Scams

Be careful who you share your personal information with. In Mexico, it isn’t uncommon to have criminals posing as police officers. These “police officers” will approach tourists ask for their passports and take your money. Also be careful not to share personal information over the phone because in Mexico, kidnapping by telephone is a common practice. Scam artists can also obtain information via luggage tags in hotel lobbies. Basically, be careful who you share your information with and keep a tight eye on your baggage.

 

Domestic Travel

The safest way of travel in Mexico is currently via toll highways this is because of not only very possible poor road conditions in areas but also because, there are numerous crimes that occur on normal highways or roads in general. For example, there has been many violent car-jackings and robberies along the Pacific Highway. Women should especially be careful because there have been incidents of rape that have occurred on bus transportation on routes south of Mexico City. Attacks such as these and others usually occur early morning or late at night so don’t travel during these times.

 

States to stay away from

Stay away from northern Mexico where there seems to be a trend of organized crime, crime pertaining to drugs, and urban violence. Travelers traveling through this region have been violently attacked by heavily armed gangs in cities such as Matamoros, Reynosa, and Nuevo Laredo in the state of Tampaulis. Be aware that violence due to organized crime has increased in southern states as well like the states Guerrero, Jalisco, and Michoacán. So, be careful which states you are travelling to because certain states are increasing in the crime department.

 

Crime

Crime rates in Mexico vary but, for the most part remain high. However, arrest and detention rates are low due to the corruption of Mexico’s government. It is not uncommon for criminals to pay off the police to prevent from being arrested. Due to the fact that a lot of criminals are not put into jail, we can see that crime does not decrease what so ever. If you are affected by some form of crime, report it to the authorities, thus they can work to recover stolen items or find the attacker. Be careful in states near the border of Guatemala especially in the state Chiapas, police presence is lacking here.

 

Drugs

Drug related violence plays a major role in Mexico, but is primarily concentrated in the Northern Border states of the Mexico and United States. It is estimated that 90% of homicides committed in Mexico are due to opposing gang members in the violent drug turf war that is taking place in Mexico. Be careful when traveling up to these Northern States and if you are in a situation that leads you to suspicion of peoples around you who you may think could be involved in drugs, stay as far away as you can. You don’t want to risk accidentally getting involved in these drug affairs.