Even if youre not the best at it, itll help. I've felt more fear living in Europe. Mexico is also just as family-friendly and diverse when it comes to what activities you can do around the city. Mexico, on the other hand, is located in Central America. To understand how this may impact cover under your policy, please go to our FAQs and select your country of residence. Are they bananas then? Its also an island in the Antilles archipelago which lies between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Puerto Rico vs. Mexico Mexico might seem like the obvious choice because it's bigger and, therefore, has more variety. Bars on the windows Well, PR is warm, and many people leave their windows open for circulation. Not only is it a haven for snorkeling, but its crystal clear waters and white, powdery sand have made it a popular spot for tourists. At Copper Canyon, you can go zip-lining and hike on a few trails surrounded by raw natural beauty. The old trolley service is amazingly free! then youll be fine in San Juan. Its actually one of the most gay-friendly Caribbean islands, with lots of gay clubs, open-minded accommodation options and an large gay clientele. But if theres one thing that makes visiting all the more worth it, its staying at Paradores. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. The stock image wouldn't lie now, would it? Mexican food is outstanding, and Puerto Rican food is a culinary gem that tourists would love. Travelers will be most affected by petty crime, such as pickpocketing or robbery. So we would definitely recommend learning some. They might not be the cheapest places, but definitely worth the stay make sure to check them out! In both countries, Spanish is the official language. Obviously there are places where you shouldn't be by yourself after dark. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers. Source tables. And of course, tequila. There are even family-sized apartments you can stay in. Look for white cars with ayellowGarita or sentry box logo that says TAXI TOURISTICO on the side of them. Just about everyone you will get to know and trust is really down to earth and friendly. And to think, the El Yunque National Forest is already home to 200+ wildlife species, 25 waterfalls, and several hiking trails. The local beaches are pretty safe during the day, just keep an eye on your belongings and don't bring anything you're not prepared to havestolen while having a swim. Mexico is a better choice for savvy travelers. There really isn't a reason to be out in the inner city at night. La Parguera is another island close by to Puerto Rico and a haven for anyone interested in water sports activities. These only make up the tip of the iceberg. Mariachi bands. Hurricanes do hit Puerto Rico and unfortunately, when they hit, they really hit. Seriously, once you enter the travel belt life, you never go back. A good tip to remember is if a food stall has a long line, it usually means the food is good and safe to eat. Crime in Puerto Rico describes acts of violent and non-violent crime that take place within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.. To combat crime, the Puerto Rican government adopted a broad anti-crime policy referred to locally as "mano dura contra el crimen" (or simply mano dura), "iron fist against crime". After boarding one of the coolest train rides in the world, head to the Sonora Market. These family-owned hotels are just one of the many things that tourists love about Puerto Rico. Enjoy your stay. I wouldn't be caught dead in a city like those two, but I feel perfectly safe in PR. A recent gang war didnt stop the problem, which has grown steadily more widespread. Theres a whole range of accommodation options available in Puerto Rico. DEFINITION: Level of crime. That said, Puerto Rico has a lower crime rate than many major US cities. There are gang-related crimes happening in both countries, but they usually dont affect visitors. Aside from all-inclusive resorts and hotels, you can go for Paradores. Did you know? Use common sense and you will absolutely love PR. Puerto Rico's overall crime rate. Speaking of Vieques is actually a separate island, but its quite easy to get to; you just need to take a ferry from the main island. Because where would you even start? According to 2022 GDP data, Puerto Ricos GDP is 109.20 USD billion, while Mexicos is 1,319 USD billion. 100% of all donations go to the program you choose. The sheer number of activities available to tourists is fascinating. Mexico is cheaper to visit, but costs can quickly add up if youre doing a lot of excursions and tours. For the ideal beach activities, the best time to visit Puerto Rico is between early December to mid-April. Some may experience verbal harassment. Then again, Mexico spans a wider area of land, so there is essentially more room to build and develop resorts in the area. But dont expect that to happen. And you cant get an Uber from the airport, either. This is where gang activity goes on, which includes drug dealing and shootings. The Spanish first landed in Mexico in 1521. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Puerto Rico may be as high as 1 in 18 in the north neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 26 in the central part of the state. Choose yourself a social hostel with good reviews from other women, make some travel buddies, book a tour, explore this stunner of an island. Puerto Rico isnt as dangerous as you might think. Here, youll find red rocks, white sand, and exotic wildlife. At the end of the day, there are so many unique experiences and places around Mexico. Puerto Rico's population is declining.Faced with a deteriorating economy, increased poverty and a swelling crime rate, many Puerto Ricans are fleeing the island for the U.S. mainland. But at the same time, both are very different countries when it comes to the economy. Bum bags aren't just for Adidas lads and super dads! There is a bioluminescent bay here that shines even brighter than its better-known cousin on the main island. Simple. However, there are no airlines that offer direct flights between both destinations. Plus, no language issues, no passport needed, and more than 100 flights a day from the US. These are some of the most affordable. I was in Old San Juan, San Juan and the north east part of the island. Sure, youve tried Mexican food everywhere. This means tourists visiting Mexico, including US citizens, have to present a valid passport upon arrival. Take your pick. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism. We are currently in Ocean Park in San Juan. Partial data will be updated as complete figures become available. Whether its in the form of art, food, alcohol, history, architecture, and so on. Driving in rural areas or mountain roads is both scenic and scary! Much safer and less predatory. Previous GDP data might suggest that Puerto Rico is poorer than Mexico. There is a little bit of a problem with petty crime, but thats avoidable, too. Swimming in an underworld portal that is also a human sacrificial chamber? Whereverinequality and high population density occur, crime generally follows. This also means theres good economic growth happening in both countries. The worst thing that's happened to me in PR is slow service in a restaurant and the traffic. Its home toSan Juan, the third oldest capital of the Americas (founded in 1521! In 2016, the island had a murder rate of 17.8 per 100,000 people, which was higher than the average murder rate for Latin America and the Caribbean of 10.8 per 100,000 people. Think of the Spanish differences between Puerto Rico and Mexico the same as American English and British English. Puerto Rico is definitely a safe place to live. Crime rates in Puerto Rico. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Homicide in Latin America & Caribbean Violent crime in the U.S. Femicide in Latin America Crime and violence in . This work assists in recovering the country's economy, as tourism is the number one source of employment for locals. Gangs are a problem in these areas, and activities linked to the drug trade often take place. Culebra is where youll find serene, secluded, and laid-back beaches, with Flamenco beach being the most popular. Murders > Per 100,000 people : Intentional homicide rate is the estimate of intentional homicides in a country as a result of domestic disputes that end in a killing, interpersonal violence, violent conflicts over land resources, inter-gang violence over turf or control, and predatory violence and killing by armed groups. I went to PR 3 years ago and it was fine and never felt like I was in danger. Be sure to try these other local dishes found only in Puerto Rico: Lush rainforests, stunning nature parks, great beaches, and beautiful landscapes. And thats not all. Here, youll find a witch market. Also, there are devastating hurricanes. The roads can be super narrow, have sheer drops, and also not be in the best condition, too. It doesnt go toOld San Juanor any big sights; its more for commuters. Crime rate against women India 2015-2019 . We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). However, there are differences between Mexican Spanish and Puerto Rican Spanish. Both Puerto Rico and Mexico are safe destinations. If you wouldn't visit Chicago because of the crime than don't go to Puerto Rico. Its a pretty safe place to visit. You will need avalid ID to purchase alcohol from bars, restaurants, stores etc. Visiting Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve allows you to explore the jungle ecosystem in Mexico. However, its important to be respectful and discreet as the country is still conservative due to the influence of the Catholic Church. From tacos and burritos to frituras and lechon asado, youll enjoy the wide range of culinary options in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Theres even more variety in Puerto Rico. Crime What makes it tough to choose between the two is that both offer everything any traveler could hope for. And its an awesome place to live, as the cost of living in Puerto Rico is relatively low. The blood alcohol limit in Puerto Rico is 0.08 however it's best to walk or grab a taxi if you plan to have a few drinks. Resorts usually are though, and some havekids clubs. For instance, walking alone in poorly lit areas at night is never a good decision. Keep your car door locked and valuables out of sight while traveling. One of the best parts of swimming in Isla Espiritu Santo? At that time, chocolate was mainly used as a ceremonial drink very much the same one used in cacao ceremonies. FBI figures show that violent crimes in the U.S. overall (including Puerto Rico) stood at 370.