DEFINITION: Level of crime. These only make up the tip of the iceberg. You dont have to believe me, or the article writer, Google the Wikipedia page that shows per capita homicide rate of cities worldwide. Choosing restaurants where locals eat is always a cheaper option and a great way to experience culinary authenticity. Your use of this service is subject to our Why shouldnt you visit Mexico? Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. True, there is a wide range of cuisines offered in the city. Always park your car in a well-lit location at night. Just make sure to read reviews before you book some arent so child-friendly. The best way to get yourself into a cab is to ask your accommodation. And thanks to Isla Espiritu Santos gorgeous coastline, its also one of the best places to go for an afternoon picnic. And what about Mexico? 26 times more than Puerto Rico 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. Whereverinequality and high population density occur, crime generally follows. Your options are massive. 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. Saying Puerto Rican food is unique is one way to describe the gastronomy found in Puerto Rico. Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Puerto Rico: Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you. San Juan, Puerto Rico: 53.5 per 100,000* In comparison with 2018, in which 144 homicides were committed, the Puerto Rican capital experienced a significant spike in murders in 2019, wrapping up the year with 172 violent deaths. Youre connected. You should also stay away from these areas: Louis Lloren Torres (a public housing complex) Pinones Parque de la Palomas. You will need avalid ID to purchase alcohol from bars, restaurants, stores etc. These are some of the most affordable. But this US territory isnt always that safe. In 2021, Puerto Rico recorded around 19.3 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. 3% more than Puerto Rico 14.6 Ranked 11th. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Mexico might seem like the obvious choice because its bigger and, therefore, has more variety. It depends on the demand at the time. The Sumidero Canyon is also a great sightseeing spot, but it also includes a two-hour river cruise to see the towering canyon walls. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Source tables; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 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. Contact us for full details. Crime Comparison Between San Juan and Cancun Safety comparisons San Juan vs Cancun Crime Index (Current, By City) Sydney, Australia Cancun, Mexico Berlin, Germany Delhi, India New York, NY, United States San Juan, Puerto Rico Prague, Czech Republic London, United Kingdom Beijing, China 0 20 40 60 80 Moving to San Juan? There are several activities to do at each of these places. Crime Rates. They may be expensive,but theyre safe and pretty dependable. Because where would you even start? For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions. The Caribbeanhas seen a few high-profile incidents in its day, prompting the U.S. State Department to tack travel advisories onto quite a few of its islands. As we mentioned above, not all areas are safe for visitors. There are all sorts of adventures you can have on this amazing Caribbean island. What Mexico and Puerto Rico have in common is they both share the same language. I'll be going back in July, and I anticipate another great time. If you wouldn't visit Chicago because of the crime than don't go to Puerto Rico. Live. Its a wild world out there. Fun fact: Norsemen actually landed in Mexico back in the 10th century, according to experts and several theories. Luckily, there are other, just as stunning places in Puerto Rico that are definitely worth the visit. In fact, its got a lower crime rate than many mainland US cities, which is reassuring. Keep your car door locked and valuables out of sight while traveling. But did you know? Were not going to lie, its a pretty epic place to travel solo. Is it Safe to Visit Puerto Rico Right Now? 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. Isla Verde, Condado, Old San Juan are all safe areas in my opinion. Visit a witch market and buy voodoo or love potions. Beachcombing is a popular activity, and youll find a lot of families enjoy spending their time here. Not only will you be able to enjoy it all throughout the city, but youll also get to visit where its grown. I have walked every street in Old San Juan, and much of the city from Old San Juan to Condado, with zero problems. and always ask before taking a photo of someone to avoid potential offense. You can add a micro-donation to the project of your choice when you buy travel insurance. Crime levels : Level of crime. Whether its in the form of art, food, alcohol, history, architecture, and so on. Think of the Spanish differences between Puerto Rico and