Are pepper-spray & electric stunners legal for US tourists in Mexico.?

Question

Or what item can me and my 16-year-old daughter carry for emergency protection in Baja Mexico? Thanks.

Answer 1

I'm mexican, living and answering from México; and I will tell you the true (although it is cruel):

If you try to use that to "protect" yourself in this country, you will be killed. Just keep at safe places and times, try to look as a regular and common person, keep invisible. That is what we do in México to keep safe.

Answer 2

You do not need to carry either of those.  If you are going to be in tourist resorts and areas, you will be fine.  Actually, you will be fine anywhere as long as you use your common sense.  Stay away from drug dealers, don't hang out in scruffy bars or walk the streets in the middle of the nite. Dress modestly, avoid much jewelry, don't flash money...the very same common sense thongs you do at home.  I am an American woman living alone on Mexico and know many others...no problems at all.  I have been told pepper spray is legal, but not sure if that is true...I believe both of those could be more of a problem than a help.

Answer 3

If you are going to be in Baja I wouldn't carry any type of weapon. The police can be corrupt and might look for reasons to harass you. In the interior of Mexico it would be OK to carry pepper spray. Stun guns seem to be a grey area.

In Mexico when robbery does occur, all they want is your cash and valuables. Then they leave and run. Most criminals in Mexico don't really want to hurt you for fun or anything like that. Using force usually begets force in turn.

Remember that you will be a tourist and that as a guest in a foreign country, carrying or using weapons of any kind will be frowned upon to say the least. Most tourists are fine and never have any problems in Mexico.

Be aware of you surroundings, be careful who you hang out with and take basic precautions. I've seen way more Americans get ripped off because they were gullible and didn't know the difference between a legit person and a street hood that was ripping them off.

Don't trust what anybody in the street says to you, especially if they are trying to sell you something. Don't flash cash or credit cards. Don't drink booze. That and buying/doing drugs are a sure path to jail or worse. Since you are going with your daughter I hope you won't have any of those problems.

What item to carry? Get a $300 peso ($30USD) pre-paid cell phone and make sure you program it with all of the numbers of the local and state police agencies, Red Cross, US Consulate, your local hotel etc. If you need help, call the cops. If you don't have any weapons and you aren't drunk or whaytever the cops can and will help you.

Have a good time in Mexico and don't worry too much!