Crime is another issue that should concern you. Come with me, to the car, said the uniformed police officer. Traveling to Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California, poses a "serious risk," according to US officials. There have been many incidents of rape and aggression towards women in Tijuana. We use analytics to understand and improve the website experience, and we do not sell or share any data with a 3rd-party. People often give their services without being asked and want to be paid for them. However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. However, the greatest risk is the heat, especially in the summer when the temperature can rise above 100 degrees. 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 . Avoid crime infested areas like Colonia 3 de Octubre, Zona Rio, and Zona Norte. Zachary Rabinor, founder and CEO of the travel company Journey Mexico, says it's important to remember that the Americans were killed and kidnapped a long distance from popular tourist destinations in Mexico. However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the State Department has released a "Level 3 - Reconsider Travel" advisory for Baja California state.. 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. And even if youre going to party it up in some of the crazier areas of the city, like Zona Norte, you should be okay if youre careful. Politely tell them no, thank you, and theyll move on. Often a so-called tour guide or the like will attempt to befriend you. Tijuana is dangerous because of cartels and gangs. You can also pay the bribe. They then drove him to the border and dropped him off. voiceofsandiego.org. The vast majority of citizens in Tijuana want you to enjoy your stay. Not much sight seeing going on in Tijuana. Youll have a great time and be back before dark. | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. A common scam is for a dealer to approach you to sell drugs. I was there to accompany her while she had dental work done at that big black high rise building right over the border. Though it is a very different experience. Dont go wandering around this neighborhood, because trouble will find you. Despite that, they dont usually cause trouble for tourists. Dont let strangers stop you on the street with a sob story. And if you walk in, you can simply walk back very easily. Violent crime is possible as well. Happy travels! I got picked up a third time. Exploring LA on Foot: How to Stay Alive While Strolling the City of Angels! Zona Norte is a party district, and its most well known as being Tijuanas red-light district. Most of them list the fines as 5,000 pesos ($500), but you can argue them down to 500 to 1000 pesos ($25-$50). Gangs fight over territory, and cartels wage war over profitable smuggling routes in the US. Not all the taxis use their meters and can charge you a criminal price when you get to your destination. Read 10 Tips to protect your valuables while traveling. Gangs fight for territory in the city and control dealers on the street level. Keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all times. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 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. Dental care is probably the most common type of medical tourism in Tijuana. July 21, 2021 1:41 PM PT. Drug sales are done right out in the open here, and often youll witness users getting high just off of the main thoroughfares. So even though there is quite a bit of crime there, it doesnt seem to be deterring anyone. Many police officers in Mexico are highly corrupt. An accomplice or two will be waiting to mug you. In the end, you should try and break the process to prevent more corruption in the future. To get there, use the train ride on the Imperial Way blue line (bright-red Tijuana Trolley) from San Diego. Tijuana is safe to visit if you take suitable precautions. Its best to apologize and walk away here. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. | Safety Concerns, Is Norway Safe to Visit in 2023? Youth and reported history of verbal abuse were consistently associated with victimization with more participants frequently reporting incidents of victimization. There are parking lots where you can park your car and then walk over the border to downtown Tijuana, so theres no real need. There are good police officers, and if you break the law, you should pay a legitimate fine or jail time. While they dont usually target tourists specifically, tourists may get caught up in cartel violence and shootouts between the police and cartels. Tijuana consistently ranks in one of the top five most dangerous cities in the world based on homicide rates. LBGTQ+ traveler safety. 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. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Most of them list the fines as 5,000 pesos ($500), but you can argue them down to 500 to 1000 pesos ($25-$50). Keep your valuables hidden and maintain a low profile. Tijuana is a tough town, no bones about it. Depending on where you travel to, the cost of living in Mexico can vary drastically. It is not an area where you will expect a blizzard or tornado either. They arrest you, and you have to pay an arm and a leg and possible jail time. Some areas of Tijuana are safer than others, but its still important to take precautions regardless of where you are in the city. Yes, thats right, I said the food is international. Before you close the book on TJ, you should understand that it can be visited safely if you pay attention to some things. And the third type is the most dangerous. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 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. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. It's a regular trick of taxi drivers, who can up the cost of even short trips to astronomical levels. To protect yourself and your valuables, you should take extra precautions in Zona Nortes red-light district. In 2019, Baja California police reported a total of 800 murders in 1 week. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. If you are an expat looking to build wealth, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you achieve your financial goals. Besides, acting like a gringo wont help with bargaining in shops, getting decent service, or keeping you safe. However,Tijuana is still risky, and its up to you to decide how much risk you want to tolerate in a destination. Caesars Restaurant is on Avenida Revolucion in downtown Tijuana. These cookies do not store any personal information. Yes, thats right. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the official border crossings. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. They have routes throughout Tijuana. On Thursday I went to the the center of town and did some shopping. