Puerto Rico offers cave explorations, hiking through scenic mountains, stunning waterfalls, and more. 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. Shows how much people think the problem in their community are property crimes (home broken, car theft, etc. The populations of the Island and of my hometown are about the same and there's a roughly equal number of murders. For this reason, we think this is another super safe place to visit. After the two Hurricanes in 2017, the country was badly hit and crimes started to occur more often. Dont miss the tropical forest of El Yunque with its pools of water and high views. 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. Aside from beaches, theres also Mosquito Bay, its the brightest bioluminescent bay on this Earth. And quite frankly, its a destination thats always worth visiting. All this should tell you one thing: a vacation in Mexico is a decision brimming with so much to explore and experience. At the end of the day, there are so many unique experiences and places around Mexico. I leave my Jeep in some pretty quiet places while I surf before dawn 4-5 days a week. 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. But the island itself is pure heaven. Thats the simple way to deal with that issue as a tourist anyway. Both Puerto Rico and Mexico are safe destinations. We have had absolutely no problems. 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. I mean every city in the world has dangerous areas but to say not to visit b/c of one or two bad areas good lord. 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. Travelers will bemost affected by petty crime, such as pickpocketing or robbery. Then again, Mexico spans a wider area of land, so there is essentially more room to build and develop resorts in the area. Mexico is located in Central America, while Puerto Rico is in the Caribbean. That said, Puerto is safe for solo female travellers, but you should be doing everything you normally to keep yourself safe. Both Puerto Rico and Mexico are great destinations overall. Not to worry, we have created this epic safety guidefilled with safety tips to help you travel smart. I moved to Ocean Park between San Juan and Condado. Puerto Rico crime rate & statistics for 2018 was 21.09, a 8.48% decline from 2017. 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. Simple. Ranked 12th. Like pretty much all of Puerto Ricos public transport. Indigenous Taino mixes with African and European cuisine for some pretty tasty dishes. Puerto Rico's Crime Rate | Puerto Rico 51st Mexico was discovered much later, a few decades after America was discovered. Puerta de tierrra is becoming an extremely expensive neighborhood, with few restaurants opening up. Refraining from wearing flashy jewelry or bringing large amounts of cash on hand is common travel sense. Your money is likely to stay safe in Puerto Rico if you just pay attention. Its also quite close to San Juan. The rate of crime in Puerto Rico is 48.50 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. 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. The best way to get yourself into a cab is to ask your accommodation. Puerto Rico is a United States territory, located in the Caribbean. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Theres a whole range of accommodation options available in Puerto Rico. Tequila Express trains, chocolate-making classes, jaw-dropping canyons, and awe-inspiring lagoons. There are several activities to do at each of these places. The best thing to do is just ask a local if its ok to drink whatever youre thinking of drinking. Statistically, Puerto Rico is fairly safer than Mexico. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. 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. Throughout our trip we have only encountered one bad person and he was a white guy from Ohio who likes to treat people like crap. I am a tough person and know how to take care of myself along with my street starts from Chicago. In 1993, Governor Pedro Rossell summed up government efforts by remarking, "They have . If you dont know how to navigate a wonderful city like Chicago and make a comment like you did your opinion on basically anything is useless. 42.01. You can fly from Mexico to Puerto Rico, however, there are no direct flights between the two locations. However, its important to be respectful and discreet as the country is still conservative due to the influence of the Catholic Church. Wed definitely advise caution in certain areas, e.g. In Puerto Rico, Paradores are known for their affordable rates and Puerto Rican hospitality, also termed asboricua. 80% of them are drug-related and most victims are gang members or somehow related to drug trafficking. Some are also bigger than those found in Puerto Rico. The unspoiled beaches, vast forest lands, and gorgeous rocky scenery make this a perfect retreat for those that really want to get away from it all. 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. Puerto Rico came before Mexico. Privacy Policy, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. But if theres one difference between the two, youll find more all-inclusive resorts in Mexico than in Puerto Rico. largely recovered from the impact of Hurricane Maria, a string of large earthquakes struck Puerto Rico, Is Thailand Safe for Solo Women Travelers? The highest ranked city outside of Latin America is St. Louis in the United States, which is ranked fourteenth with a murder. Youre connected. