Tijuana is known for the nightlife as it has a LOT of nightclubs and bars to go around. There are several bars and clubs in Tijuana that are safe to visit, but it is always best to check with your hotel concierge before venturing out. 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. You cant run around like a gringo making demands. In Zona Norte, the ladies there are checked monthly. Indeed Tijuana has a lot of great shopping, nightlife, and attractions to enjoy as long as you take some basic safety precautions. But the water in Mexico isnt safe to drink. They arrange you the hotel and a driver to take you from the border to the hotel and drs office. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. While the cartels primary income source is not robbing tourists, thats not to say it never happens. Dangers on the road come in two forms. Some tracks may be unsafe, while others may present no issues. The dealer gets a cut of the fine, and their racket continues with the next victim. They have routes throughout Tijuana. Try using a taxi booked through a hotel or Uber. Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. Mexico is considered a developing nation. Cartels also operate in Baja California. The corruption is rampant, but that doesnt mean all the police officers are out for a buck. The entire area is seedy, and bad things can go down quickly. Zona Norte, also known as Hong Kong District, is one of the most dangerous and highly trafficked tourist areas. Tourists are still highly advised to leave all valuables at home and remain vigilant at all times. Bridges over the border and across the Tijuana river become dangerous at night. With the right precautions, its still possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Tijuana. The money goes to the station rather than the corrupt officers pockets. Tijuana is safe to travel to with the family so long as you spend your time during the daylight hours and stick to the downtown areas such as Avenida Revolucin. Tijuana has human trafficking because of the cartels, and you dont want your little ones becoming victims. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. Dont go wandering around this neighborhood, because trouble will find you. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. 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. Additionally, there are plenty of reports of car theft and break-ins within these parking lots. There is also parking at the metro station, although many choose to park more North and take the blue line into the border. As mentioned above, Los Cabos is currently the deadliest city in Mexico. The beaches are beautiful and offer great swimming, snorkeling, and diving opportunities. Theyre there to prevent violent crime against tourists, not to help you. If you must travel to Tijuana right now, it may be best to go on a well-protected tour. Neighborhoods like Zona Rio and Playas de Tijuana are known to be some of the safest areas. Some areas of Mexico have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. Zona Rio has many specialty shops, craft beer bars, a casino, and cultural tours. Youll have a great time and be back before dark. I could tell you that any place you travel to is dangerous. , and its up to you to decide how much risk you want to tolerate in a destination. Tijuana really is the wild west. Here are a few notable ones: Its really easy to walk into Mexico. In a nicer area, expect to spend $400-$700 per month for a studio or one-bedroom. Many Americans travel to Tijuana for affordable medical and dental care. Watch out for drivers who are speeding or driving while drunk. Don't make yourself a target. Things like museums, lovely beaches or busy markets. . Ignore them altogether and keep walking. Mainly, you want to avoid confrontation and eye contact with them. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. I would NOT visit Tijuana alone as it can become dangerous even if you are a man. , and its best to buy bottled water or water filters to prevent food poisoning. Dont take your phone out in busy areas. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. 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, The Best Countries to Visit in the Caribbean. You shouldnt drinktap water, and its best to buy bottled water or water filters to prevent food poisoning. And some parts of Mexico . Dont go where there are few other people in the vicinity; this includes camping in secluded places. The most dangerous neighborhoods in Tijuana are those that are known for being a center of drug trafficking and organized crime. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. He says the tourist areas are safe. The other category is petty crime and robberies. 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. While it may not be as safe as popular tourist destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta, Tijuana is absolutely safe enough to visit. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. Is Tijuana Safe to Visit in 2023? Of course, there are more than just these crimes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. April 30, 2023 2:06 AM PT. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. As a tourist, you can avoid most crimes that will plague the average local. And if you do travel over to Zona Norte, to places like Hong Kongs Gentlemens Club, make sure to take a taxi directly there and back. Not only could an altercation in a bar turn violent quickly, but you could end up in a Mexican jail. Not all the taxis use their meters and can charge you a criminal price when you get to your destination. These cookies do not store any personal information. For that matter, you shouldnt begin with, but its just a bad idea to deal with any drug trade there. Much of the media surrounding the city is sensationalized. I was in shock and honestly at this time my memory is foggy. Final Thoughts: Is Tijuana Safe? When you buy bottled water, be sure to check the seal on the cap. Keep to downtown, Playas de Tijuana, and Zona Norte, and youll avoid any interaction. Locals, we go out in the city . They might get so frustrated they simply leave. Gangs fight over territory, and cartels wage war over profitable smuggling routes in the US. Currency - The currency of Mexico is the peso . If you want to visit the beach, Rosarito is a much safer town that offers a much better beach. Prostitution is legal in Zona Norte, but the area is unsafe. Stratfor Worldview. However, theres no denying that Tijuana is a dangerous city. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. However, not all doctors are professional or good at what they do. This one neighborhood is more infamous than any other there. Check it out. Is Tijuanas Red Light District Safe? These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. You will need to catch the blue line from any station traveling South toward San Ysidro. Both earthquakes and hurricanes can occur in Mexico, according to theUK government. Bridges over the border and across the Tijuana river become dangerous at night. An accomplice or two will be waiting to mug you. Its a bad look. 