Not for the moment. Is it Safe to Travel to Tijuana right now? If you act like an imbecile in Tijuana, get drunk and obnoxious, you may come home in a body bag. 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. Lastly, be extra vigilant about your belongings. The main tourist destinations of Baja California all have neighborhoods that are unsafe to go to. Lastly, without a doubt, make sure not to try to walk to the tourist district at night. As mentioned above, Los Cabos is currently the deadliest city in Mexico. If you must go, get a taxi or uber directly to the door of the club. 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. The rating is mostly based on its insanely high homicide rate of 2,367. 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. Muggings, kidnappings and similar street crimes have been known to happen in Tijuana, but they aren't very common occurrences, according to the residents of the city. These streets are regularly patrolled by officers and are marginally safer than the rest of Tijuana at night. Stick to the touristy areas, and avoid walking at night to prevent this kind of crime. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? Restaurants and food vendors typically serve purified or bottled water, and the ice from these places is safe. For one, youre going to potentially wait hours in traffic just to filter back into the United States. As soon as you cross that border, the situation changes drastically. You can also pay the bribe. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The most common of these in this Mexican city is overcharging. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. It is dangerous. Greyhound offers regular bus services from the San Diego Bus Station downtown (1313 National Ave.) to Tijuana Central Bus Station. Besides, acting like a gringo wont help with bargaining in shops, getting decent service, or keeping you safe. Questions over Americans' safety in Mexico have been underlined by . Im not saying there arent thousands of tourists that go there without incident, but things do unfortunately happen to tourists there every year. After you exit on the San Ysidro/International Border stop, you will walk only a short distance through immigration. Dont eat unwashed salad foods, theres a risk of E. Coli poisoning. There is also a risk of Zika virus along the coast, according toTravelHealthPro. Many doctors and staff speak English, and some have even . However, theres a lot of nuance to the situation that makes Tijuana much safer to visit than you think. 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. Be safe in your hotel or across the border. Despite the high levels of crime and violence, Tijuana is still a popular destination for American tourists. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Additionally, there are plenty of reports of car theft and break-ins within these parking lots. And its mostly centered around gang and cartel violence, where tourists arent targeted. There is also parking at the metro station, although many choose to park more North and take the blue line into the border. Many travelers visit the red light district of Tijuana to hire prostitutes, visit massage parlors, or simply enjoy a drink at one of the many lady bars or strip clubs in the area. While the Spanish discovered the region in 1542, the city was actually founded by farmers and ranchers in 1889. Currency - The currency of Mexico is the peso . Don't miss out on this exciting city just because of its poor reputation. 9,017 posts. As an expat, you have a . I got a backpack, a wallet, a handbag for my fianc. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. It's teeming with crooked police . La Ruta 3 in Revolucin always has the best waitresses, very friendly. 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. You can have a more stress-free ride using Uber. It truly is more trouble than its worth. Due to it being on the border, various malicious actors are present, which only increases crime levels. Tijuana isn't just the dangerous border town that it's made out to be in the news. Like many border towns, violence has plagued this city for decades. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. The biggest safety concern in Rosarito and other surrounding areas such as Tijuana, Mexicali and Tecate has been homicides. Don't Drive: Driving to Tijuana from San Diego is possibly the absolute worst way to go there.In theory, it's easy. If you lose anything due to crime, dont expect to get it back. This one neighborhood is more infamous than any other there. The cartels control important drug and human trafficking routes across the border. This area encompasses the entire Caribbean coast, from Cancun all the way down to the Belize border. With that said, dont argue with locals. Is it normal to feel lost after high school? Tijuana is also perfect for day trips from San Diego. The LAZ and International parking located just outside of the San Ysidro metro station prices are reported as deceptive. Prostitution is legal in Zona Norte, but the area is unsafe. Lastly, the worst thing you could do is take a lady off the street. On Thursday I went to the the center of town and did some shopping. The tourist locations are the safest part of the city. So is Tijuana dangerous? "It gets categorized and creates this chaos and panic, to go south of the border. Expensive-looking clothes mark you as a target, Ensure foods are cooked all the way through, Avoid food thats been sitting out in the open, Dont talk to anyone you meet on the street. The worst thing ever to happen to me in years and years of going to Tijuana is that I got ripped off once by a shady taxi driver for an extra US$5. These cookies do not store any personal information. If you are driving into Mexico, youll need your vehicle registration. Indeed Tijuana has a lot of great shopping, nightlife, and attractions to enjoy as long as you take some basic safety precautions. Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. 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 about 2/3rds of those murders happened at nighttime. My dad is one of them. Tijuana is a border city in Mexico, located just south of California. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. The price depends on the day of the week, time of the day, the season, and whether you chose an . Dangers on the road come in two forms. Calle Coahuila, the area's main strip, is normally teeming with a frenetic . Click here to get an offer for travel insurance. Keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all times. Stick to the touristy areas, travel in a group, and dont listen to strangers on the street, and you can have a wonderful trip. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. Privacy Policy. However, not all doctors are professional or good at what they do. If you drink at a nightclub or bar, watch your drink like a hawk. 7. However, its not a safe area. You can find souvenirs here and also get a chance to taste some of the local, delicious food. Baja California Sur is safer than Baja California itself. Tijuana is a fun place with great shopping and excellent food. It is Mexicos most populous city with 2,181,000 people, and the 2nd largest city in the country after Mexico City. 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 . I love going to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Tulum. While the rise in crime and violence in Tijuana is concerning, its important to remember that it is not the whole story. After all, much of the economy there is based on tourism from the United States. Many Americans travel to Tijuana for affordable medical and dental care. Tijuana was voted the most dangerous city for two years in a row. When you buy bottled water, be sure to check the seal on the cap. Is it safe to go to Tijuana from San Diego in 2023? There are good police officers, and if you break the law, you should pay a legitimate fine or jail time. The fact of the matter is, Tijuana has a long history with party-goers. They have routes throughout Tijuana. If youre walking over the border to take a few pictures with the famous striped donkey and buy a sombrero, then your trip will most likely be uneventful. The city is famous for profitable drug smuggling routes into the US, and cartels fight tooth and nail over them. Bridges over the border and across the Tijuana river become dangerous at night. Taxi drivers may try taking you to restaurants or hotels. They may demand bribes for traffic violations whether or not you actually violated any law. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. At least once per year, he drives down for a cheap teeth cleaning and check-up. If you lose anything due to crime, dont expect to get it back. Important Considerations for a Safe Tijuana Visit. Oddly enough, there are a few establishments there that are safer than others. Tijuana isnt one of those places you go wild in. However, most of the time, its too much trouble for them, and they drop the matter entirely. If you are kidnapped, never resist. Tijuana, Mexico's famed red-light district, called Zona Norte, sits a stone's throw from the US-Mexico border. Im sure you understand just how bad they are. October 6, 2020: View of poor area of Tijuana Mexico with buildings on hill and traffic in foreground/Manuela Durson/Shutterstock. Taxi drivers may scam you in this city - especially if you hail one from the street. Violent crime is possible as well. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Though it is a very different experience. Besides good food and affordable medical care, theres just not much to see in Tijuana as a tourist. But if youre just visiting and stick to the touristy areas, you can have a great time while staying safe. Be safe in your hotel or across the border. Things like a lockable bag, a fanny pack, and even a chained wallet will help deter thieves. Being a border town, there is a little of every type of cuisine there. There has been a spike in homicides in the last couple of years, due to drug-related gang violence. Remember, even though youre only a stones throw away from the United States, your rights as a U.S. citizen are seriously compromised while in Tijuana. 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. By and large, the majority of crime in Tijuana happens in working-class neighborhoods outside the city center. Stratfor WorldView paints a different picture for both tourists and expats traveling to Tijuana. With millions of people living within an urban landscape, hardly any civilians see any of the gang-violence themselves. April 30, 2023 2:06 AM PT. However, the best strategy for most visitors (especially day trippers) is to visit several exchange vendors and choose one that gives the best rate. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 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. Politely tell them no, thank you, and theyll move on. Tijuana is Mexicos 6th largest city, and its most dangerous. if you have to go somewhere after the sun goes down. [viator_tour destination="76] . 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. They then drove him to the border and dropped him off. voiceofsandiego.org. But locals characterize it as dangerous for tourists. Gangs fight over territory, and cartels wage war over profitable smuggling routes in the US. This is a cartel-operated area. Be wary of attempts at credit-card fraud. Stay in well-lit crowded areas, and dont wear or show anything expensive to avoid becoming a target. 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. Pat-downs . They arrange you the hotel and a driver to take you from the border to the hotel and drs office. Additionally, there are plenty of officers around here, so you can always ask them if you get confused. American Prohibition really made the city what it is. It is the 6 th largest city in Mexico after all. Muggers target tourists that may be a bit drunk. Yes, visitors from Tijuana are typically safe as long as they stick to well-patrolled touristy areas and avoid trouble. We may earn a commission when you click this link, at no extra cost to you. As you might have guessed, most violent crimes are drug-related in Tijuana. Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. 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. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. Really, Tijuana was just an agriculture mud-hole. 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. Not only is it illegal, but its dangerous. 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. They are fast and quite clever, so you need to make sure your items are protected. However,Tijuana is still risky, and its up to you to decide how much risk you want to tolerate in a destination. For tourists, yes Tijuana is safe. Not much sight seeing going on in Tijuana. Not only could an altercation in a bar turn violent quickly, but you could end up in a Mexican jail. 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. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Here are a few notable ones: Its really easy to walk into Mexico. If youre a couple of young guys heading down to TJ to party a bit, youre probably heading there to chase tail. In general, yes, Tijuana is a safe place for tourists to visit. Before your trip to Baja California, Mexico, keep the following advice in mind. So, how safe is Tijuana for Americans in 2023? 13 Tips to Get Rich as an Expat Read More , Copyright 2023 Where the Rooster Crows - Best & Safest Places to Visit & Live. | Travel Tips & Safety Concerns, Is Albania Safe in 2023? The Easy Way: The San Diego Trolley (which is also sometimes called the Tijuana Trolley), takes you directly to the border crossing. Depending on where you travel to, the cost of living in Mexico can vary drastically. If you are kidnapped, never resist. Violent crime is possible as well. And finally, you might get pulled over by a corrupt officer who will insist you pay a fine to them. However, with a little bit of common sense and caution, most tourists experience no problems while visiting Tijuana. Even if the police find your stuff (a miracle in and of itself), theyll likely charge you to get it back. 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 be sure to stick to well-known and tourist-friendly areas, as some neighborhoods are best avoided after dark. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people, and Tijuana has been ranked the most violent city in the world. Dress casual. As for places to visit (other than bars) I like the Tijuana Cultural Center. See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. Aside from a few hotspots of crime, most of Mexico is safe for tourists. These guys will try to steal from you while youre distracted. (3 wild TJ stories!). While it isnt as bad in recent years, theres no denying that the police ofTijuana is still very corrupt. 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. Exploring LA on Foot: How to Stay Alive While Strolling the City of Angels! To determine the answer to, is Tijuana Dangerous?, one must look at the facts. So in the 1920s Tijuana exploded as a getaway for Americans looking to indulge in both drinking and gambling during prohibition times. The first is the driving behavior of other motorists. | Safety Concerns, Is Norway Safe to Visit in 2023? Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. As I mentioned earlier, there is more to the town than its early roots suggest. Its the main historic street of Tijuana and is also referred to as Zona Centro. If youre just planning on spending a day or two in the city, head back, and you can have a great time. , and its up to you to decide how much risk you want to tolerate in a destination. Its okay to attempt to negotiate prices, although you probably wont get too much deducted when on the main stripe in Zona Centro. Tijuana is not an area that has been the target of terrorist threats in recent history. Caesars Restaurant is on Avenida Revolucion in downtown Tijuana. If you take a taxi, negotiate a fare before you get in. In reality, the vendors in Tijuana arent held to code for cleanliness, so Id avoid these. By keeping track of earthquake warnings, you can better plan your trip. Is it normal to feel lost after high school? 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. However, food preparation laws are slack here than in America. Tijuana is safe enough to roam around and explore but take more care if heading outside of the main tourist zones of. They will use some type of tactic to win your trust and lure you into a less busy area. warns against picking up hitchhikers. in the city. Of course, there are more than just these crimes. Dont be overly paranoid. To protect yourself and your valuables, you should take extra precautions in Zona Nortes red-light district. Is Afghanistan Safe in 2023? The biggest threat in Tijuana is the drug cartel. Make no mistakes about it, its dangerous. Best Place to Sit on a Plane for Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide. Dental offices can be found on almost every street corner. Theyre there to prevent violent crime against tourists, not to help you. Weve all been there. At best, if you get too drunk and pass out, youll be robbed. At some point in 2022, six homicides per day were recorded in the city. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. As a tourist, you can avoid most crimes that will plague the average local. If you want to see the world, go see it! This means that this municipality has the largest per capita murder rates in the world. A San Diego resident said, The worst thing that ever happened to me is I tend to trip on potholes on the sidewalk. The two states are next to each other, but Baja California Sur is further south, below Baja California.
Gawler Rubbish Dump Opening Hours, Articles I