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). So be cautious and respect those rules and watch your back. There is a bioluminescent bay here that shines even brighter than its better-known cousin on the main island. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers. The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. I lived in NY my entire life and have experienced danger there, even in front of my own house as well. For something on the wild side, you can also eat mezcal worms or fungus known as huitlacoche. Plus because of that weird GPS thing, Uber drivers might get lost themselves, or not be able to find where you are. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. This is where gang activity goes on, which includes drug dealing and shootings. Just make sure you make your safety and security a priority, watch your surroundings and use your common sense. Violent crime > Murder rate: 25,757 Ranked 2nd. Wet seasons last for 7.3 months, starting from April 24 to December 1. In conclusion, driving in Puerto Rico is actually a good way to get around the island independently. But after the hurricane, water quality decreased in some areas after damage. According to Numbeo, the crime rate in Puerto Rico is 61.94/100, while Mexicos crime rate is 53.67/100. Bullfighting. However, when it comes to criminal matters and the legal system, its the same as the US mainland. Published by Teresa Romero , Feb 2, 2022. 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! document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Is it Safe to Visit Puerto Rico Right Now? And to help out, even more, weve got some tailor-made tips for solo female travellers in Puerto Rico. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information. Beachcombing is a popular activity, and youll find a lot of families enjoy spending their time here. Puerto Rico's homicide rate is higher than the U.S. but the overall crime rate in Puerto Rico is lower than average for the United States. Jobs. *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. 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. In fact, these small inns of Puerto Rican paradise have become a famous choice for destination weddings. High crime rate yet I've never experienced any danger. Drink driving is also a major offense in Puerto Rico which can result in financial penalties and potentially jail time. Thanks to rain and currents of underground rivers, you get permanent water. Puerto Rico vs. Hawaii: Which Is Better To Live In? Lots of American tourists go there because its American territory, so its easy, you can use dollars, there are cheap flights, your cellphone still worksAnd in terms of tourists, there are a lot. Bonnie Sue Myers | West Virginia | herald-dispatch.com Especially if youre driving aroundIsla de Vieques. I respect everyones opinion im Puerto Rican, and until 2014 I hadn't been in my island for 13 years, I loved it I was suppose to only be there for 3 weeks and ended up staying for 7 months a lot of people say don't spend money here and all kinds of crazy shyt but truth is there's no safe place to visit in the world nowadays and you'd be robbing yourself if you decide not to visit, I stay in San Lorenzo Puerto Rico when I go and there's a place called "El Gravero" its a place to go and enjoy yourself on Sundays if you have a 4x4 jeep or atv , basically anything fun with wheel in this place is freaking fun, and then there's "El Cerro de Nandy" this is a place you can only make it up if you have a jeep and also they have a army truck that an bring you up with your family and has the craziest high altitude views, I'm still struck about how beautiful the view is and on certain parts of the year they have a helicopter ride up there and all year long there is a Mexican restaurant up there that cooks great. Stream Mexico vs. Puerto Rico on Watch ESPN. You might think it was the Mayans who invented chocolate, but the origins of chocolate go a little further back. Museums, shopping, clubs, bars, restaurants, CVS, Walgreens, fast food, one tends to forget they are in the Caribbean. Crime Comparison Between Puerto Rico And United States. Safety - Numbeo Anyone can easily come up with a list of the 35 best things to do in Mexico, and that wouldnt even scratch the surface. Also, there are devastating hurricanes. While youre in Mexico, you can learn all about the deep history of chocolate, how its made, and even make your own. Purchased a condo two years ago in the heart of Old San Juan, and have to say it is an extremely safe place, though must say, have never seen so many Anglo Americans roaming the streets as con artist, pretending to have missed their flights or boats and are in need of assistance, don't believe them!!! And what could be more exciting than trying this famous dessert in its very birthplace? Theres a perfectly good explanation for why Puerto Rico draws so many visitors every year. Again, this is common travel sense and can easily be avoided by exercising caution. 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 more countries. 