And quite frankly, its a destination thats always worth visiting. Culebra is where youll find serene, secluded, and laid-back beaches, with Flamenco beach being the most popular. There really isn't a reason to be out in the inner city at night. Puerto Rico is almost as safe as Hawaii when it comes to violent crimes. If you rent a vehicle, make sure that you purchase solid rental insurance to have full peace of mind whilst on the road. World's most dangerous cities, by murder rate 2022 | Statista This work assists in recovering the country's economy, as tourism is the number one source of employment for locals. However, the basic rule of thumb is here: dont choose to live anywhere near public housing areas. 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. The US territory of Puerto Rico is many things. Well, its difficult to say. Crime Want unique experiences? Travelers looking for more unique experiences and heart-racing excursions will also love Mexico. Mexico is a better choice for savvy travelers. Stream Mexico vs. Puerto Rico on Watch ESPN. People and places positively benefit from community development initiatives. Which also leads to the next unique thing about this archipelago. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! There is a little bit of a problem with petty crime, but thats avoidable, too. Aguadilla seems to have the poorest areas in some neighborhoods. A Puerto Rico native shares what you need to know about safety, road conditions, the local drivers, and other transport options. *Murder rates calculated by InSight Crime based on available homicide data and the country's 2020 estimated population total, according to the Population Reference Bureau. Its home toSan Juan, the third oldest capital of the Americas (founded in 1521! It is safe to drive in Puerto Rico, but it can be challenging. Melones beach is perfect for snorkeling adventures. At the same time, it can be pretty tricky for visitors to figure out just how to actually use it. Inequality is rife between the different cultures that live here an ongoing issue and theres crime related to that. The Dominican Republic and Haiti are great options but may be too far to travel for some in a day. You can fly from Mexico to Puerto Rico, however, there are no direct flights between the two locations. Those looking for something off-the-beaten-path will enjoy the local culture, which has largely been untouched by the tourism industry. But this US territory isnt always that safe. Homicide rate in Puerto Rico from 2014 to 2021 (in number of homicides per 100,000 inhabitants) Sink your teeth into authentic Mexican dishes and youll notice the clear difference and gap from what youve had back home. Tequila Express trains, chocolate-making classes, jaw-dropping canyons, and awe-inspiring lagoons. Keep this in mind when deciding how careful you need to be. Plus because of that weird GPS thing, Uber drivers might get lost themselves, or not be able to find where you are. Having a few Spanish phrases so you can ask for directions will almost certainly come in handy. If you want to make a day trip to San Juan, its the perfect place to base yourself. SOURCES: Wikipedia: List of countries by intentional homicide rate by decade; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Getting jaded with the whole thing, even bored, sometimes lonely, Luckily Puerto Rico is actually an awesome place to travel solo and its safe too! Puerta de tierrra is becoming an extremely expensive neighborhood, with few restaurants opening up. February 2019 is my first visit to Puerto Rico. San Juan is now ranked as the second deadliest city on this list with 53.5 homicides for every 100,000 inhabitants. Tourism has been important for the islands economy. Puerto Rico is a combination of exoticism and comfort. The question of Is Puerto Rico Safe? will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. Vieques is easily the most rural destination in Puerto Rico, and youre likely to find farm animals roaming freely around the streets. 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. Puerto Rico is as safe and unsafe as any other state in the Union, true areas to avoid are there, however, overall it is an extremely safe destination. Were not going to lie, its a pretty epic place to travel solo. You dont have to believe me, or the article writer, Google the Wikipedia page that shows per capita homicide rate of cities worldwide. Is Puerto Rico Safe? (INSIDER Tips for 2023) - The Broke Backpacker Food-wise, its a tie. Puerto Rico vs Mexico, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. puerto rico crime rate vs chicago - sherrysdrug.com Paradores are also known for their alluring surroundings and cozy amenities. and its an offense to have open alcoholic beverages in public. But if theres one difference between the two, youll find more all-inclusive resorts in Mexico than in Puerto Rico. But dont expect that to happen. Millions of travelers visit Puerto Rico each year, with the majority having a trouble-free experience, but, as you would anywhere, use your common sense. Its a wild world out there. There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. Use common sense and you will absolutely love PR. While youre digesting all this info, theres one more unique quality worth mentioning about Puerto Rico. 