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Safe? Basically yes. We walk across the international bridge from El Paso into Jaurez every year with Juarez probably the most violent city in Mexico. But we have a reason for doing this, (travelling further into Mexico) not just casual visiting and we don't walk around Juarez at night (although we may cross the bridge at night).
Opinions and Advice? If you are worried about it - don't go. Why subject yourself to the anxiety of visiting a place you are afraid of? There's plenty of beaches, mountains, deserts and such in the U.S.
Or just an inexperienced traveler who has never been to either the US or Mexico and whose first language is not English. What's not clear is whether he is asking an immigration/entry question, a question about safety or both.
I assume the comment that "border towns are not representative of Mexico (or the U.S. for that matter)" is for tourist consumption. Millions of Mexicans (and Americans) who live in the frontera would take issue with your characterization.
But still, despite many commonalities the frontera is distinctly different from Mexican communities further away from the influence of the border. Hell, even the language is distinctly and more heavily peppered with pocho and spanglish than deeper into the country.
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Advisable? It's advisable to cross the frontera only if you want to. Border towns are not representative of Mexico (or the U.S. for that matter).Safe? Basically yes. We walk across the international bridge from El Paso into Jaurez every year with Juarez probably the most violent city in Mexico. But we have a reason for doing this, (travelling further into Mexico) not just casual visiting and we don't walk around Juarez at night (although we may cross the bridge at night).
Opinions and Advice? If you are worried about it - don't go. Why subject yourself to the anxiety of visiting a place you are afraid of? There's plenty of beaches, mountains, deserts and such in the U.S.
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I think it's a joke, Bob. Or a feeble attempt at oneOr just an inexperienced traveler who has never been to either the US or Mexico and whose first language is not English. What's not clear is whether he is asking an immigration/entry question, a question about safety or both.
I assume the comment that "border towns are not representative of Mexico (or the U.S. for that matter)" is for tourist consumption. Millions of Mexicans (and Americans) who live in the frontera would take issue with your characterization.
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As safe as anywhere else.I cross the border and take the night bus to Chihuahua all the time. BuscoCaminos8
Yes Altahabana - you are correct in that my comments regarding border towns not representing Mexico were meant to address the "authentic" mexico question that comes up so often. No dispragement intended and my cuñada, concuño and many amigos mexicanos that live in Juarez would probably join you in objecting to my characterization.But still, despite many commonalities the frontera is distinctly different from Mexican communities further away from the influence of the border. Hell, even the language is distinctly and more heavily peppered with pocho and spanglish than deeper into the country.
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I donno, Alta and CascadeBob. The OP asked about crossing into "America" (so I'm guessing s/he meant US of A), and some of those border towns ain't exactly typical. Laredo and San Diego aren't much like Des Moines or Omaha. Heck, Presidio County Texas isn't much like Planet Earth :-)12
I would get to the Rio Grande and go across the river at night. When you get to the American side you will be greeted with open arms by the local "Welcome Wagon" officials!14
I live in Los Angeles and I cross the border regularly to go toTijuana, I have been doing this for years and I think is very safe, I have also crossed the border in Juarez and Sonoita going to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) and I have never had a problem or feel insecure. Good luck.ADVERTISEMENT
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