BajaNomad - How safe is Mexico for tourists?

How safe is Mexico for tourists?

55steve - 1-20-2012 at 09:04 AM

Seems to be a realistic assessment to me.

I was thinking of making a trip to Huatulco but may change it to Costa Rica instead.

[Edited on 1-20-2012 by 55steve]

nbacc - 1-20-2012 at 09:10 AM

Depends on where you are at............just like when you are in New York City or Oakland

Safe enough to carry my $10K camera around all day

Ken Cooke - 1-20-2012 at 10:14 AM

Woooosh - 1-20-2012 at 10:20 AM

Screw the tourists at this point. seriously. How safe is Rosarito Beach today for the 12,000 of us ex-pats they invited and encouraged to move here? Sure, the tourist area is safe- but not where we actually live. The murder rate for Rosarito is up 70%, much higher than Tijuana. All this crime is in the residential neighborhoods where small cells of independent drug dealers fight it out for turf control (Mexican deportees and US gangs who can't sell their pot to the medical dispenseries any more). It is the least secure period I have ever witnessed in Rosarito Beach, much worse than the epic crime wave of a few years back, because this is destroying the neighborhoods and scaring the bejeezus out of everyone. Tourism is a luxury for Rosarito once the locals feel they can leave their house in safety to go to work. It's bad here right now. seriously bad. Even the police chief is scrambling to control it.

[Edited on 1-20-2012 by Woooosh]

Barrios of Tijuana??

Ken Cooke - 1-20-2012 at 10:22 AM

Good enough for me! :bounce:

Enjoy the REAL MEXICO right arcoss the border! :yes:

Nomad 'CG' at his home!

Mengano - 1-20-2012 at 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Safe enough to carry my $10K camera all day

But not quite safe enough for Micah's Toyota Van

[Edited on 1-20-2012 by Mengano]

Woooosh - 1-20-2012 at 10:44 AM

I feel bad for Micah. I was young once and had a '66 VW "surfari" bus I took for trips to Baja too. He did get out alive though.

bigzaggin - 1-20-2012 at 11:42 AM

Let me save someone some time here...

"I feel safer in Baja than I do in a big city in the U.S."

David K - 1-20-2012 at 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin
Let me save someone some time here...

"I feel safer in Baja than I do in a big city in the U.S."

x2! (or I would just rather be in Baja, no matter what!)

sancho - 1-20-2012 at 12:40 PM

To me, it is SOMEWHAT the same as in decades past,
I believe the chance of being robbed is of a elevated
level, but being robbed was always a factor. For physical
assualt I don't see an alarming increase, the Cartel
Violence seems to be aimed at eachother and the Mex
Army/Police. But I don't attempt to defend Mex as safe
anymore to people that ask

gallesram - 1-20-2012 at 01:00 PM

We just returned from a week in Acapulco; the real "war zone" according to the press. In fact, after Juarez, Acapulco was dubbed the second most dangerous city in Mexico. We have been going there for 20 years and for the first time, I was worried; have things changed so much that I'm just blind to it? Should we cancel our trip? And even if we go, will it be a ghost town with empty restaurants, lonely beaches and a military feel?

Man, how displaced my concerns were! The city was packed, the restaurants were packed, beaches were full; it was business as usual, without a doubt. The only difference: virtually no Americans or Canadians. It's basically middle-class and wealthy Mexicans on vacation. I was so mad at myself for falling prey to the overblown media reports; sort of like when I canceled a trip to Asia several years ago during the "SARS" scare. Never again!

Like Acapulco, you'll find trouble if you look for it anywhere in Mexico. Don't buy drugs, don't flash your belongings and don't be an obnoxious material American who is asking to be confronted. Oh, wait, that applies to any location in the world.

I have been reading these threads about violence for several months and have kept quiet (one of the lurkers). But after the experience in Acapulco last week, I had to say something. Granted, I'm a tourist, I don't live there, and I don't venture into areas where "locals go". That is probably a very different story. But then again, most people who travel to Mexico from the US are tourists.

