Is it safe to go to Mexico, by yourself ?

[AAAColumbo]

Just out of curiosity...is it safe to roam the streets of Mexico by yourself, during the day, only for a small limited time...only to "check" out the gear selection and pick up selected products Or will customs be all over you when you cross back into the states?

 

[THE_BIG_FED]

i would never call mexico by yourself safe, night or day. you have a good chance of getting robbed beaten and raped. and that is just by the police.

 

[The Terminator]

I have been dozens of times and ALWAYS by myself. One of the places I go to I am always the only white guy in the area for as far as the eye can see. But it doesn't matter too much as everyone there is like 5'6" 125 lbs. But it does make you stand out like a sore thumb...

 

[THE_BIG_FED]

I have been dozens of times and ALWAYS by myself. One of the places I go to I am always the only white guy in the area for as far as the eye can see. But it doesn't matter too much as everyone there is like 5'6" 125 lbs. But it does make you stand out like a sore thumb...

yeah, mexicans you just bop them on top the head real hard and they fall down. that is what one of my puerto rican friends told me he did a few times. lol. but i still would say its not exactly "safe".

 

[AAAColumbo]

Humm....I will have to keep all this in mind

 

[The Terminator]

yeah, mexicans you just bop them on top the head real hard and they fall down. that is what one of my puerto rican friends told me he did a few times. lol. but i still would say its not exactly "safe".

No, it is certainly not the safest place to be, and I get in and out of there as fast as I possibly can. This is why I would never take any of my women down there, it is just not safe for them (or me for that matter)

 

[nationwide_42]

i would be careful.. i just got back from cancun and i went out of town to find a better pharmacy and once u get out of the tourist area it gets a lil creep the mexicans don't like us that is for sure... and it is funny with gear being legal there they are all like 150 pounds....haha

 

[KINGKONG69]

i had a friend go to mexico by himself. he never came home. he was out partyin i geuss, and the cops say he was drunk and fell in a well. case closed. the thing is everyone around here knew he never drinks, so it made no sence. i dont trust mexican cops.

 

[Punt]

Mexico would be safe, if not for all the Mexicans. Its is not safe ever, not by yourself, not with friends. Stay in touristy areas if you must go, and be with a group.

 

[RusPA81]

Just be careful about the police and custom agents. They will often tell you that you have done something wrong and must pay a fine. Also don't trust locals either. A lot of them may try to offer to help you, but actually work for the police and will turn you in if you ask them to help you with something illegal.

 

[AAAColumbo]

Just be careful about the police and custom agents. They will often tell you that you have done something wrong and must pay a fine. Also don't trust locals either. A lot of them may try to offer to help you, but actually work for the police and will turn you in if you ask them to help you with something illegal.

I won't be asking anyone anything...I know exactly where I am going to go, and exactly what I need. And PUNT and KINGKONG69 thanks for the advice...its always good to know the worst case situation !

 

[BrothaBill]

Ive been at least ten times and never had a problem, I've gone by myself, Ive gone with a woman. I used just cross into tj and take a bus for couple of bucks down to Encinada stayed their for about a week one time. Its real touristy there and do my business. TJ is shithole though and not very cool, but teenagers go down and cross so they can drink and party underage. Just pretend your an invincible eighteen year old and you'll be fine. Daytime is always better.

 

[AAAColumbo]

I was thinking of crossing at a Texas border site...and if you can make by yourself in TJ, then I'm pretty sure the Texas borders can't be much worse ! Thanks.

 

[WannaImpress]

Some guys are just so over-dramatic!

 

[AAAColumbo]

Some guys are just so over-dramatic!

Its better to be safe then sorry

 

[SofaGeorge]

Mexico is a very safe country. I go down by myself all the time... and I've gone done with many girls day and night. I've never had anybody try anything in 25 years.

The caveat here, though, is if you are an idiot your backyard is dangerous. Most gringos that go into Mexico are idiots.

