Bras, money belts or secret bag compartments will do. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 10-20 pesos is enough. Being a border town, there is a little of every type of cuisine there. Politely tell them no, thank you, and theyll move on. You can also pay the bribe. for warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. In that moment of distraction, the thief will then grab your item or bag and run. Cartels also operate in Baja California. Despite the high levels of crime and violence, Tijuana is still a popular destination for American tourists. If you must travel to Tijuana right now, it may be best to go on a well-protected tour. To protect yourself and your valuables, you should take extra precautions in Zona Nortes red-light district. See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. In 2009, 4 young Americans headed to Tijuana for a night of partying, but their night ended when they were brutally murdered. Dont let its fearsome reputation get to you. 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. After they got the money and let me go. Yes. 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? Dont carry expensive bags, wear designer clothes or sporty new shoes. Avoid fast-talkers or beggars asking for something. When you ask is Tijuana dangerous?, you wouldnt immediately think about water. And if you walk in, you can simply walk back very easily. are not foreigners but Mexican nationals, but its essential not to wander around alone at night. And its mostly centered around gang and cartel violence, where tourists arent targeted. If you act like an imbecile in Tijuana, get drunk and obnoxious, you may come home in a body bag. Weve all been there. The two states are next to each other, but Baja California Sur is further south, below Baja California. In almost all cases, there is a lot of commotion and distractions going on around you, so it makes it easy for the thief to steal from you. 1. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to pre-Columbian times, and is home to a diverse population of Indigenous peoples, as well as descendants of European immigrants. Next, make sure to not walk down unfamiliar streets, alleyways, or unlit areas. Unfortunately, its most known for its high crime rate. Millions of Americans have taken day trips to Tijuana and continue to do so. Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, as. In 2019, 1.1 percent of Americans traveling internationally did so for health treatments, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office, although that figure only accounts for those who . cross from San Diego to Tijuana daily with no issue, and many tourists go home satisfied with their visit. 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! "That's about . Not much sight seeing going on in Tijuana. So is Tijuana dangerous? The money goes to the station rather than the corrupt officers pockets. I thought it wasnt to dangerous and it almost cost me my life. Two, traffic safety is rather alarming. Tijuana is safe enough to roam around and explore but take more care if heading outside of the main tourist zones of. The main driving point of crime is a large number of drug cartels moving into the city. Is Tijuana safe for Americans? Stick to bottled water or drinks from sealed containers. About 2-3 hrs have gone by and my fianc was tracking my location on my iPhone trying to call store owners in my location to get me into a store. If you take a taxi, negotiate a fare before you get in. Water in Mexico is often contaminated with parasites or bacteria, which can make you sick. With millions of people living within an urban landscape, hardly any civilians see any of the gang-violence themselves. Theres a LOT to see here so this is a must-visit if you have kids. Lastly, if you travel to one of the infamous strip clubs or bars, make sure to get a taxi directly to the establishment door. Its unfortunate, although this is probably the most prominent thing to ruin a tourists time while visiting Tijuana. You should have no problems if you avoid the bad areas and dont draw unwanted attention. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. I would NOT visit Tijuana alone as it can become dangerous even if you are a man. Neighborhoods like Zona Rio and Playas de Tijuana are known to be some of the safest areas. So, count your change, ignore people approaching you on the street, and look at hotel reviews before you book. Once again, make sure not to call attention to yourself with jewelry or expensive accessories. Baja California Sur is safer than Baja California itself. However, you should stick to the main roads and avoid hitchhikers. With a population of over 2 million people, Tijuana is the largest metropolitan area in northwestern Mexico. Tijuana is also perfect for day trips from San Diego. Additionally, the Hong Kong Gentlemens Club is probably the most friendly and conservative for visitors, and it also has a hotel attached (Hotel Cascadas). You may also have to fill out a form from the Mexican immigration authorities. Zona Rio has many specialty shops, craft beer bars, a casino, and cultural tours. Retire Rich, Retire Early: 6 Simple Steps to Help You Achieve Your Financial Dreams! It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. Did you know the striped painted donkey is called a Zonkey? If you plan on using tap water for cooking or drinking, boil it first. Tijuana is Mexico's 6th largest city, and it's most dangerous. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the official border crossings. Essentially, this is an age-old story that repeats itself about every decade in Mexico. The first is your run-of-the-mill pickpocket. Tijuana is not an area that has been the target of terrorist threats in recent history. It will take about 45 minutes. Its a good idea to visit them all but I recommend you go with a group. Youll have a great time and be back before dark. I dont no if this cop was good or bad. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. At best, if you get too drunk and pass out, youll be robbed. Aside from a few hotspots of crime, most of Mexico is safe for tourists. 