SAFETY

captkw - 1-20-2012 at 01:00 PM

IM, here (bcs) and would,not, trade this time,with such awsome folk's,weather,food and community for anything,,WHY,,What else ,beside's, one's heath,, is more important,than enjoying everday and community,,which,In my view,,is pretty much gone in the usa,,THAT SAID,,,there are place's in mex and the us,,I dont think would,, be wise to spend the night,,,But MOST of baja is very,very,very safe and anyone who think's otherwise,,is fine to do so,,but,dont bring that crap here !! most,all problems,,is the within the 75 mile border Zone,,,Where,,when,,, I drive thur with my kodiak bear custume on !!"" Kill um with kindness,,,,,or keep um ,confused"" LOL,,,,,, K&T :cool:

My kids wonder freely on the Cortez side

mcfez - 1-20-2012 at 02:59 PM

News flash: crime can happen anywhere, from the parking lot at Disney's Magic Kingdom to the gritty streets of Buenos Aires. But for the most part, if you exercise the slightest amount of common sense, you will be able to avoid 99% of all the problems you are likely to encounter.

J.P. - 1-20-2012 at 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Safe enough to carry my $10K camera all day

Buy not quite safe enough for Micah's Toyota Van

They may have saved his life by steling that thing that modle is fomous for burning on the roadside. :biggrin:

DENNIS - 1-20-2012 at 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

That's 10 G Pesos...for sure. Right Ken?? Even at that, you probably paid too much. Looks like a 700 dollar box.

mtgoat666 - 1-20-2012 at 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ridge
How safe is Mexico for tourists?

every beach i go to has sting rays! watch where you step, do the sting ray shuffle!

sun burns are hazardous to your health!

Ken Cooke - 1-20-2012 at 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

That's 10 G Pesos...for sure. Right Ken?? Even at that, you probably paid too much. Looks like a 700 dollar box.

I'm pulling everyones legs. This camera cost me $1,600.00 in 2005. And to think, I almost bought an HD model, but the advice I was given was that HD was too cumbersome for the computers (at the time).

Moral of the story, DON'T ASK FOR ADVICE. If it is given to you, DON'T TAKE IT.

Roberto - 1-20-2012 at 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
News flash: crime can happen anywhere, from the parking lot at Disney's Magic Kingdom to the gritty streets of Buenos Aires. But for the most part, if you exercise the slightest amount of common sense, you will be able to avoid 99% of all the problems you are likely to encounter.

Yeah, well, common sense is not that common.

Roberto - 1-20-2012 at 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

That's 10 G Pesos...for sure. Right Ken?? Even at that, you probably paid too much. Looks like a 700 dollar box.

Translation: You can get more functionality, in a smaller package for a third the price now. Close enough?

Ateo - 1-20-2012 at 06:51 PM

Is Mexico safe for tourists? Go find out for yourself.

805gregg - 1-20-2012 at 06:55 PM

There is no crime in Mexico, especially Baja, unless you are murdered then it doesn't matter, your dead.

mcfez - 1-20-2012 at 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto

Quote:

Yeah, well, common sense is not that common.

Perhaps not with you .....or a few others. 99.99% of us that come back from Baja ....are alive and happy to talk about it :-)

The Gull - 1-21-2012 at 10:36 AM

As long as the Old Road (free road) between Tijuana and Ensenada has potholes - Baja is not safe for tourists. :lol:

bigzaggin - 1-21-2012 at 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
News flash: crime can happen anywhere, from the parking lot at Disney's Magic Kingdom to the gritty streets of Buenos Aires.

"Gritty streets?" A bit off-topic, but BA is the Paris of South America. It has some crime I suppose, but it's hardly the archetype of a crime-infested 3rd world slum city. Lots of shiny cobblestone streets, leggy brunettes in pricey clothes and some of the best meats in the world. Very civil place. Your biggest danger is snobby 'tude from waiters and overpriced handbags.