 

[AAAColumbo]

Everyone here is talking about "gringos"...I'm Italian (I can pass for Mexican), and I speak some Spanish...and I will be crossing in Texas....hell, i'll never know until I try it

 

[BrothaBill]

I agree better safe than sorry, I remember the first time I went there we nervous wrecks, we had drove down from WSU in washington to get our supplements and we had the whole trip to imagine the worst and how we could hide the shit on the way back, put everything in the bottom of a half eaten dorito bag, we thought. We drove across and people were running next to the car trying to sell us stuff, freaked us out, we immediately turned around and went back across through customs. The agent asked if we had any illegal drugs or animals and other stuff. THen he goes how about steroids? Definitely not we replied he looked up at the secondary search and said "I just started today, I dont feel like being an asshole yet" WE all chuckled and he let us through. Pretty close if we did have anything. Its far easier to walk across and take the cabs or buses. Plus if you do drive you need mexican car insurance because if you get into a car accident youre f**ked, because they wont let you go until its paid. Anyhow now I dont even think about it, the population is so dependent on gringos spending money that they want you to be safe. The mexican people have always been very nice and there are some good cheap restaurants there. Good Luck, let me know how it goes.

 

[BrothaBill]

Oh and another thing, dont eat from the 3 for $1 taco stands, notice there are no dogs in mexico.

 

[Lestat]

I've gone down by myself many times.

 

[AAAColumbo]

Are all of ya'll talking about TJ...or is anyone talking about a Texas border...I only ask cause TJ is a lot worse then the Texas side

 

[The Terminator]

Oh and another thing, dont eat from the 3 for $1 taco stands, notice there are no dogs in mexico.

Oh there are plenty of dogs in the streets (I try and hit atleast 1 everytime I am there), but I don't recall seeing too many cattle. But a few donkeys here and there...

 

[T Bone]

oh yeah!

Oh and another thing, dont eat from the 3 for $1 taco stands, notice there are no dogs in mexico.

Oh, how i miss those tocos. Get two Coronas and three tacos for $1.60 before you cross back over the boarder to calm your nerves.

I used to go all the time before i moved to the North East.

T Bone

 

[BrothaBill]

And another thing, the safest way to get them across is to stick em up your butt and walk across. Ive never been one for safety though.

Entertainment purposes only!! I dont condone sticking illegal steroids up your ass.

 

[KINGKONG69]

And another thing, the safest way to get them across is to stick em up your butt and walk across. Ive never been one for safety though.

Entertainment purposes only!! I dont condone sticking illegal steroids up your ass.

dont ever buy steriods from this guy!
j/k

 

[AAAColumbo]

So can anyone give me a comparision of TJ vs. Texas border towns....I hear lots of you guys saying its no problem, and you are probably talking about TJ. If TJ is ok for ya'll, I'm pretty sure Texas will be ok....right?

 

[Frackal]

You couldnt pay me to go to Mexico...especially a narcotrafficante town like Juarez

 

[BrothaBill]

Texas from talking with my imaginary friends is the preferable and less stressful way to go, Im on the west coast so San Diego is faster and cheaper. Going to towns and hour or to across the border cuts down on the bogus stuff. But you never know. Also people shouldnt get the impression that TJ is the way to go, most of shit is bogus there and you have to go further into mexico, at least to Rosarita, but I like Encinada.

Entertainment purposes only! I dont encourage the use of Illegal substances that may endanger your legal, physical and mental health.

 

[Punt]

I've been to Mexico countless times by myself. Problems have been very rare. Regardless, of my history, Mexico is NOT a safe place. Please remember, there are MEXICANS there!!! They hate Americans and only exist to do us harm/wrong!

Proceed based upon this precedent. Trust me!

 

[Bam Bam]

I know people who cross at Texas points. PM me. BamBam

 

[Ulter]

Hey Bam Bam sup bro!!

I haven't seen you around much, good to see you. 8 posts since Oct?? Hope all is well.

 

[BigManStan]

PM me and I can help you out. I know tex well.

 

[Riker29]

Here is some good, general advice.

I am not going to tell people “hey here is how you get gear or bring gear back from Mexico”. Posting that info is wrong and should not be allowed on the board. This post if more about just handling yourself down there, so that its safe. Maybe SOME info about ....... getting back .......... is included, but this is mainly about handling your safety and handling the border crossing itself.

I think that a lot of guys hear examples of what may or may not happen in Mexico, and make assumptions that it’s totally safe, or totally dangerous. Neither extreme is true.

There are cases of people being idiots and having no trouble at all. There are cases of people being nice and respectable, only to be harassed, beaten up, raped, killed, or just never heard from again. Ever.

In general the advice many should take is:

Be respectful, and be respectable.

Meaning, be cool and friendly. A LOT of the problems that people have when they are there is the "Ugly American" attitude, as if everyone in Mexico are low-lifes or scumbags or whatever, that WE ARE AMERICANS and we can act like idiots, get drunk off of our asses, have fights, just get loud and cause problems, and its ok because WE ARE AMERICANS. Well, I am very patriotic myself, but that attitude WILL get you into a lot of trouble down there. They HATE gringos that show up and treat them like shit, or cause problems or cause fights.