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. Puerto Rico: 18.5: Guatemala: 17.5: . Keep your belongings close to you and watch out for suspicious characters trying to get close to you. and always ask before taking a photo of someone to avoid potential offense. Travelers will bemost affected by petty crime, such as pickpocketing or robbery. Mexico isnt just the place to see great white sharks up close. The shortest flight time from Mexico to Puerto Rico, including a stopover, is seven or eight hours. And its none other than. SOUTH CAROLINA 3,624 . You know what all three have in common? Just about everyone you will get to know and trust is really down to earth and friendly. But if theres one thing that makes visiting all the more worth it, its staying at Paradores. However, there are differences between Mexican Spanish and Puerto Rican Spanish. If youre up for an adventure, you can take the ferry from Puerto Rico and visit the Dominican Republic. Crime Comparison Between Puerto Rico and Mexico For major cities in those countries you get more relevant data by specifying cities. Keep it locked up in the safe back at your accommodation if you're going out at night it's not worth losing yourcardsor valuables. The highest ranked city outside of Latin America is St. Louis in the United States, which is ranked fourteenth with a murder. La Parguera is another island close by to Puerto Rico and a haven for anyone interested in water sports activities. People who live in Puerto Rico generally consider the central part of the state to be the safest. Crime rate comparison Puerto Rico vs United States Safety comparisons Puerto Rico vs United States 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. One of the best parts of swimming in Isla Espiritu Santo? The distance between Puerto Rico and Mexico is 2,155.8 miles (3,469 km). Terms of Use and Go up the hill to see the Cross and the Castle. Puerto Rico's overall crime rate. San Juan, PR, Crime Rate & Safety | U.S. News Best Places Fun fact: Norsemen actually landed in Mexico back in the 10th century, according to experts and several theories. Puerto Rico is safe, convenient, accessible, and beautiful in so many ways. ESPN+ FIBA. There are more than 30 cays in La Parguera, most of which are shallow and feature light- and deep-blue waters. Check before you go. 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. You can travel to Puerto Rico for a reasonable cost and find price-friendly lodging, food, transportation, and so on. Overall, theres so much to do around Puerto Rico, and youd be surprised just how much more you can do in the towns. Wrestling. Terms of Use and For example, eating at tourist restaurants whether in Mexico or Puerto Rico is a lot more expensive. Andgenerally,the food in Puerto Rico is safe. Mexico is located in Central America, while Puerto Rico is in the Caribbean. After boarding one of the coolest train rides in the world, head to the Sonora Market. Whilst it is safe to visit Puerto Rico right now, there are definitely some things you should keep in mind. 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. Why are a lot of people leaving?? It has a little appearance of Tucson and Green Valley AZ with delightful neighborhoods. Puerto Rico is safe for solo travellers and its an awesome place to explore, even by yourself. Tip:Learn some basic Spanishto make your trip just that bit easier, especially when you aren't in the urban centers. Is your phone eSIM ready? But did you know? Weve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. Louis Lloren Torres, a caserio in San Juan is where a lot of the city's crime takes place. 264.16. You can add a micro-donation to the project of your choice when you buy travel insurance. 26 times more than Puerto Rico For information on submitting an obituary, please contact The Herald-Dispatch by phone at 304-526-2793 or email at hdobits@hdmediallc.com. I was in Old San Juan, San Juan and the north east part of the island. However, locals report if you are thereduring daylight hours, you're generally safe. But I have been in many of the places frequented by locals and never even had a dirty look thrown my way. 