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How safe is it?

This little flow chart sums it up nicely...

Time and time again Mexico shows up in the headlines for cartel murders, border fights, and tainted alcohol. You may have noticed all over social media people swear they will never step foot in Mexico as it's too risky. The US department of State has travel warnings saying not to visit Mexico at all or to stay completely clear of most big cities in Mexico. In our opinion, most of this is just a bunch of fear mongering.

Travel Warnings

Generally speaking, travel warnings are issued by countries who have citizens who like to travel and can can afford to go on vacation a lot. There are parts of Mexico that have travel warnings issued by USA and Canada due to organized crime. There could be real issues along the US/Mexico border to a certain extent due to drugs flowing north to eager buyers there.

But it would be wise to take a hard look at your own country first before passing judgment and saying you will never visit an entire country because it is unsafe. In that case, you might as well not even leave your front door. We wish Mexico would issue travel warnings about dangerous north american cities. Organized crime is running rampant in major cities north of the Mexican border.... Wikipedia has a lot of information:

Before coming to Mexico the first time, we heard all of the things that you have heard. And, bad stuff does happen here just like in most other countries. The media likes to say it is not safe here... the cartels will kidnap and murder you, you will be mugged, you will have your head cut off, you will be burned alive, and then after that they will get really mean... etc.

Surprise.... not once have we felt unsafe or unwelcome. If anything, we felt the exact opposite. We feel super safe here – a lot safer than we felt in many parts of Vancouver or in other large cities.

We walk everywhere we go day and night. We are happy that we don't have a car so we don't have to worry about driving in traffic - and that keeps us healthy too - but now that we have seen how big it is here, how flat it is here, and how great the sidewalks and pathways are, we want to buy bikes to enjoy getting around the city.

In April 2018, Travel Weekly posted that Mexico has jumped to the sixth most visited country in the world. Since 2013, Mexico has gone from 15th to sixth in the rankings (calculated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization). Mexico last year welcomed 39.3 million visitors despite challenging media reports and overblown travel warnings. So, if you want some real reasons as to why you should not visit Mexico, read on..... And if people still don't want to come, that's fine, it just means there is more space on the beach for us.

As of May 2018 here is a crime comparison chart between Mazatlan Mexico and Vancouver Canada, taken from the Numbeo website:

Dangerous Locals

You truly don’t want to come to Mexico because you will be forced to interact with the locals. The danger with these people is that they are so unbelievably nice that you will feel welcomed and loved even though they are complete strangers. It is such an odd feeling when you are so used to people back home not interacting with you and not even acknowledging your "hello" on the sidewalk. That changes when you arrive in Mexico. Neighbors are like family and everyone keeps an eye out for each other. Strangers will actually say hello and will go out their way to make sure you find what you need. Be sure to take note of this as it might be too scary for you.

Use common sense

Don't come to Mexico if you don't want to relax and behave, and be treated as you would at home.

It is our opinion that no matter where you are in the world you need to be aware of your surroundings. If you wouldn’t do something it in your home country or in your own neighbourhood, why would you do it in Mexico?

Here are some things that we do that you might wish to consider, and also apply to the city where you live:

  • We utilize taxis to get home at night if it's late. Otherwise we walk.

  • We try not to be flashy with jewelry and money.

  • We stay with the crowds and well lit areas just as you would at home. There is good lighting everywhere here and there are always friendly people around.

  • We are always kind to others. Smile.

  • We don't act like a dick and act superior. Be humble. And…

We learn new Spanish words daily - it's fun - the locals will help you!

We live in a nice Mexican neighbourhood about 1 km from the beach. We have only taken two taxi rides during our first month here (from the airport to get to our apartment... and one afternoon when the bartender kept giving us free tequila... details not required nor will they be supplied...). We have left our keys hanging in the front door after going shopping - not a good idea in any city but it happened here, and yet there they were in the door the next morning...

Mexicans in Mexico?

We enjoy walking on the streets in our neighbourhood, come and go as we please, and we are not worried about being mugged, attacked, murdered – ever. We go shopping using our google translate tools on our phones and learn new words from helpful people every day. We shop where Mexicans shop and eat where Mexicans eat.

People here are so kind and genuine. It is refreshing to see kids playing outside without an adult holding their hand, families doing family things, and people talking to each other. People are wanting to speak with us too - they want to get to know us. It's great to meet locals and enjoy having what little conversation we can have with them - we need more Spanish in our heads. Yes, we are working on it. Everyone here is busy talking, laughing and listening to music playing at every corner.

Join in the fun. Take in your surroundings and breathe. Visit the local grocers. Buy some eggs and vegetables from the guy down the street. Say hello to the local clerks at the corner OXXO and at the Kiosko.

Learn a bit of Spanish. Have some fun and enjoy life here while expanding your horizons.

Don't worry - be happy.

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