Even if you have no intentions of causing a fight or anything, if you ACT like you have an attitude (loud, drunk, acting like a badass, LOOKING like you are that “type” by dressing with a wife beater shirt, or tight T with muscles, etc) then you “fit the profile" and they will assume that you are, or will be, a dick, and you will run into problems.

So, don’t act like an asshole. Leave the macho crap back home, and just be cool and friendly. If people ask you to buy something, don’t say “out of my face scumbag" or square off at them like you will fight, just say "no thanks".

Be nice to them, be friendly. Smile. If a cop walks by, give them that sort of "hi there" nod. Don’t stare, but don’t avoid them either.

Now this stuff is not a guarantee. But its going to make you a LOT safer and have a LOT lower risk of any problems. With cops, Federales, locals, etc.

If you act like an asshole, you will get harassed (and deserve it, in my opinion). Also if you act paranoid or guilty or whatever, you are also just being bait for anyone who IS looking to just fuck with some gringo.

Oh, and another thing. And this is in the “duh" category. If you are big, have a lot of muscles, etc, don’t wear a fucking tight shirt or wife-beater tank top down there! What a dumb ass - why draw attention to yourself!? You not only will bring attention down there (the kind you don’t want, from police looking for dudes who are buying gear, to Mexican people who want to fuck with gringos) but you WILL be targeted at the border crossing! Don’t be a dumbass. You want to be low-key and NOT stand out.


I should have made this its own thread so that people will see it more. Oh well.

Karma?

Later for now.

 

[WannaImpress]

Here is some good, general advice.

I am not going to tell people “hey here is how you get gear or bring gear back from Mexico”. Posting that info is wrong and should not be allowed on the board. This post if more about just handling yourself down there, so that its safe. Maybe SOME info about ....... getting back .......... is included, but this is mainly about handling your safety and handling the border crossing itself.

I think that a lot of guys hear examples of what may or may not happen in Mexico, and make assumptions that it’s totally safe, or totally dangerous. Neither extreme is true.

There are cases of people being idiots and having no trouble at all. There are cases of people being nice and respectable, only to be harassed, beaten up, raped, killed, or just never heard from again. Ever.

In general the advice many should take is:

Be respectful, and be respectable.

Meaning, be cool and friendly. A LOT of the problems that people have when they are there is the "Ugly American" attitude, as if everyone in Mexico are low-lifes or scumbags or whatever, that WE ARE AMERICANS and we can act like idiots, get drunk off of our asses, have fights, just get loud and cause problems, and its ok because WE ARE AMERICANS. Well, I am very patriotic myself, but that attitude WILL get you into a lot of trouble down there. They HATE gringos that show up and treat them like shit, or cause problems or cause fights.

Even if you have no intentions of causing a fight or anything, if you ACT like you have an attitude (loud, drunk, acting like a badass, LOOKING like you are that “type” by dressing with a wife beater shirt, or tight T with muscles, etc) then you “fit the profile" and they will assume that you are, or will be, a dick, and you will run into problems.

So, don’t act like an asshole. Leave the macho crap back home, and just be cool and friendly. If people ask you to buy something, don’t say “out of my face scumbag" or square off at them like you will fight, just say "no thanks".

Be nice to them, be friendly. Smile. If a cop walks by, give them that sort of "hi there" nod. Don’t stare, but don’t avoid them either.

Now this stuff is not a guarantee. But its going to make you a LOT safer and have a LOT lower risk of any problems. With cops, Federales, locals, etc.

If you act like an asshole, you will get harassed (and deserve it, in my opinion). Also if you act paranoid or guilty or whatever, you are also just being bait for anyone who IS looking to just fuck with some gringo.

Oh, and another thing. And this is in the “duh" category. If you are big, have a lot of muscles, etc, don’t wear a fucking tight shirt or wife-beater tank top down there! What a dumb ass - why draw attention to yourself!? You not only will bring attention down there (the kind you don’t want, from police looking for dudes who are buying gear, to Mexican people who want to fuck with gringos) but you WILL be targeted at the border crossing! Don’t be a dumbass. You want to be low-key and NOT stand out.


I should have made this its own thread so that people will see it more. Oh well.

Karma?

Later for now.

