When you get to Tijuana, everyone will try and scam you. It may not be the classiest part of the city, but you will be among many tourists. But the reality is that while Tijuana is a wonderful place, its very dangerous to visit. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. One of the policemen removed McMillans credit card from his wallet, asked him for his PIN number and withdrew $400 from an ATM. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. It's well known for great seafood like Lobster at reasonable prices. 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! 10-20 pesos is enough. The first is your run-of-the-mill pickpocket. New travel advisory for Tijuana and Rosarito - KGTV See this list of some of the. Yes, Tijuana is dangerous. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. 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. They are going to be looking for anyone by themselves, so its important you dont travel alone there. Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, asmost victimsare not foreigners but Mexican nationals, but its essential not to wander around alone at night. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. The city is a great base for exploring Baja Californias wine country, as well as the beaches and resorts on the Pacific coast. While the cartels primary income source is not robbing tourists, thats not to say it never happens. If youre walking over the border to take a few pictures with the famous striped donkey and buy a sombrero, then your trip will most likely be uneventful. Many police officers in Mexico are highly corrupt. . Youll find all sorts of interesting fruits and vegetables, some of which you might not know about. If you want to visit the beach, Rosarito is a much safer town that offers a much better beach. 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. | 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. These establishments will overcharge immensely and give the driver a commission. You can also pay the bribe. The most common of these in this Mexican city is overcharging. Mexico Travel Advisory - United States Department of State Why does Tijuana have a party reputation? Dress casual. In the red-light district, prostitutes are required to carry a permit and get monthly health checkups. Dental care is probably the most common type of medical tourism in Tijuana. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. Here are a few notable ones: Its really easy to walk into Mexico. If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. The two most prominent strip clubs are Hong Kong Gentlemens Club and Adelitas. Its a huge red-light district, and its the largest in North America. For one, cars are expensive and just paint a larger target on your back. At least once per year, he drives down for a cheap teeth cleaning and check-up. A common scam is for a dealer to approach you to sell drugs. Families are less likely to be targeted for crimes. Exploring The Dangers Of Tijuana: Staying Safe In Mexico's Most Many drivers may not even have a valid license. Would want to leave our valuables at home and remember to carry small bills for shopping. Taxi drivers may try taking you to restaurants or hotels. While they dont usually target tourists specifically, tourists may get caught up in cartel violence and shootouts between the police and cartels. In the end, you should try and break the process to prevent more corruption in the future. However, while it is certainly not without its risks, Tijuana is generally safe for travel if visitors take the right precautions by sticking to certain areas. Before I continue, its important to distinguish between Baja California and Baja California Sur. Stratfor Worldview reports that just in 2017, over 35 million Americans visited Mexico. Tijuana consistently ranks in one of the top five most dangerous cities in the world based on homicide rates. How To Visit Tijuana from San Diego - Complete Guide Tijuana is a city, and it experiences crime like all cities. Kidnappings, robberies, and homicides have gone up in the last couple of years to the point where Tijuana has been dubbed the Most Dangerous City In The World. Restrictions on nonessential travel across the U.S.-Mexico land border will stay in place through at least Aug. 21, the Department of Homeland Security announced . Its a common story to hear about tourists being pulled aside by corrupt police in Tijuana. Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from? So, count your change, ignore people approaching you on the street, and look at hotel reviews before you book. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? Some areas of Tijuana are safer than others, but its still important to take precautions regardless of where you are in the city. Its a good idea to visit them all but I recommend you go with a group. Not much sight seeing going on in Tijuana. Some tracks may be unsafe, while others may present no issues. Staying aware of your situation and taking precautions is the best way to protect yourself while visiting Tijuana. Avoid the eastern part of the city as it is simply not safe and will have little to see for a tourist. Best Place to Sit on a Plane for Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide. Just make sure you have at least 3-4 other people with you and things will be fine. These guys will try to steal from you while youre distracted. Water from hotel vending machines is also safe as its purified water. Besides, acting like a gringo wont help with bargaining in shops, getting decent service, or keeping you safe. The states attorney general reported that as of the end of 2021, Tijuana registered a staggering 1,761 murders. Is it normal to feel lost after high school? Stick to the touristy areas, and avoid walking at night to prevent this kind of crime. Either use cards for emergencies only, or take cash out at trusted atms either in shopping centers. To ensure their safety, it is important for visitors to take certain precautions. Is Afghanistan Safe in 2023? So, dont buy drugs in Tijuana. Some areas of Mexico have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. In a nicer area, expect to spend $400-$700 per month for a studio or one-bedroom. Hail a taxi or summon anUberif you have to go somewhere after the sun goes down. Cars are the easiest way to get around the city, but you can get by perfectly fine on foot. As mentioned above, Los Cabos is currently the deadliest city in Mexico. These guys murder like its a hobby for them. Lastly, if you travel to one of the infamous strip clubs or bars, make sure to get a taxi directly to the establishment door. They sit at their stops until they have a full bus and then stop. Its best to apologize and walk away here. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. However, a lack of common sense or being in the wrong place at the wrong time can easily make you a victim of a crime. Zona Ro, Centro, Hipdromo, Playas are all tourist friendly and safe. 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. La Ruta 3 in Revolucin always has the best waitresses, very friendly. Ultimately, its up to each individual to weigh the risks and make an informed decision about whether or not to visit the city. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. If you are an expat looking to build wealth, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you achieve your financial goals. With a population of over 2 million people, Tijuana is the largest metropolitan area in northwestern Mexico. Tijuana, Mexico's famed red-light district, called Zona Norte, sits a stone's throw from the US-Mexico border. See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. However, food preparation laws are slack here than in America. As always, watch out for pickpockets and be careful when walking alone at night. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. How Safe Is Mexicali for Travel? - Travel Safe - Abroad Many locals and visitors alike continue to enjoy the vibrant culture and beauty of the city without issue. Read more about protecting your valuables and the bag I use that has a hidden passport pocket. Stick to bottled water or drinks from sealed containers. If you drink at a nightclub or bar, watch your drink like a hawk. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. The two states are next to each other, but Baja California Sur is further south, below Baja California. While the poverty youll witness here is not on the level of whats in India or even in some parts of South America, you will see it. To stay beyond that time frame, make sure you stop at the immigration kiosk for a visa if you are coming by land. 15 Tijuana - A Hotbed Of . It is dangerous. However, most of the time, its too much trouble for them, and they drop the matter entirely. The one and only famous caesar salad was invented in none other than Tijuana. If you get in the path of these guys, theyll waste you without hesitation. The answer is complicated. Copyright 2023 Where the Rooster Crows - Best & Safest Places to Visit & Live. Some places are safe enough to visit, others are too dangerous. After all, much of the economy there is based on tourism from the United States. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Its not like the Jersey Shore or Miami Beach. And finally, you might get pulled over by a corrupt officer who will insist you pay a fine to them. It is always advisable to wear sunscreen when visiting anywhere in Mexico. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. 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. Various people will try to take advantage of you, so just be aware of your surroundings and don't trust anyone that you don't know. The main reason for the astronomically high murder rate is the gang andcartel violencein the city. Tijuana is Mexicos 6th largest city, and its most dangerous. Healthcare in Mexico for Americans: Visit a Clinic, Go to the Dentist Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. They can stop you on the street and pat you down to find something to charge you a fine for. Bras, money belts or secret bag compartments will do. | Travel Tips & Safety Concerns, Is Albania Safe in 2023? Make no mistakes about it, its dangerous. Whether or not to cancel your trip to Tijuana is a personal decision that depends on your comfort level with the current safety situation. The cartels control important drug and human trafficking routes across the border. Over 60 percent of all accidents there are rear-enders and that means you dont have a chance. US Border Patrol. However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the State Department has released a "Level 3 - Reconsider Travel" advisory for Baja California state.. Cons are everywhere, from the taxi to your hotel and even tours. If you are driving into Mexico, youll need your vehicle registration. Locals, we go out in the city . Road signs and markings may be missing or not well organized. If you lose anything due to crime, dont expect to get it back. But the water in Mexico isnt safe to drink. Heed these Tijuana warnings and dangers to stay safe on your trip. 