Mexico the same as American English and British English. The waters are refreshingly cool. As we mentioned before, there are definitely a few areas in Puerto Rico that tend to get quite sketchy, especially at night. And then dont forget the mainland American influence. At the end of the day, there are so many unique experiences and places around Mexico. There are a few sketchy homeless people and alcoholics like in any big city. People often get lost when the GPS directs you up some random road even a map can be tricky to follow. Its also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The homicide rate in Puerto Rico is approximately 20 per 100,000 population or over thirty times higher than a relatively safe country such as Ireland which has a rate of 0.6 per 100,000. Stick to the neighborhoodsof Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Miramar and Condado at night, where there are regular police patrols. But the island itself is pure heaven. So youre going to be able to sample whats on offer without getting too ill. and its an offense to have open alcoholic beverages in public. Puerto Rico's climate is partly cloudy, but mostly hot, oppressive, and windy summer. Their art culture is EXTREMELY Excellent world quality like Santa Fe NM in its beautiful tropical way. Take your pick. You literally must try the Puerto Rico staple of mofongo green plantain, fried pork skin, all mashed together and fried with garlic, served with meat which is an insane concoction and gives insanely delicious results. Puerto Rico is dangerous, but San Juan is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Even Izumal the famous Yellow City is a unique beauty of its own. Your use of this service is subject to our, Quality of Life Comparison Puerto Rico vs United States, Cost of Living Comparison Puerto Rico vs United States, Health Care Comparison Puerto Rico vs United States, Pollution Comparison Puerto Rico vs United States, Property Prices Comparison Puerto Rico vs United States, Traffic Comparison Puerto Rico vs United States, Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender or religion, Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft, Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery. Wet seasons last for 7.3 months, starting from April 24 to December 1. Louis Lloren Torres, a caserio in San Juan is where a lot of the city's crime takes place. You might think it was the Mayans who invented chocolate, but the origins of chocolate go a little further back. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. If youre up for an adventure, you can take the ferry from Puerto Rico and visit the Dominican Republic. High crime rate yet I've never experienced any danger. Explore: The view is breathtaking if you have a person you love and want them to see something beautiful by your side this is the place to do it once I get the chance god willing I'm taking my family I really want them to see this I think my wife is going to cry cause I won't stop talking about this place and when she sees it she will also know what I mean and so will you if you go. However, the basic rule of thumb is here: dont choose to live anywhere near public housing areas. The distance between Puerto Rico and Mexico is 2,155.8 miles (3,469 km). A Puerto Rico native shares what you need to know about safety, road conditions, the local drivers, and other transport options. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Even Puerto Ricos vast cuisine selection is superb. Moving on, theres also an underwater museum in Cancun. Other nature-based dangers include strong currents when youre out swimming. For something on the wild side, you can also eat mezcal worms or fungus known as huitlacoche. As Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, that status does provide the country with local autonomy and the ability to fly its own flag. The Island is highly developed, though the roads have pot holes, many street lights are still in the dark since hurricane Maria, overall, it's pretty cleaned up and normalish. If youre looking for something interesting to look forward to, Mexico just might check all the boxes. Puerto Rico isnt as dangerous as you might think. Beaches. Crime rate is the number of crimes committed per 100,000 people. It would probably be longer than two months worth of groceries. 4,291. For those who are not aware, Old San Juan is an Island and one can see Puerto Rico from its southern shore. Mainly because Puerto Rico isnt just an island. For instance, Hierve el Agua is a man-made pool created by a mineral-rich spring you can swim in. Dont miss the tropical forest of El Yunque with its pools of water and high views. Statistically, San Juan is the most dangerous city in Puerto Rico. I was born in Puerto Rico 65 years ago and it was a lovely place its too ashamed of these places have had such hard times but the Puerto Rican people are lovely and I love them and Ill go there again. Phone (405) 341-1683 | Fax (405) 359-1936. the following transactions occurred during july REFILLS. Vieques is easily the most rural destination in Puerto Rico, and youre likely to find farm animals roaming freely around the streets. Combined with all the activities you can do at each spot, how could it not be worth visiting? Puerto Ricohas a high homicide rate however this usually affects those involved in gang activity, the drug trade or both. Obviously there are places where you shouldn't be by yourself after dark. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Food-wise, its a tie. Many travelers advise avoiding public housing areas, known in Puerto Rico as caserio, identifiable by their cement facades and apartment-like balconies. Both Puerto Rico and Mexico have picturesque beaches as well and there are a few in Puerto Rico that stand out. With the first few days I was warned to avoid a sections that was crime-infested. Just be sure to keep your wits about you! Privacy Policy, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Being able to swim with a colony of sea lions. Puerto Rico is definitely a safe place to live. Compare Countries Puerto Rico's overall crime rate. Travelling solo as a woman isnt unusual on the island of Puerto Rico, but as a foreigner, you will stick out more than a local lady. People who live in Puerto Rico generally consider the central part of the state to be the safest. For an adrenaline-pumping experience, Copper Canyon is perfect. So we would definitely recommend learning some. So naturally, the island is pretty well equipped for family-friendly fun. In contrast, flying to Mexico means youll have to undergo customs before claiming your luggage. If you plan to have a night out, always walk with someone else, in a group or grab a licensed taxi (white taxis with the lit up roof sign). But its pretty damn special too. Theres a perfectly good explanation for why Puerto Rico draws so many visitors every year. 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. I don't think so. So yes, its safe to live in Puerto Rico. Btw, this message is for "ffjsb" whoade tge first comment on this thread. By marinating the whole pig in adobo, which is a blend of oregano, garlic, vinegar, pepper, and water. If youve already visited the Caribbean and want something a little different but still have a lot of activities to do, Mexico is perfect. And if thats not enough, you can also swim through Sian Kaans lagoons. Museums, shopping, clubs, bars, restaurants, CVS, Walgreens, fast food, one tends to forget they are in the Caribbean. Asking locals for tips and suggestions is also a great way to learn more about how to keep yourself safe. But the bad part is that we always past La Perla and my mom would say that its dangerous for little kids.To this day I still can't go to La Perla. Crime rate against women India 2015-2019 . Ruins. This guarantees a very respectful and safe communication and booking process from both sides. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers. Then, just before the day ends, you can kayak at any of the three bioluminescent bays. According to 2022 GDP data, Puerto Ricos GDP is 109.20 USD billion, while Mexicos is 1,319 USD billion. But its actually really okay. From whether or not its safe to drive in Puerto Rico, tips for solo female travellers in Puerto Rico even tackling whether you should take your kids to Puerto Rico, to first-time solo traveller planning a trip to Puerto Rico, no need to worry, its all covered in our handy guide. 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. Vegas Golden Knights vs. Winnipeg Jets (First Round Game 4) ESPN NHL. 5 Safety Tips. February 2019 is my first visit to Puerto Rico. Level of crime: 71.58: High: Crime increasing in the past 3 years . In 2022, the highest homicide rate among 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries surveyed was in Jamaica, with around 52.2 murders committed per 100,000 inhabitants. Because theyre nothing compared to the 13 Paradores found all over the island. If you see a lot of locals dine at the restaurant, thats a good sign as well. I think what everyone is forgetting is that common sense plays an important role in your safety. Puerto Rico food is amazing! Theres a high level of gun crime in the country: the gun homicide rate is pretty high. Choosing between Puerto Rico and Mexico is harder than it seems, doesnt it? This means both countries are growing and flourishing. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 . Read the latest travel warnings and alerts. From here, you can take a refreshing bath at any of the thousand cenotes in Mexico. Im in Puerto Rico right now with family (wife and kids). It is not nice to try to say something about one place bu putting down other places like Chicago or Detroit.was you said is not nice, Chicago is a great cityyes it can be dangerous just like Puerto Rico or any other city or county if your in the wrong place at the wrong time or your not using common sense or pay attention to advice and rules. After the marinade has seeped deep into the meat, its roasted for several hours over a coal fire until the skin turns crispy. Sink your teeth into authentic Mexican dishes and youll notice the clear difference and gap from what youve had back home. If you're doing it right you'll be exhausted by dark and ready to head back to your hotel anyways and won't have to worry about the shit that goes on at night in the inner city. You might think that Puerto Rico is a no-no. The total area of Mexico is 758, 449.43 sq miles (1,964,375 sq km), while Puerto Rico spans a total of 3,424 sq miles (8,870 sq km). And you cant get an Uber from the airport, either. Weve listed the safest ones below: Luquillo is just a short ride from San Juan and offers pretty much the same cool vibes and attractions, just without the masses of tourists and pickpocketing issues. Its mainly in operation in and around San Juan. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. After boarding one of the coolest train rides in the world, head to the Sonora Market. Like pretty much all of Puerto Ricos public transport. Another common crime is theft, which usually happens if you leave your valuables unattended. One of the best examples of Puerto Rican comfort food at its finest is the mofongo. Thats the simple way to deal with that issue as a tourist anyway. Whether its sipping a cold beer or margarita at any of the seafood shacks or simply enjoying a delicious seafood entree. Gang violence and hurricanes are the biggest threats to locals and tourists alike in Puerto Rico. Again, thank you! You know what all three have in common? The homicide rate registered an increase of 2.8 points compared to the . In both countries, Spanish is the official language. Mariachi bands. Terms of Use and Find out how safe this tropical paradise island is! The legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, whereas in the United States its 21; making the country a popular destination for college students from the US on spring break. The highest ranked city outside of Latin America is St. Louis in the United States, which is ranked fourteenth with a murder. The Puerto Rican government put a lot of resources into tourism initiatives to encourage travelers to visit the island nation following Hurricane Maria, and will no doubt do the same following the earthquake damage in early 2020. Much safer and less predatory. Most of the world's most dangerous cities are located in Latin America. Indigenous Taino mixes with African and European cuisine for some pretty tasty dishes. If you are concerned about your safety, you can opt to live in a gated community. Enjoy the gastronomy at restaurants Tio Pepe, Las Garzas, and Casa Bavaria, Visit Hacienda Tres Angeles, a coffee hacienda with stunning mountain views, Go on one of the longest zip lines in the world at Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park, Rappel at Canon San Cristobal in the day and camping at Toro Negro as the day ends, Do a cave-tubing tour at Tanama River full of waterways and subterranean chambers, Hiking on Puerto Ricos off-the-beaten paths, Desserts tembleque, flan, coquito, arroz con dulce. And quite frankly, its a destination thats always worth visiting. And Isla de Mona if you prefer to spend the day at a remote beach with local wildlife just minding their own business. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. This makes them perfect for family travels or even when traveling with friends. Don't leave your valuables or belongings unattended and only take what you need out with you. Another thing to note about driving in Puerto Rico is the fact that (for some reason) GPS systems dont work very well here. Puerto Rico is safe to visit right now. 14,483. 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. I leave my Jeep in some pretty quiet places while I surf before dawn 4-5 days a week. Plus, no language issues, no passport needed, and more than 100 flights a day from the US. Tropical islands of paradise! Puerto Rico and Mexico have beautiful resorts and also offer luxury options perfect for a paradise getaway. Puerto Rico has a vert high firearm-related homicide rate, and victims are almost always something to do with gangs. Nolos Morales Park and Beach is the largest public park in Puerto Rico but is largely a secret kept for locals. You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. In fact, these small inns of Puerto Rican paradise have become a famous choice for destination weddings. Are they bananas then? Wed definitely advise caution in certain areas, e.g. You can buy medicinal herbs, voodoo dolls, potions, and items related to witch magic and occult. There was no need to make negative comments about Chicago or Detroitthe last being a struggling city whose trying to make it in today's trying time. With the poor economy in PR, as US citizens, they can relocate to get a good job. Day of the Dead (ever seen Disneys Coco?). There really isn't a reason to be out in the inner city at night. 