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, and property crime rates at 2,582.1 per 100,000. However, locals report if you are thereduring daylight hours, you're generally safe. Fun fact: Norsemen actually landed in Mexico back in the 10th century, according to experts and several theories. Staying in Luquillo is surprisingly affordable, especially if you consider that you wont just be getting a room, but entire apartments and condos for a super low price. Yes, Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit, howeverthere is a risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Dont worry. We are in a residential neighborhood. 1 The figures shown in this column for the offense of rape were reported using only the revised Uniform Crime Reporting definition of rape. It depends on the demand at the time. Tourism is starting to make its way here though, so make sure to visit soon before that all changes. For new travelers and families, its an effortless trip. LGBTQ Puerto Ricans have the same legal protections as heterosexual locals and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015. Weve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. Whats the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word Mexico? Ask anyone in the room and youll get all sorts of answers. For travelers who want a truly luxurious stay, Mexico has several options and has in fact won several awards. If youre visiting with your partner, youll be most likely not to experience any problems in Puerto Rico, even in San Juan. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Ranked 9th. All this should tell you one thing: a vacation in Mexico is a decision brimming with so much to explore and experience. Another noteworthy traditional dish found commonly in Puerto Rico is lechon asado. Puerto Rico is pretty safe for women travelers if you exercise some simple safety precautions and use your common sense as you would back home such as not leaving your valuables unattended and not wandering around poorly lit areas at night. Put simply, you can travel hassle-free when visiting Puerto Rico. Your use of this service is subject to our Ubers safe in Puerto Rico. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Puerto Rico. So be cautious and respect those rules and watch your back. Duh I have been to PR many times, I have relatives there, and my daughter did a 3 month internship in Old San Juan. At Isla Espiritu Santo, youll find red rocks and even get to swim with sea lions. Find out how to stay healthy on your vacation in Puerto Rico. But if theres one difference between the two, youll find more all-inclusive resorts in Mexico than in Puerto Rico. Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you. Chances of finding a job are better in the tourist areas. Youre connected. Explore: An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! There are all sorts of adventures you can have on this amazing Caribbean island. Several airlines offer flights from Mexico to Puerto Rico, such as Delta, United Airlines, and American Airlines. Unique experiences are all over the city. People and places positively benefit from community development initiatives. Always keep your eyes open and stay aware of your surroundings. And quite frankly, its a destination thats always worth visiting. It wont be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. Its mainly in operation in and around San Juan. From here, you can take a refreshing bath at any of the thousand cenotes in Mexico. Well as a Puerto Rican I was keeped safe from La Perla since its dargerous to go therein the night and i think inthe day too,when I was little I used to visit the old San Juan alot. This makes them perfect for family travels or even when traveling with friends. Worst case, flight times from Mexico to Puerto could take between 11 to 23 hours. Puerto Rico is without a doubt natures paradise. As we mentioned above, not all areas are safe for visitors. For this reason, we think this is another super safe place to visit. