Mugging isnt as prevalent, and you must look out for it in the wrong neighborhoods outside touristy attractions. The biggest threat in Tijuana is the drug cartel. Outside of the tourist district of Zona Centro, Zona Norte is probably one of the main reasons many travel to Tijuana. The easiest way to get from to Tijuana is via the San Diego Trolley, a tram that runs from downtown San Diego all the way to the San Ysidro border. New York and Chicago have higher crime rates than Baja California. I dont no if this cop was good or bad. These establishments will overcharge immensely and give the driver a commission. When you buy bottled water, be sure to check the seal on the cap. Stick to bottled water or drinks from sealed containers. No. Unfortunately, this city is also infamous for being a major center of drug trafficking and organized crime. Its best to avoid Ensenadas red light district as well. While driving in cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road. Privacy Policy. Things like a lockable bag, a fanny pack, and even a chained wallet will help deter thieves. Tijuana was voted the most dangerous city for two years in a row. Often a so-called tour guide or the like will attempt to befriend you. Solo travel in Mexico can make one feel very vulnerable at times - though that goes for anywhere, especially in Latin America. Various illegal activities occur near the border, and you never know what youll bump into. Staying Safe In Tijuana: What Tourists And Residents Need To Know. However, it does have cartel activity, and crime is also a risk. Bridges over the border and across the Tijuana river become dangerous at night. To ensure their safety, it is important for visitors to take certain precautions. Though it is a very different experience. 13 Tips to Get Rich as an Expat Read More , Copyright 2023 Where the Rooster Crows - Best & Safest Places to Visit & Live. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to pre-Columbian times, and is home to a diverse population of Indigenous peoples, as well as descendants of European immigrants. April 30, 2023 2:06 AM PT. According to Fox News, the city is amongst one of the most dangerous in the world due to violence and is currently sitting at a level 2 rating. These guys murder like its a hobby for them. In a nicer area, expect to spend $400-$700 per month for a studio or one-bedroom. Zona Norte is a party district, and its most well known as being Tijuanas red-light district. Many locals and visitors alike continue to enjoy the vibrant culture and beauty of the city without issue. There is a small risk of hurricanes, but generally only during the months right before and after a hurricane season. However,Tijuana is still risky, and its up to you to decide how much risk you want to tolerate in a destination. Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. Walking just a few blocks beyond these well-patrolled areas can land you in the wrong part of town. Oddly enough, yes. About 2-3 hrs have gone by and my fianc was tracking my location on my iPhone trying to call store owners in my location to get me into a store. Is Baja California Safe in 2023? Lastly, be extra vigilant about your belongings. However, you should stick to the main roads and avoid hitchhikers. Theyre there to prevent violent crime against tourists, not to help you. Thinking about going out for a girls night out but might have to consider going somewhere else because Im nervous of some of the risks after reading through this article. Stick to the touristy areas, and avoid walking at night to prevent this kind of crime. Yes, Uber might be even safer than taxis in Tijuana. Some go for cheap plastic surgery. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide . Dont carry expensive bags, wear designer clothes or sporty new shoes. It is also a city full of friendly . Tijuana consistently ranks in one of the top five most dangerous cities in the world based on homicide rates. Especially near the border. However, you should keep your head low and not make Ubering obvious, as many taxi drivers hate Uber and think theyre taking business away from them. In addition, you will notice more potholes and poorer road conditions than in San Diego, so drive slowly. To determine the answer to, is Tijuana Dangerous?, one must look at the facts. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. It was the second Latin-American country to enact anti-discrimination laws for the LGBTQ+ community and in 2011 the Mexican Constitution . The most common of these in this Mexican city is overcharging. The corruption is rampant, but that doesnt mean all the police officers are out for a buck. Exploring LA on Foot: How to Stay Alive While Strolling the City of Angels! There is also parking at the metro station, although many choose to park more North and take the blue line into the border. In general, you might want to avoid Tijuana altogether. , and its best to buy bottled water or water filters to prevent food poisoning. Cons are everywhere, from the taxi to your hotel and even tours. . He says the tourist areas are safe. The answer is complicated. More women are murdered here than in any other city, and more American residents are becoming targets of organized crime for kidnappings and home robberies. It is not recommended to travel alone to Tijuana due to the high levels of crime and violence. Tourists arent targeted for violence, but that doesnt mean you should tempt fate. Some travelers on a day trip to tijuana feel like San Diego however those not used to Mexican culture will find it very foreign. Come on, to party a bit. They may demand bribes for traffic violations whether or not you actually violated any law. There are parking lots where you can park your car and then walk over the border to downtown Tijuana, so theres no real need. Armed muggings can also occur at traffic lights, even in busy cities. Save. Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. The entire area is seedy, and bad things can go down quickly. Privacy Policy. Also, your car isnt safe in either parking locations along the border. Looking back, his stomach dropped. Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from? You dont want to wander around Tijuana at night. | Safety Concerns, per 100,000 people, many news outlets call Tijuana The Most Dangerous City in The World.. Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, as. Tijuana is a fun place with great shopping and excellent food. Laws and lights are frequently ignored, and speeding is common. Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. Its about a 45-minute walk from the border, and the directions will be difficult to follow without light. Airports - General Rodolfo Snchez Taboada International Airport is an international airport in Mexicali. Keep dummy wallets for pickpockets and keep your money hidden away. So its quite expensive to park at the border, and you may want to use the metro to avoid paying the parking fees near the border. Are there any dangers to know about before crossing the border? If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. "To put things in perspective, Matamoros is about 1,360 miles away from Cancun," Rabinor said, according to CNN. After you get through immigration, youll walk a bit more toward the final turn-styles that will take you into Mexico. The fact of the matter is, Tijuana has a long history with party-goers. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. After weighing his options, the wiry, 47-year-old accountant agreed, and the three drove to a nearby bank. Just drive south on Interstate Highway 5, and you'll be at the border crossing. Avoid the eastern part of the city as it is simply not safe and will have little to see for a tourist. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. Keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all times. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja . While in large cities like Mexico City, its progressing rapidly, much of the countrys residents still reside in 3rd world living conditions. We use analytics to understand and improve the website experience, and we do not sell or share any data with a 3rd-party. Be wary of attempts at credit-card fraud. Restaurants and food vendors typically serve purified or bottled water, and the ice from these places is safe. However, bear in mind that it is illegal. Additionally, there will be taxis queuing at the end of the pathway as well. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The most dangerous neighborhoods in Tijuana are those that are known for being a center of drug trafficking and organized crime. Mexico usually allows Americans to stay for up to six months on an approved cost-free Visa. It's teeming with crooked police . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Not all the taxis use their meters and can charge you a criminal price when you get to your destination. A homeless man who witnessed the cop dragging me out of the car approached me and bought me a coke and I sat with him and then the driver from the drs office appeared after my fianc using find my friends gave him my location and got me back to the hotel. I thought that theres cops so Im ok. Long story short I was kidnapped by them forced to drain my bank accounts after handcufffing me and sticking a gun in my mouth. With the highest number of murders per 100,000 people, many news outlets call Tijuana The Most Dangerous City in The World. However, theres a lot of nuance to the situation that makes Tijuana much safer to visit than you think. Im not trying to lecture you, although Im just giving you information to make the right choice. Tourists are still highly advised to leave all valuables at home and remain vigilant at all times. With a population of 1,763,197, there are 134 murders per 100,000 people. The rating is mostly based on its insanely high homicide rate of 2,367. Like many border towns, violence has plagued this city for decades. A Night in Tijuana: Female Victimization in a High-Risk Environment by Pacific, Dont Let Thieves Win: 10 Genius Tips to Keep Your Valuables Safe While Traveling!. For one, they are drugs. While the rise in crime and violence in Tijuana is concerning, its important to remember that it is not the whole story. Is Afghanistan Safe in 2023? The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. | Safety Concerns. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? So, count your change, ignore people approaching you on the street, and look at hotel reviews before you book. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. Check it out. Read on to learn all about staying safe in Baja California, Mexico. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. It located outside Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, near the U.S.-Mexico border. TIJUANA, BAJA CALIFORNIA/MEXICO JUNE 20, 2018: People walk along Avenida Revolucion, the citys main thoroughfare and a popular destination for Americans traveling south of the San Diego border/Sherry V Smith/Shutterstock. With that said, you need to be careful there. While its the easiest and fastest way to end the situation, youre perpetuating the cycle and telling the police officer its okay to shake down tourists. This website is using cookies to analyze our traffic, personalize content and/or ads, and provide video content. Stay in popular tourist-friendly zones. You can get scammed in Tijuana very easily. However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the. Never get into an altercation or argument in a bar with a local. Ultimately, its up to each individual to weigh the risks and make an informed decision about whether or not to visit the city. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. 1. There are parking lots where you can park your car and then walk over the border to downtown Tijuana, so theres no real need. Even if your GPS app suggests a better route, remember that it may not be safer, so try not to go off the main road too much. These streets are regularly patrolled by officers and are marginally safer than the rest of Tijuana at night. Police arent helpful and can be extremely inappropriate. Muggings, kidnappings and similar street crimes have been known to happen in Tijuana, but they aren't very common occurrences, according to the residents of the city. The city is a great base for exploring Baja Californias wine country, as well as the beaches and resorts on the Pacific coast. With the right precautions, its still possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Tijuana. Check theNational Hurricane Center for hurricane warnings. The 15 Best Hotels in Hawaii in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? Yes. There are also money exchanges at the station, and Id advise getting some money exchanged here before you cross. This area encompasses the entire Caribbean coast, from Cancun all the way down to the Belize border. Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Tijuana, located only 30 minutes south of San Diego, is a popular vacation . You should have no problems if you avoid the bad areas and dont draw unwanted attention. Some areas of Tijuana are safer than others, but its still important to take precautions regardless of where you are in the city. Is Tijuana dangerous for woman to travel to? The Easy Way: The San Diego Trolley (which is also sometimes called the Tijuana Trolley), takes you directly to the border crossing. If you are kidnapped, never resist. | Safety Concerns. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Visas - American and Canadian tourists can visit Tijuana for up to 72 hours without a visa. The only visitors who shouldnt come are solo female travelers, who would be better off taking some companions with them. Start Here Mexico Is Baja California Safe in 2023? There have been altercations between taxi and Uber drivers, and while passengers havent been targeted, you dont want to be the first. And even if youre going to party it up in some of the crazier areas of the city, like Zona Norte, you should be okay if youre careful. Im not saying there arent thousands of tourists that go there without incident, but things do unfortunately happen to tourists there every year. The original wood bar that is still standing from the 1920s is the focal point of the restaurant with a vintage cash register surrounded by liquor bottles. withlovepaperandwine.com. Families are less likely to be targeted for crimes. We use analytics to understand and improve the website experience, and we do not sell or share any data with a 3rd-party. However, look for a place popular with locals and tourists, as the ingredients will be fresher. It truly is more trouble than its worth. Theyre like buses but dont have a set schedule. In January, the average temperature is 11.4 C. Youll have a great time and be back before dark. Watch out for drivers who are speeding or driving while drunk. As mentioned above, Los Cabos is currently the deadliest city in Mexico. Not only could an altercation in a bar turn violent quickly, but you could end up in a Mexican jail. According to the UK Government, over 576,971 British nationals visited Mexico in 2017 with most visits being trouble-free. When he refused, McMillan said, one officer brandished a billy club and the other put him in a headlock. Don't let this discourage you from visiting Mexico, however. Being a border town, there is a little of every type of cuisine there. Tijuana is no joke. If you lose anything due to crime, dont expect to get it back. Tijuana prides itself on being an "anything goes" city but, despite its twin streaks of Catholic conservatism and machismo culture, Mexico, in toto, has got behind LGBTQ+ rights. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. However, theres a lot of nuance to the situation that makes Tijuana much safer to visit than you think. I do not represent World Nomads. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. [viator_tour destination="76] . Here are a few notable ones: Its really easy to walk into Mexico. While the Spanish discovered the region in 1542, the city was actually founded by farmers and ranchers in 1889. Stick to the touristy areas, and avoid walking at night to prevent this kind of crime. In front of the Cecut, or cultural center in Tijuana, a confused American tourist wondered whether it was safe to take out his camera and take pictures. The biggest safety concern in Rosarito and other surrounding areas such as Tijuana, Mexicali and Tecate has been homicides. As always, watch out for pickpockets and be careful when walking alone at night. Some prostitutes may drug and rob men who visit them, and thieves may operate in the area. Riding a moped in Phuket, Cebu City, Mumbai, and more. If you must go, get a taxi or uber directly to the door of the club. Some people even rent or buy camper vans and sleep on the road. However, if you are a first-time visitor to Tijuana or Mexico in general, it is recommended that you dont drive. The dealer gets a cut of the fine, and their racket continues with the next victim. Both earthquakes and hurricanes can occur in Mexico, according to theUK government. In 1924, an Italian immigrant named Caesar Cardini moved South of the border to Tijuana in an effort to improve his restaurant business. Water from hotel vending machines is also safe as its purified water. The two most prominent strip clubs are Hong Kong Gentlemens Club and Adelitas. Its best to apologize and walk away here. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Mexico is an appealing tourist destination, but visitors should be aware of the risks associated with the area. Some places are safe enough to visit, others are too dangerous. It has high rates of violent crime and homicide, with a rate of 105 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. Caesars Restaurant is on Avenida Revolucion in downtown Tijuana. On Thursday I went to the the center of town and did some shopping. Due to its proximity to the border, Tijuana and its surroundings are hotspots of cartel activity. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. Youll find all sorts of interesting fruits and vegetables, some of which you might not know about. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? Country Summary: Violent crime - such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery - is widespread and common in Mexico. Theres also the aquarium and much more to see. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Cartels and gangs may make illegal roadblocks, demanding money for the privilege of passing or outright robbing you. However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the State Departmenthas released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. Really, Tijuana was just an agriculture mud-hole. Cars are the easiest way to get around the city, but you can get by perfectly fine on foot. In that moment of distraction, the thief will then grab your item or bag and run. In fact, all of Mexico's popular tourist areas are relatively safe, so whether you're traveling for the beach or the culture, you can be assured you'll be welcomed and safe. The bottom line is Tijuana is dangerous at night, and more crime often happens during the night and twilight hours there. Police responded to a report of a . Stratfor Worldview. The town was nothing but farmland until the early 20th century. Besides, acting like a gringo wont help with bargaining in shops, getting decent service, or keeping you safe. Dress casual. Tijuana is not an area that has been the target of terrorist threats in recent history. Stay in safe neighborhoods. If you wish to enjoy excellent nightlife and a relaxing city on the water, Ensenada is a quiet and small city that is much safer than Tijuana. Is it Safe to Travel to Tijuana right now? During the daytime, its mostly safe. Due to it being on the border, various malicious actors are present, which only increases crime levels. Its a common story to hear about tourists being pulled aside by corrupt police in Tijuana. Despite that, they dont usually cause trouble for tourists. What should I do if I feel unsafe in Tijuana? Baja California is relatively safe for US tourists, as evidenced by the large numbers of travelers who cross the border by car or on foot. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Theyre there to prevent violent crime against tourists, not to help you. Laws and lights are frequently ignored, and speeding is common. Politely tell them no, thank you, and theyll move on. Online reviews are your friend in this situation, and you should only go to restaurants and food trucks with many customers, preferably locals. Menu Menu Location (855)-506-6188 Contact . | Safety Concerns, The 10 Absolute Best Beaches in California in 2023, The 10 Most Dangerous Countries in Africa in 2023, The 19 Best Places to Visit in Wyoming in 2023, The 2023 Guide to the Cancun Seaweed Season. Tijuana, the vibrant city of Mexico, has always been a popular destination for American tourists. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. If you must be out and about at night, Avenida Revolucion remains relatively safe, along with Paseo de Los Heroes and Calle Coahuila. In general, you should avoid seedy bars and stick to well-lit popular places within tourist areas. Once again, make sure not to call attention to yourself with jewelry or expensive accessories. Menu Menu Location (855) -506-6188 Contact . Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. From Cartels to Contraband: Unveiling the Worlds Top Drug Smuggling Hotspots! If you take a taxi, negotiate a fare before you get in. See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. If prostitutes come to you, they often try to distract you by touching you before pickpocketing any valuables you have. It is generally safe to take a licensed taxi in Tijuana, but its important to avoid unlicensed taxis and to be aware of your surroundings. Theres nothing youll want to see beyond the touristy areas, so familiarize yourself with a map of this city and where they are. October 6, 2020: View of poor area of Tijuana Mexico with buildings on hill and traffic in foreground/Manuela Durson/Shutterstock. This even goes for trendy clothing. One of Tijuanas best assets is the delicious food. You can still visit this restaurant. It's a regular trick of taxi drivers, who can up the cost of even short trips to astronomical levels. Even if you prefer solo travel, it is best to travel in a group if you are female. Dont let its fearsome reputation get to you. History in agriculture, party-going, and food. As with any city, it is best to avoid wandering around alone at night in areas that are not well-known or are known for being dangerous. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. This is quite common in tourist areas down there, so watch out. The cultural center announced it would be . There is great food and shopping. Try using a taxi booked through a hotel or Uber. How Dangerous is Scuba Diving. The situation has become so dire that the US State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Tijuana, warning Americans not to visit the city due to the high levels of crime and violence. Mainly, you want to avoid confrontation and eye contact with them. "That's about . There is also a risk of Zika virus along the coast, according toTravelHealthPro. I have just returned home in Los Angeles after walking across the border on Wednesday night. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Read more about protecting your valuables and the bag I use that has a hidden passport pocket. ). Before your trip to Baja California, Mexico, keep the following advice in mind. Theres more to Tijuana than just the nightlife. Be safe in your hotel or across the border. And finally, you might get pulled over by a corrupt officer who will insist you pay a fine to them. Generally, the Eastside of Tijuana is pretty dangerous, so stay west of Zona Rio. Swim in choppy waters or when there is a warning flag. People will come up to you on the street and play the victim for a handout, a food vendor will try to short-change you, and even hotels will try to fleece you with extra fees. If you plan on using tap water for cooking or drinking, boil it first. To get there, use the train ride on the Imperial Way blue line (bright-red Tijuana Trolley) from San Diego. If you wish to enjoy excellent nightlife and a relaxing city on the water, Ensenada is a quiet and small city that is much safer than Tijuana. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. Aside from a few hotspots of crime, most of Mexico is safe for tourists. For a fee of course. Cars are the easiest way to get around the city, but you can get by perfectly fine on foot. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. In general, yes, Tijuana is a safe place for tourists to visit. Keep your valuables hidden and maintain a low profile. We all get it. Stratfor WorldView paints a different picture for both tourists and expats traveling to Tijuana.
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