Violent crime is possible as well. 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. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. And it should go without saying, but never under any circumstances buy drugs in the city. You can find parking lots on the U. S. side of the border from Tijuana. Copyright 2023 Where the Rooster Crows - Best & Safest Places to Visit & Live. Uber is a better alternative since Uber sets the rates. The two most prominent strip clubs are Hong Kong Gentlemens Club and Adelitas. | Travel Tips & Safety Concerns. The ticket is then read by a judge who often lowers the price. By keeping track of earthquake warnings, you can better plan your trip. Going over with a group of friends to the touristy Avenida Revolucin should be okay, but travel there only during the day. If youre a couple of young guys heading down to TJ to party a bit, youre probably heading there to chase tail. But if youre just visiting and stick to the touristy areas, you can have a great time while staying safe. First and foremost, dont dress like you want to be robbed. The first is the driving behavior of other motorists. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja . | 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. There have been altercations between taxi and Uber drivers, and while passengers havent been targeted, you dont want to be the first. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. They act friendly and nice before launching into a sob story. With that said, you need to be careful there. Not sure if they were worried about me reporting them. 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!. This area encompasses the entire Caribbean coast, from Cancun all the way down to the Belize border. Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. The LAZ and International parking located just outside of the San Ysidro metro station prices are reported as deceptive. Many doctors and staff speak English, and some have even . Kidnapping is a risk in Mexico, and Baja California is not exempt. Just make sure you have at least 3-4 other people with you and things will be fine. Save. 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. For the best beach resort towns, like Cabo San Lucas, youll want to go further south to Baja California Sur. However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. In this article, we will explore the current safety situation in Tijuana and whether it is still a safe destination for American tourists. Don't Drive: Driving to Tijuana from San Diego is possibly the absolute worst way to go there.In theory, it's easy. The one and only famous caesar salad was invented in none other than Tijuana. Cons are everywhere, from the taxi to your hotel and even tours. 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. Tijuana isn't just the dangerous border town that it's made out to be in the news. Not only could an altercation in a bar turn violent quickly, but you could end up in a Mexican jail. That makes it one of the most popular day trips and weekend destinations in Mexico for Americans, especially people living in California. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. I think facts are the best way to understand how dangerous Tijuana is. Are There Any Dangers for Travelers to Rosarito, Mexico? Top 27 Communication Apps For International Travel, 96% are Christians with most identifying as Catholic, October-November with temps of 46 to 91, Hamburgers or hotdogs at Telefnica gastro park, Fine dining Mexican Cuisine at Misin 19 in Zona Ro, Street tacos from Las Ahumaderas near Zona Ro, Zona Centro (while the touristy district is here, bad stuff still happens in this area. If you are kidnapped, never resist. In general, yes, Tijuana is a safe place for tourists to visit. Avoid fast-talkers or beggars asking for something. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people. 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. The tourist locations are the safest part of the city. 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. And its mostly centered around gang and cartel violence, where tourists arent targeted. | Safety Concerns, Is Norway Safe to Visit in 2023? The checkups arent held routinely though and often are overlooked when pimps bribe authorities. Next, make sure to not walk down unfamiliar streets, alleyways, or unlit areas. Many drivers may not even have a valid license. for warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. The fact of the matter is, Tijuana has a long history with party-goers. Don't waste your hard-earned money. 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, the greatest risk is the heat, especially in the summer when the temperature can rise above 100 degrees. Its best to avoid Ensenadas red light district as well. As you might have guessed, most violent crimes are drug-related in Tijuana. Yes, Tijuana is dangerous. 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 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. From the station, there are signs marking the path toward Mexico. 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. Mainly, you want to avoid confrontation and eye contact with them. Some places are safe enough to visit, others are too dangerous. Hail a taxi or summon an. People will come up to you on the street and play the victim for a handout, a food vendor will try to short-change you, and even hotels will try to fleece you with extra fees. As I mentioned earlier, there is more to the town than its early roots suggest. The easiest way to get from to Tijuana is via the San Diego Trolley, a tram that runs from downtown San Diego all the way to the San Ysidro border. Is Baja California Safe in 2023? Baja is easily accessible from the United States and offers an opportunity to experience Mexicos gastronomy and beaches. You can find souvenirs here and also get a chance to taste some of the local, delicious food. 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! 