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. Just drive south on Interstate Highway 5, and you'll be at the border crossing. 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. Tijuana isn't just the dangerous border town that it's made out to be in the news. 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 . 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!. Yes, Uber might be even safer than taxis in Tijuana. 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. Not all the taxis use their meters and can charge you a criminal price when you get to your destination. Try using a taxi booked through a hotel or Uber. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people. Dont accept offers of drugs. Avenida Revolucin is a pretty safe area, and its well-trafficked by local police officers. This website is using cookies to analyze our traffic, personalize content and/or ads, and provide video content. Missing something? Over 60 percent of all accidents there are rear-enders and that means you dont have a chance. US Border Patrol. Is it safe to go to Tijuana from San Diego in 2023? Dress casual. 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. The ticket is then read by a judge who often lowers the price. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. And two, you dont know who might be working with the police. In 2017, the murder rate per 100,000 people was 365. Is it Safe to Travel to Tijuana right now? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Many will tell you that its completely safe there. Its best to eat from established restaurants with good reviews. It is Mexicos most populous city with 2,181,000 people, and the 2nd largest city in the country after Mexico City. You can find parking lots on the U. S. side of the border from Tijuana. While driving in cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road. These streets are regularly patrolled by officers and are marginally safer than the rest of Tijuana at night. The only visitors who shouldnt come are solo female travelers, who would be better off taking some companions with them. Ignore them altogether and keep walking. Just make sure you dont explore the city and get safe credible rides to any place. Baja California Sur is safer than Baja California itself. Politely tell them no, thank you, and theyll move on. View the San Diego blue line schedule and map here. The key is to be aware of the risks and take precautions to stay safe. Hail a taxi or summon an. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people, and Tijuana has been ranked the most violent city in the world. You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. It's a regular trick of taxi drivers, who can up the cost of even short trips to astronomical levels. "To put things in perspective, Matamoros is about 1,360 miles away from Cancun," Rabinor said, according to CNN. The end of 2021 has shown little improvement, and Tijuana has an average of about 164 murders a month now (source - Border Report ). After you exit on the San Ysidro/International Border stop, you will walk only a short distance through immigration. He says the tourist areas are safe. Plus, being a police officer in this tough city isnt all sunshine and rainbows. Zona Rio has many specialty shops, craft beer bars, a casino, and cultural tours. If you are kidnapped, never resist. You should pay traffic fines on the officialMultas de Transito (Traffic Fines) government site. Due to its positioning, it can be somewhat difficult to reach Tijuana overland from the other major Mexican cities, with Mexico City for example being a sizeable 2760km away.. Get the best deal on your trip by comparing deals on Booking.com and Expedia! 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. 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. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. Tijuana is safe to visit if you take suitable precautions. There is a small risk of hurricanes, but generally only during the months right before and after a hurricane season. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Its about a 45-minute walk from the border, and the directions will be difficult to follow without light. Additionally, there are plenty of reports of car theft and break-ins within these parking lots. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. Heed these Tijuana warnings and dangers to stay safe on your trip. If you are visiting with your family (or even some friends) then head over to El Trompo. Mexico is an appealing tourist destination, but visitors should be aware of the risks associated with the area. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team. If you are a female tourist, there is a high risk that you will be harassed or even assaulted in Tijuana. The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. Pichardo owns a travel company based in Tijuana. Next, make sure to not walk down unfamiliar streets, alleyways, or unlit areas. Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. Be safe in your hotel or across the border. Fortunately, most homicides are cartel-related and occur in neighborhoods tourists dont frequent. Theyre like buses but dont have a set schedule. If you must go, get a taxi or uber directly to the door of the club. There is still an enormous amount of poverty through small towns and rural areas, and many neighborhoods of Tijuana are rife with poverty and crime. 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! Tijuana, the vibrant city of Mexico, has always been a popular destination for American tourists. Privacy Policy. These motorcyclists are often in a hurry, as many deliver food for apps like Rappi or Uber Eats. Zona Norte, more than any other part of Tijuana drives tourists to ask the question, is Tijuana dangerous?. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Check it out. You can also call the number for reporting police corruption, but it will probably make them angry. Some people even rent or buy camper vans and sleep on the road. The biggest threat in Tijuana is the drug cartel. Even on streets regularly patrolled at night, you still risk becoming a victim. . You will take the line to its last stop, the San Ysidro/International Border. It may not be the classiest part of the city, but you will be among many tourists. Stick to the touristy areas, and avoid walking at night to prevent this kind of crime. You may also have to fill out a form from the Mexican immigration authorities. The 15 Best Hotels in Hawaii in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? If you drink at a nightclub or bar, watch your drink like a hawk. After they got the money and let me go. They sit at their stops until they have a full bus and then stop. Oddly enough, there are a few establishments there that are safer than others. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. However, it does have cartel activity, and crime is also a risk. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. 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. Tijuana has human trafficking because of the cartels, and you dont want your little ones becoming victims. Being a border town, there is a little of every type of cuisine there. While it isnt as bad in recent years, theres no denying that the police of. They arrange you the hotel and a driver to take you from the border to the hotel and drs office. When I think of Tijuana, Ive always had images of young kids making a run to the border to blow off some steam. And lastly, dont use any dangly bags or store your wallet in a loose pocket. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If youre a woman then take extra care about what you drink (they can spike the drinks) and dont go outside alone to smoke or just go on walks. 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. In the alert from July 4, the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana said there was "potential for confrontations between criminal . The answer is complicated. Cartel violence has an extremely likely chance of. If you lose anything due to crime, dont expect to get it back. 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. 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 money goes to the station rather than the corrupt officers pockets. Lastly, if you travel to one of the infamous strip clubs or bars, make sure to get a taxi directly to the establishment door. You shouldnt drinktap water, and its best to buy bottled water or water filters to prevent food poisoning. Be aware of pickpockets on public transport and in transportation stations. If you go out at night (mostly interested in the nightlife), again make sure you dont go alone. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. They might get so frustrated they simply leave. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. Dont have ice with drinks and only drink from factory-sealed bottles. However, its not a safe area. These cookies do not store any personal information. If you drink at a nightclub or bar, watch your drink like a hawk. To determine the answer to, is Tijuana Dangerous?, one must look at the facts. The fact of the matter, as of recently, the Tijuana police are mostly owned by the cartel. There is also parking at the metro station, although many choose to park more North and take the blue line into the border. . Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. Keep your valuables hidden and maintain a low profile. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 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. Looking back, his stomach dropped. 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. The corruption is rampant, but that doesnt mean all the police officers are out for a buck. In this article, we will explore the current safety situation in Tijuana and whether it is still a safe destination for American tourists. And finally, you might get pulled over by a corrupt officer who will insist you pay a fine to them. has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. You cant run around like a gringo making demands. The corruption is rampant, but that doesnt mean all the police officers are out for a buck. The one and only famous caesar salad was invented in none other than Tijuana. 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. If you have to walk over the bridge, cross with someone else. Although if you travel down to party in the infamous Zona Norte red light district, then youre taking your chances. Read on to learn all about staying safe in Baja California, Mexico. When downtown, you can visit historic landmarks, museums, art galleries, and cultural centers. A turf war between the Sinaloa cartel and the Nueva Generacin Jalisco has been the reason for an increase in violence. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. However, most of the time, its too much trouble for them, and they drop the matter entirely. If you go, make sure to stay with a group and avoid going outside of the tourist district. Often a so-called tour guide or the like will attempt to befriend you. If youre going down there for this type of fun, then pony up and spend a bit more to be safe. Read 10 Tips to protect your valuables while traveling. It's relatively safe. Avoiding Unprofessional or Unlicensed Doctors. 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. 