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. Among female crossers surveyed in 2005-2006, 53% reported experiencing some type of victimization, with 29% experiencing moderate physical aggression and 38% experiencing unwanted moderate sexual incidents. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. So, dont let the possible threat keep you from visiting. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people, and Tijuana has been ranked the most violent city in the world. 7. When he refused, McMillan said, one officer brandished a billy club and the other put him in a headlock. Some tourists have found it easier to simply pay a bribe and give in to the extortion rather than ask the police officer to accompany them to the station. Tijuana is safe enough to roam around and explore but take more care if heading outside of the main tourist zones of. If you get in the path of these guys, theyll waste you without hesitation. The answer is complicated. Once again, make sure not to call attention to yourself with jewelry or expensive accessories. They can stop you on the street and pat you down to find something to charge you a fine for. Hong Kong is one of the more reputable. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people. are not foreigners but Mexican nationals, but its essential not to wander around alone at night. And finally, you might get pulled over by a corrupt officer who will insist you pay a fine to them. But if youre just visiting and stick to the touristy areas, you can have a great time while staying safe. Baja is easily accessible from the United States and offers an opportunity to experience Mexicos gastronomy and beaches. 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. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. When you buy bottled water, be sure to check the seal on the cap. Police responded to a report of a . These streets are regularly patrolled by officers and are marginally safer than the rest of Tijuana at night. Driving through Baja is generally safe. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. There are three important things you should look out for in Tijuanapetty crime, scams, and muggings. Mugging isnt as prevalent, and you must look out for it in the wrong neighborhoods outside touristy attractions. No. The ticket is then read by a judge who often lowers the price. A turf war between the Sinaloa cartel and the Nueva Generacin Jalisco has been the reason for an increase in violence. 1 of 3 expats return home because of these things. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. It's not safe. . One of the policemen removed McMillans credit card from his wallet, asked him for his PIN number and withdrew $400 from an ATM. As mentioned above, Los Cabos is currently the deadliest city in Mexico. In general, you might want to avoid Tijuana altogether. However as it's a popular city, it can easily be reached with domestic flights arriving . They might get so frustrated they simply leave. I thought it wasnt to dangerous and it almost cost me my life. But the reality is that while Tijuana is a wonderful place, its very dangerous to visit. 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. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. If you go out at night (mostly interested in the nightlife), again make sure you dont go alone. Don't drink water from the tap here! Stick to the touristy areas, and avoid walking at night to prevent this kind of crime. 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 . Its unfortunate, although this is probably the most prominent thing to ruin a tourists time while visiting Tijuana. Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from? Many Americans travel to Tijuana for affordable medical and dental care. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. You can still be a victim in a tourist zone if you are not being careful. Going this weekend. Cars are the easiest way to get around the city, but you can get by perfectly fine on foot. I was in shock and honestly at this time my memory is foggy. 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. 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. 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. Is it Safe to Travel to Tijuana right now? See my site Policies According to theAustralian government, some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. As you enter the restaurant, your eyes are immediately drawn to the black and white checked floors that make you feel like youre playing a game of chess. Staying Safe In Tijuana: What Tourists And Residents Need To Know. The first is your run-of-the-mill pickpocket. 1. 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. Is it safe to go to Tijuana at night? Tijuana is a fun place with great shopping and excellent food. This website is using cookies to analyze our traffic, personalize content and/or ads, and provide video content. 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. for warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. I was walking down the street with two police officers walking a head of me. Tijuana is repeatedly cited as being the most dangerous city in Mexico and one of the most dangerous in the world. Tijuana, the vibrant city of Mexico, has always been a popular destination for American tourists. Not for the moment. You can have a more stress-free ride using Uber. Its not an easy place to live. The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. View the San Diego blue line schedule and map here. Stay in safe neighborhoods. Cartels and gangs may make illegal roadblocks, demanding money for the privilege of passing or outright robbing you. Essentially, this is an age-old story that repeats itself about every decade in Mexico. Gangs fight over territory, and cartels wage war over profitable smuggling routes in the US. 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. While the cartels primary income source is not robbing tourists, thats not to say it never happens. Many doctors and staff speak English, and some have even . You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. If you plan on using tap water for cooking or drinking, boil it first. Zona Ro, Centro, Hipdromo, Playas are all tourist friendly and 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. Mainly, you want to avoid confrontation and eye contact with them. And some parts of Mexico . 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! Baja California Sur is safer than Baja California itself. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. However, its not a safe area. A drivers license is not acceptable. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? US dollars are accepted in Tijuana but not everywhere. 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. Tijuana is known for the nightlife as it has a LOT of nightclubs and bars to go around. El Popo Market is also a great place to go to just to see the local products being sold. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. Privacy Policy. All in all, youll want to keep your head up and your eyes peeled. So be sure to avoid sketchy areas and always be aware of your surroundings. There is a small risk of hurricanes, but generally only during the months right before and after a hurricane season. If you practice good safety, you should have a great time in the city. This city is known for being more dangerous than your average city so keep your eyes peeled for trouble. With millions of people living within an urban landscape, hardly any civilians see any of the gang-violence themselves. Fortunately, most homicides are cartel-related and occur in neighborhoods tourists dont frequent. , some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. See this list of some of the. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Its best to avoid Ensenadas red light district as well. Some prostitutes may drug and rob men who visit them, and thieves may operate in the area. For one, youre going to potentially wait hours in traffic just to filter back into the United States. 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. Walking just a few blocks beyond these well-patrolled areas can land you in the wrong part of town. Im sure you understand just how bad they are. Because the rates of taxis are not always consistent, I would suggest taking an Uber there. Yes! For tourists, yes Tijuana is safe. However, the best strategy for most visitors (especially day trippers) is to visit several exchange vendors and choose one that gives the best rate. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. More Americans living in the area have become targets of organized crime. You will take the line to its last stop, the San Ysidro/International Border. Online reviews are your friend in this situation, and you should only go to restaurants and food trucks with many customers, preferably locals. And two, you dont know who might be working with the police. 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. So, dont buy drugs in Tijuana. However, is Baja California safe for tourists, both single tourists and families? You can also pay the bribe. Oddly enough, yes. As a safe bet aim stay vigilant no matter where you find yourself in the country. However, with a little bit of common sense and caution, most tourists experience no problems while visiting Tijuana. During the daytime, its mostly safe. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It truly is more trouble than its worth. The end of 2021 has shown little improvement, and Tijuana has an average of about 164 murders a month now (source - Border Report ). However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the. How Dangerous is Scuba Diving. Various illegal activities occur near the border, and you never know what youll bump into. For most people, the trip down there is uneventful. However, try to negotiate the price if you choose this option. However, if you are a first-time visitor to Tijuana or Mexico in general, it is recommended that you dont drive. Restaurants and food vendors typically serve purified or bottled water, and the ice from these places is safe. Don't waste your hard-earned money. In this article, Im going to go over some important notes to help you stay safe while in Tijuana. If you want to visit the beach, Rosarito is a much safer town that offers a much better beach. While driving in cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road. We may earn a commission when you click this link, at no extra cost to you. Re: How dangerous is tijuana for a tourist.i hear people ask me. Check theNational Hurricane Center for hurricane warnings. 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. And its been going up since 2017, because of a dispute over turf between the Nueva Generacin Jalisco and Sinaloa cartel. In 1924, an Italian immigrant named Caesar Cardini moved South of the border to Tijuana in an effort to improve his restaurant business. Swim in choppy waters or when there is a warning flag. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide . Don't make yourself a target. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. Armed muggings can also occur at traffic lights, even in busy cities. Tijuana is not an area that has been the target of terrorist threats in recent history. Many drivers may not even have a valid license. Always check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. Taxi drivers may scam you in this city - especially if you hail one from the street. They are going to be looking for anyone by themselves, so its important you dont travel alone there. For a fee of course. Riding a moped in Phuket, Cebu City, Mumbai, and more. Would want to check out the beach and maybe the wine country on the Pacific coast. Yes, Tijuana is dangerous. 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? Make sure you use your phone in a reputable restaurant or store. However, bear in mind that it is illegal. 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. Avenida Revolucin is a pretty safe area, and its well-trafficked by local police officers. Two, traffic safety is rather alarming. With recent events transpiring between the United States and Mexico, Tijuana is not a spot you'd want to venture off to right now. Also, your car isnt safe in either parking locations along the border. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. The Easy Way: The San Diego Trolley (which is also sometimes called the Tijuana Trolley), takes you directly to the border crossing. There have been altercations between taxi and Uber drivers, and while passengers havent been targeted, you dont want to be the first. Unless youre a Tijuana local, you probably shouldnt cross the border at night. Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. Dont take your phone out in busy areas. I do not represent World Nomads. Zona Norte, also known as Hong Kong District, is one of the most dangerous and highly trafficked tourist areas. Water in Mexico is often contaminated with parasites or bacteria, which can make you sick. 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. 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!. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the. As I mentioned earlier, there is more to the town than its early roots suggest. Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, asmost victimsare not foreigners but Mexican nationals, but its essential not to wander around alone at night. First and foremost, dont dress like you want to be robbed. If you go, make sure to stay with a group and avoid going outside of the tourist district. You cant run around like a gringo making demands. 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!
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