Very well put Riker. I have been to Mexico several times, and have never had any problems, then again I dont go their with a cocky attitude. Rikers post pretty much sums it up.

 

[THE_BIG_FED]

BIG FED goes down there with my badge on my chest and my gun on my side, no one fucks with me. not that i need my gun with those little sawed off sorry excuses for cops and thugs down there.

 

[Bam Bam]

What's up Ulter? I have been busy man, it's good to be back, good to see you. As far as Mexico, the people have always been nice to me. You will see plenty of Americans over there. The Mexican people depend on American's to support what little economy they have over there. There are bad people and bad cops though, so use your best judgement. Believe it or not, I have always been checked by federalis when going over from the American side. They will check to make sure you don't have any weapons or drugs. I definately wouldn't take a girl across the border unless I was with a large group of people. Bam

 

[AAAColumbo]

Those are some awesome points RIKER! In esscense, I am really not going to go out and hit the bars...I am going to drive around, find what I need and try to get the hell out of there. I am especially nervous about those big "vendor" streets where traffic is bad, and people are walking everywhere...those places freak me out and worry me. The federalies also worry me. I am just going to stay in the car, stay on semi-public streets, and try to be safe!

 

[AAAColumbo]

Oh...I am not a gringo, so that might help me out

 

[BrothaBill]

Those are some awesome points RIKER! In esscense, I am really not going to go out and hit the bars...I am going to drive around, find what I need and try to get the hell out of there. I am especially nervous about those big "vendor" streets where traffic is bad, and people are walking everywhere...those places freak me out and worry me. The federalies also worry me. I am just going to stay in the car, stay on semi-public streets, and try to be safe! [/QUOTE

I know I said this before, but do NOT drive in Mexico without mexican car insurance, you can usually buy it at the border. If you get into an accident without it, you will not be allowed to leave the country. And double and triple check your car for any bullets if you hunt. People accidentally carried guns into mexico and been locked up for years. They are very serious about this. Otherwise be smart and have a good time.

 

[Riker29]

Those are some awesome points RIKER! In esscense, I am really not going to go out and hit the bars...I am going to drive around, find what I need and try to get the hell out of there. I am especially nervous about those big "vendor" streets where traffic is bad, and people are walking everywhere...those places freak me out and worry me. The federalies also worry me. I am just going to stay in the car, stay on semi-public streets, and try to be safe! [/QUOTE

I know I said this before, but do NOT drive in Mexico without mexican car insurance, you can usually buy it at the border. If you get into an accident without it, you will not be allowed to leave the country. And double and triple check your car for any bullets if you hunt. People accidentally carried guns into mexico and been locked up for years. They are very serious about this. Otherwise be smart and have a good time.

Lucias makes excellent points which must be heeded.

Peopel try to generalize "always drive" or "always walk". There are good and bad points to each. If you do drive YOU MUST GET MEXICAN INSURANCE. Period. Also, traffic laws are much much different over there - all you have to do is be IN a car that is in an accident and you can be hauled off to jail. Even if you are a PASSENGER and your car gets hit by someone who is blatantly drunk and at fault, ... just becuase you were sitting in the car ... that got hit ... you can be hauled away. It happens.

Taking a car has these risks but its easier to bring more ...... souvenirs (?) back.

Walking is less hassle in some respects, but if you can't carry ..... the souvenirs ..... then forget it.

 

[AustinTX]

Riker, Sofa, et. al. make good points.

It all depends on not being an idiot, and if you're used to travelling alone, and carry yourself in a way to not draw attention (good or bad, so to speak). I've been all over the place both by myself and with others, never had a problem.

Also, as for getting in an accident if you're in Mexico. If you're in a cab that gets in a wreck, grab your stuff and get the heck out of there.

 

[flippwillson]

I wouldn't do it. I was in Nuevo Leredo and two American guys (after hours) were RAPED!!!!!!! No shit....Talk about a nightmare. We went out over there and noticed a few gay joints. Needless to say I'm as heterosexual as they get. I've gone during the day with a bud and had no problems though.
Oh and one more thing... I tipped security in some of the night spots and it seemed to get me a little extra security. Not a bad investment for a buck or two.

 

[Juice2121]

I can't speak for mexico but I know a few mexicans and I can tell you one thing. If you fight one no matter how big you are you will lose. If you are big they won't hesitate to pull a knife and stab you. For the most part all mexicans are that way. I can't blame them though. Like my friend said "Hey, if I let some 200lb dude get ahold of me he might as well have a knife because I'm dead. So of course I'm going to defend myself the best way I can." or something to that degree.