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico. February 2019 is my first visit to Puerto Rico. Crime Comparison Between Puerto Rico and Mexico For major cities in those countries you get more relevant data by specifying cities. For bird-watching, hiking, and a historical tour all rolled into one day, you can visit Caja de Muertos. Then, just before the day ends, you can kayak at any of the three bioluminescent bays. Plus because of that weird GPS thing, Uber drivers might get lost themselves, or not be able to find where you are. When taking a boat or ferry from Puerto Rico to the US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), the travel time will be around 2 hours. Paradores are also known for their alluring surroundings and cozy amenities. Crime Rates. Carjackings aren't uncommon in Puerto Rico, even in safe areas like Vieques and Culebra, where thieves rarely think twice before smashing through a window. But its totally different when youre having it in the home court. Puerto Rico is safe to visit right now. In January 2020,a string of large earthquakes struck Puerto Rico and caused severe damage throughout the country,leading the GovernorVzquez Garced to declare a state of emergency and activate the National Guard. March 17th, 2023. Overall, theres so much to do around Puerto Rico, and youd be surprised just how much more you can do in the towns. My whole family loved this place and we are looking forward to coming back many more times. Puerto Rico is dangerous, but San Juan is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Murders per million people. Puerto Rico is considered to be one of the most LGBTQ friendly destinations in the Caribbean, with the capital San Juan having an established and lively gay scene, particularly around Santurce and Condado Beach. Yes this can happen anywhere but the truth is you do need to always be careful. Puerta de tierrra is becoming an extremely expensive neighborhood, with few restaurants opening up. Its a Caribbean paradise. Its a wild world out there. Obituaries for The Herald-Dispatch must be received by 4 . Outside of the city ofSan Juan,however, youre not going to be able to find a taxi so easily. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Other spots to avoid at night are the neighborhoods of La Perla (next to Old City) and parts of Puerta de Tierra. How is this possible? Surfing is top-notch in both destinations and you cant go wrong with either if you want a beach with a great view or simply relax. You can even eat street food to save on costs. However, the main difference is that you have more variety in Puerto Rico. Also, visitors must fill out a declaration form and present it when they arrive in Mexico together with their passport. The fastest way to get from Mexico to Puerto Rico is indeed via plane but takes 7 hours and has one stopover, best case scenario. Drink driving is also a major offense in Puerto Rico which can result in financial penalties and potentially jail time. And its none other than. Plus, if its your first time traveling outside of the US, Puerto Rico is an easy destination. Your options are massive. You can even ride the Tequila Express train where you can listen to great mariachi music while sampling tequila. I am a native Chicagoan and it was quite an adventure and challenge at the same time. Other comparisons Puerto Rico vs United States: Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Mexicos coastline measures close to 6,214 miles (10,000 km), meaning when it comes to beach options, youll find plenty all over the country. La Perla is only a couple of blocks long, with a few crappy bars and run down houses, so there's no real reason to stroll down there, but I wouldn't even worry about that in the daytime. Avoid these things in Puerto Rico to stay safe: Dont look wealthy or like a tourist Dont let your belongings out of sight Dont drink alcohol on the street Dont use drugs! For solo female travellers, Puerto Rico is actually surprisingly safe. True, there is a wide range of cuisines offered in the city. Back. Puerto Rico is a combination of exoticism and comfort. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. You may be worried about gang violence in Puerto Rico, and to be fair its a valid concern. Carjackingscan sometimes occur, so avoid driving at night where possible, particularly through known crime hotspots. This includes the entire distillation process, and of course, again free tequila samples! Almost half the population of Puerto Rico live below the poverty line the highest of any US state or territory. If youre flying to Puerto Rico, US citizens dont need a passport since its a United States territory. Beaches. Puerto Rico has a vert high firearm-related homicide rate, and victims are almost always something to do with gangs. For information on submitting an obituary, please contact The Herald-Dispatch by phone at 304-526-2793 or email at hdobits@hdmediallc.com. For instance, Hierve el Agua is a man-made pool created by a mineral-rich spring you can swim in. Christopher Columbus first discovered Puerto Rico along with the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1493. NEW JERSEY 1,883 . World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Between the two, though, Mexico has a longer coastline. Want unique experiences? Theres a lot of potential danger in Puerto Rico, which is probably why youre wondering, Is Puerto Rico safe?. All the locals we have met have been very friendly. I moved to Ocean Park between San Juan and Condado. 