Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Cartels and Safety in Mexico

Q&A with a Reader

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Sunset in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico

Hello, me again,

I went through your website. 

A interesting question came to mind. You both seem to like Mexico and maybe Central America, with a sprinkling of Europe. 

How safe is Mexico? And Central America? 

You watch the news and witness thousands of immigrants fleeing those areas for the perceived notion that the USA is better. They speak of bad government, gangs, cartels etc. 

Of course, I do get if looking for trouble you will find it. Just in looking at your website if it is a concern. 

Do you own a home?

Thanks,

Steven

Fisherman selling their morning catch, Anzio, Italy

HI Steven,

Thanks for taking the time to write. We get this question a lot, actually.

We can understand your concerns about safety in Mexico, and the US news is just so horrible about the propaganda they feed their citizens. They want you afraid.

However, it has been our experience that if you are simply living your life, minding your own business, not loud or causing trouble, don't buy drugs, don't confront anyone (including and especially the police) and don't walk around high on something, you should not have any issues.

If you are in your 30's or 40's or like to party at bars late at night and walk the streets late at night or early in the morning (10pm-3am) you might be setting yourself up for something unpleasant. You must have situational awareness.

Dock at Jaibalito, Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Our life-pattern has changed somewhat because we are older now. We don't party hardy in the evenings, and if we eat at a restaurant later in the evening, we always have a ride prepared to take us home.

Also, a good idea is not to flash cash, wear a lot of jewelry or be dripping in digital toys -- only to make yourselves a target.

Now let me say -- this is the exact same behavior I would be doing in the States or in Europe. It's simply common sense. "Bad people are everywhere" ... But so are GOOD people. And the Mexicans are a very friendly group.

We do our scouting about during the daylight hours, we eat our biggest meal at lunch instead of in the evenings and we don't rent a car.

We utilize taxis, Uber, Didi, or public transport. But again, it's good to have that situational awareness. If something doesn't feel right, don't do it.

Cities tend to be more chaotic than smaller towns. and if you are easily confused by this, just step inside a coffee shop or a building to catch your bearings.

Cuernavaca, Mexico

Thieves want an easy target - someone who looks lost and distracted, someone who looks "shiny and new".

All of that being said, Billy and I have been traveling all around Mexico since 1993 - and thank God we have not had any problems.

But we smile at people, treat them with respect, dress casually, and wear no expensive jewelry. You might place your cell phone inside your travel bag instead of on the outside in a pocket when you are out on the street or on a bus. Crowded buses could pose an opportunity for a thief. But again, fortunately, we have not had those experiences.

Mexico is a beautiful place and is worth seeing. It's a photo opportunity at every turn and the country also has lovely restaurants.

Here is our Mexico home page which is worth taking a look at for ideas and for the photos which you might enjoy. 

So... please write to us if you have any further questions. If you are savvy travelers, then I wouldn't worry about it. You have already been to places that could be problematic.

It is our belief that caution is useful, but Fear is not our friend.

We were recently in Sicily and they have the Mafia there. We never saw them and weren't bothered by them. We have friends who still travel in South America without issue and we have plans to return there this fall.

Take care, thanks for your interest in our books and website, and stay in touch!

Best,

Akaisha and Billy

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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