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. Tijuana, the vibrant city of Mexico, has always been a popular destination for American tourists. By keeping track of earthquake warnings, you can better plan your trip. Tijuana has always had a reputation for being a bit rough around the edges, but recent years have seen a sharp increase in crime and violence. Its also good to know a bit of Spanish while youre there. You should pay traffic fines on the officialMultas de Transito (Traffic Fines) government site. Troops patrol Tijuana as city emerges from cartel-fueled night of Tijuana is no joke. Are there any dangers to know about before crossing the border? Most of the time, its just not worth it. The dealer gets a cut of the fine, and their racket continues with the next victim. There have been altercations between taxi and Uber drivers, and while passengers havent been targeted, you dont want to be the first. You will take the line to its last stop, the San Ysidro/International Border. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Is Tijuana Safe? Avoiding Common Scams and Crime New York and Chicago have higher crime rates than 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. The fact of the matter is, this happens and theres not much you can do about it. Yes, thats right, I said the food is international. These streets are regularly patrolled by officers and are marginally safer than the rest of Tijuana at night. 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. The tourist locations are the safest part of the city. Along this thoroughfare, youll find typical chain restaurants, souvenir shopping, small markets, and American stores. Enjoy your trip! The main reason for the astronomically high murder rate is the gang and. Not all the taxis use their meters and can charge you a criminal price when you get to your destination. The accomplice will either stomp your foot or literally strike you. While in large cities like Mexico City, its progressing rapidly, much of the countrys residents still reside in 3rd world living conditions. On Thursday I went to the the center of town and did some shopping. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja . 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. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Cash only. In this article, Im going to go over some important notes to help you stay safe while in Tijuana. Because the rates of taxis are not always consistent, I would suggest taking an Uber there. Riding a moped in Phuket, Cebu City, Mumbai, and more. Sometimes they work in groups. Yes! Besides good food and affordable medical care, theres just not much to see in Tijuana as a tourist. With a population of 1,763,197, there are 134 murders per 100,000 people. Mexico Travel Advisory - United States Department of State It is the lowest average temperature of the whole year. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Even knowing the basics will get you quite far. Much of the media surrounding the city is sensationalized. Exploring LA on Foot: How to Stay Alive While Strolling the City of Angels! Not only could an altercation in a bar turn violent quickly, but you could end up in a Mexican jail. Zona Ro, Centro, Hipdromo, Playas are all tourist friendly and safe. Im not trying to lecture you, although Im just giving you information to make the right choice. They might get so frustrated they simply leave. 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. Its not an easy place to live. 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. Be wary of attempts at credit-card fraud. Solo travel in Mexico can make one feel very vulnerable at times - though that goes for anywhere, especially in Latin America. Also, your car isnt safe in either parking locations along the border. By far the biggest risk for travelers in Tijuana is petty crime, including classic travel scams. Two men were killed and a third person was wounded during a shooting in a Seattle park Saturday night, police said. A common scam is for a dealer to approach you to sell drugs. | Safety Concerns. 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. Country Summary: Violent crime - such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery - is widespread and common in Mexico. 13 Tips to Get Rich as an Expat Read More , Copyright 2023 Where the Rooster Crows - Best & Safest Places to Visit & Live. Either use cards for emergencies only, or take cash out at trusted atms either in shopping centers. He kept asking me To describe them but I told him I didnt remember. The people who approach you on the street often speak perfect English. If you drink at a nightclub or bar, watch your drink like a hawk. | Safety Concerns, Is Norway Safe to Visit in 2023? From Cartels to Contraband: Unveiling the Worlds Top Drug Smuggling Hotspots! This is an interactive science museum which keeps kids entertained through games and exhibitions. April 30, 2023 2:06 AM PT. Come on, to party a bit. Especially near the border. In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). I will never step foot in Tijuana again. Not sure if they were worried about me reporting them. At least once per year, he drives down for a cheap teeth cleaning and check-up. Online reviews are your friend in this situation, and you should only go to restaurants and food trucks with many customers, preferably locals. Cartels frequently traffic drugs throughout the region. Dont go where there are few other people in the vicinity; this includes camping in secluded places. Many Americans travel to Tijuana for affordable medical and dental care. 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. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. At some point in 2022, six homicides per day were recorded in the city. If you travel to Tijuana, make sure to stay in heavily policed areas known for tourism. According to the UK Government, over 576,971 British nationals visited Mexico in 2017 with most visits being trouble-free. The State Department urges those who do travel to remain on main . And finally, you might get pulled over by a corrupt officer who will insist you pay a fine to them. Shooting kills 2 men, injures 3rd victim in Seattle park Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. Some prostitutes may drug and rob men who visit them, and thieves may operate in the area. 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. Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Ultimately, its up to each individual to weigh the risks and make an informed decision about whether or not to visit the city. Tijuana is repeatedly cited as being the most dangerous city in Mexico and one of the most dangerous in the world. Tijuana really is the wild west. Baja is easily accessible from the United States and offers an opportunity to experience Mexicos gastronomy and beaches. Though it is a very different experience. The original wood bar that is still standing from the 1920s is the focal point of the restaurant with a vintage cash register surrounded by liquor bottles. withlovepaperandwine.com. Its about a 45-minute walk from the border, and the directions will be difficult to follow without light. The corruption is rampant, but that doesnt mean all the police officers are out for a buck. Tijuana continues to have problems with violent drug-related crimes and gang turf wars in poor neighborhoods. However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. How To Visit Tijuana from San Diego - Complete Guide And with such a high rate of crime in 2021, citizens can expect very little change in 2022. They may demand bribes for traffic violations whether or not you actually violated any law. Tourists are still highly advised to leave all valuables at home and remain vigilant at all times. Avoid the eastern part of the city as it is simply not safe and will have little to see for a tourist. You will need to catch the blue line from any station traveling South toward San Ysidro. Dangers on the road come in two forms. Is Tijuanas Red Light District Safe? However, try to negotiate the price if you choose this option. It is, actually, the northern-most airport in Mexico. If youre heading to Zona Norte to party, dont get overly intoxicated. US warns Tijuana, Rosarito tourists after cartel arrest - inewsource People often give their services without being asked and want to be paid for them. This even goes for trendy clothing. How Dangerous is Scuba Diving. View the San Diego blue line schedule and map here. As you walk, there will be taxi drivers along the pathway offering their driving services. | Safety Concerns. While it isnt as bad in recent years, theres no denying that the police ofTijuana is still very corrupt. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. They are fast and quite clever, so you need to make sure your items are protected. Never get into an altercation or argument in a bar with a local. Here is a list of 10 safety tips you should follow when visiting Tijuana: When traveling to any new destination, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers that may await you. Living in Tijuana as an American - Where The Road Forks You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. First and foremost, dont dress like you want to be robbed. The Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park in 2023, Is Detroit Safe to Visit in 2023? If you have to walk over the bridge, cross with someone else. Many Americans drive down from San Diego or other California cities and make a road trip to Baja California. I think facts are the best way to understand how dangerous Tijuana is. Gangs fight for territory in the city and control dealers on the street level. 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. The LAZ and International parking located just outside of the San Ysidro metro station prices are reported as deceptive. Americans have been traveling across the border for dental work for decades. I recommend if youre not Mexican, do not go. Tijuana is known for its nightlife, but drunks are frequent targets, especially walking alone. There is also parking at the metro station, although many choose to park more North and take the blue line into the border. Often a so-called tour guide or the like will attempt to befriend you. Yes, driving to Tijuana is safe. 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. 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. Tijuana was voted the most dangerous city for two years in a row. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Tijuana - yay or nay? : r/travel - Reddit This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Just drive south on Interstate Highway 5, and you'll be at the border crossing. 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. Menu Menu Location (855)-506-6188 Contact . 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. The answer is complicated. Im not saying there arent thousands of tourists that go there without incident, but things do unfortunately happen to tourists there every year. 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. Make sure to use trusted and accredited hotels/hostels. 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. For tourists, yes Tijuana is safe. Is it Safe to Travel to Tijuana right now? Due to the limited food supplies at the time in the region, he invented the caesar salad. Restaurants and food vendors typically serve purified or bottled water, and the ice from these places is safe. So, dont buy drugs in Tijuana. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. You can find parking lots on the U. S. side of the border from Tijuana. I have just returned home in Los Angeles after walking across the border on Wednesday night. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. If you want to travel solo in Mexico, you absolutely can, but you must take some extra precautions. It may not be the classiest part of the city, but you will be among many tourists. If you want to see the world, go see it! Despite that, they dont usually cause trouble for tourists. Besides, acting like a gringo wont help with bargaining in shops, getting decent service, or keeping you safe. If prostitutes come to you, they often try to distract you by touching you before pickpocketing any valuables you have. Water from hotel vending machines is also safe as its purified water. A San Diego resident said, The worst thing that ever happened to me is I tend to trip on potholes on the sidewalk. If you practice good safety, you should have a great time in the city. Missing something? Before your trip to Baja California, Mexico, keep the following advice in mind. Is Tijuana Safe? Crime, Scams, and Travel Safety Tips - World Nomads 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! Be vigilant, pay attention, and always have a good understanding of where you are. The one and only famous caesar salad was invented in none other than Tijuana. I was in shock and called family and before I could think more police came and did the same thing making me cash advance my credit card.