1 . When my readers ask me is Mexico safe, my response is a resounding yes! Any stories of cops pulling people over for bribes are either rumors or about 20 years old. The U.S. recommends against travel to 16 states due to crime. As mentioned above, Los Cabos is currently the deadliest city in Mexico. Mexico has seen an exponential increase in travel warnings due to everything from violence and crime to corruption, many of which are targeted towards tourists. Their advisories include concerns such as cartel activity, Covid-19, contaminated water, and natural disasters. When it comes to International Driver's License, Mexico is not that strict as long as your license is in Spanish or English. Avoid traveling around Baja at night to increase your safety. Again, you will not be asked to prove insurance coverage upon entering Baja California. From Tucson, head south on Interstate 19 to Nogales, Arizona. In 2021 alone, more than 50,000 calls were placed to poison control centers in the United States about melatonin ingestion by . LBGTQ+ traveler safety. Not everyone wants to live on the beach. There are three main routes through Mexico, one is along the Atlantic Coast (actually the Gulf of Mexico). It's considered an incredibly safe road. The U.S. recommends against travel to 16 states due to crime. The most important thing to remember when traveling to Mexico is that for the most part, Mexico is safe if you follow simple rules of behavior. The journey from Ajijic to Austin is approximately 950 miles and we did it in 2 and 3 days. Click on the link to get a quote. This can be a dangerous situation. Cancun saw a drop in visits from international travelers . Your regular insurance stops at the border. Driving Directions - from Phoenix and Tucson to San Carlos, Mexico: Take the I-10 east to Tucson, Arizona. New Mexico. Although some places are off-limits, there are a number of areas that are still safe and worth visiting. There are 2 reasons why you don't drive at night: Cattle on the road. Likely, this will not include your insurance policy from back home. If you want to drive to Cabo, the land border is open but don't forget to buy your Mexico car insurance! Backpacking Mexico can be tricky since most of the bordering regions with other countries have a difficult reputation. Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort city along the Yucatan Peninsula and is known for beautiful beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Just don't speed through Sonoita, Mexico or you chance a ticket. A website compared crime statistics between Mexico and the United States and found Mexico to be less dangerous in many statistical categories. Your security on the road depends on many factors. But if you want to spend all your time in 1-2 places in an established RV park there are plenty of those throughout the peninsula. It's is a stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico's northeastern Yucatn Peninsula. If you stay on I-19 until the border, you will have to go through down-town Nogales. There are no restrictions for traveling to Cabo right now. The land border between Mexico and the United States has been reopened to nonessential travel since November 8, 2021. . In fact, the U.S. officially reopened all border crossings between the U.S. and Mexico in November 2021. Set up cell service in Mexico through your U.S. carrier before you go. Most US insurance companies ARE NOT recognized in Mexico. Drive the Speed Limit. There is a second border crossing option that is often quicker and easier (especially if . It makes the police in Playa del Carmen susceptible to corruption. Travel In 2022.". The distance from Phoenix or Tucson is about 220 miles (350 km). There's three toll stops on the 60 mile route to Ensenada, totaling 107 pesos or a little under $6 (they accept either pesos or US dollars). Highways 57/40/85 from central Mexico are heavily traveled, and quite safe. The towns along the way are relatively safe. North Dakota. The main driving point of crime is a large number of drug cartels moving into the city. Driving in Mexico is generally considered safe, and renting a car in Mexico is a simple, hassle-free process. They should also be prepared to verbally state their reason for travel and vaccination status while boarding. You are right h. The third is by the way of the Pacific Coast. That said: Prices for renting a car increased enormously and more importantly rental cars are always sold out. Taking acetaminophen or paracetamol (Tylenol) can be effective for mild altitude sickness if it occurs. This means that this municipality has the largest per capita murder rates in the world. Isabella. Many toll roads and roads in urban centres are of a high quality, but marginalized areas may not have the best roads which can cause accidents and delays. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, with the exception of daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D. In 2017, the murder rate per 100,000 people was 365. It really is just like going anywhere in the US. Do not try to do this one day as you will never drive at night. Driving restrictions in Mexico City. Be extra-vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Driving Your American Registered Vehicle in Mexico requires you to purchase Mexican driving insurance because US car insurance is not valid here. Of course, there is crime which most of it stems from cartel related incidents. To have a safe summer in Mexico, the specialist made four recommendations to travelers: Biosafety protocols: Verify that the destination has official security certifications. Puerto Penasco's weather is usually about 10 degrees cooler than Phoenix but with some humidity. The