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. Since then, Puerto Rico has almost fully recovered and crime rates are improving. Travelers will bemost affected by petty crime, such as pickpocketing or robbery. If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. That being said, its still an incredible city to visit and you should definitely stop over there, just make sure to be extra careful, especially when traveling alone. And to think, the El Yunque National Forest is already home to 200+ wildlife species, 25 waterfalls, and several hiking trails. @. Just think of it this way; "It's a different ball.park with different rules." Pinones, Parque de la Palomas and Santruce are also safe to visit during the day. The fact that this actually occurs in this US territory is quite concerning. For solo female travellers, Puerto Rico is actually surprisingly safe. Rather, youd float effortlessly along the lagoons waters. Previous guests can leave reviews and ratings after their stay, so youll know exactly what to expect. But dont be so sure. How Far Is Puerto Rico From US Virgin Islands by Boat? Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and has been since 1898, so it belongs to the United States of America. And if thats not enough, you can explore hundreds of small islands around Puerto Rico, which all offer unique experiences. The colorful culture that is home to Mexico is full of exciting experiences, culture, gastronomy, and beaches. Various governments have changed their travel warnings to restrict travel during this time. The Email address or Password is incorrect, World Nomads Contributor - Tue, 29 Sep 2020. read about lockdowns and border restrictions. More information. I am a native Chicagoan and it was quite an adventure and challenge at the same time. Chocolate. If you rent a vehicle, make sure that you purchase solid rental insurance to have full peace of mind whilst on the road. Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you. 13 times more than Puerto Rico. Additionally, youll find the largest concentration of whale sharks around the island. All you need to do is get your luggage from baggage claim, book an Uber or taxi, and youre all set. For information on submitting an obituary, please contact The Herald-Dispatch by phone at 304-526-2793 or email at hdobits@hdmediallc.com. Swimming in an underworld portal that is also a human sacrificial chamber? I recommend carrying some kind of self defense object. I recently moved to Puerto Rico on Jan 1st, 2017, and overall the experience has been awesome. If you want something completely off-the-beaten-path but incredibly safe, Vieques is an excellent choice. If youre looking for great surfing, youll also find it in Playa Los Cerritos. MIAMI -- As Mexico outfielder Alex Verdugo sat at the press conference podium on Friday afternoon at loanDepot park, he summed up the action that was about to transpire between Mexico and Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal matchup later that evening. Have someone in mind youre planning to use it on? Download Historical Data Save as Image From: To: Zoom: 15 20 25 30 Per 100K Population 18.49 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2017 2020 -40 -20 0 20 Annual % Change -10.49% 2020 Driving in rural areas or mountain roads is both scenic and scary! Combined with panoramic views of the city and hospitality unlike any other, tourists will feel at home staying at any Paradores. Plus because of that weird GPS thing, Uber drivers might get lost themselves, or not be able to find where you are. Even though Puerto Rico is part of the US, it has its own languages and traditions, like many colonies around the world. Close, Is Puerto Rico Safe for Travel? Your use of this service is subject to our Both Puerto Rico and Mexico are great destinations overall. Theres even more variety in Puerto Rico. Aside from all-inclusive resorts and hotels, you can go for Paradores. Other comparisons Puerto Rico vs United States: Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. For travelers who want a truly luxurious stay, Mexico has several options and has in fact won several awards. Travel around during the day and see everything you want to see. Both Puerto Rico and Mexico are safe destinations. SportsCenter. Then, theres the weather. Crime Comparison Between Puerto Rico and United States For major cities in those countries you get more relevant data by specifying cities. Yes, wed definitely consider Puerto Rico as safe to visit as long as you use your common travel sense. The risk of theft should be your biggest concern here, so be careful with your belongings don't be flashy with jewelry, cash, phones or cameras.