Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, as. Even if youre in Tijuana for a short time, youre going to see poverty. A. The route typically takes a little more than an hour, requires a border stop, and usually costs between $13 and $25. Theres food from all regions of Mexico and some American fare since its so close to the border. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. 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. 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. has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Dont let its fearsome reputation get to you. The State Department urges those who do travel to remain on main . Dont have ice with drinks and only drink from factory-sealed bottles. 20 Places In Mexico Foreigners Should Never Set Foot In - TheTravel 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. Tijuana is also home to some excellent museums, including the world-famous Museum of Anthropology. Re: How dangerous is tijuana for a tourist.i hear people ask me. However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. Funding the cartels means theyll keep taking over parts of Mexico. I got a backpack, a wallet, a handbag for my fianc. So, dont buy drugs in Tijuana. However, if you are a first-time visitor to Tijuana or Mexico in general, it is recommended that you dont drive. If you want to travel solo in Mexico, you absolutely can, but you must take some extra precautions. Its unfortunate, although this is probably the most prominent thing to ruin a tourists time while visiting Tijuana. The city is famous for profitable drug smuggling routes into the US, and cartels fight tooth and nail over them. Yes, driving to Tijuana is safe. It is the lowest average temperature of the whole year. The main reason for the astronomically high murder rate is the gang andcartel violencein the city. Its a huge red-light district, and its the largest in North America. 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. Tijuana, Mexico's famed red-light district, called Zona Norte, sits a stone's throw from the US-Mexico border. 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. Is Baja California Safe to Visit in 2023? If you want to visit the beach, Rosarito is a much safer town that offers a much better beach. Water in Mexico is often contaminated with parasites or bacteria, which can make you sick. Dont go wandering around this neighborhood, because trouble will find you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Tijuana has a lot of great food. However, is Baja California safe for tourists, both single tourists and families? Would want to check out the beach and maybe the wine country on the Pacific coast. Mainly, you want to avoid confrontation and eye contact with them. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. For tourists, yes Tijuana is safe. Millions of Americans have taken day trips to Tijuana and continue to do so. Most of the time, its just not worth it. Gangs fight over territory, and cartels wage war over profitable smuggling routes in the US. Some areas of Mexico have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. Tijuana is safe to visit if you take suitable precautions. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja . If youre going down there for this type of fun, then pony up and spend a bit more to be safe. 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. These guys will try to steal from you while youre distracted. Just make sure you dont explore the city and get safe credible rides to any place. Besides good food and affordable medical care, theres just not much to see in Tijuana as a tourist. Many Americans visit Tijuana in Mexico, making it one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. If youre a couple of young guys heading down to TJ to party a bit, youre probably heading there to chase tail. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. Oddly enough, there are a few establishments there that are safer than others. The State Department cautions US citizens to be more careful and vigilant about their own safety when visiting Mexico. Most of them list the fines as 5,000 pesos ($500), but you can argue them down to 500 to 1000 pesos ($25-$50). The cultural center announced it would be . Both the U.S. and Tijuana parking isnt great, and there have been many breakins reported in these lots. With millions of people living within an urban landscape, hardly any civilians see any of the gang-violence themselves. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There have been altercations between taxi and Uber drivers, and while passengers havent been targeted, you dont want to be the first. Stay in well-lit crowded areas, and dont wear or show anything expensive to avoid becoming a target. There are parking lots where you can park your car and then walk over the border to downtown Tijuana, so theres no real need. However, higher-magnitude earthquakes may happen as well. Is Tijuana dangerous for woman to travel to? For about 8 blocks, Revolucin is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants, many aimed at tourists. Americans have been traveling across the border for dental work for decades. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. US warns Tijuana, Rosarito tourists after cartel arrest - inewsource Its not going to set you back too much to hand out a few dollars. Tijuana is a border city in Mexico, located just south of California. Tijuana isn't just the dangerous border town that it's made out to be in the news. The same goes for Ensenada. 13 Tips to Get Rich as an Expat Read More , Copyright 2023 Where the Rooster Crows - Best & Safest Places to Visit & Live. At some point in 2022, six homicides per day were recorded in the city. They may demand bribes for traffic violations whether or not you actually violated any law. With the right precautions, its still possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Tijuana. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Come with me, to the car, said the uniformed police officer. The answer is complicated. As I mentioned earlier, there is more to the town than its early roots suggest. However, try to negotiate the price if you choose this option. The short answer is yes, Tijuana is safe for tourists. Drink spiking is typical, and women should be extra cautious. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 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. That makes it one of the most popular day trips and weekend destinations in Mexico for Americans, especially people living in California. With a population of over 2 million people, Tijuana is the largest metropolitan area in northwestern Mexico. Many used to live in the US before they were deported for crimes. Is Baja California Safe in 2023? However, try to negotiate the price if you choose this option. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. I got picked up a third time. While it isnt as bad in recent years, theres no denying that the police of. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Staying in well-lit areas with high foot traffic, Being aware of your surroundings and any suspicious activity, Using licensed taxi services and avoiding public transportation. Healthcare in Mexico for Americans: Visit a Clinic, Go to the Dentist The U.S. government has limited ability to provide . However, bear in mind that it is illegal. Mexico is an appealing tourist destination, but visitors should be aware of the risks associated with the area. One of the reasons the State Department increased Baja Californias advisory to a Level 3 warning was the arrest of a cartel leader, which led to increased violence between cartels and the police, according to the. However, its important to weigh the risks and take precautions to stay safe if you do decide to go. And the third type is the most dangerous. I will never step foot in Tijuana again. Dangers on the road come in two forms. Before you close the book on TJ, you should understand that it can be visited safely if you pay attention to some things. 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. It truly is more trouble than its worth. Dont be mistaken though, people live there. Currency - The currency of Mexico is the peso . Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. 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. 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. While it isnt as bad in recent years, theres no denying that the police ofTijuana is still very corrupt. Mexican kidnappers are getting more organized and honing in on Americans visiting tourist hot-spots in Mexico. If you plan on using tap water for cooking or drinking, boil it first. I was walking down the street with two police officers walking a head of me. The key is to be aware of the risks and take precautions to stay safe. Not all the taxis use their meters and can charge you a criminal price when you get to your destination. Tijuana is not an area that has been the target of terrorist threats in recent history. People often give their services without being asked and want to be paid for them. 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. Enjoy. Some tracks may be unsafe, while others may present no issues. July 21, 2021 1:41 PM PT. You can have a more stress-free ride using Uber. Road signs and markings may be missing or not well organized. Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. Politely tell them no, thank you, and theyll move on. The most common of these in this Mexican city is overcharging. Prostitution is legal in Zona Norte, but the area is unsafe. 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. Not only could an altercation in a bar turn violent quickly, but you could end up in a Mexican jail. Is Afghanistan Safe in 2023? Missing something? Youll find all sorts of interesting fruits and vegetables, some of which you might not know about. TheFrench governmentwarns against picking up hitchhikers. For most people, the trip down there is uneventful. Either use cards for emergencies only, or take cash out at trusted atms either in shopping centers. Just make sure you have at least 3-4 other people with you and things will be fine. As a tourist, you can avoid most crimes that will plague the average local. Exploring LA on Foot: How to Stay Alive While Strolling the City of Angels! 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!. Theyre there to prevent violent crime against tourists, not to help you. But in crowded areas there are pickpockets and thieves and other criminals so its best to be in a group, pay attention to your things and your surroundings. These guys murder like its a hobby for them. Menu Menu Location (855)-506-6188 Contact . One of the reasons the State Department increased Baja Californias advisory to a Level 3 warning was the arrest of a cartel leader, which led to increased violence between cartels and the police, according to theUS Embassy in Mexico. The location also makes it convenient to take your car over the border to drive down the peninsula. Cash only. Much of the media surrounding the city is sensationalized. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. The dealer gets a cut of the fine, and their racket continues with the next victim. This is quite common in tourist areas down there, so watch out. Take only the cash you need for the day and leave all other essential items in your hotel safe no matter where you go in Tijuana. The natural disasters risk is low, based on Juarez's location in the middle of the country. Zona Rio has many specialty shops, craft beer bars, a casino, and cultural tours. Also, your car isnt safe in either parking locations along the border. Why does Tijuana have a party reputation? "It gets categorized and creates this chaos and panic, to go south of the border. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. 7. Airports - General Rodolfo Snchez Taboada International Airport is an international airport in Mexicali. How dangerous is tijuana for a tourist.i hear people ask me 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. Street tacos are abundant, and its worth trying them at least once. Theres a LOT to see here so this is a must-visit if you have kids. Most of them list the fines as 5,000 pesos ($500), but you can argue them down to 500 to 1000 pesos ($25-$50). Heed these Tijuana warnings and dangers to stay safe on your trip. Yes, thats right. "To put things in perspective, Matamoros is about 1,360 miles away from Cancun," Rabinor said, according to CNN. There have been many incidents of rape and aggression towards women in Tijuana. If you go out for a drink in a touristy club, be extra vigilant about your drink so it does not get spiked. While they dont usually target tourists specifically, tourists may get caught up in cartel violence and shootouts between the police and cartels. Taxi drivers may try taking you to restaurants or hotels. This city is known for being more dangerous than your average city so keep your eyes peeled for trouble. If you drink at a nightclub or bar, watch your drink like a hawk. Its also good to know a bit of Spanish while youre there. Is Tijuana Safe to Visit in 2023? | Safety Concerns | Travellers Ignore them altogether and keep walking. It located outside Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, near the U.S.-Mexico border. Tijuana is known for the nightlife as it has a LOT of nightclubs and bars to go around. While the rise in crime and violence in Tijuana is concerning, its important to remember that it is not the whole story. Just as McMillan was about to pass out, the policemen handcuffed him and threw him up against the car, telling him they were arresting him for resisting their inquiries. At least once per year, he drives down for a cheap teeth cleaning and check-up. How To Visit Tijuana from San Diego - Complete Guide This is what most day-trippers to Tijuana experience, and it should go without saying that Revolucion is not representative of Tijuana and certainly not of Mexico. wikivoyage.org. Menu Menu Location (855) -506-6188 Contact . They have routes throughout Tijuana. 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. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. Violent crime is possible as well. Mexico is considered a developing nation. A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. Many drivers may not even have a valid license. Additionally, there are plenty of reports of car theft and break-ins within these parking lots. You can get scammed in Tijuana very easily. But locals characterize it as dangerous for tourists. Its best to avoid Ensenadas red light district as well. Always check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. Many doctors and staff speak English, and some have even . If prostitutes come to you, they often try to distract you by touching you before pickpocketing any valuables you have. Make sure all foods are heated all the way through. Despite travel warnings from the U.S. State Department, Tijuana is a safe place. What should I do if I feel unsafe in Tijuana? Drug sales are done right out in the open here, and often youll witness users getting high just off of the main thoroughfares. You can arrive at the border by either car, train, or bus. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. And it should go without saying, but never under any circumstances buy drugs in the city. This is not a city to get lost in. As you might have guessed, most violent crimes are drug-related in Tijuana. You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. for warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. The entire area is seedy, and bad things can go down quickly. Avenida Revolucin is a pretty safe area, and its well-trafficked by local police officers. Besides, acting like a gringo wont help with bargaining in shops, getting decent service, or keeping you safe. Going this weekend. In Tijuana, pickpockets are very active. 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. | Safety Concerns, Is Norway Safe to Visit in 2023? Gangs fight for territory in the city and control dealers on the street level. If you travel to Tijuana, make sure to stay in heavily policed areas known for tourism. Of course, there are more than just these crimes. How Safe Is Mexicali for Travel? - Travel Safe - Abroad Dont carry expensive bags, wear designer clothes or sporty new shoes. Tijuana is situated within the Mexican state of Baja California, and the heart of the city is only 5 miles from the Pacific coast. The only visitors who shouldnt come are solo female travelers, who would be better off taking some companions with them. Taking the scenic route to your destination runs up the meter, and they receive a kickback from any hotels or restaurants they take you to. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Theyre there to prevent violent crime against tourists, not to help 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. Theres food from all regions of Mexico and some American fare since its so close to the border. Bras, money belts or secret bag compartments will do. 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 fact of the matter is, this happens and theres not much you can do about it. 