Ateo - 1-21-2012 at 10:56 AM

Baja surf spots are super dangerous!!! Stay away for your safety. :lol:

mcfez - 1-21-2012 at 11:00 AM

Every town has gritty streets (back..off the main drag). But thanks for the attempt correction of my thoughts.

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
News flash: crime can happen anywhere, from the parking lot at Disney's Magic Kingdom to the gritty streets of Buenos Aires.

tripledigitken - 1-21-2012 at 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
News flash: crime can happen anywhere, from the parking lot at Disney's Magic Kingdom to the gritty streets of Buenos Aires.

At the risk of a highjack............

BA at the top of my bucket list. For BA lovers and film buffs checkout "Assignation Tango" with Robert Duvall and Ruben Blades!!!

bigzaggin - 1-21-2012 at 11:21 AM

Well, every parking lot is subject to crime, but you chose to use a Disney lot as your example? Why? I'm guessing because it represents all things pure & safe. Conversely, you used BA as your opposing example. Why? I'm guessing because you think it dangerous, or exemplary of somewhere dangerous.

Why am I having this conversation? Jesus am I bored. Does anyone know when the wind's gonna turn offshore? And enough with this rain already.

woody with a view - 1-21-2012 at 11:38 AM

wind wind will turn offshore TOMORROW, TOMORROW!!!

or not! :lol:

DENNIS - 1-21-2012 at 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Yeah, this rain sucks balls.

You gettin' rain up there, Frank? I guess it's heading our way. Maybe I still have time to wash my car.

DENNIS - 1-21-2012 at 11:53 AM

I don't have to wash the car. The mere mention of it brought the first wave of lluvia.
I guess I have to switch over to my rainy-day schedule. SALUD

mtgoat666 - 1-21-2012 at 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
News flash: crime can happen anywhere, from the parking lot at Disney's Magic Kingdom to the gritty streets of Buenos Aires.

there are many neighborhoods in BA that police won't even enter, neighborhoods controlled by gangs. a real civil place, eh. i think the baddest hood in paris is much preferable to the average slum in BA.

all cities have their wealthy enclaves that look pretty. all cities have their ghettos too.

mcfez - 1-21-2012 at 12:01 PM

http://www.wesh.com/r/13475958/detail.html

"anyone know when the wind's gonna turn offshore"?
Hopefully it blows your negative thoughts out of here!

No matter where anyone goes...any town...you'll find issues. Dont sum it all up that Baja is 100% horror...as your portrayed. Now....the weather:...stormy and you are cloudy.

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin
Well, every parking lot is subject to crime, but you chose to use a Disney lot as your example? Why? I'm guessing because it represents all things pure & safe. Conversely, you used BA as your opposing example. Why? I'm guessing because you think it dangerous, or exemplary of somewhere dangerous.

Why am I having this conversation? Jesus am I bored. Does anyone know when the wind's gonna turn offshore? And enough with this rain already.

[Edited on 1-21-2012 by mcfez]

23 HOMICIDIOS EN 19 DÍAS EN TIJUANA

Mengano - 1-21-2012 at 12:43 PM

La cifra oficial de homicidios dolosos en los primeros 19 días del 2012 llega ya a 23 .

http://tijuanapress.com/index.php?option=com_content&vie...

The official number of murders in the first 19 days of 2012 has reached 23 now.

Does anybody happen to know how many murders there were in Tijuana's sister city of San Diego in the first 19 days of 2102?

Anybody?
Anybody?

I hear it said that crime happens everywhere. That is true. The only problem with that statement is that in the real world, where real people make real decisions based upon the best information they can get, the issue is HOW MUCH crime happens in a particular place.

[Edited on 1-21-2012 by Mengano]

Mengano - 1-21-2012 at 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Here's a question for you, my armchair lover of stats, how many of those killed were dirtbag predators involved in nefarious activities or lifestyles?