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. The situation has become so dire that the US State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Tijuana, warning Americans not to visit the city due to the high levels of crime and violence. Americans Kidnapped in Mexico"We have no power to get anyone out of jail or to represent anyone in a criminal proceeding if they get in . It is Mexicos most populous city with 2,181,000 people, and the 2nd largest city in the country after Mexico City. TheFrench governmentwarns against picking up hitchhikers. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. With its stunning beaches, delicious food, and lively culture, it's no wonder why so many Americans are drawn to this city.However, with the recent rise in crime and violence, many are questioning whether it is still safe to visit Tijuana as an American in 2023. Because the rates of taxis are not always consistent, I would suggest taking an Uber there. Yes. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. There have been altercations between taxi and Uber drivers, and while passengers havent been targeted, you dont want to be the first. And if you walk in, you can simply walk back very easily. Along this thoroughfare, youll find typical chain restaurants, souvenir shopping, small markets, and American stores. Just be sure to stick to well-known and tourist-friendly areas, as some neighborhoods are best avoided after dark. Dont let strangers stop you on the street with a sob story. At least once per year, he drives down for a cheap teeth cleaning and check-up. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. I love going to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Tulum. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Tijuanas food scene is a must for foodies. On Thursday I went to the the center of town and did some shopping. Get the best deal on your trip by comparing deals on Booking.com and Expedia! After you exit on the San Ysidro/International Border stop, you will walk only a short distance through immigration. Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. Theyre there to prevent violent crime against tourists, not to help you. I was in shock and honestly at this time my memory is foggy. You will take the line to its last stop, the San Ysidro/International Border. Indeed Tijuana has a lot of great shopping, nightlife, and attractions to enjoy as long as you take some basic safety precautions. By far the biggest risk for travelers in Tijuana is petty crime, including classic travel scams. At some point in 2022, six homicides per day were recorded in the city. In 1924, an Italian immigrant named Caesar Cardini moved South of the border to Tijuana in an effort to improve his restaurant business. Mexico usually allows Americans to stay for up to six months on an approved cost-free Visa. Bridges over the border and across the Tijuana river become dangerous at night. I would bypass Tijuana and drive further south about 30 minutes to a beach town called Puerto Nuevo. However, most of the time, its too much trouble for them, and they drop the matter entirely. Tijuana, located only 30 minutes south of San Diego, is a popular vacation . It's teeming with crooked police . Unless youre a Tijuana local, you probably shouldnt cross the border at night. A San Diego resident said, The worst thing that ever happened to me is I tend to trip on potholes on the sidewalk. Tijuana is a city located in the Mexican state of Baja California, on the US-Mexico border. These guys will try to steal from you while youre distracted. After all, the city has been ranked as the most violent city in the world for multiple years running now. Are there areas of Tijuana that are safer than others? Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from? Over 60 percent of all accidents there are rear-enders and that means you dont have a chance. US Border Patrol. Additionally, there are plenty of officers around here, so you can always ask them if you get confused. While the rise in crime and violence in Tijuana is concerning, its important to remember that it is not the whole story. In a nicer area, expect to spend $400-$700 per month for a studio or one-bedroom. Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, as. However, theres no denying that Tijuana is a dangerous city. If you think youre being overcharged for a taxi, a trip from the border to the center of town should be around $5 (USD). This goes for tap water and ice cubes. April 30, 2023 2:06 AM PT. It is not recommended to travel alone to Tijuana due to the high levels of crime and violence. While in large cities like Mexico City, its progressing rapidly, much of the countrys residents still reside in 3rd world living conditions. Muggers target tourists that may be a bit drunk. Families are less likely to be targeted for crimes. One of the policemen removed McMillans credit card from his wallet, asked him for his PIN number and withdrew $400 from an ATM. One of Tijuanas best assets is the delicious food. And some parts of Mexico . Even if the police find your stuff (a miracle in and of itself), theyll likely charge you to get it back. Lastly, without a doubt, make sure not to try to walk to the tourist district at night. The fact of the matter, as of recently, the Tijuana police are mostly owned by the cartel. Dental care is probably the most common type of medical tourism in Tijuana. There are so many other better alternatives. You can also pay the bribe. Is Tijuana Safe? Travel Advisory 2023 - travelinglifestyle.net El Popo Market is also a great place to go to just to see the local products being sold. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. The beaches are beautiful and offer great swimming, snorkeling, and diving opportunities. These establishments will overcharge immensely and give the driver a commission. I thought that theres cops so Im ok. Long story short I was kidnapped by them forced to drain my bank accounts after handcufffing me and sticking a gun in my mouth. has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. My dad is one of them. A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. 