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. On Thursday I went to the the center of town and did some shopping. One of the policemen removed McMillans credit card from his wallet, asked him for his PIN number and withdrew $400 from an ATM. I got picked up a third time. You can drive over the border, and your license is valid in Mexico. We use analytics to understand and improve the website experience, and we do not sell or share any data with a 3rd-party. Especially near the border. While in large cities like Mexico City, its progressing rapidly, much of the countrys residents still reside in 3rd world living conditions. If you plan on using tap water for cooking or drinking, boil it first. Often parents will have their children beg. Globe-Trotting Without the Worry: The Ultimate Guide to Healthcare for Expats Across the World! Tijuana is not an area that has been the target of terrorist threats in recent history. Questions over Americans' safety in Mexico have been underlined by . Baja California, meaning Lower California, is right below California on the other side of the border. In Tijuana, pickpockets are very active. Happy travels! The east side of the city is another area to avoid. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. Its worth paying a bit more for a doctor, plastic surgeon, or dentist who has good reviews and recommendations from other foreigners and who speaks English. Stratfor Worldview. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. If youre a couple of young guys heading down to TJ to party a bit, youre probably heading there to chase tail. Tijuana is also perfect for day trips from San Diego. Also, your car isnt safe in either parking locations along the border. The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. Laws and lights are frequently ignored, and speeding is common. Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, as. Tijuana is dangerous because of cartels and gangs. From Cartels to Contraband: Unveiling the Worlds Top Drug Smuggling Hotspots! 1 of 3 expats return home because of these things. In the end, you should try and break the process to prevent more corruption in the future. 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! Millions of Americans have taken day trips to Tijuana and continue to do so. 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. So, once the sun ducks below the horizon, you should be solidly inside your hotel. If you travel to Tijuana, make sure to stay in heavily policed areas known for tourism. The most common of these in this Mexican city is overcharging. As an expat, you have a . Most of the time, its just not worth it. 10 reviews. This one neighborhood is more infamous than any other there. (In 2023). Im not saying there arent thousands of tourists that go there without incident, but things do unfortunately happen to tourists there every year. Youll find all sorts of interesting fruits and vegetables, some of which you might not know about. All in all, youll want to keep your head up and your eyes peeled. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people, and Tijuana has been ranked the most violent city in the world. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. With the highest number of murders per 100,000 people, many news outlets call Tijuana "The Most Dangerous City in The World." However, there's a lot of nuance to the situation that makes Tijuana much safer to visit than you think. Both the U.S. and Tijuana parking isnt great, and there have been many breakins reported in these lots. They then drove him to the border and dropped him off. voiceofsandiego.org. More Americans living in the area have become targets of organized crime. Cars are the easiest way to get around the city, but you can get by perfectly fine on foot. . Don't drink water from the tap here! The most dangerous place to drive your car in Tijuana is near Avenida Revolucion and Avenida Constitucion and Second and Third Streets. Water from hotel vending machines is also safe as its purified water. If you want to travel solo in Mexico, you absolutely can, but you must take some extra precautions. 1. Best Place to Sit on a Plane for Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide. Exploring LA on Foot: How to Stay Alive While Strolling the City of Angels! The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. 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). Because of cartel activity in these areas, between 2007 and 2010, there . Don't waste your hard-earned money. 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. With the right precautions, its still possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Tijuana. Due to it being on the border, various malicious actors are present, which only increases crime levels. One of Tijuanas best assets is the delicious food. The rating is mostly based on its insanely high homicide rate of 2,367. Or you can try and play the dumb American tourist who doesnt understand one word of Spanish. However, is Baja California safe for tourists, both single tourists and families? El Popo Market is also a great place to go to just to see the local products being sold. There are parking lots where you can park your car and then walk over the border to downtown Tijuana, so theres no real need. Much of the media surrounding the city is sensationalized. Here are a few notable ones: Its really easy to walk into Mexico. 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. Restaurants and food vendors typically serve purified or bottled water, and the ice from these places is safe. Not only could an altercation in a bar turn violent quickly, but you could end up in a Mexican jail. View the San Diego blue line schedule and map here. Yes, travelling alone in Mexico is safe. You can arrive at the border by either car, train, or bus. Some tracks may be unsafe, while others may present no issues. Spain: A Great Destination for Retirees, Expats, Digital Nomads, and More, Malta: The Mediterraneans Best Kept Secret for Retirees, Expats, and Digital Nomads, Red Eye Flights Pros and Cons of Traveling at Night, Why Portugal is the Best European Retirement Option. As always, watch out for pickpockets and be careful when walking alone at night.
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