My few trips to mexico I had no problem though. Never did anything illegal either though.
Just be carefull and respectful like everyone else has said.

Juice21

 

[DepressiveJuice]

The caveat here, though, is if you are an idiot your backyard is dangerous. Most gringos that go into Mexico are idiots.

yep. if you were born dumb, dont go to mexico...or outside

 

[SinfulCJ]

Hey guys, great advice. Hope this is appropriate to ask--if not, I apologize.

Seems like you guys recommend getting away from the border towns a bit, especially in TJ (recommending to go farther into MX---as to get away from the fakes). Well, what about the TX border towns? I have been across quite a few of them, but I usually stay fairly close to the crossing.

Never bought any gear there, though. Don't know if going farther in is an option at some of those locations......

 

[mikes20]

people way over exagerate mexico, true there are some places where you might not feel safe but for the most part everywhere i have went, rosarito, san felipe, mexico city, tj, mazatlan, puerto nuevo, puerto vallerta, people have been very friendly and helpful,
i go just my girlfriend to rosarito just for weekend for day trips for fun, not to buy anything and no problems,
the only places i don't like are some places in mexico city and tj, i also drive all the time w/ no mexican insurance and have had no problems.
i have put my self in what you would assume are VERY bad situations, including walking home a mile w/ 2 girls from a club to hotel through alleys at 2 in morning, going w/ my friend and cab driver out of the tourist area into the residential area to buy drugs and waiting with someone who doesn't speak english for an hour at some house somehwere, hanging out in local bars w/ just a couple people, my friends have bought drugs from ab drivers or beach vendors in probably about 4 cities in mexico, all with no problems.
the one thing about mexico is if you have money you can get out of anything, i have been w/ friends that have been arested for drinking in public, fighting, having drugs, and never more than an hour in jail and around $100, if in doubt, BRIBE. most important thingand if your cool people will be cool with you, that goes anywhere

and by the way, being from mexico does not automatically make you dirty, low class or a scumbag

 

[kube]

Everyone here is talking about "gringos"...I'm Italian (I can pass for Mexican), and I speak some Spanish...and I will be crossing in Texas....hell, i'll never know until I try it

trust me, you will not pass for mexican. im colombian and been here for three years and i dont pass for mexican. for italian yes, but not for mexican. and you need to speak more than just a little spanish. mexico isnt that dangerous, but it can get very dangerous in a flash. ive been everywhere, the shadiest place by far is the new laredo bordertown. i got mugged by the police, knocked out and left over the train tracks. luckily the train woke my ass up and i left. but all this oversome valiums, i dont think its worth it. be careful when youre here. do your shopping before 3pm and leave before 5pm. the pharmacies work with the police and just finger you after you make your purchase. so pass the goods to someone else and cross over alone and without the goods. this will frustrate the bitches when they search you. later.

 

[Lestat]

Going to mexico is just like the US. If you go to the mexican versions of compton, or go to nightclubs or bars full of drunk people wanting to fight -- you'll get into trouble. Stay in the pretty disneyland type areas, and you'll be fine. And lastly, don't go into shanty areas looking for cheap sleazy strip clubs by YOURSELF. You'll get mugged and taken for your money so quick it ain't funny.

-= nav =-

I've never had a problem in the zona roja on my own.. i actually like walking around for the hell of it... its dangerous.. but isn't that why roller coasters are cool?

 

[kube]

yeah, for the most part its safe, i consider myself pretty smart and never had any problems except for that one time in new laredo. you just gotta be careful when youre in the border towns cause just about everything goes. i got stopped about 5 blocks from the border and got a flashlight against the back of my head in front of a shitloada locals and tourists when i pretended not to understand spanish. when i woke up the train was almost on top of me. pretty funny in retrospect but it makes one think. i also have the bad habit of walking alone and it just goes to show, mexico is unpredictable. so if anyones thinking of coming id say come down south some. i was in TJ back in march 2000 and i remember when i went a police captain had just been murdered... by his own men. why? cause he was trying to clean up TJ and it just didt fly. corruption is the norm. so dont ever say mexico is like the US. there is no such thing as human rights down here. if you know someone or have money then youre untouchable. if not then you just better bend over and take it. im ranting now. laters.

 

[BrothaBill]

Why not just order domestic and skip the BS? Its alot easier getting a package in the mail. Also you could buy the secrets of mailorder success from elitefitness at get some tips.