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 . Information about crime in Puerto Rico. Gilligans Island for a weekend trip with the family, snorkeling, and just pure fun under the sun. Cool. And thats not all. Drone laws in Puerto Rico are the same as in the United States, and there are afew rules to know before you fly such as registering your drone with the FAA and not flying close to people, crowded areas and events. Hello everyone, Visiting Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve allows you to explore the jungle ecosystem in Mexico. al capone house clementon nj I don't think so. Keep this in mind when deciding how careful you need to be. Puerto Rico offers a diversity of experiences from nature parks to beautiful caves and bioluminescent bays. Puerto Rico's High Crime Rate - leicestershirevillages.com And if thats not enough, you can also swim through Sian Kaans lagoons. US Average 2,715 . Which also leads to the next unique thing about this archipelago. However, there are differences between Mexican Spanish and Puerto Rican Spanish. Unique experiences are all over the city. The Perla, which I grew up avoiding, has actually been improving, drove thru it with my mother and we were treated very well, now been hearing that a new restaurant opened and have also been seeing tourist venturing down its winding streets. Whether its sipping a cold beer or margarita at any of the seafood shacks or simply enjoying a delicious seafood entree. 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). 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. It depends on the demand at the time. Just about everyone you will get to know and trust is really down to earth and friendly. Indices Difference Consumer Prices in Mexicoare 41.4%lowerthan in Puerto Rico(without rent) Consumer Prices Including Rent in Mexicoare 42.3%lowerthan in Puerto Rico We are in a residential neighborhood. Mainly because Puerto Rico isnt just an island. As in the broom-riding pointy hat witches kind of witch market. The question of Is Puerto Rico Safe? will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. Chocolate. Being able to swim with a colony of sea lions. The information at the bus stops isnt always accurate, the buses themselves dont really run on time, and they can get crowded and stuck in traffic. Attractions on the island can sometimes be unpredictable with their opening/closing hours. Its a paradise for savvy travelers and anyone looking for a vacation where boredom isnt found. My whole family loved this place and we are looking forward to coming back many more times. Wear a money belt, dont look too much like an unsuspecting tourist and try to blend in. LGBTQ Puerto Ricans have the same legal protections as heterosexual locals and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015. They might not be the cheapest places, but definitely worth the stay make sure to check them out! 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. So there you have it. 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 Also, public transport isnt very well connected over the whole island. Theyre friendly, helpful, and hospitable to tourists. You can lounge on the beach, hike through the rainforest, explore the mountainous regions, and visit a coffee plantation. But if its comfort food youre looking for, be on the lookout for traditional Puerto Rican dishes, which are made to leave an impression on your tongue. And Isla de Mona if you prefer to spend the day at a remote beach with local wildlife just minding their own business. If you're coming here on vacation there is no reason to worry. The majority of crimes that happen in both destinations are related to drug deals, corruption, and bribery. Puerto Rico is very safe to travel for families! Almost half the population of Puerto Rico live below the poverty line the highest of any US state or territory. Just as you would back home, trust your gut and dont be so gullible around strangers. Puerto Rico vs Mexico, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Its also a UNESCO World Heritage site. After the marinade has seeped deep into the meat, its roasted for several hours over a coal fire until the skin turns crispy. Puerto Ricohas a high homicide rate however this usually affects those involved in gang activity, the drug trade or both. WithinSan Juan,of course, theres a pretty comprehensive (and cheap) bus system 50 cents per ride! It has a little appearance of Tucson and Green Valley AZ with delightful neighborhoods. ), violent crimes (being mugged or robbed, being attacked or insulted), corruption and other crimes. 6 times more than United States. If thieves see your vehicle empty of potential treasures, they will likely move on. More information. Murder rate in Latin America/Caribbean by country | Statista Its downtown is very nice like Albuquerque NM with a subhumid climate similiar to parts of Eastern Brasil. Despite the different answers, they all give the same universal message: Mexico boasts a rich culture that has spread throughout the world. . Between the two, though, Mexico has a longer coastline. Puerto Rico vs United States. Crime levels : Level of crime. Playa Los Cerritos, located in Baja California Sur, is yet another beautiful beach in Mexico and one of the safest swimming spots. Mexico vs. Puerto Rico. In fact, its got a lower crime rate than many mainland US cities, which is reassuring. For information on submitting an obituary, please contact The Herald-Dispatch by phone at 304-526-2793 or email at hdobits@hdmediallc.com. I have been to PR many times, I have relatives there, and my daughter did a 3 month internship in Old San Juan. I'm from Chicago and to look at Puerto Rico's crime rate, I'd say I feel right at home there. In both countries, Spanish is the official language. PR Crime Rates - Lowest in US? Its True - Puerto Rico Forum Is it safe for solo female travellers in Puerto Rico. Combined with all the activities you can do at each spot, how could it not be worth visiting? And to think, the El Yunque National Forest is already home to 200+ wildlife species, 25 waterfalls, and several hiking trails. But the reality is this: tourism is very important for Puerto Rico. Traditional Puerto Rican food has a load