Currency - The currency of Mexico is the peso . Youll have a great time and be back before dark. For one, cars are expensive and just paint a larger target on your back. Most of them list the fines as 5,000 pesos ($500), but you can argue them down to 500 to 1000 pesos ($25-$50). I was in shock and honestly at this time my memory is foggy. TheFrench governmentwarns against picking up hitchhikers. No surprise, the U.S. State Department recently issued a chilling warning about travel to Mexico with a level 3 on a scale of 1 to 4, meaning "reconsider travel.". If you are visiting with your family (or even some friends) then head over to El Trompo. Reluctantly, McMillan followed the officer and his colleague to the patrol car, where he was ordered to get in the back seat. While they dont usually target tourists specifically, tourists may get caught up in cartel violence and shootouts between the police and cartels. Driving through Baja is generally safe. What should I do if I feel unsafe in Tijuana? October 6, 2020: View of poor area of Tijuana Mexico with buildings on hill and traffic in foreground/Manuela Durson/Shutterstock. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. It has high rates of violent crime and homicide, with a rate of 105 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. Not all the taxis use their meters and can charge you a criminal price when you get to your destination. You can get scammed in Tijuana very easily. Cartels frequently traffic drugs throughout the region. , and its up to you to decide how much risk you want to tolerate in a destination. They may demand bribes for traffic violations whether or not you actually violated any law. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? There is a real danger for women who travel alone to Tijuana. Areas frequented by tourists are generally safe in Tijuana, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times and avoid walking in bad neighborhoods at night. (2023), How dangerous is Tijuana? Its just a good idea to take a vehicle, which goes double if you dont know the streets of Tijuana that well. Not all the taxis use their meters and can charge you a criminal price when you get to your destination. And if you walk in, you can simply walk back very easily. Is it normal to feel lost after high school? Healthcare in Mexico for Americans: Visit a Clinic, Go to the Dentist Missing something? But if youre just visiting and stick to the touristy areas, you can have a great time while staying safe. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. Try using a taxi booked through a hotel or Uber. Online reviews are your friend in this situation, and you should only go to restaurants and food trucks with many customers, preferably locals. Is Tijuana Safe? Travel for Tourists | Jet Medical Tourism Due to it being on the border, various malicious actors are present, which only increases crime levels. Keep a solid buzz, don't get drunk. "It gets categorized and creates this chaos and panic, to go south of the border. 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. Tijuana - yay or nay? : r/travel - Reddit Dental offices can be found on almost every street corner. Millions of Americans have taken day trips to Tijuana and continue to do so. Copyright 2023 Where the Rooster Crows - Best & Safest Places to Visit & Live. 7 Day Itinerary to Fiji: A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring Fiji, Where to Travel in South America in August: A Guide to the Best Destinations, Why You Should Think Twice Before Posting on Social Media While on Vacation, Debunking the Myths and Discovering the Thrills of Scuba Diving! Start Here Mexico Is Baja California Safe in 2023? 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. | 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. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. Walking just a few blocks beyond these well-patrolled areas can land you in the wrong part of town. Stratfor WorldView paints a different picture for both tourists and expats traveling to Tijuana. How to Cross the Border From San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico - TripSavvy Just make sure you dont explore the city and get safe credible rides to any place. Is Tijuana Safe? Our Guide To The Mexican Border Town Did you know the striped painted donkey is called a Zonkey? Tourist Kidnappings on the Rise in Mexico | GoGirlfriend Baja California, meaning Lower California, is right below California on the other side of the border. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. He kept asking me To describe them but I told him I didnt remember. But locals characterize it as dangerous for tourists. OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM The U.S. Government advises people to "reconsider travel" to Mexico, which is the third-highest of four levels of danger.Covid-19, as well as a rise in crime and kidnappings, are the major reasons.Like many countries, some areas are safer than others.Major tourist areas are generally safe.The overall crime rate per thousand people is actually higher in the United States . 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. The first is the driving behavior of other motorists. US citizens need a passport or passport card to cross the border. First and foremost, dont dress like you want to be robbed. 