Here's a question for you, body bag man. Why does it matter? Do you go through life making judgmental decisions on the relative worth of human beings? Are some people's lives worth more than others? When those "dirtbags" were born and cared for by their parents, do you think they wanted them to grow up to be dirtbags? Are there some mothers out there in Mexico anguishing over the deaths of their "dirtbag" sons?

Are those "dirtbags" dead because they were natural-born "dirtbags"? Or are they dead because they were born into a country and society that placed little value on human life, a country that has been unable for four centuries to create enough job opportunities for its people to live a dignified life? Are they dead dirtbags because they live in a country were 60% of the politicians are corrupt?

DENNIS - 1-21-2012 at 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano
a country were 60% of the politicians are corrupt

Things is lookin' up. :light:

bigzaggin - 1-21-2012 at 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Here's a question for you, my armchair lover of stats, how many of those killed were dirtbag predators involved in nefarious activities or lifestyles?

I mean, at some point, Bin Laden loved his mom, so did Kim Jong-il and Stalin. Do you think John Wayne Gacy "wanted" to grow up to be a murderous pedophile? Point being, yes, all lives are valuable, but most people harbor slightly less sympathy for drug dealers offing one another than kids killed in a home invasion.

Cypress - 1-21-2012 at 01:14 PM

As safe as any other 3rd. world country ruled by drug cartels.

Bajahowodd - 1-21-2012 at 05:30 PM

When it is posited as being safe for tourists, methinks that one needs to define the word tourist.

Just thinking that so many folks from all over the world can hang in places such as La Paz and Los Cabos, Loreto, and wherever, and never be anything less than safe.

As a side note, in the past few years, San Jose Del Cabo, in particular, has seen the growth of all-inclusive hotels. Aside from the French and their groundbreaking all-inclusive Club Med chain, all-inclusives in this hemisphere began in Jamaica where the crime rate was rampant. Despite the awesome beauty of the island, crime was driving away tourists.

Answer. Tall fences around all-inclusive resorts. That said, there has always been a hard core group of tourists that favor the all-inclusive merely because they can drink themselves silly.

mcfez - 1-21-2012 at 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano
a country were 60% of the politicians are corrupt

Things is lookin' up. :light:

DENNIS....you always have a great statement.

Is he talking about Washington, DC??

EnsenadaDr - 1-21-2012 at 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano
a country were 60% of the politicians are corrupt

Things is lookin' up. :light:

RosaritoKen - 1-22-2012 at 12:23 AM

Ridge,

Mexico is a big country... but in general those who stick to tourist activities, and stay in commercial or tourist areas have had no problems.

The negative publicity about Mexico has been about the drug cartel violence. It is pretty easy to stay clear of this kind of violence. But that doesn't mean you can be careless, because tourists generally are unaware of their surroundings and often must carry their valuables with them So you can become a crime victim... but (and I hate to use this expression) it is "run of the mill" crime.

There are not many tourists in Juarez... but if that was on your travel itinerary, I'd consider a change. But the link you provided was pretty accurate and said that over all tourists will be safe.

I echo that sentiment.

aguachico - 1-22-2012 at 11:19 AM

San Diego school districts get federal funding per student per day. This fuels the school district need for filling the classroom. For example, if your child is sick -you need to drive this sick child to school for roll call. Then the school gets paid.

Kids crossing the border to go to school in San Diego has been going on forever. Imagine being a border patrol agent having to deal with that chit every morning.

My knowledge of Mexican education both Goberno and privado has increased 1000x over the past two years. What a mess the public education is in Mexico. Private education is pretty good in TJ. 9 courses no bullchit. 1500 pesos per month is too much money for the average TJ wage. Public education sucks and the Mexican teachers union is a joke. High school is not guaranteed, there are more students than school seats. Hence you have a boat load of 13yo kids not in school and the cycle continues....