of different ingredients. Illegal drugs and the gangs who traffic them are becoming an increasing problem. Sunshine, beaches, mountains, lush forests, and even black sand. Dont worry. Vieques is largely unspoiled by tourism so not only is it the most unique destination in Puerto Rico, but its also one of the most unique in the entire Caribbean. What Mexico and Puerto Rico have in common is they both share the same language. Even simply going on a coffee plantation tour is exciting and fun-filled for the whole family to enjoy. Were not going to lie: the drivers make it challenging. Fun fact: Norsemen actually landed in Mexico back in the 10th century, according to experts and several theories. Its open-air and runs around Old San Juan,connecting it to the cruise ship terminal which is pretty handy for visitors. Mexico isnt just the place to see great white sharks up close. 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! . Needless to say, hurricanes are a huge threat to Puerto Rico. The Dominican Republic and Haiti are great options but may be too far to travel for some in a day. If you want to make a day trip to San Juan, its the perfect place to base yourself. It's 96.88 nautical miles. But did you know? For example, the Spanish word China in Mexico refers to the country. and its an offense to have open alcoholic beverages in public. However, data is a more accurate way of determining how rich or poor a country is. And one of the most popular islands to visit are Culebra and Vieques. I have walked every street in Old San Juan, and much of the city from Old San Juan to Condado, with zero problems. At the same time, it can be pretty tricky for visitors to figure out just how to actually use it. Much safer and less predatory. Plus, US citizens dont need a passport or visa to enter Puerto Rico, being an overseas territory of the US. But this US territory isnt always that safe. Safe, though. The next sections should tell you more about what youll be able to experience in Puerto Rico. Its a wild world out there. Mexico is a better choice for savvy travelers. You can even eat street food to save on costs. and not once have felt unsafe. But we have a few solo travel tips for Puerto Rico to make sure you have the best time ever and stay safe. How is this possible? Well, its difficult to say. Within Dorado, you will also find some great family-friendly attractions and welcoming locals. Tropical islands of paradise! So, what else is there? The shortest flight time from Mexico to Puerto Rico, including a stopover, is seven or eight hours. 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! Find out how safe this tropical paradise island is! Live. 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. In order to have a safe trip, youll need to stay in the right neighborhoods. Here, youll find a witch market. Your use of this service is subject to our Crime in the Caribbean - statistics & facts | Statista There are 100 small islands surrounding Puerto Rico, and you can reach these islands either by. It's away from the safe, popular spots in San Juan, so travelers mayget more thanthey bargain for if they end up there at night looking for recreational drugs. Drug trafficking and gang-related crimes are still a problem in Puerto Rico. Dont worry, though. If you look puzzled, lost, or confused, this makes you an easy target. You can travel to Puerto Rico for a reasonable cost and find price-friendly lodging, food, transportation, and so on. 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. Just do your research, pick somewhere, make your plans, pack a bag and go! Cost Of Living Comparison Between Puerto Rico And Mexico - Numbeo Swimming in an underworld portal that is also a human sacrificial chamber? Privacy Policy, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Crime is a characteristic of all humans all over the world. One of the best parts of swimming in Isla Espiritu Santo? It would probably be longer than two months worth of groceries. Wrestling. Violent crime > Rapes : The number of recorded rapes. Btw, this message is for "ffjsb" whoade tge first comment on this thread. Puerto Rico vs. Mexico in World Baseball Classic 2023 quarterfinals - MLB > Theres a high level of gun crime in the country: the gun homicide rate is pretty high. People who live in Puerto Rico generally consider the central part of the state to be the safest. Other comparisons Puerto Rico vs United States: Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. The likelihood of anything actually happening to you is low unless you wander (very stupidly) into the areas where narco gangs hang out. Mexico, on the other hand, is located in Central America. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. These family-owned hotels are just one of the many things that tourists love about Puerto Rico. My advice is to never completely trust anyone or let your guard down. Think of them as sinkholes formed from the collapse of limestone bedrock ceilings. Considering rape, murder, and assault cases, Puerto Rico experienced only 284 cases for every 100,000 residents, which is well below the national average. For instance, walking alone in poorly lit areas at night is never a good decision. We are currently in Ocean Park in San Juan. See the data declaration for further explanation. This one-line urban train basically just runs throughSan Juan. This means both countries are growing and flourishing. Statistically, San Juan is the most dangerous city in Puerto Rico. Car theft is a significant issue in Puerto Rico, so take any valuables out of your car, leaving it as empty as possible.