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. It truly is more trouble than its worth. Swim in choppy waters or when there is a warning flag. There are three types of thieves youll come across in Tijuana. Happy travels! How Safe Is Tijuana for Travel? - Travel Safe - Abroad Inform a family member or friend that you are traveling to Baja California, and update them about your movements. So even though there is quite a bit of crime there, it doesnt seem to be deterring anyone. After threatening him with three days in jail, McMillan said, the officers suggested McMillan pay them a bribe. One of Tijuanas best assets is the delicious food. How Dangerous is Scuba Diving. Americans have been traveling across the border for dental work for decades. So, dont buy drugs in Tijuana. Petty crime like pickpocketing and theft is prevalent even in touristy areas, particularly in crowds. To give you an idea, Tijuana closed out July 2021 with a whopping 190 murders. The cartels control important drug and human trafficking routes across the border. View the San Diego blue line schedule and map here. The main reason for the astronomically high murder rate is the gang andcartel violencein the city. Its a bad look. The Easy Way: The San Diego Trolley (which is also sometimes called the Tijuana Trolley), takes you directly to the border crossing. for warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. Being a border town, there is a little of every type of cuisine there. Is Baja California Safe in 2023? | Safety Concerns | Travellers However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Stick to bottled water or drinks from sealed containers. In 2009, 4 young Americans headed to Tijuana for a night of partying, but their night ended when they were brutally murdered. Some areas of Tijuana are safer than others, but its still important to take precautions regardless of where you are in the city. If youre innocent, pay the bribe on the spot and definitely dont go to the station. Don't drink water from the tap here! Politely tell them no, thank you, and theyll move on. I dont no if this cop was good or bad. US dollars are accepted in Tijuana but not everywhere. Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. Neighborhoods like Zona Rio and Playas de Tijuana are known to be some of the safest areas. We use analytics to understand and improve the website experience, and we do not sell or share any data with a 3rd-party. To Americans raised to trust "Officer Friendly," the concept of police and public official corruption may seem difficult to grasp. Don't Drive: Driving to Tijuana from San Diego is possibly the absolute worst way to go there.In theory, it's easy. So, dont buy drugs in Tijuana. In 2021, Tijuana has been ranked number one for murders against women. If youre a couple of young guys heading down to TJ to party a bit, youre probably heading there to chase tail. All in all, youll want to keep your head up and your eyes peeled. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the official border crossings. If you are driving into Mexico, youll need your vehicle registration. 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. Mexico is an appealing tourist destination, but visitors should be aware of the risks associated with the area. Cons are everywhere, from the taxi to your hotel and even tours. I know why youre most likely going there. Oddly enough, there are a few establishments there that are safer than others. Restaurants and food vendors typically serve purified or bottled water, and the ice from these places is safe. The metro and greyhound station is within walking distance of the border. 1. In that moment of distraction, the thief will then grab your item or bag and run. The earthquake risk is very low in Tijuana. | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team. The places they recommend are typically more expensive as well. During the daytime, its mostly safe. "To put things in perspective, Matamoros is about 1,360 miles away from Cancun," Rabinor said, according to CNN. Here are a few notable ones: Its really easy to walk into Mexico. Caesars Restaurant is on Avenida Revolucion in downtown Tijuana. Its a common story to hear about tourists being pulled aside by corrupt police in Tijuana. Americans are still paying for sex in Mexico despite the pandemic Thats especially true on the weekends when there are large crowds. These cookies do not store any personal information. Theyre like buses but dont have a set schedule. There are also money exchanges at the station, and Id advise getting some money exchanged here before you cross. Tijuana, located only 30 minutes south of San Diego, is a popular vacation . Tijuana continues to have problems with violent drug-related crimes and gang turf wars in poor neighborhoods. However,Tijuana is still risky, and its up to you to decide how much risk you want to tolerate in a destination. | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. Baja California is one of the safer areas of Mexico, especially if you stick to Rosarito, Ensenada, and Guadalupe Valley. Check theNational Hurricane Center for hurricane warnings. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? Avenida Revolucin is a pretty safe area, and its well-trafficked by local police officers. If you drink at a nightclub or bar, watch your drink like a hawk. Never get into an altercation or argument in a bar with a local. 2019 was an especially violent year for the city. There is so much good food down there, and you kinda just want to let your guard down and try everything. The fact of the matter is, Tijuana has a long history with party-goers. After weighing his options, the wiry, 47-year-old accountant agreed, and the three drove to a nearby bank. One of the policemen removed McMillans credit card from his wallet, asked him for his PIN number and withdrew $400 from an ATM. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. The vast majority of citizens in Tijuana want you to enjoy your stay. Kidnappers may attempt to extort money from family members as a ransom, or they may take you to ATMs and force you to take out cash in exchange for your freedom. It will take about 45 minutes. They might get so frustrated they simply leave. Stick to the touristy areas, and avoid walking at night to prevent this kind of crime. Im sure you understand just how bad they are. Don't miss out on this exciting city just because of its poor reputation. It is not an area where you will expect a blizzard or tornado either. Look. Avoid the eastern part of the city as it is simply not safe and will have little to see for a tourist. Yes! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Its about a 45-minute walk from the border, and the directions will be difficult to follow without light. 