Some tourists have found it easier to simply pay a bribe and give in to the extortion rather than ask the police officer to accompany them to the station. You cant run around like a gringo making demands. If youre heading to Zona Norte to party, dont get overly intoxicated. Yes, driving to Tijuana is safe. Two, traffic safety is rather alarming. People often give their services without being asked and want to be paid for them. They may demand bribes for traffic violations whether or not you actually violated any law. Look. A San Diego resident said, The worst thing that ever happened to me is I tend to trip on potholes on the sidewalk. Plus, being a police officer in this tough city isnt all sunshine and rainbows. However, its not a safe area. Locals, we go out in the city . The U.S. government has limited ability to provide . If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. The location also makes it convenient to take your car over the border to drive down the peninsula. They sit at their stops until they have a full bus and then stop. Kidnapping is a risk in Mexico, and Baja California is not exempt. While the cartels are stronger in some areas than others, and other states like Sinaloa have more cartel activity, Baja California isnt safe from cartels. If you take a taxi, negotiate a fare before you get in. Don't Drive: Driving to Tijuana from San Diego is possibly the absolute worst way to go there.In theory, it's easy. Restaurants and food vendors typically serve purified or bottled water, and the ice from these places is safe. I have just returned home in Los Angeles after walking across the border on Wednesday night. Zona Norte, also known as Hong Kong District, is one of the most dangerous and highly trafficked tourist areas. If you travel to Tijuana, make sure to stay in heavily policed areas known for tourism. In addition, you will notice more potholes and poorer road conditions than in San Diego, so drive slowly. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the official border crossings. Tijuana is a tough town, no bones about it. Theyre like buses but dont have a set schedule. Inform a family member or friend that you are traveling to Baja California, and update them about your movements. Some go for cheap plastic surgery. Be safe in your hotel or across the border. The worst thing ever to happen to me in years and years of going to Tijuana is that I got ripped off once by a shady taxi driver for an extra US$5. Predictors of victimization among young females (aged 16-20) generally included environmental factors, whereas evening drinking was associated with victimization among women aged 21 and older. A Night in Tijuana: Female Victimization in a High-Risk Environment by Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation. Keep to downtown, Playas de Tijuana, and Zona Norte, and youll avoid any interaction. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? After they got the money and let me go. Theres food from all regions of Mexico and some American fare since its so close to the border. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They may demand bribes for traffic violations whether or not you actually violated any law. | Travel Tips & Safety Concerns. Driving through Baja is generally safe. From Cartels to Contraband: Unveiling the Worlds Top Drug Smuggling Hotspots! The first is the driving behavior of other motorists. And with such a high rate of crime in 2021, citizens can expect very little change in 2022. 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. The fact of the matter, as of recently, the Tijuana police are mostly owned by the cartel. Colectivos are another great option. On Thursday I went to the the center of town and did some shopping. Staying aware of your situation and taking precautions is the best way to protect yourself while visiting Tijuana. Calle Coahuila, the area's main strip, is normally teeming with a frenetic . The vast majority of citizens in Tijuana want you to enjoy your stay. Tijuana has always had a reputation for being a bit rough around the edges, but recent years have seen a sharp increase in crime and violence. Dont have ice with drinks and only drink from factory-sealed bottles. There are three important things you should look out for in Tijuanapetty crime, scams, and muggings. October 6, 2020: View of poor area of Tijuana Mexico with buildings on hill and traffic in foreground/Manuela Durson/Shutterstock. Some places are safe enough to visit, others are too dangerous. The money goes to the station rather than the corrupt officers pockets. Start Here Mexico Is Tijuana Safe to Visit in 2023? So, count your change, ignore people approaching you on the street, and look at hotel reviews before you book. 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. The line back to San Diego might be a hassle but it'll be worth the trip for a nice gastronomic experience. If you must travel to Tijuana right now, it may be best to go on a well-protected tour. When you ask is Tijuana dangerous?, you wouldnt immediately think about water. There is also parking at the metro station, although many choose to park more North and take the blue line into the border. You can still be a victim in a tourist zone if you are not being careful. Cartels also operate in Baja California. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. It's relatively safe. Tijuana isn't just the dangerous border town that it's made out to be in the news. The checkups arent held routinely though and often are overlooked when pimps bribe authorities. By and large, the majority of crime in Tijuana happens in working-class neighborhoods outside the city center. Mexico is generally a poor country, and youll stick out like a sore thumb if youre carrying an expensive camera and wearing gold jewelry. When downtown, you can visit historic landmarks, museums, art galleries, and cultural centers. First and foremost, dont dress like you want to be robbed. If you practice good safety, you should have a great time in the city. Water in Mexico is often contaminated with parasites or bacteria, which can make you sick. If youre a couple of young guys heading down to TJ to party a bit, youre probably heading there to chase tail. Dont let its fearsome reputation get to you. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). While in large cities like Mexico City, its progressing rapidly, much of the countrys residents still reside in 3rd world living conditions. Tijuana is a city located in the Mexican state of Baja California, on the US-Mexico border. Its the main historic street of Tijuana and is also referred to as Zona Centro. In 2019, Baja California police reported a total of 800 murders in 1 week. The city is a great base for exploring Baja Californias wine country, as well as the beaches and resorts on the Pacific coast. El Popo Market is also a great place to go to just to see the local products being sold. Tijuanas food scene is a must for foodies. I love going to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Tulum. The one and only famous caesar salad was invented in none other than Tijuana. Tijuana is Mexicos 6th largest city, and its most dangerous. Additionally, if youre new to Tijuana, it will be hard to find your way at night. However, with a little bit of common sense and caution, most tourists experience no problems while visiting Tijuana. Missing something? Ask where youre staying for the nearest safe atm. has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. It is not recommended to travel alone to Tijuana due to the high levels of crime and violence. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people. Retire Rich, Retire Early: 6 Simple Steps to Help You Achieve Your Financial Dreams! During the day, in the safe neighborhoods and places, nothing will happen. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! Gangs fight for territory in the city and control dealers on the street level. Solo travel in Mexico can make one feel very vulnerable at times - though that goes for anywhere, especially in Latin America. With that said, dont argue with locals. However, if you are a first-time visitor to Tijuana or Mexico in general, it is recommended that you dont drive. And finally, you might get pulled over by a corrupt officer who will insist you pay a fine to them. However, all bets are off during the night when the most crime occurs, so you should strive to be indoors at your hotel or back in San Diego by the time the sun sets. Mexico is an appealing tourist destination, but visitors should be aware of the risks associated with the area. Don't waste your hard-earned money. Even if you prefer solo travel, it is best to travel in a group if you are female. It is also a city full of friendly . Its a bad look. If you have to walk over the bridge, cross with someone else. Going over with a group of friends to the touristy Avenida Revolucin should be okay, but travel there only during the day. Various illegal activities occur near the border, and you never know what youll bump into. While Ensenada has some good hiking trails, its essential to ask your hotel or Airbnb host if its a good idea to go. If youre just planning on spending a day or two in the city, head back, and you can have a great time. In reality, the vendors in Tijuana arent held to code for cleanliness, so Id avoid these. 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. 70 helpful votes. Note: If you plan to enter Mexico by land and stay more than 72 hours, you will need to stop in the immigration module located at the border. Is Baja California Safe in 2023? As I mentioned earlier, there is more to the town than its early roots suggest. Its a huge red-light district, and its the largest in North America. There is great food and shopping. More Americans living in the area have become targets of organized crime. Thats especially true on the weekends when there are large crowds. As you walk, there will be taxi drivers along the pathway offering their driving services. Ultimately, its up to each individual to weigh the risks and make an informed decision about whether or not to visit the city. Some areas of Mexico have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. The fact of the matter is, Tijuana has a long history with party-goers. However, try to negotiate the price if you choose this option. However, food preparation laws are slack here than in America. The Zona Centro is home to many of the best bars and nightclubs, while the Zona Norte is known for its nightlife, cheap drinks, cheap accommodations, and well- its red-light district. , and its up to you to decide how much risk you want to tolerate in a destination. Due to its positioning, it can be somewhat difficult to reach Tijuana overland from the other major Mexican cities, with Mexico City for example being a sizeable 2760km away.. We use analytics to understand and improve the website experience, and we do not sell or share any data with a 3rd-party. Also, the town is dangerous because of territorial disputes between drug cartels, countless scams, and numerous muggings. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. As a safe bet aim stay vigilant no matter where you find yourself in the country. If you go out for a drink in a touristy club, be extra vigilant about your drink so it does not get spiked. Not only is it illegal, but its dangerous. 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. Tijuana is a border city in Mexico, located just south of California. The main driving point of crime is a large number of drug cartels moving into the city. Dress casual. As a border town, its become a melting pot attracting cooks from many different places. Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. I was in shock and honestly at this time my memory is foggy. The entire area is seedy, and bad things can go down quickly. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. 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. And its mostly centered around gang and cartel violence, where tourists arent targeted. There has been a spike in homicides in the last couple of years, due to drug-related gang violence. Traveling to Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California, poses a "serious risk," according to US officials. There is a small risk of hurricanes, but generally only during the months right before and after a hurricane season. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. Its not going to set you back too much to hand out a few dollars. Crime is another issue that should concern you. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. The places they recommend are typically more expensive as well. Don't drink water from the tap here! | Travel Tips & Safety Concerns, Is Albania Safe in 2023? Yes, travelling alone in Mexico is safe. Unfortunately, this city is also infamous for being a major center of drug trafficking and organized crime. Theres also the aquarium and much more to see. Of course, there are more than just these crimes. In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Im sure you understand just how bad they are. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people, and Tijuana has been ranked the most violent city in the world. "To put things in perspective, Matamoros is about 1,360 miles away from Cancun," Rabinor said, according to CNN. If you think youre being overcharged for a taxi, a trip from the border to the center of town should be around $5 (USD). For most people, the trip down there is uneventful. In general, yes, Tijuana is a safe place for tourists to visit. The same goes for Ensenada. Cars are the easiest way to get around the city, but you can get by perfectly fine on foot. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico warned Americans traveling to Tijuana and Rosarito of heightened risk for violence between cartels after authorities announced the arrest of a high-ranking cartel leader last week. Being a border town, there is a little of every type of cuisine there. Violent crime is possible as well. So you should carefully vet restaurants and food trucks to ensure they meet your standards. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. But locals characterize it as dangerous for tourists. With that said, you need to be careful there. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. I would NOT visit Tijuana alone as it can become dangerous even if you are a man. Often parents will have their children beg. Check theNational Hurricane Center for hurricane warnings. Exploring LA on Foot: How to Stay Alive While Strolling the City of Angels! Theres food from all regions of Mexico and some American fare since its so close to the border. The dealer gets a cut of the fine, and their racket continues with the next victim. Even if the police find your stuff (a miracle in and of itself), theyll likely charge you to get it back. You will want to avoid the red light district Zona Norte (the North Zone) in Tijuana. This means that this municipality has the largest per capita murder rates in the world. Tijuana is also perfect for day trips from San Diego. If you are kidnapped, never resist. Tijuana is Mexico's 6th largest city, and it's most dangerous. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. As always, watch out for pickpockets and be careful when walking alone at night. Dont eat unwashed salad foods, theres a risk of E. Coli poisoning. However,Tijuana is still risky, and its up to you to decide how much risk you want to tolerate in a destination. Also, your car isnt safe in either parking locations along the border. Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. All in all, youll want to keep your head up and your eyes peeled. Stratfor Worldview reports that just in 2017, over 35 million Americans visited Mexico. Additionally, there are plenty of officers around here, so you can always ask them if you get confused. When he refused, McMillan said, one officer brandished a billy club and the other put him in a headlock. Read more about protecting your valuables and the bag I use that has a hidden passport pocket. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 10-20 pesos is enough. Some prostitutes may drug and rob men who visit them, and thieves may operate in the area. Additionally, there are plenty of reports of car theft and break-ins within these parking lots. (3 wild TJ stories!). By keeping track of earthquake warnings, you can better plan your trip. Expensive-looking clothes mark you as a target, Ensure foods are cooked all the way through, Avoid food thats been sitting out in the open, Dont talk to anyone you meet on the street. Heed these Tijuana warnings and dangers to stay safe on your trip. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. If they accuse you of a crime, the best response is to get a paper ticket and then head to the police station to pay it. See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. Many police officers in Mexico are highly corrupt. If you take a taxi, negotiate a fare before you get in. Stratfor Worldview. For the best beach resort towns, like Cabo San Lucas, youll want to go further south to Baja California Sur. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Not always. You can arrive at the border by either car, train, or bus. Be wary of attempts at credit-card fraud. So even though there is quite a bit of crime there, it doesnt seem to be deterring anyone. The victims, two men and two women in their teens and early 20s, said they were headed for a night of partying across the border only to be found strangled, stabbed and beaten a few days later. NY Daily News. Its okay to attempt to negotiate prices, although you probably wont get too much deducted when on the main stripe in Zona Centro. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Just be sure to stick to well-known and tourist-friendly areas, as some neighborhoods are best avoided after dark. Tijuana is not an area that has been the target of terrorist threats in recent history. Don't make yourself a target. Although if you travel down to party in the infamous Zona Norte red light district, then youre taking your chances. In a nicer area, expect to spend $400-$700 per month for a studio or one-bedroom. Youth and reported history of verbal abuse were consistently associated with victimization with more participants frequently reporting incidents of victimization. Come on, to party a bit. US citizens need a passport or passport card to cross the border. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. . It located outside Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, near the U.S.-Mexico border. The rates appear to be daily, although they are in 8-10 hour increments. Graham McMillan was walking down a side street near Avenida Revolucion in Tijuana on a recent Sunday afternoon when he felt a vice-like grip on his elbow. (2023), How dangerous is Tijuana? There are so many other better alternatives. If you must go, get a taxi or uber directly to the door of the club. See my site Policies Flag taxis from the street; take Uber or Didi instead. are not foreigners but Mexican nationals, but its essential not to wander around alone at night. Its not like the Jersey Shore or Miami Beach. , and its best to buy bottled water or water filters to prevent food poisoning. American Prohibition really made the city what it is. Menu Menu Location (855)-506-6188 Contact . But you probably shouldnt. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Make no mistakes about it, its dangerous. The beaches are beautiful and offer great swimming, snorkeling, and diving opportunities. The cartels control important drug and human trafficking routes across the border. This website is using cookies to analyze our traffic, personalize content and/or ads, and provide video content. However, keep children from wandering off. If you plan on using tap water for cooking or drinking, boil it first. Gangs fight over territory, and cartels wage war over profitable smuggling routes in the US. Yes! In the end, you should try and break the process to prevent more corruption in the future. 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. These include the downtown area, the Zona Rio, Zona Centro, Zona Norte, and the beaches. Tijuana is safe to travel to with the family so long as you spend your time during the daylight hours and stick to the downtown areas such as Avenida Revolucin. Additionally, the Hong Kong Gentlemens Club is probably the most friendly and conservative for visitors, and it also has a hotel attached (Hotel Cascadas). 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. Dont let strangers stop you on the street with a sob story. 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. What should I do if I feel unsafe in Tijuana? Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. Privacy Policy. I recommend if youre not Mexican, do not go. especially homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Stay in safe neighborhoods. The same goes for Ensenada. While the rise in crime and violence is certainly cause for concern, it is still possible to enjoy all that Tijuana has to offer by taking certain precautions. Despite travel warnings from the U.S. State Department, Tijuana is a safe place. Road signs and markings may be missing or not well organized. The fact of the matter is, this happens and theres not much you can do about it. In my opinion, there isnt any upside to driving your car over the border. This is a cartel-operated area. Its just a good idea to take a vehicle, which goes double if you dont know the streets of Tijuana that well. Then, they turn around and tell their corrupt policeman friend about it. Mugging isnt as prevalent, and you must look out for it in the wrong neighborhoods outside touristy attractions. Bridges over the border and across the Tijuana river become dangerous at night. You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. You should pay traffic fines on the official. See this list of some of the. Is Baja California Safe to Visit in 2023? Many Americans travel to Tijuana for affordable medical and dental care. Baja California Sur is safer than Baja California itself. 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. From the station, there are signs marking the path toward Mexico. They will use some type of tactic to win your trust and lure you into a less busy area. 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. Sometimes they work in groups. There is also a risk of Zika virus along the coast, according toTravelHealthPro. Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, as. The states attorney general reported that as of the end of 2021, Tijuana registered a staggering 1,761 murders. The people who approach you on the street often speak perfect English. Besides, acting like a gringo wont help with bargaining in shops, getting decent service, or keeping you safe. Families are less likely to be targeted for crimes. If you lose anything due to crime, dont expect to get it back. 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. Keep a solid buzz, don't get drunk. Is Tijuana dangerous for woman to travel to? These guys murder like its a hobby for them. It has high rates of violent crime and homicide, with a rate of 105 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. 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. As an expat, you have a . As a guide, you should pay around $5-7 for a taxi from the border to the Centro or . The other category is petty crime and robberies. You shouldnt drinktap water, and its best to buy bottled water or water filters to prevent food poisoning. There have been altercations between taxi and Uber drivers, and while passengers havent been targeted, you dont want to be the first. SAN DIEGO (AP) President Joe Biden scrapped expedited asylum screenings during his first month in office as part of a gutting of Trump administration border polices that included building a . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Stay in popular tourist-friendly zones. One of the policemen removed McMillans credit card from his wallet, asked him for his PIN number and withdrew $400 from an ATM. Its best to eat from established restaurants with good reviews. And it should go without saying, but never under any circumstances buy drugs in the city. In January, the average temperature is 11.4 C. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. To get there, use the train ride on the Imperial Way blue line (bright-red Tijuana Trolley) from San Diego. Essentially, this is an age-old story that repeats itself about every decade in Mexico. There is still an enormous amount of poverty through small towns and rural areas, and many neighborhoods of Tijuana are rife with poverty and crime. For one, they are drugs. Mainly, you want to avoid confrontation and eye contact with them. However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the. And the third type is the most dangerous. Dont carry expensive bags, wear designer clothes or sporty new shoes. Many locals and visitors alike continue to enjoy the vibrant culture and beauty of the city without issue. Once again, make sure not to call attention to yourself with jewelry or expensive accessories. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. Most of the begging is going to occur right at the border and on Avenida Revolucin. Most of the time, its just not worth it. Prostitution is legal in Zona Norte, but the area is unsafe. Tijuana is situated within the Mexican state of Baja California, and the heart of the city is only 5 miles from the Pacific coast. If youre going down there for this type of fun, then pony up and spend a bit more to be safe. Avoiding Unprofessional or Unlicensed Doctors. Its a common story to hear about tourists being pulled aside by corrupt police in Tijuana. Dont go wandering around this neighborhood, because trouble will find you. April 30, 2023 2:06 AM PT. Learn some Spanish so you can communicate with locals. Might not be so bad if we go for just one day and we are in a large group. Road signs and markings may be missing or not well organized. Often a so-called tour guide or the like will attempt to befriend you. The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. The route typically takes a little more than an hour, requires a border stop, and usually costs between $13 and $25. for warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. As you might have guessed, most violent crimes are drug-related in Tijuana. Pichardo owns a travel company based in Tijuana. Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Take the Plunge: 8 Affordable and Incredible Diving Destinations You Dont Want to Miss Out On!
