With that said, you need to be careful there. In fact, due to corruption and drug violence, Mexico holds the top 5 positions on this list. They may demand bribes for traffic violations whether or not you actually violated any law. Im sure you understand just how bad they are. In the end, you should try and break the process to prevent more corruption in the future. Its about a 45-minute walk from the border, and the directions will be difficult to follow without light. Due to the limited food supplies at the time in the region, he invented the caesar salad. With the highest number of murders per 100,000 people, many news outlets call Tijuana The Most Dangerous City in The World. However, theres a lot of nuance to the situation that makes Tijuana much safer to visit than you think. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. If you must go, get a taxi or uber directly to the door of the club. History in agriculture, party-going, and food. The main reason for the astronomically high murder rate is the gang and. 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. Cash only. Its not like the Jersey Shore or Miami Beach. Avoid the eastern part of the city as it is simply not safe and will have little to see for a tourist. cross from San Diego to Tijuana daily with no issue, and many tourists go home satisfied with their visit. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. However, look for a place popular with locals and tourists, as the ingredients will be fresher. Whether or not to cancel your trip to Tijuana is a personal decision that depends on your comfort level with the current safety situation. Avenida Revolucin is a pretty safe area, and its well-trafficked by local police officers. It is not recommended to travel alone to Tijuana due to the high levels of crime and violence. The main driving point of crime is a large number of drug cartels moving into the city. Zona Norte is a party district, and its most well known as being Tijuanas red-light district. 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. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. There is so much good food down there, and you kinda just want to let your guard down and try everything. But the reality is that while Tijuana is a wonderful place, its very dangerous to visit. You can get scammed in Tijuana very easily. In this article, we will explore the current safety situation in Tijuana and whether it is still a safe destination for American tourists. Tijuana really is the wild west. While they dont usually target tourists specifically, tourists may get caught up in cartel violence and shootouts between the police and cartels. Zona Ro, Centro, Hipdromo, Playas are all tourist friendly and safe. Unless youre a Tijuana local, you probably shouldnt cross the border at night. Keep a solid buzz, don't get drunk. Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. 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. Is it Safe to Travel to Tijuana right now? They will use some type of tactic to win your trust and lure you into a less busy area. No surprise, the U.S. State Department recently issued a chilling warning about travel to Mexico with a level 3 on a scale of 1 to 4, meaning "reconsider travel.". There is also parking at the metro station, although many choose to park more North and take the blue line into the border. Take the Plunge: 8 Affordable and Incredible Diving Destinations You Dont Want to Miss Out On! Often a so-called tour guide or the like will attempt to befriend you. So, once the sun ducks below the horizon, you should be solidly inside your hotel. As you walk, there will be taxi drivers along the pathway offering their driving services. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Before your trip to Baja California, Mexico, keep the following advice in mind. You dont want to wander around Tijuana at night. Inform a family member or friend that you are traveling to Baja California, and update them about your movements. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya. Youll have a great time and be back before dark. Some go for cheap plastic surgery. Tijuana is dangerous because of cartels and gangs. Tijuana is not an area that has been the target of terrorist threats in recent history. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. After you get through immigration, youll walk a bit more toward the final turn-styles that will take you into Mexico. Yes, driving to Tijuana is safe. Its best to apologize and walk away here. 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. In the red-light district, prostitutes are required to carry a permit and get monthly health checkups. Many locals and visitors alike continue to enjoy the vibrant culture and beauty of the city without issue. Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. If you take a taxi, negotiate a fare before you get in. Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Read on to learn all about staying safe in Baja California, Mexico. 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 want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. The key is to be aware of the risks and take precautions to stay safe. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. And with such a high rate of crime in 2021, citizens can expect very little change in 2022. It's well known for great seafood like Lobster at reasonable prices. Here are a few notable ones: Its really easy to walk into Mexico. 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. Many used to live in the US before they were deported for crimes. Cartels frequently traffic drugs throughout the region. Crime in Baja California typically falls into one of two categories: cartel activity and thievery. We may earn a commission when you click this link, at no extra cost to you. Not much sight seeing going on in Tijuana. According to theAustralian government, some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. 1 of 3 expats return home because of these things. 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. . 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 . Is it safe to go to Tijuana from San Diego in 2023? Theres food from all regions of Mexico and some American fare since its so close to the border. especially homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Enjoy. Stick to the touristy areas, and avoid walking at night to prevent this kind of crime. Driving through Baja is generally safe. See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. In addition, you will notice more potholes and poorer road conditions than in San Diego, so drive slowly. It's teeming with crooked police . Once again, make sure not to call attention to yourself with jewelry or expensive accessories. Drug deals are standard, which means that drug dealers and their henchmen are also present. Be aware of pickpockets on public transport and in transportation stations. You can also pay the bribe. However, most of the time, its too much trouble for them, and they drop the matter entirely. These guys murder like its a hobby for them. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. This is not a city to get lost in. Despite the danger, many travelers have no issues when traveling to Tijuana. Many Americans drive down from San Diego or other California cities and make a road trip to Baja California. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide . The corruption is rampant, but that doesnt mean all the police officers are out for a buck. So, dont buy drugs in Tijuana. The answer is complicated. The ticket is then read by a judge who often lowers the price. Its unfortunate, although this is probably the most prominent thing to ruin a tourists time while visiting Tijuana. Dont be overly paranoid. Most earthquakes are, fortunately, low-magnitude earthquakes, so you are unlikely to experience harm. Youll find all sorts of interesting fruits and vegetables, some of which you might not know about. Not always. Is Baja California Safe to Visit in 2023? However, if you are a first-time visitor to Tijuana or Mexico in general, it is recommended that you dont drive. Stick to the touristy areas, travel in a group, and dont listen to strangers on the street, and you can have a wonderful trip. Dangers on the road come in two forms. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? To Americans raised to trust "Officer Friendly," the concept of police and public official corruption may seem difficult to grasp. Dont stop to sleep in sketchy areas as well. LBGTQ+ traveler safety. Lastly, if you travel to one of the infamous strip clubs or bars, make sure to get a taxi directly to the establishment door. Not only is it illegal, but its dangerous. Not only could an altercation in a bar turn violent quickly, but you could end up in a Mexican jail. Be safe in your hotel or across the border. Airports - General Rodolfo Snchez Taboada International Airport is an international airport in Mexicali. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. The fact of the matter, as of recently, the Tijuana police are mostly owned by the cartel. So, dont let the possible threat keep you from visiting. While driving in cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road. Tijuana is Mexico's 6th largest city, and it's most dangerous. | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team. Weve all been there. Yes! If you enjoy a good drink, Tijuana is the place for you. Im not saying there arent thousands of tourists that go there without incident, but things do unfortunately happen to tourists there every year. Its a common story to hear about tourists being pulled aside by corrupt police in Tijuana. Start Here Mexico Is Baja California Safe in 2023? Outside of the tourist district of Zona Centro, Zona Norte is probably one of the main reasons many travel to Tijuana. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people. A. 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. Essentially, this is an age-old story that repeats itself about every decade in Mexico. Millions of Americans have taken day trips to Tijuana and continue to do so. Try using a taxi booked through a hotel or Uber. Dont go where there are few other people in the vicinity; this includes camping in secluded places. Especially near the border. If you are a female tourist, there is a high risk that you will be harassed or even assaulted in Tijuana.