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. Travelers should avoid remote areas as well as non-tourist areas because the main highway is generally safe, but non-tourist areas can also have high homicide rates. However, the greatest risk is the heat, especially in the summer when the temperature can rise above 100 degrees. Greyhound offers regular bus services from the San Diego Bus Station downtown (1313 National Ave.) to Tijuana Central Bus Station. Things like museums, lovely beaches or busy markets. With a population of over 2 million people, Tijuana is the largest metropolitan area in northwestern Mexico. While it may not be as safe as popular tourist destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta, Tijuana is absolutely safe enough to visit. The city is a great base for exploring Baja Californias wine country, as well as the beaches and resorts on the Pacific coast. If you want to visit the beach, Rosarito is a much safer town that offers a much better beach. Here is a list of 10 safety tips you should follow when visiting Tijuana: When traveling to any new destination, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers that may await you. Dont let its fearsome reputation get to you. Besides, acting like a gringo wont help with bargaining in shops, getting decent service, or keeping you safe. More Americans living in the area have become targets of organized crime. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. If you get in the path of these guys, theyll waste you without hesitation. The rating is mostly based on its insanely high homicide rate of 2,367. Police responded to a report of a . Water from hotel vending machines is also safe as its purified water. Then, they turn around and tell their corrupt policeman friend about it. Well, the use of good judgment will determine how safe it will be for you. In the red-light district, prostitutes are required to carry a permit and get monthly health checkups. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. Drink spiking is typical, and women should be extra cautious. LBGTQ+ traveler safety. Dont eat unwashed salad foods, theres a risk of E. Coli poisoning. Drug deals are standard, which means that drug dealers and their henchmen are also present. If you want to travel solo in Mexico, you absolutely can, but you must take some extra precautions. if you have to go somewhere after the sun goes down. Also, the town is dangerous because of territorial disputes between drug cartels, countless scams, and numerous muggings. Yes, driving to Tijuana is safe. Some areas of Mexico have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. If you enjoy a good drink, Tijuana is the place for you. If you go, make sure to stay with a group and avoid going outside of the tourist district. Is Mexico Safe for Travel Right Now? (2023 Safety Guide) Would want to check out the beach and maybe the wine country on the Pacific coast. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. You may also have to fill out a form from the Mexican immigration authorities. Is Tijuana Safe to Visit in 2023? | Safety Concerns | Travellers 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!. In addition, you will notice more potholes and poorer road conditions than in San Diego, so drive slowly. In 2019, 1.1 percent of Americans traveling internationally did so for health treatments, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office, although that figure only accounts for those who . Is Tijuana safe to travel to right now? : r/tijuana - Reddit Unfortunately, its most known for its high crime rate. Many Americans drive down from San Diego or other California cities and make a road trip to Baja California. And if you do travel over to Zona Norte, to places like Hong Kongs Gentlemens Club, make sure to take a taxi directly there and back. Various illegal activities occur near the border, and you never know what youll bump into. So in the 1920s Tijuana exploded as a getaway for Americans looking to indulge in both drinking and gambling during prohibition times. Make sure all foods are heated all the way through. I was there to accompany her while she had dental work done at that big black high rise building right over the border. Other things you should watch out for are taxi drivers taking the long way to your destination, trying to convince you that your hotel or restaurant is full and recommending another place. Along this thoroughfare, youll find typical chain restaurants, souvenir shopping, small markets, and American stores. While driving in cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road. Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Not for the moment. 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! 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. There are more people over the last few years visiting the city than ever before. Yes. If you take a taxi, negotiate a fare before you get in. In fact, due to corruption and drug violence, Mexico holds the top 5 positions on this list. Armed muggings can also occur at traffic lights, even in busy cities. Its a good idea to visit them all but I recommend you go with a group. Tijuana is no joke. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Even on streets regularly patrolled at night, you still risk becoming a victim. The first is your run-of-the-mill pickpocket. It is always advisable to wear sunscreen when visiting anywhere in Mexico. In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). On this budget, you could live in Zona Rio, downtown, or Playas de Tijuana. The price depends on the day of the week, time of the day, the season, and whether you chose an . There are parking lots where you can park your car and then walk over the border to downtown Tijuana, so theres no real need. Prostitution is legal in Zona Norte, but the area is unsafe. You can drive over the border, and your license is valid in Mexico. They might get so frustrated they simply leave. Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. 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. Additionally, there are plenty of reports of car theft and break-ins within these parking lots. Street tacos are abundant, and its worth trying them at least once. . For the best beach resort towns, like Cabo San Lucas, youll want to go further south to Baja California Sur. Two men were killed and a third person was wounded during a shooting in a Seattle park Saturday night, police said. You can arrive at the border by either car, train, or bus. Much of the media surrounding the city is sensationalized. The minute you come over, youll see begging. Tijuana is safe to visit if you take suitable precautions. For short trips, yes. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. For one, they are drugs. Tijuana is not an area that has been the target of terrorist threats in recent history. A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. American Prohibition really made the city what it is. Some tracks may be unsafe, while others may present no issues. At the same time, record numbers of U.S. citizens are either visiting Mexico as tourists or residing in the country, yet the number of Americans murdered in Mexico remains remarkably low. Besides good food and affordable medical care, theres just not much to see in Tijuana as a tourist. People often give their services without being asked and want to be paid for them. As mentioned above, Los Cabos is currently the deadliest city in Mexico. 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. Why does Tijuana have a party reputation? 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 most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. Yes, Tijuana is dangerous. Rent for a 2-3 bedroom apartment or house- In a normal area outside of the city center, expect to spend $400-$600 for a large apart or home. However, with a little bit of common sense and caution, most tourists experience no problems while visiting Tijuana. For a fee of course. Important Considerations for a Safe Tijuana Visit. When I think of Tijuana, Ive always had images of young kids making a run to the border to blow off some steam. There have been altercations between taxi and Uber drivers, and while passengers havent been targeted, you dont want to be the first. 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. Tijuana was voted the most dangerous city for two years in a row. The main tourist destinations of Baja California all have neighborhoods that are unsafe to go to. With millions of people living within an urban landscape, hardly any civilians see any of the gang-violence themselves. However, you should stick to the main roads and avoid hitchhikers. July 21, 2021 1:41 PM PT. Theyre there to prevent violent crime against tourists, not to help you. You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. The checkups arent held routinely though and often are overlooked when pimps bribe authorities. Is Baja safe? Should you drive? Things to know before you go If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Colectivos are another great option. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people. In January, the average temperature is 11.4 C. The ticket is then read by a judge who often lowers the price. However, there's no denying that Tijuana is a dangerous city. Despite travel warnings from the U.S. State Department, Tijuana is a safe place. You can also pay the bribe. Stratfor Worldview. Re: How dangerous is tijuana for a tourist.i hear people ask me. The corruption is rampant, but that doesnt mean all the police officers are out for a buck. Ultimately, its up to each individual to weigh the risks and make an informed decision about whether or not to visit the city. According to theAustralian government, some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. They will strike typically when youre in a crowded market or a busy area. You cant run around like a gringo making demands. I will never step foot in Tijuana again. 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. And its mostly centered around gang and cartel violence, where tourists arent targeted. However, its important to weigh the risks and take precautions to stay safe if you do decide to go. Cash only. Your belongings arent always safe when traveling, and you need to protect your, We know that living abroad as an expat can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also come with its own set of financial challenges. Following the arrest of a key cartel boss, the US Embassy in Mexico has advised American tourists to avoid Tijana, Rosarito, and Baja California due to serious safety concerns. In this article, we will explore the current safety situation in Tijuana and whether it is still a safe destination for American tourists. This is significantly higher than Juarez, Mexico. However, bear in mind that it is illegal. The fact of the matter is, this happens and theres not much you can do about it. 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. Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, as. Not only could an altercation in a bar turn violent quickly, but you could end up in a Mexican jail. As you enter the restaurant, your eyes are immediately drawn to the black and white checked floors that make you feel like youre playing a game of chess. Yes, travelling alone in Mexico is safe. Tijuana is safe enough to roam around and explore but take more care if heading outside of the main tourist zones of. The city has a thriving nightlife, with many bars and nightclubs. Laws and lights are frequently ignored, and speeding is common. Most of them list the fines as 5,000 pesos ($500), but you can argue them down to 500 to 1000 pesos ($25-$50). After you exit on the San Ysidro/International Border stop, you will walk only a short distance through immigration. If you want to see the world, go see it! You need to take the UC San Diego Blue Line, which starts at the American Plaza Transit Centre, near Fifth Avenue in San Diego's Gaslamp District, a popular tourist area. Staying Safe In Tijuana: What Tourists And Residents Need To Know. The end of 2021 has shown little improvement, and Tijuana has an average of about 164 murders a month now (source - Border Report ). As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. 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. With its stunning beaches, delicious food, and lively culture, its no wonder why so many Americans are drawn to this city. Read 10 Tips to protect your valuables while traveling. As I mentioned earlier, there is more to the town than its early roots suggest. The two states are next to each other, but Baja California Sur is further south, below Baja California. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We use analytics to understand and improve the website experience, and we do not sell or share any data with a 3rd-party. So, count your change, ignore people approaching you on the street, and look at hotel reviews before you book.