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). Find out how to stay healthy on your vacation in Puerto Rico. Crime and violence in Mexico Crime and violence in Brazil . in and around San Juan where most crime on the island takes place. The local beach, Balneario de Luqillo, is considered one of the best on the island, with golden sands and great local services. Luckily, there are other, just as stunning places in Puerto Rico that are definitely worth the visit. Local Laws and Customs in Vietnam: Know Before You Go, How to Avoid Crime & Corruption in Indonesia, Laws in Mexico: Illegal Things Travelers Shouldn't Do. In fact, these small inns of Puerto Rican paradise have become a famous choice for destination weddings. Many travelers advise avoiding public housing areas, known in Puerto Rico as caserio, identifiable by their cement facades and apartment-like balconies. In 1993, Governor Pedro Rossell summed up government efforts by remarking, "They have . I recommend carrying some kind of self defense object. Plus, think of them as smaller hotels but with resort-like value. But be careful at night and where you leave your car. 42.01. . Tacos. I wouldn't be caught dead in a city like those two, but I feel perfectly safe in PR. For example, the Spanish word China in Mexico refers to the country. Isla Verde, Condado, Old San Juan are all safe areas in my opinion. Jobs. NEW JERSEY 1,883 . Mexico vs. Puerto Rico | Watch ESPN One example is enjoying a nice dinner inside an illuminated cave in Alux restaurant, located in Playa del Carmen. Use your head people, if a place looks shady and you have a bad feeling leave and dont wear flashy things. Chocolate. From cultural centers and ancient ruins to incredible cuisine and white-sand beaches, the better question to ask is. In fact, safer than most US cities and a lot more beautiful, too. Ubers safe in Puerto Rico. But, heres a tiny glimpse of all the sights to see in Mexico: Note that these places arent just appreciating the view, taking a few photos, and thats it. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Take year-round sunshine and combine it with beautiful beaches, mountains, waterfalls and the bustling capital ofSan Juanand you have yourself a pretty cool destination. If you travel in a straight line from one destination to the other, it would take about 5 hours and 8 minutes in total. Vieques is an island full of unique beach experiences. 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. Its a paradise for savvy travelers and anyone looking for a vacation where boredom isnt found. If youre looking for something interesting to look forward to, Mexico just might check all the boxes. Its just that easy. 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. 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. I'll be going back in July, and I anticipate another great time. Puerto Rico offers a diversity of experiences from nature parks to beautiful caves and bioluminescent bays. At the end of the day, Puerto Rico is a better choice if youre looking for an easygoing vacation. But then again, its important to use your common sense here too and to help out even more, here are our pro tips for food safety in Puerto Rico. 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. For travelers who havent been to the Caribbean, Puerto Rico may be the best choice for you. If youre looking for a change of pace or want to take a break from mountains and canyons, you can count on having a pleasant time at any of Mexicos beaches. Nolos Morales Park and Beach is the largest public park in Puerto Rico but is largely a secret kept for locals. 1 The figures shown in this column for the offense of rape were reported using only the revised Uniform Crime Reporting definition of rape. To understand how this may impact cover under your policy, please go to our FAQs and select your country of residence. This can either be seafood, octopus, crab meat, skirt steak, vegetables, or stewed chicken. I don't think so. The best thing to do is just ask a local if its ok to drink whatever youre thinking of drinking. Level of crime: 71.58: High: Crime increasing in the past 3 years . Like use your head people. Activities, excursions, and tours are also fantastic in both destinations. And what could be more exciting than trying this famous dessert in its very birthplace? So, what else is there? Whereverinequality and high population density occur, crime generally follows. Ranked 12th. then youll be fine in San Juan. And then dont forget the mainland American influence. Theres a high level of gun crime in the country: the gun homicide rate is pretty high. But don't be so sure. 80% of them are drug-related and most victims are gang members or somehow related to drug trafficking. Other comparisons Puerto Rico vs United States: Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Much safer and less predatory. I have NO problems going anywhere in PR, any more than I have in any big city in the mainland, unless it's Chicago or Detroit. Puerto Rico is dangerous, but San Juan is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Put simply, you can travel hassle-free when visiting Puerto Rico. Illegal drugs and the gangs who traffic them are becoming an increasing problem. In ideal circumstances, the flight time from Mexico to Puerto Rico only takes five hours.