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Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 11:29 pm Post subject: Re: Safety in Mexico?

I wasn't trying to ridicule anyone. People need to do some research before doing anything. Believing everything you see or hear from TV or other people that have Mexico horror stories is not research. I read a lot, talked to a few people I trusted and made an informed decision to come here. It's a choice I have never regretted.

Mexico City has safe places, spots that are OK by day, iffy by night and places where the Mexicans don't even go. I have never been pickpocketed on the Metro, robbed, beaten, or caught in a clash between Panistas and AMLO'istas.

The violence that happens here usually has a reason. Example: Some drug lords battling for control of a drug corridor, corrupt cops shooting it out with "good" cops, or some other local problem. Usually gringos are never caught up in these kinds of things. A quick way to get into deep trouble is to get involved with drugs, people that are in any way associated with the drug trade or just doing stupid things. Just like there are places in L.A., New York, or Houston I have no business or reason to go, there are places like that here.

I remember in the good old U.S. of A. how many killings for "fun" there were. Or someone gives up their cash just to get blown away. No thanks. You guys up North can keep it.

Keep to yourself, don't run around with protesters, or make friends with narcos and everything is OK.

gordogringo · Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 159 Location: Tijuana

Mexico is quite safe, overall. What my experience has been so far anyway. The only difference that is major is how you deal with the local police. In the states I would never worry about police taking money from my wallet or planting drugs on me. In TJ if I get stopped I make a show of putting my money in my empty right hand. Before they try to pat me down. I also keep all windows rolled up and if the police enter the vehicle to search I make the other officer allow me to watch where the searching officers hands go. Reaching for a pocket while in the car ends the search and I will demand to see a judge or they must leave.
I read recently where Mexicans returning home from the US for the holidays were extorted multiple times by local police. All along the border states and multiple incidents in Mexico city. So I don't feel so bad. It is not just the fat gringo.

carolync · Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 38 Location: Phoenix, Az

Thanks for all your responses. I hope I didn't annoy you with my ridiculous question. Obviously I don't believe everything I hear from the media, or I wouldn't be posting questions for you guys here.

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

cangringo · Joined: 18 Jan 2007 Posts: 327 Location: Vancouver, Canada

prof gringo, don't forget to knock on wood after that statement... Shocked

yes I'm a tiny bit superstitious...just in case you know

I have to agree that I feel safer here than in the States although sometimes the fireworks give me a false sense of danger - have to remember it's not guns, just fireworks. There are robberies and shootings here too but most of the problem is in the better neighborhoods - they get robbed because they have nice things and they make a show of it, it's the same in Vancouver. The shootings are drug and mob related so I agree steer clear of any weird doings and you're fine.

We have been harassed a few times by the transitos but it was admittedly our fault and they had a chance to take advantage because we didn't know the drill. There are millions of school zones and the speeds limits change on every street so you just have to be very aware and never be the first car in line. There is still corruption here and there is a lot of poverty but no different than you would see in New York or other major American cities. You can't tell me that the cops never take bribes in Canada or the States and I won't even go into the government issues. The main difference, at least in our neighborhood, is that neighbors look out for each other and the cops drive around constantly - it's rather comforting and they have never bothered us. Also the kids hang out in the streets and at the park at night and no one worries. It's very refreshing actually.

To the OP, it's good that you asked the question here and didn't just go by what you see on the news. And there's nothing wrong with asking, you just never know until you talk to people. I learned that a long time ago when I went to South Africa. We checked out the info here on Dave's before coming and found it very helpful and were glad to see so many people just loving it here.

M@tt · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 473 Location: here and there

i've never understood why people ask for anecdotal evidence when the question is related to something statistical. how is anyone on this board's experience with crime really going to tell you how crime in mexico compares to crime in the US? the fact that _____ feels safer walking around in mexico than in vancouver or new york or wherever shouldn't mean anything to you.

cangringo · Joined: 18 Jan 2007 Posts: 327 Location: Vancouver, Canada

go to this page http://clas.georgetown.edu/mexico/new.htm and read the section and read the section - "Challenges Facing Mexico"

I would rather get opinions from people living there because I've seen how statistics can be misinterpreted and skewed for certain purposes. Obviously it's not just me either. Very Happy

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

carolync · Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 38 Location: Phoenix, Az

Why is anybody posting anything on here if not to hear about other people's experiences? Obviously, everyone reacts differently to situations, but it's better than nothing.

gordogringo · Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 159 Location: Tijuana

Please don't take everything I post to be completely applying to all of Mexico. Although I do believe the other border states are quite similar.Alot of money that goes to support the rest of Mexico is generated in Baja. People travel from all over Mexico to work in the factories, clubs,etc. and send money home. Without TJ I believe many of the smaller and more rural communities throughout Mexico would be in a world of hurt. No more remittances would probably collapse a few areas. But everybody working to generate money here exposes the local cops to a large amount of chances for them to supplement thier income. And they jump at it.

M@tt · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 473 Location: here and there

i guess i should clarify. of course it's interesting to read anecdotes and even informative, but if you're seriously concerned about crime levels of an entire country, you'd be much better served by some statistics. if you just want to hear some nice stories, you can get those here. i was under the impression that the OP was REALLY worried about crime.

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

cangringo · Joined: 18 Jan 2007 Posts: 327 Location: Vancouver, Canada

Ok, hello did anyone go to my link - that was my point - that statistics are not reliable. They can usually be skewed to whatever viewpoint you want to take and as Guy said, it's a personal issue.

Women can walk around in my neighborhood without fear of being attacked and assured that the neighbors would run to help them if they were. Kids play in the streets until all hours and you don't hear about one getting nabbed every second day.

Are the stastics going to explain that??

No, but I can Laughing