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. Its best to avoid Ensenadas red light district as well. Dont carry expensive bags, wear designer clothes or sporty new shoes. Americans are still paying for sex in Mexico despite the pandemic It is the lowest average temperature of the whole year. 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. Mainly, you want to avoid confrontation and eye contact with them. After they got the money and let me go. 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. During the day, in the safe neighborhoods and places, nothing will happen. If youre going down there for this type of fun, then pony up and spend a bit more to be safe. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Crime in Baja California typically falls into one of two categories: cartel activity and thievery. Currency - The currency of Mexico is the peso . In general, you should avoid seedy bars and stick to well-lit popular places within tourist areas. | Safety Concerns. Really, Tijuana was just an agriculture mud-hole. Its a good idea to visit them all but I recommend you go with a group. They arrest you, and you have to pay an arm and a leg and possible jail time. An accomplice or two will be waiting to mug you. Some tracks may be unsafe, while others may present no issues. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. If you want to visit the beach, Rosarito is a much safer town that offers a much better beach. For most people, the trip down there is uneventful. You should have no problems if you avoid the bad areas and dont draw unwanted attention. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. 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. Avoiding Unprofessional or Unlicensed Doctors. And with such a high rate of crime in 2021, citizens can expect very little change in 2022. If you drink at a nightclub or bar, watch your drink like a hawk. When I think of Tijuana, Ive always had images of young kids making a run to the border to blow off some steam. . Tips on Tijuana Warnings or Dangers - Stay Safe! - SmarterTravel Yes, thats right. There is so much good food down there, and you kinda just want to let your guard down and try everything. A. Well, the use of good judgment will determine how safe it will be for you. Youth and reported history of verbal abuse were consistently associated with victimization with more participants frequently reporting incidents of victimization. Read more about protecting your valuables and the bag I use that has a hidden passport pocket. Also, your car isnt safe in either parking locations along the border. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. Because of cartel activity in these areas, between 2007 and 2010, there . Just make sure you dont explore the city and get safe credible rides to any place. Drug deals are standard, which means that drug dealers and their henchmen are also present. Not only is it illegal, but its dangerous. Theyre like buses but dont have a set schedule. Would want to check out the beach and maybe the wine country on the Pacific coast. It's a regular trick of taxi drivers, who can up the cost of even short trips to astronomical levels. warns against picking up hitchhikers. If you have to walk over the bridge, cross with someone else. Don't make yourself a target. The city has a thriving nightlife, with many bars and nightclubs. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. Is Tijuanas Red Light District Safe? So you should carefully vet restaurants and food trucks to ensure they meet your standards. However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the. As a tourist, you can avoid most crimes that will plague the average local. You will need to catch the blue line from any station traveling South toward San Ysidro. Many used to live in the US before they were deported for crimes. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. Much of the media surrounding the city is sensationalized. Did you know the striped painted donkey is called a Zonkey? Is Tijuana Safe? Mexico: Expert Travel Advice (2023) - Layer Culture Despite the high levels of crime and violence, Tijuana is still a popular destination for American tourists. The key is to be aware of the risks and take precautions to stay safe. If you take a taxi, negotiate a fare before you get in. It is always advisable to wear sunscreen when visiting anywhere in Mexico. Start Here Mexico Is Baja California Safe in 2023? 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. Yes, visitors from Tijuana are typically safe as long as they stick to well-patrolled touristy areas and avoid trouble. In the end, you should try and break the process to prevent more corruption in the future. Tijuana is known for the nightlife as it has a LOT of nightclubs and bars to go around. 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. This is significantly higher than Juarez, Mexico. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Its not going to set you back too much to hand out a few dollars. They can stop you on the street and pat you down to find something to charge you a fine for. Make sure to use trusted and accredited hotels/hostels. Read 10 Tips to protect your valuables while traveling. 5 years ago. When he refused, McMillan said, one officer brandished a billy club and the other put him in a headlock. Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. 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. If you go out for a drink in a touristy club, be extra vigilant about your drink so it does not get spiked. 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. You should pay traffic fines on the official. Privacy Policy. 