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! Read on to learn all about staying safe in Baja California, Mexico. And finally, you might get pulled over by a corrupt officer who will insist you pay a fine to them. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Graham McMillan was walking down a side street near Avenida Revolucion in Tijuana on a recent Sunday afternoon when he felt a vice-like grip on his elbow. However, food preparation laws are slack here than in America. A San Diego resident said, The worst thing that ever happened to me is I tend to trip on potholes on the sidewalk. With that said, you need to be careful there. 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, the greatest risk is the heat, especially in the summer when the temperature can rise above 100 degrees. Youth and reported history of verbal abuse were consistently associated with victimization with more participants frequently reporting incidents of victimization. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. The one and only famous caesar salad was invented in none other than Tijuana. are not foreigners but Mexican nationals, but its essential not to wander around alone at night. Copyright 2023 Where the Rooster Crows - Best & Safest Places to Visit & Live. Theres food from all regions of Mexico and some American fare since its so close to the border. They might get so frustrated they simply leave. Enjoy. The checkups arent held routinely though and often are overlooked when pimps bribe authorities. As I mentioned earlier, there is more to the town than its early roots suggest. 15 Tijuana - A Hotbed Of . Laws and lights are frequently ignored, and speeding is common. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. For the best beach resort towns, like Cabo San Lucas, youll want to go further south to Baja California Sur. The minute you come over, youll see begging. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. In 1924, an Italian immigrant named Caesar Cardini moved South of the border to Tijuana in an effort to improve his restaurant business. As soon as you cross that border, the situation changes drastically. Theyre there to prevent violent crime against tourists, not to help you. (3 wild TJ stories!). The city is famous for profitable drug smuggling routes into the US, and cartels fight tooth and nail over them. The US State Department gives Baja California Sur a Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution travel advisory, compared to the Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory it gives to Baja California. Don't waste your hard-earned money. However, food preparation laws are slack here than in America. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. Stick to the touristy areas, and avoid walking at night to prevent this kind of crime. Even knowing the basics will get you quite far. After they got the money and let me go. The tourist locations are the safest part of the city. It is, actually, the northern-most airport in Mexico. Its important to realize that driving in Mexico is not like driving in the United States. Most of the time, its just not worth it. With a population of over 2 million people, Tijuana is the largest metropolitan area in northwestern Mexico. Dental care is probably the most common type of medical tourism in Tijuana. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide . Mexico is generally a poor country, and youll stick out like a sore thumb if youre carrying an expensive camera and wearing gold jewelry. Due to the limited food supplies at the time in the region, he invented the caesar salad. By far the biggest risk for travelers in Tijuana is petty crime, including classic travel scams. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? Ultimately, its up to each individual to weigh the risks and make an informed decision about whether or not to visit the city. Its about a 45-minute walk from the border, and the directions will be difficult to follow without light. Youll likely be targeted for a scam at least once. Things like a lockable bag, a fanny pack, and even a chained wallet will help deter thieves. Kidnappings, robberies, and homicides have gone up in the last couple of years to the point where Tijuana has been dubbed the Most Dangerous City In The World. While the Spanish discovered the region in 1542, the city was actually founded by farmers and ranchers in 1889. Many Americans visit Tijuana in Mexico, making it one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. In the end, you should try and break the process to prevent more corruption in the future. 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. One of Tijuanas best assets is the delicious food. 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. After threatening him with three days in jail, McMillan said, the officers suggested McMillan pay them a bribe. Really, Tijuana was just an agriculture mud-hole. Many drivers may not even have a valid license. While driving in cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road. Avoid Sanchez Taboada and Camino Verde, along with the citys neighborhoods. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). For about 8 blocks, Revolucin is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants, many aimed at tourists. The price depends on the day of the week, time of the day, the season, and whether you chose an . 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 are driving into Mexico, youll need your vehicle registration. If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. The city has a thriving nightlife, with many bars and nightclubs. This even goes for trendy clothing. Besides, acting like a gringo wont help with bargaining in shops, getting decent service, or keeping you safe. After you exit on the San Ysidro/International Border stop, you will walk only a short distance through immigration. The line back to San Diego might be a hassle but it'll be worth the trip for a nice gastronomic experience. In the alert from July 4, the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana said there was "potential for confrontations between criminal . However, look for a place popular with locals and tourists, as the ingredients will be fresher. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. This is not a city to get lost in. | Safety Concerns. In Tijuana, pickpockets are very active. Yes, driving to Tijuana is safe. Its not like the Jersey Shore or Miami Beach. Yes. Over 60 percent of all accidents there are rear-enders and that means you dont have a chance. US Border Patrol. However, most of the time, its too much trouble for them, and they drop the matter entirely.

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