secure the tourists.
In this state, it is advisable to be careful with the security rules mentioned above. Cities like Playa Del Carmen, Cancun and Tulum are very festive and animated during the day and night. They are therefore quite safe.
For more information on what to do in the Yucatan Peninsula, click here.
Is the Oaxaca region dangerous?
Oaxaca is a very touristy and safe region in Mexico. The security level is similar to that of the Yucatan Peninsula, with a strong military and police presence, but always be careful with the security rules when traveling.
The most dangerous time of the year in this region is the rainy season with occasional hurricanes and storms.
The city of Oaxaca is less affected by this weather problem. It is located inland and is naturally protected by the mountains that surround it.
On the other hand, the region of Oaxaca is located on a seismic plate and therefore it is very frequent to have earthquakes. They are very often of low intensity and the inhabitants of the region are used to them.
If you experience an earthquake during your vacation, the best thing to do is to get down as much as possible and protect your neck and head with your hands. It will be important to keep away from glass surfaces, furniture or objects that could hit you. In a house, the best thing to do is to go to small rooms such as the toilet or the bathroom, and above all not to try to get out of them, even less to go on a balcony.
Chiapas
Chiapas is a region located inland. A tourist area known for its beautiful landscapes and traditions, but much less popular than the Yucatan Peninsula and Oaxaca.
In the past, Chiapas was known for having a lot of tension with the government, but nowadays a little less. Sometimes there are still demonstrations or “fake roadblocks” on the roads, such as Highway 199 between San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque. If this should happen to you, even if it remains rare nowadays, you will just have to pay the amount requested which is often not excessive to pass.
Be careful with the road and driving at night, it is a region where there are many animals and speed bumps that are not always marked.
Are there any scams in Mexico?
As everywhere in the world, it is possible to be confronted with scams. Here are some tips to avoid being scammed whether at the airport, in public transportation, when renting a car, making a payment, in restaurants…
Airports
This is the favorite place for scammers! Straight off the plane when you don’t know the country you can be a target.
Be careful with your luggage, give your passport only at the customs and don’t buy a bus ticket, a cab or a car rental from just anyone. Make sure they are licensed people.
Buses
Buy your tickets only at official ticket offices or from staff. Tipping the baggage handler is optional, and they cannot force you to give money. Do not let anyone else take your luggage.
Taxis
A valuable tip is to ask for the cab fare before you get in!
Don’t get upset in the cab with the driver. It is recommended to pay in cash.
If you are going to take a cab on the street, take note of the cab number just in case, and if possible, check the driver’s identification which should be in a visible place to make sure that it is the right person who is carrying you.
Publics transportation
The main scam is pickpockets, especially in the subway.
Close your bag and hold it in front of you. Avoid taking out your phone and leaving it in sight.
If you are a woman, you can take the first metro cars that are exclusively for women.
Car rental
The most common scams when renting a car are when you fill up at the gas station. They may charge you more than the amount shown on the meter, especially in tourist areas. Always check the meter at the gas pump and show the attendant that you are paying attention.
Also, it is possible to get very attractive rates online for renting your car beforehand, while on the spot, surprise, you are asked to pay almost double for a supposedly mandatory insurance. In general, always check the opinions of agencies or rental companies before confirming your reservation. It can be interesting to rent a car between individuals with a contract.
Routes
It is sometimes possible to have illegal roadblocks or fake tolls. This is rare, but to avoid paying, either turn around when possible or take another route. If you can’t change your route, it is recommended to have two wallets with one less than the other to “pay” a small amount, especially in case of unexpected control. Speaking French and pretending not to understand anything can also help them lose patience and let you go without any problems.
The driving style in Mexico is very different from other countries. Many drivers do not follow traffic laws and often drive at excessive speeds. You must be careful and alert.
It is common to see cars stopped in acceleration lanes waiting for no more cars to enter the lane.
Similarly, the normal acceleration lane for passing in a two-lane system can quickly become a slow lane for cars wanting to make a U-turn or left turn. Pay attention to your safety distance to slow down if necessary.
There are many speed bumps in some cities that are not marked or are marked at the last minute. Also, priorities on traffic circles are not always respected. Be careful.
Payment by credit card
It is possible to be swindled when paying in a store, restaurant, bar, nightclub or other place. They may charge you more than you expect on the final bill, but they may also charge you several times, making you believe that your card is not working.
Be careful not to give your card to pay without keeping it on sight, to avoid them getting your banking information.
In general, be vigilant, especially in airports, bus stations, on buses and in the subway.
Are there dangerous animals in Mexico?
Mexico is a country rich in wildlife with many animals. Most of the animals found in Mexico are not aggressive and will be more afraid of you than anything else.
The two most dangerous animals, which are very rare, are the jaguar and the crocodile. You can imagine that you will not see these animals on a beach under coconut trees. They are fearful animals, they will leave if you see them.
The jaguar flees from human presence and is becoming increasingly rare in Mexico. They are found in the jungle of Mexico, it is possible to see them early in the morning on the road but not in tourist areas. The jaguar is an iconic animal in Chichen Itza, it is represented a lot on the site of the pyramids.
As for the crocodiles, it is possible to certainly cross them in Cancun, they live in the lagoons and rivers. There is even a restaurant in Cancun with a view of the crocodiles. You can see them in Sian Ka’an on a boat trip.
But don’t worry, crocodiles rarely attack humans. Their diet consists mostly of fish, insects, turtles and other small animals.
How to react to a natural disaster in Mexico?
Like many countries, Mexico is subject to many natural disasters. Most of the time, we have the most natural disasters during the rainy season from May to September. This does not happen every day either, but it is good to know the precautions to take in case of earthquakes, hurricanes or tsunamis.
Earthquakes
Mexico occasionally has earthquakes in the Oaxaca, Mexico City and Guerrero areas.
While the shaking is happening, stay calm. Leave the establishment you are in. Move to an open area.
After the earthquake, check for injuries, the condition of your home, and the condition of the pipes (water, gas and electricity).
Earthquakes are very often unpredictable. Not all earthquakes are severe or strong, most are imperceptible.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes arrive on the Pacific or Caribbean side of Mexico. When a hurricane appears, there will be heavy rain and a lot of wind. Of course, the local authorities will inform you of what to do.
The hurricane seasons are between August and October, and are often predictable in advance. It is the rainy season during this period, the weather can be nice but with more chances of having rainy days.
During a hurricane, stay calm and reassure people who meet you. Stay informed and know the hurricane instructions. Turn off all appliances and the power switch. Stay away from doors and windows.
Tsunamis
Tsunamis are still very rare in Mexico but it is an event that can happen. There have been a few cases of tsunamis in the Guerrero region only.
During a tsunami, listen to the rules given to you by the local authorities.
To conclude on the safety in Mexico, don’t be afraid, you can come here on vacation and take your precautions as you would in any other country abroad. There is no real danger in Mexico for tourists, it is a very rich country in terms of culture, welcoming and to VISIT once in your life!
To know the formalities to travel in Mexico, click here.
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