6 times more than United States. The question of Is Puerto Rico Safe? will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. If youve already visited the Caribbean and want something a little different but still have a lot of activities to do, Mexico is perfect. ESPN+ FIBA. Some worth mentioning include the following: Puerto Rico is not in Mexico, and nor is it part of Mexico. Just make sure to read reviews before you book some arent so child-friendly. The local beach, Balneario de Luqillo, is considered one of the best on the island, with golden sands and great local services. Also, public transport isnt very well connected over the whole island. Drugs are a major problem here. Whilst it is safe to visit Puerto Rico right now, there are definitely some things you should keep in mind. Illegal drugs and the gangs who traffic them are becoming an increasing problem. If you want to make a day trip to San Juan, its the perfect place to base yourself. Thanks to rain and currents of underground rivers, you get permanent water. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Puerto Rico vs Mexico, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Its open-air and runs around Old San Juan,connecting it to the cruise ship terminal which is pretty handy for visitors. Car theft is a significant issue in Puerto Rico, so take any valuables out of your car, leaving it as empty as possible. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Plus, think of them as smaller hotels but with resort-like value. And one of the most popular islands to visit are Culebra and Vieques. Thanks to its shallow warm waters, Playa Norte is also perfectly safe for kids to swim in. in and around San Juan where most crime on the island takes place. So naturally, the island is pretty well equipped for family-friendly fun. You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. > There are 3.3 million people living in Puerto Rico,and most of the population live in the capital city, San Juan, and other larger towns, which are made up of different cultures and social classes. At the same time, it can be pretty tricky for visitors to figure out just how to actually use it. But be careful at night and where you leave your car. The fact that this actually occurs in this US territory is quite concerning. And if you have a little bit of Spanish under your belt, it should get you involved in the culture even more. So, even if you dont visit Playa Mazunte for a swim, you have other options. Jessica Camerato. Why are a lot of people leaving?? As in the broom-riding pointy hat witches kind of witch market. How is it prepared? And to help out, even more, weve got some tailor-made tips for solo female travellers in Puerto Rico. (States + DC + PR). And as far as unique experiences go, this last one might convince you to even stay longer in Mexico: Many visit Mexico for its ancient ruins, gastronomy, and sightseeing adventures. Ranked 43th. Thats what this guide is for, and by the end of it, youll know exactly which is better for you. From cultural centers and ancient ruins to incredible cuisine and white-sand beaches, the better question to ask is. It doesnt mean you shouldnt go. Think snorkeling, days at the beach, child-friendly museums, Puerto Ricos National Parks, and even tales of pirates. While any other lists would include San Juan, we purposely left it out, since the crime rate is quite high. Crime Comparison Between Puerto Rico and United States For major cities in those countries you get more relevant data by specifying cities. After its mashed, other recipes call for more flavor by stuffing meat inside. And what about Mexico? Puerto Rico offers a diversity of experiences from nature parks to beautiful caves and bioluminescent bays. Crime Choosing between Puerto Rico and Mexico is harder than it seems, doesnt it? Luckily, there are other, just as stunning places in Puerto Rico that are definitely worth the visit. After the marinade has seeped deep into the meat, its roasted for several hours over a coal fire until the skin turns crispy. Pros range from simplydoing what you want to do, to actually grow as a person. There are several activities to do at each of these places. The crime rate in Puerto Rico is relatively high when compared to other countries in the world. The higher the value, the more survey respondents believe it is high in their country. Dorado is right in the middle of Puerto Ricos North Coast. Not only will you be able to enjoy it all throughout the city, but youll also get to visit where its grown. Crime rate comparison Puerto Rico vs United States Safety comparisons Puerto Rico vs United States But did you know? Now back to Puerto Rico, lovely people, weather, beaches, but I totally agree with the author of the article -- you need to be careful about where you go and what you do! The fares are set in main tourist zones (aroundOld San Juan) and from the airport. 2 The FBI does not publish arson data unless it receives data from either the agency or the state for all 12 months of the calendar year. Or better yet, dine in a romantic cave. Which also leads to the next unique thing about this archipelago. Overall, Puerto Rican food is a culinary gem that tourists would surely enjoy and one that foodies will love. For something more unique, visit Isla Espiritu Santo, also located in Baja California Sur. Don't not visit the island, I had a blast and am going back in 3 weeks but more so to the west side of the island like Rincon etc.