surrounding desert and remoteness can make rescue difficult if you get stranded. If you are going from Condesa to Roma, it will probably cost about 40 pesos or just over $2. Driving your own car is the most inexpensive way to get to Puerto Penasco. Whether you're a solo female traveler, a family with young kids, or a group of friends.this post will give you an idea of the safety of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Lots of people are coming to Mexico and staying long term and many Americans pick Mexico as well, as they have nowhere else to go. In 2021, speed was the main contributing factor in 163,756 traffic crashes in Texas, resulting in 6,493 serious injuries and 1,532 fatalities. Whether or not driving is safe in Mexico will depend a lot on where you are going. As of November 8, 2021, land travel between Mexico and the United States has resumed. Here is a list of Tulum scams, safety concerns, and issues that happened to us and others in Tulum in 2021: Tulum Police Extortion on Scooter/Motos/Cars It's great having a scooter in Tulum, or 'moto' as they call them here. In fact there are elections for Governor and majors and this will increase the risk. Visas - Legally entering Merida (and Mexico, in general) is fairly easy: all nationals receive a traveler's permit upon entering Mexico, and it costs 15 USD, while there are still some countries do need to acquire a visa. But between San Luis Potosi and Saltillo, the only decent hotels to be found are in Matehuala. Stick to the main highways. Here are 15 places in Mexico that travelers should avoid, and 5 that are super safe! You might . Watch your speed, not only in Sonoyta, but also in small towns near the border like Ajo and Why. The State Department official speaking on background added these tips, from the page on travel.state.gov that has safety recommendations on travel to Mexico: Use toll roads and avoid driving at night. For more travel advisory info about Mexico travel during Covid, head here. The fears we have of Mexico are not accurate. Lake Chapala has an enviably near-perfect climatespring-like almost all yearand a large, diverse expat community. Coming in at #43 on the world's 50 most dangerous cities list, Mazatlan does have its fair share of problems. To have a safe summer in Mexico, the specialist made four recommendations to travelers: Biosafety protocols: Verify that the destination has official security certifications. Currently, Yucatan (where Merida is located) is at green. In fact, the U.S. officially reopened all border crossings between the U.S. and Mexico in November 2021. Non-citizen passengers should have their proof of vaccination ready. The speed limit changes depending on where you are driving in Mexico (duh)! Merida, Mexico travel restrictions require masks on public transit and indoors unless eating. In major highways inside cities, 90 to 100 km/hr is the usual speed limit. November 3 - U.S.-Mexican borders to reopen on November 8 19 months into the pandemic and the U.S. is finally reopening the border with Mexico for vaccinated tourists. Also make sure that the lodging, transportation, attractions and services have health and safety measures before hiring or booking. GETTING THERE BY CAR. 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. Buy it. Election day is in June 5th. In general, if you're not taking part in illegal activities you don't have anything to worry about. The second is through central Mexico and Mexico City. This is important as Mexico is a huge and beautiful country where you can be miles from everything. There is a new City Express on the highway by Monterrey, otherwise there are no hotels between Monterrey and the border. For the sake of convenience, just pick your Mexico car rental up at the airport when you fly in. The longer we were in Baja the more and more we liked it and really enjoyed all of the people and the beautiful scenery that they have here. MEXICAN LAW REQUIRES AN INSURANCE POLICY VALID IN MEXICO FOR AUTOMOBILES BROUGHT IN BY FOREIGN TOURISTS. #sanmiguel #sanmigueldeallende #mexico #travelsafety Do not try to do this one day as you will never drive at night. However, avoid getting involved with the wrong people and . Altitude sickness is generally only a risk above 2500 m (8000 ft). It's cheaper to rent or buy your own scooter here, especially if you will be around long term, as taxis are expensive. There are driving restrictions in Mexico City. Take caution when out at night and avoid withdrawing cash from an ATM. According to data from Statista, 21.73 million Americans traveled to Mexico in 2020 amid the pandemic, compared to 39.94 million in 2019. In general, Baja, Mexico is a safe state. See the updated Mexico map here. A few tips I stick to when driving in Mexico are to avoid driving at night. Last year, more than 34,000 people nationwide died violently, most at the hands of organized crime. There are no restrictions for traveling to Cabo right now. While the U.S. State Department does not have a Tulum-specific advisory, the advisory for Quintana Roo encourages travelers to . Once n But so do cities in the United States like St. Louis, Detroit, and New Orleans - which all rank higher than Mazatlan on the same list. Good news is if you want to get away with something as you can often pay a little propina (tip) and your problems will disappear. All states in Mexico are in green. The car insurance you carry in the states is useless on the other side of the border. Isla Espiritu Santo by Constanza (CC BY) However, Baja California as a region is quite safe as compared to the rest of Mexico. Omicron (COVID-19) Mexico Travel Restrictions: The highest town along the Chepe route in the Copper Canyon