Juarez/Nuevo Laredo

[jmal]

Anyone have any experience or advice regarding these border towns? I'm itching to go to Mexico, but I have neither the time nor the money to go deeper into the country. Perhaps just a day or two in a border town. Any real safety concerns when photographing in these towns beyond the precautions one would take in any urban area? Mexico has a reputation for danger and corruption and I'm never sure how much is myth and how much is truth. Thanks

 

[Valerie]

Juarez/NL has one of the worst reputations at the moment. I'm originally from S. TX with family still there. THese days, the only town they will even consider visiting is Nuevo Progresso (but then, they are not particularly adventurous!)

 

[guissimo]

Mexico has a reputation for danger and corruption and I'm never sure how much is myth and how much is truth. Thanks

Well, as with any other country it depends where you go. I've traveled throughout central and southern Mexico carrying a few thousand dollars worth of photographic gear plus a laptop and other electronic gadgets and never had problems. And yes, I use public transportation.
That said... I don't have any experience with border towns. However, at the beginning of the year the Spanish tv stations (Univision, Telemundo and Galavision) reported a rise in violent crimes in Nuevo Laredo. I don't know how exaggerated were those reports and I presume the violence is limited to some neighborhoods.
Also, supposedly Mexico is cracking down on the drug cartels, so there are millitary check points all over the country. On one occasion, my bus to the pyramids outside Mexico City was checked by the military. Two soldiers got in the bus and checked every man to see if they were carrying weapons. Again, I don't know if that makes that country any safer.
I would recommend you check out the "Lonely Planet" forum for Mexico. That's what I do before I travel. In those forums you'll find travel reports and comments made by people who live in those towns.
Hope you find the information you need.

 

[david b]

I would avoid Juarez at all costs.

They are having major fights between the Mexican Army and drug dealers.