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.". Zona Norte, also known as Hong Kong District, is one of the most dangerous and highly trafficked tourist areas. The town was nothing but farmland until the early 20th century. This area encompasses the entire Caribbean coast, from Cancun all the way down to the Belize border. This goes for tap water and ice cubes. The rating is mostly based on its insanely high homicide rate of 2,367. While the Spanish discovered the region in 1542, the city was actually founded by farmers and ranchers in 1889. For that matter, you shouldnt begin with, but its just a bad idea to deal with any drug trade there. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people. Thousands of visitors cross from San Diego to Tijuana daily with no issue, and many tourists go home satisfied with their visit. I do not represent World Nomads. | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. But the water in Mexico isnt safe to drink. When you ask is Tijuana dangerous?, you wouldnt immediately think about water. Be wary of attempts at credit-card fraud. Well, the use of good judgment will determine how safe it will be for you. Enjoy your trip! Im not trying to lecture you, although Im just giving you information to make the right choice. Don't Drive: Driving to Tijuana from San Diego is possibly the absolute worst way to go there.In theory, it's easy. Its okay to attempt to negotiate prices, although you probably wont get too much deducted when on the main stripe in Zona Centro. 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 . Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Caesars Restaurant is on Avenida Revolucion in downtown Tijuana. Things like museums, lovely beaches or busy markets. In my opinion, there isnt any upside to driving your car over the border. There have been altercations between taxi and Uber drivers, and while passengers havent been targeted, you dont want to be the first. 15 Tijuana - A Hotbed Of . However, food preparation laws are slack here than in America. This website is using cookies to analyze our traffic, personalize content and/or ads, and provide video content. Tourists are still highly advised to leave all valuables at home and remain vigilant at all times. They will strike typically when youre in a crowded market or a busy area. Im sure TJ has its charms but it wouldnt be my first pick on a list of bad cities. Greyhound offers regular bus services from the San Diego Bus Station downtown (1313 National Ave.) to Tijuana Central Bus Station. Some travelers on a day trip to tijuana feel like San Diego however those not used to Mexican culture will find it very foreign. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we see from our readers about staying safe in Baja California. Keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all times. 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. As a border town, its become a melting pot attracting cooks from many different places. As for places to visit (other than bars) I like the Tijuana Cultural Center. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. Reluctantly, McMillan followed the officer and his colleague to the patrol car, where he was ordered to get in the back seat. And finally, you might get pulled over by a corrupt officer who will insist you pay a fine to them. By far the biggest risk for travelers in Tijuana is petty crime, including classic travel scams. Are there any dangers to know about before crossing the border? No. Most of the begging is going to occur right at the border and on Avenida Revolucin. Is it normal to feel lost after high school? To protect yourself and your valuables, you should take extra precautions in Zona Nortes red-light district. How Dangerous is Scuba Diving. Online reviews are your friend in this situation, and you should only go to restaurants and food trucks with many customers, preferably locals. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. 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. Don't make yourself a target. 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. Would want to leave our valuables at home and remember to carry small bills for shopping. 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. Cons are everywhere, from the taxi to your hotel and even tours. Police responded to a report of a . Avoid fast-talkers or beggars asking for something. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Being a border town, there is a little of every type of cuisine there. When you buy bottled water, be sure to check the seal on the cap. Is Tijuana dangerous to visit? (2023) - Where the Rooster Crows Avoiding Unprofessional or Unlicensed Doctors. Here you can learn more about the native people of this region by watching a film in the IMAX dome or seeing live performances in the Performance Hall. The minute you come over, youll see begging. After all, much of the economy there is based on tourism from the United States. The state of Quintana Roo and its Riviera Maya is the most popular tourist zone in Mexico. To give you an idea, Tijuana closed out July 2021 with a whopping 190 murders. Because of cartel activity in these areas, between 2007 and 2010, there . It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. They act friendly and nice before launching into a sob story. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. Tijuana is a tough town, no bones about it. How Safe Is Mexico for Travel? - Travel Safe - Abroad With that said, dont argue with locals. There are several bars and clubs in Tijuana that are safe to visit, but it is always best to check with your hotel concierge before venturing out. You dont want to wander around Tijuana at night. Outside of the tourist district of Zona Centro, Zona Norte is probably one of the main reasons many travel to Tijuana.
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