is around 2350 m (7700 ft) so the risk is very low. The latest warning says an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence since December 2006 in Mexico. Tijuana prides itself on being an "anything goes" city but, despite its twin streaks of Catholic conservatism and machismo culture, Mexico, in toto, has got behind LGBTQ+ rights. As you get closer to towns and cities, the speed limit usually becomes 100 km/hr (62 mph). I've had expensive experiences with renting a car in Mexico in that I always end up paying in the range of $45 to $50 USD a DAY (2020-2021, with full insurance included). Make sure . Planning the route. I would not consider our trip to be "crazy" by any stretch of the imagination. This free eBook is a comprehensive guide that helps you to plan and prepare for safe and enjoyable driving and road trips in Mexico Learning to Live Well During Mexico's Rainy Season Learn about the charms and living with the challenges of Mexico's rainy season that brings refreshment, color, vibrancy and new life to the landscape When backpacking down to the end of the Baja Peninsula, this is pretty much the best route to take. If pulled over by Police, have them take you to the judge, don't take a bribe (mordida). If you have had a bit of a rowdy night at a bar, don't walk back to your accommodation, grab a taxi instead. At the border of the United States and Mexico, you'll drive through one of several lanes, the number of which depends on how much traffic the border crossing handles. (There were 21,570 homicides . Drive Smart." campaign is urgently reminding motorists to slow down and drive a safe speed. The temperature is most ideal then. For context, this is considerably safer than the American cities of New York (50.35) and Los Angeles (55.70). Answer (1 of 7): As a general rule, dont drive after 6 pm, because there are risks doing so, be aware and dont wear jewels or have more than 500 usd on cash. The view at the seaside restaurants. Planning the route. Plus, 34% of those deaths involved speed. In reality, Mexico is as safe as the United States. The most common crimes committed throughout Baja, Mexico are drug trafficking, corruption, and bribery. But bad news if a crime happens to you. After all, Mazatlan is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world for a reason. Historic Cities. Generally speaking, La Paz is one of Mexico's safer destinations. 4. Driving in Mexico, in general, is perfectly safe and like I mentioned above, is one of the best ways to see the country. Last year, more than 34,000 people nationwide died violently, most at the hands of organized crime. 3. But just like Mexico's safety, the city isn't considered the super safe. If you are traveling between cities or other rural areas, stick to the daytime. That is why TxDOT's "Be Safe. The change for Mexico warnings is a result of the State Department moving away from Covid-19 concerns, which is also the focus of warnings from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Traffic lights hanging above the lanes will then direct traffic into the country or into the inspection area. "San Miguel de Allende has been very smart about reopening in a way that is safe for both tourists and . So if you're a U.S. citizen with a driving license, you're allowed to drive in Mexico with your driver's license. The city center of the Mexican capital is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with a cathedral, palace and the largest square in the Americas - the Zocalo. Your really just have to be mindful and have some common sense, if something doesn't feel right, your gut instinct is usually right! The journey from Ajijic to Austin is approximately 950 miles and we did it in 2 and 3 days. The Mexico City Command and Control Centre (Centro de . You have to be careful and be aware of your surroundings and be smart. "The Department of State's goal is that U.S. citizens planning travel to Mexico focus on the particular area of Mexico to which they will be . Driving in Mexico, in general, is perfectly safe and like I mentioned above, is one of the best ways to see the country. Many of the roads in Mexico are one lane each side, so passing is importantespecially when you're behind a truck. From Tucson: Take Arizona Highway 86, aka Ajo Highway, for about 118 miles until you get to the tiny town of Why, Arizona. Driving and transport; . And it's not just New Mexico: globally, 77 percent of countries experienced an . Get Mexican car insurance! The safest way to get to Todos Santos is to fly . since the beginning of 2021, there have been several clashes between rival . October's average high is 88 and low is 63. At least, we can't send you there outright without mentioning some reasons for concern. , 2016. It's preferable however to carry one while driving in the country to coordinate easier with authorities. The intentional homicide rate of Guanajuato was the highest in Mexico in 2019, with a total of 4,494 deaths. There is more traffic on the road during this time and should . Expect spectacular views when camping at Bahia de los Angeles. 49. Forbes Magazine interviewed an FBI agent who worked in Mexico, and he said the country is safe if you use common sense. If you are traveling between cities or other rural areas, stick to the daytime. Steer clear of isolated roads. For more travel advisory info about Mexico travel during Covid, head here. You are guilty until proven innocent and you could end up in jail. The #1 question I've been asked since visiting this charming city. Aside from dangerous areas along the U.S. border and other regions where cartels operate, Mexico is safe and I firmly believe it is safe to travel to Mexico including Cabo San Lucas.