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. Its essential to check the State Departments current travel advisory and recent safety alerts from the US Embassy in Mexico before your trip, so you are well-informed of any potential dangers. Im not saying there arent thousands of tourists that go there without incident, but things do unfortunately happen to tourists there every year. The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. There are three important things you should look out for in Tijuanapetty crime, scams, and muggings. The cultural center announced it would be . Violent crime is possible as well. However, food preparation laws are slack here than in America. I will never step foot in Tijuana again. Dont let its fearsome reputation get to you. Watch out for drivers who are speeding or driving while drunk. If you drink at a nightclub or bar, watch your drink like a hawk. You cant run around like a gringo making demands. Baja is easily accessible from the United States and offers an opportunity to experience Mexicos gastronomy and beaches. Exploring LA on Foot: How to Stay Alive While Strolling the City of Angels! Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. Tijuana is no joke. You can also call the number for reporting police corruption, but it will probably make them angry. The line back to San Diego might be a hassle but it'll be worth the trip for a nice gastronomic experience. If you have to walk over the bridge, cross with someone else. If you take a taxi, negotiate a fare before you get in. Don't waste your hard-earned money. Dont eat unwashed salad foods, theres a risk of E. Coli poisoning. I was walking down the street with two police officers walking a head of me. Don't miss out on this exciting city just because of its poor reputation. 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. Avenida Revolucin is a pretty safe area, and its well-trafficked by local police officers. ). | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team. Is Baja safe? Should you drive? Things to know before you go Things like museums, lovely beaches or busy markets. I got picked up a third time. 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. Avoid fast-talkers or beggars asking for something. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people. People often give their services without being asked and want to be paid for them. Solo travel in Mexico can make one feel very vulnerable at times - though that goes for anywhere, especially in Latin America. Dont stop to sleep in sketchy areas as well. especially homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. "That's about . They can stop you on the street and pat you down to find something to charge you a fine for. Click here to get an offer for travel insurance. While the Spanish discovered the region in 1542, the city was actually founded by farmers and ranchers in 1889. Baja California Sur is safer than Baja California itself. Before you close the book on TJ, you should understand that it can be visited safely if you pay attention to some things. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The dealer gets a cut of the fine, and their racket continues with the next victim. 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. Hail a taxi or summon an. Are there areas of Tijuana that are safer than others? 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. 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. After threatening him with three days in jail, McMillan said, the officers suggested McMillan pay them a bribe. There are parking lots where you can park your car and then walk over the border to downtown Tijuana, so theres no real need. | Safety Concerns, Is Norway Safe to Visit in 2023? You can find parking lots on the U. S. side of the border from Tijuana. And it should go without saying, but never under any circumstances buy drugs in the city. Unfortunately, its most known for its high crime rate. 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. And finally, you might get pulled over by a corrupt officer who will insist you pay a fine to them. Thats especially true on the weekends when there are large crowds. While Ensenada has some good hiking trails, its essential to ask your hotel or Airbnb host if its a good idea to go. Its about a 45-minute walk from the border, and the directions will be difficult to follow without light. The other category is petty crime and robberies. In general, yes, Tijuana is a safe place for tourists to visit. While in large cities like Mexico City, its progressing rapidly, much of the countrys residents still reside in 3rd world living conditions. The same goes for Ensenada. Both earthquakes and hurricanes can occur in Mexico, according to theUK government. Dental offices can be found on almost every street corner. Even if youre in Tijuana for a short time, youre going to see poverty. My dad is one of them. So, dont let the possible threat keep you from visiting. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. Tijuana, Mexico Visitor's Guide - TripSavvy It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Walking just a few blocks beyond these well-patrolled areas can land you in the wrong part of town. And lastly, dont use any dangly bags or store your wallet in a loose pocket. Tijuana is a safe city to travel. 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. Privacy Policy. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. | Safety Concerns. Mainly, you want to avoid confrontation and eye contact with them. But if youre just visiting and stick to the touristy areas, you can have a great time while staying safe. And about 2/3rds of those murders happened at nighttime. Stay in well-lit crowded areas, and dont wear or show anything expensive to avoid becoming a target. They will strike typically when youre in a crowded market or a busy area. They are fast and quite clever, so you need to make sure your items are protected. In January, the average temperature is 11.4 C. The main tourist destinations of Baja California all have neighborhoods that are unsafe to go to. I know why youre most likely going there. This is quite common in tourist areas down there, so watch out. As for places to visit (other than bars) I like the Tijuana Cultural Center. The metro and greyhound station is within walking distance of the border. 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. Just be sure to stick to well-known and tourist-friendly areas, as some neighborhoods are best avoided after dark. Tijuana really is the wild west. Yes, thats right. I would bypass Tijuana and drive further south about 30 minutes to a beach town called Puerto Nuevo. And with such a high rate of crime in 2021, citizens can expect very little change in 2022. 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. The main driving point of crime is a large number of drug cartels moving into the city. Dont have ice with drinks and only drink from factory-sealed bottles. Various illegal activities occur near the border, and you never know what youll bump into. Laws and lights are frequently ignored, and speeding is common. It is the 6 th largest city in Mexico after all. April 30, 2023 2:06 AM PT. There are parking lots where you can park your car and then walk over the border to downtown Tijuana, so theres no real need. It is highly recommended that you avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-known areas. The rating is mostly based on its insanely high homicide rate of 2,367. This even goes for trendy clothing. The Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park in 2023, Is Detroit Safe to Visit in 2023? However, is Baja California safe for tourists, both single tourists and families? Tip: Street vendors may be selling items like popsicles or slushes that were made from tap water, so avoid the water-based food items from street carts. You dont want to wander around Tijuana at night. Then, they turn around and tell their corrupt policeman friend about it. Shooting kills 2 men, injures 3rd victim in Seattle park If you want to see the world, go see it! 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. Come on, to party a bit. warns against picking up hitchhikers. If you take a taxi, negotiate a fare before you get in. 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. Why Medical Tourism Is Drawing Patients, Even in a Pandemic Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Aside from a few hotspots of crime, most of Mexico is safe for tourists. If you want to see the world, go see it! The earthquake risk is very low in Tijuana. Politely tell them no, thank you, and theyll move on. In 2019, Baja California police reported a total of 800 murders in 1 week. The end of 2021 has shown little improvement, and Tijuana has an average of about 164 murders a month now (source - Border Report ). Is Tijuana safe to travel to right now? : r/tijuana - Reddit The city has been plagued by drug cartels, gang violence, and human trafficking, leading to a rise in homicides and other violent crimes. Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. Despite the danger, many travelers have no issues when traveling to Tijuana. Yes, Uber might be even safer than taxis in Tijuana. What should I do if I feel unsafe in Tijuana? You may also have to fill out a form from the Mexican immigration authorities. The minute you come over, youll see begging. Tijuana is also perfect for day trips from San Diego. Riding a moped in Phuket, Cebu City, Mumbai, and more. Police responded to a report of a . Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. A turf war between the Sinaloa cartel and the Nueva Generacin Jalisco has been the reason for an increase in violence. You can arrive at the border by either car, train, or bus. How Safe is Tijuana for Americans in 2023? - Where the Rooster Crows Crime is another issue that should concern you. After weighing his options, the wiry, 47-year-old accountant agreed, and the three drove to a nearby bank. Are there any dangers to know about before crossing the border?
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