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. Calle Coahuila, the area's main strip, is normally teeming with a frenetic . We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Is Tijuana Safe to Visit in 2023? Theres also the aquarium and much more to see. View the San Diego blue line schedule and map here. LBGTQ+ traveler safety. It is the 6 th largest city in Mexico after all. A common scam is for a dealer to approach you to sell drugs. Mexico is considered a developing nation. The second type is a pickpocket with an accomplice, although they arent as sneaky. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. Unfortunately, this city is also infamous for being a major center of drug trafficking and organized crime. You can drive over the border, and your license is valid in Mexico. Two men were killed and a third person was wounded during a shooting in a Seattle park Saturday night, police said. | Safety Concerns, Is Norway Safe to Visit in 2023? Cash only. Why Medical Tourism Is Drawing Patients, Even in a Pandemic In 2019, Baja California police reported a total of 800 murders in 1 week. Be safe in your hotel or across the border. Its best to eat from established restaurants with good reviews. Zona Norte, also known as Hong Kong District, is one of the most dangerous and highly trafficked tourist areas. Due to its proximity to the border, Tijuana and its surroundings are hotspots of cartel activity. To protect yourself and your valuables, you should take extra precautions in Zona Nortes red-light district. Is Baja California Safe to Visit in 2023? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I do not represent World Nomads. These cookies do not store any personal information. And Juarez has long been known as the place El Chapo and many other infamous drug kingpins reside. 10-20 pesos is enough. See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. Tijuana has human trafficking because of the cartels, and you dont want your little ones becoming victims. Tijuana is Mexicos 6th largest city, and its most dangerous. The minute you come over, youll see begging. Tijuana, Mexico Visitor's Guide - TripSavvy Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Things like museums, lovely beaches or busy markets. It's not safe. If you want to see the world, go see it! Featuring coastal towns like Rosarito and cities like Tijuana, Baja California has a lot to offer in terms of beaches, nightlife, and family fun not to mention its fantastic food, such as the famous fish tacos. During the daytime, its mostly safe. They then drove him to the border and dropped him off. voiceofsandiego.org. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we see from our readers about staying safe in Baja California. 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. . But the water in Mexico isnt safe to drink. Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. 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. Its a huge red-light district, and its the largest in North America. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. In Tijuana, pickpockets are very active. It is generally safe to take a licensed taxi in Tijuana, but its important to avoid unlicensed taxis and to be aware of your surroundings. You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. Tijuana is a city, and it experiences crime like all cities. It will take about 45 minutes. The first is your run-of-the-mill pickpocket. | 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 you walk, there will be taxi drivers along the pathway offering their driving services. The Easy Way: The San Diego Trolley (which is also sometimes called the Tijuana Trolley), takes you directly to the border crossing. Is Tijuana Safe to Visit in 2023? Your Complete Guide by a Local Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. 70 helpful votes. Some of the safety measures that American tourists can take include: By following these safety measures, American tourists can greatly reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime or violence while visiting Tijuana. While it isnt as bad in recent years, theres no denying that the police of. 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. 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! MEXICO Travel Advisory: Is It Safe To Visit Right Now? Politely tell them no, thank you, and theyll move on. How Dangerous is Scuba Diving. Petty crime like pickpocketing and theft is prevalent even in touristy areas, particularly in crowds. People often give their services without being asked and want to be paid for them. Cars are the easiest way to get around the city, but you can get by perfectly fine on foot. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. 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. However, try to negotiate the price if you choose this option. . Drug sales are done right out in the open here, and often youll witness users getting high just off of the main thoroughfares. So, how safe is Tijuana for Americans in 2023? Reluctantly, McMillan followed the officer and his colleague to the patrol car, where he was ordered to get in the back seat. 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. The biggest threat in Tijuana is the drug cartel. Country Summary: Violent crime - such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery - is widespread and common in Mexico. They are going to be looking for anyone by themselves, so its important you dont travel alone there. To give you an idea, Tijuana closed out July 2021 with a whopping 190 murders. Americans have been traveling across the border for dental work for decades. Questions over Americans' safety in Mexico have been underlined by . It was the second Latin-American country to enact anti-discrimination laws for the LGBTQ+ community and in 2011 the Mexican Constitution . 20 Places In Mexico Foreigners Should Never Set Foot In - TheTravel In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). However, you should stick to the main roads and avoid hitchhikers. If you want to travel solo in Mexico, you absolutely can, but you must take some extra precautions. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Pat-downs . You will want to avoid the red light district Zona Norte (the North Zone) in Tijuana.