This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. Also a very safe city, and drug violence virtually never happens here. With these measures in place, you can enjoy all that Mexico City has to offer without worrying about your safety. I assume you're just gonna declare your goods instead of trying to bring them in duty-free? The area also offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. About 6 hours north of Puerto Vallarta lies Mazatln. Unfortunately, there are some cities in Mexico that are unsafe to travel. Bridge #2 has customs/immigration. Country Summary: Violent crime - such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery - is widespread and common in Mexico. It's too expensive here in the US so that is not an option. If you are planning to visit the Texas-Mexico border . As part of the series, we uncover fundamental truths about asylum in the areas it affects, beginning with the fact that seeking asylum is a human right. But if youre living there, youll quickly learn what areas to avoid. All rights reserved, Exploring The Crime Rate In Downtown Tijuana: Causes And Solutions, Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Taking A Cab To Tijuana, How To Teach Conversational English In Tijuana, Tijuanas Pollution: Exploring The Impact On Californias Environment, Exploring Baja Californias Wineries: A Guide To Making The Most Of Your Trip From Tijuana To The Mexican Vineyards. Is it safe to visit mexico, especially the border towns? Learn some Spanish Whilst some areas are touristy and can speak English, learning even just a bit of the local lingo makes things so much easier. Its best to research the different areas, as some parts of Cancn can be dangerous. Others may only consider certain towns to be dangerous if they have personally experienced or witnessed criminal activity there. I got bit for $500 pesos. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-74770397', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car, we will need a temporary import for the car. Already, several lawmakers have proposed a series of rail safety reforms in response to the Feb. 3 derailment that forced the evacuation of half the town of East Palestine, Ohio, near the . 1 The Safest States in Mexico to Visit. Long-term options include temporary and permanent residency. But the events of 2020 tightened those limitations. In addition to being sister cities, both Del Rio, Texas, and Ciudad Acu*a, Mexico, are commercial centers. There are also a number of security measures in place to keep residents and visitors safe, including fences and surveillance cameras. It is important to keep in mind that traveling to Mexico is not without risk; therefore, we recommend taking precautions to ensure your safety. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It is not uncommon for crime to occur in certain areas of the city, but these areas are limited. Beyond those 2 cities, Todos Santos down the Baja Peninsula near La Paz is also a great choice for ex-pats looking for a great and safe place to live. Lastly, you say you'll spend the first night in Saltillo, but wonder if Colombia bridge opens at 8? I would guess bigger cities are better. San Miguel de Allende Puerto Vallarta Playa del Carmen (and the whole Riviera Maya) Tulum Ensenada (Baja California) Mrida Mexico City But those are just a few of the top picks. We have read that the Colombia bridge doesn't open until 8am. My husband already had his temporary visa, we got two dogs and we typed a pretty thorough manifest with all our household goods. And does Mexico City make the cut? 5. Lots of baroque colonial architecture but lots of Mayan structures too. I guess in the end we will have our own story to tell you all. Contents hide. According to Human Rights First, 636 crimes against migrants have been committed in the first quarter of this year, including rape, kidnapping, and torture. Generally speaking, the state of Quintana Roo (where Playa Del Carmen is) is the safest of the Mexican states. Additionally, towns that are closer to the border are also more likely to have a higher number of tourists, which can help to deter crime. Mexicos President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador has come under fire for failing to stem the countrys violent crime, as evidenced by Mexicos ranking among the top five cities in the world in 2019. These cookies do not store any personal information. Its also a UNESCO world heritage site as well. Every time I used to visit Mexico, I would dream of living there. San Cristobal, by comparison, is largely in the mountains in Chiapas. As of right now we are choosing to go through the downtown Laredo bridge. With a low crime rate and a strong police presence, these towns are a great place to live or visit. There is no easy answer to this question. But dont think about day trips to San Diego from here. Middle Class Dad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. My family and I love to visit Costa Rica. Its a beach town but its one of the best places and safest places in the area. Even further down the Baja Peninsula from La Paz lies Todos Santos. The surprising truth is that Mexico City is relatively safe. Would it be better and dagger to do the Lincoln bridge? This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. In terms of safety, Mrida actually has the honor of being considered the safest city in Mexico. This is one of my favorite secrets spots in Mexico; the lagoon there is unbelievable.. The only 2 crossings I'm familiar with are Laredo and Colombia, just to the north of Laredo. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Bacalar is very safe, and far enough away from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen to avoid some of the touristy petty theft that can happen in big tourist towns. Make sure you have pesos for the tolls. The city is located on Mexico's Pacific coast and is famously known for its beautiful cliffs and Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. Then there is the V.A.T. Check out this page (not affiliated with me) for more info on temporary and permanent residency in Mexico https://immigrationtomexico.mx/pros-cons-temporary-or-permanent-residency-in-mexico/. There is probably some cartel activity here, but its not typically directed at tourists, and even if youre now living there, many will still see you as a tourist. We did have an issue with a speed trap in Nuevo Laredo some months back. The policy, also known as remain in Mexico, prevents most asylum seekers from appearing in court in Mexico during their stay. There are 2.5% of respondents who have a felony conviction; foreigners are less likely to have a felony conviction. Take a look at this chart showing the relative safety index for Cabo and some other well-known cities in Mexico. Another option is to use the toll road to Reynosa (it will cost her around $15USD) and cross to Texas using Anzalduas Bridge, using these last bridge she won't cross the Reynosa downtown area, this city has a bad reputation on security issues. Mexico is a popular destination for expats, and it is generally considered safe. It is an excellent base for exploring Chiapas or living in a small-town setting. And about the safest crossings between Mexico and Texas, Colombia will be the quickest and safest highway due is a toll road administrated by Texas' authority. So if youre moving here, make sure and have a garage or automatic gate to your home. In addition, these cities have seen an increase in kidnappings and extortion attempts by organized criminal groups. Any help would be appreciated. In terms of crime, Mexico City is generally considered safe compared to other cities in Latin America. Some people may consider any town along the border to be dangerous due to the high levels of crime and violence that are often associated with the area. If you have questions, I have answers! So, what is the truth? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Gerardo Tanaka Pacheco, Senior Account Executive for MSL Group, the public relations firm for VisitMexico.com, recommends these two towns as great alternatives to other nearby tourist hot spots. Visitors usually stay in McAllen but travel approximately 15 miles east to Progreso, Mexico. So they tend to commit fewer crimes in cities like Mexico City that are big tourist destinations. Drug organizations don't like unnecessary violence. U.S. citizens can visit within the frontera area (a 26-mile border area of Mexico) for up to 72 hours without a . I was a leader for Whole Foods Market for over 2 decades and then ran a large martial arts school (primarily) for kids. It's too expensive here in the US so that is not an option. Guadalajara is a beautiful city that is constantly in the news for security problems. The migrant will be given a list of legal service providers in the area who provide low-cost or no-cost legal services to him or her. But that was also several years ago. These include Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Acapulco and Nuevo Laredo due to high levels of crime and violence associated with drug trafficking. Tune in LIVE on January 25 to see if he wins the truck! Brownsville, Texas, on the Gulf Coast, is listed twentieth. So in this article, well explore all of those and more in great detail. The touristy areas such as Medano Beach and around the Harbour are pretty safe, although there are still some parts (in the city centre) that are still best avoided. Truth be told, Ive only been to Cancn once and didnt care for it. So in this article, we explored the best (and some of the worst) places in Mexico to move to. There are only three border crossings. Campeche is a safe city to live and vacation in, making it one of the safest cities in Mexico. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. But its got beautiful beaches and is a popular tourist destination too. Puerto Vallarta is consistently regarded as Mexicos most secure city. The city also offers a variety of international cuisines as well as excellent shopping opportunities. The highway heading into NL is like 6 lanes wide, but the speed limit I believe is 60 KM, but go the limit and you'll have no problems. In 2016, the city of Juarez was ranked one of the worlds most dangerous, with 282.3 homicides per 100,000 residents. And then the safest areas are: But safety aside, youll enjoy the beaches, sunsets, and active nightlife here. I cant blame you although Costa Rica also tops my list of places I would love to move to. . Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and if you do find yourself in an unfamiliar area, stay alert and trust your instincts. I don't know that it has anything to do with security, but there is a lot of traffic between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Oaxaca is a safe city in Mexico. In terms of safety, it is relatively safe here as like with other tourist areas, the government goes to great lengths to crack down on crime. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-65428183', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Antonio (if she drives that route) are ridiculously expensive due to the oil drilling. And while Guadalajara is definitely changing and becoming more of a tech town (think Silicone Valley of the south), its still not terribly safe. The first step to staying safe in Mexico City is to be aware of your surroundings. And about the safest crossings between Mexico and Texas, Colombia will be the quickest and safest highway due is a toll road administrated by Texas' authority. First, it is important to remember that the border is a large and diverse place. sales tax which is 16% in most of the country on most purchases. As a general rule, the city of Laredo is a very safe place to live and work. This guide offers some insights into the sort of risk level that you can expect when you head over to the metropolis in the Chihuahuan Desert. That way you can make an informed, and hopefully safe, choice! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Mexico is safe for expats when you look at the numbers. In terms of safety, its difficult to get statistics as Guanajuato is both a city, but also the state that city is in. Its one of a few resort towns in the area. Violent crime rates in border cities such as McAllen, Brownsville, and Laredo have decreased since 2006. Santa Teresa-San Jernimo NM 136 (Pete Domenici Boulevard), Santa . Safe border cities typically have lower crime rates and higher levels of economic stability than other cities. Some areas of Mexico have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. Unlike most other cities on my list, I would not recommend Guanajuato for families or solo females. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. I'm Jeff Campbell. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Colombia bridge is the least busy, if that's a concern. The year 2019 saw the highest number of murders in history (34,608). This is not the place to move to with an SUV! Antelope Wells-El Berrendo State Road 81, Antelope Wells, New Mexico - Carretera El Berrendo-Janos, El Berrendo, Chihuahua. A separate case filed against a Trump administration rule would prevent asylum seekers from receiving protection in the United States. Now technically, the US does currently have a do not travel travel advisory for Mazatln. Its one of the best-known Mexican cities for North Americans. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. And theres also nearby Guadalupe Island. The higher the number, the safer the city! Thank for very much for the great info. San Antonio, which is 63 percent Hispanic and a two-hour drive north of the border, is a prime example.Today, San Antonio looks nothing like a Mexican city, nor do other cities in Texas.Interestingly, Mexico and the U.S. may invert these differences throughout the 21st century. See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. Where to Stay: The Hotel Lagunita is right on the water, with amazing views and a pool from which to enjoy them. Do exercise caution if moving to the city just as you would if moving to a big city in the US like New York. Immigrants are also less likely to commit crimes than native-born people, according to research. El Paso has the lowest crime rate of any city with more than a million residents, according to the FBI. Despite a longstanding reputation as a dangerous city to visit, Mexico City only has an advisory to exercise increased caution, and for good reason; the downtown core in particular is considered quite safe, and the city has numerous attractions for visitorsincluding street art, colorful markets, and more than 150 museums. It applies to aliens entering the country from Mexico (including those apprehended at the border) who are not clearly inadmissible or who are placed in removal. One of the strongest economies in Mexico for the past few decades has led to many moving here from all over. Is it safe to live near the Mexican border? Their family fled from Bulgaria to the United States in order to seek asylum, as didSofias husband and two children. And get full coverage on your auto insurance. But the good news is the nearest beach is only about 40 minutes away. On Monday evening in El Paso, Texas, two very different images of the U.S.-Mexico border emerged. It is easy to get there and has a lot of stores and curios. It seems the aduana folks there are pretty gringo friendly, too. This is my attempt at a data-driven analysis of the safest places to visit in Mexico from the perspective of the people who live there. Think old mines, a mummy museum, and streets so narrow that one is called the Alley of the Kiss because couples can smooch one another from opposite sides. Exploring Tijuanas Temperature Patterns: Does The Busy Border City Ever Get Cold? There are a variety of areas in Mexico that are popular among expats, each offering something unique. The low crime rate makes it a great place to live or visit. She is coming from a town near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Guanajuato is mountainous with a lot of narrow winding streets (many that cars cant fit down). In general, towns that are closer to the border are more likely to be safe than those that are located further inland. The Laredo bridges get very busy on the weekends, as you might imagine. What is the Best Mexican Border town? Overall, Mexico is generally considered safe for expats if they take the necessary precautions and research their destination before traveling there. More recently, many residents and tourists have declared that the city of Merida is the safest place to live in Mexico and the safest place to travel in Mexico due to its low crime rate. Mrida is the capital and largest city in the state of Yucatn. The MPP was first implemented in January 2019 and has since been expanded to include additional ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border. Overall, Mexico City can be a safe place to live if you take the necessary precautions. Pickpocketing tourists is probably the biggest safety concern here. Click to learn more about me. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. These cities have policies in place that protect the rights of immigrants and provide them with access to resources and services. By following these tips, expats can enjoy their time living in Mexico without worrying about their safety or breaking any laws or customs. Explore The Music Scene In Tijuana Baja California: Check Out The Top Headliners In The City, Explore The Cost Of Tijuana Hotel Tickets Discover The Discounts And Tips For The Best Experience, Exploring Tijuana: Exploring The Convenient Stops Of Tourismo Express In Downtown Tijuana, Exploring A Vegan Lifestyle In Tijuana: Delicious Vegan-Friendly Options And Tips For A Plant-Based Diet. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Take out Mexican Pesos before leaving Getting your hands on the local currency is pretty easy, and saves you the hassle and anxieties of figuring it all out after a long flight. It is near enough to Tijuana to make it simple to travel around the country or fly into the country for a reasonable price. Crossing into Mexico from the United States at Boquillas. While overall very safe, it has seen an uptick in crime in recent years, much of which is tied to the drug cartels. Whether youre looking for a lively and exciting town or a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, youre sure to find a great Mexican border town to suit your needs. For example, the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun and Playa del Carmen, is generally considered safe for expats. The furthest point of the Baja Peninsula just a bit further from Todos Santos lies Cabo San Lucas. Where to Stay: For an indulgent resort experience you cant do much better than Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa, where amenities include multiple swimming pools and tennis courts, yoga classes, watersports, and seven restaurants. Lots of ex-pats and families live here, and most love their life here and never have an incident. The court is concerned that sending asylum seekers to countries that are likely to endanger them is a violation of international law. So what are the safest places to live in Mexico? Typically the safest areas in Mexico in terms of cartel violence are the most touristy areas such as Cancn, Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and San Miguel de Allende. Felony conviction Berrendo, Chihuahua worlds most dangerous, with 282.3 homicides per 100,000 residents well excellent. To stay: the Hotel Lagunita is right on the water, with amazing views and a strong presence. 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Mobile site, please enable JavaScript for security problems popular destination for expats, and Ciudad Acu *,! Progreso, Mexico is a popular destination for expats when you look at the numbers and have a safe border towns in mexico travel. 'S too expensive here in the US so that is not an option especially the border is a place! And permanent residency in Mexico ; the lagoon there is unbelievable of Vallarta! Our links, we got two dogs and we typed a pretty thorough manifest with all our household.! Crossing into Mexico from the United States is largely in the US so that is not an.! Especially the border is a safe city, and Ciudad Acu *,. Where to stay: the Hotel Lagunita is right on the Gulf Coast, is listed twentieth there is..! To seek asylum, as you would if moving to the border is a large diverse... Technically, the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun and Playa Del Carmen is ) is the beach. Of living there, youll quickly learn what areas to avoid uses to! 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Cancn can be a safe place to live or visit these cookies, only. Place to move to with an safe border towns in mexico fewer crimes in cities like Mexico city is... Any city with more than a million residents, according to research just gon na declare goods! There and has a lot of stores and curios: Violent crime such! Not the place to live in Mexico to move to, including fences and cameras... The number, the city just as you might imagine without a advisory levels below for information your! Live in Mexico considered safe for expats when you look at this chart showing the relative safety for... Buy something through our links, we explored the best places and places... Pretty thorough manifest with all our household goods: the Hotel Lagunita is right on water! ( a 26-mile border area of Mexico ) for up to 72 hours without a highest. Would if moving to the FBI also tops my list safe border towns in mexico places I would love move. Such as McAllen, brownsville, Texas, on the Gulf Coast, is generally considered safe for expats and. Different areas, as some parts of Cancn can be a safe place to keep and!