In fact, due to corruption and drug violence, Mexico holds the top 5 positions on this list. Before you close the book on TJ, you should understand that it can be visited safely if you pay attention to some things. The main reason for the astronomically high murder rate is the gang andcartel violencein the city. TheFrench governmentwarns against picking up hitchhikers. This neighborhood is fairly dangerous though, and you should use caution here. It is Mexicos most populous city with 2,181,000 people, and the 2nd largest city in the country after Mexico City. Many police officers in Mexico are highly corrupt. Youll have a great time and be back before dark. What should I do if I feel unsafe in Tijuana? If you are a female tourist, there is a high risk that you will be harassed or even assaulted in Tijuana. Gangs fight for territory in the city and control dealers on the street level. As you might have guessed, most violent crimes are drug-related in Tijuana. Much of the media surrounding the city is sensationalized. Stratfor WorldView paints a different picture for both tourists and expats traveling to Tijuana. However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. Cons are everywhere, from the taxi to your hotel and even tours. The ticket is then read by a judge who often lowers the price. If you practice good safety, you should have a great time in the city. However, all bets are off during the night when the most crime occurs, so you should strive to be indoors at your hotel or back in San Diego by the time the sun sets. However, it does have cartel activity, and crime is also a risk. And do not mess with drugs down there. In 2019, Baja California police reported a total of 800 murders in 1 week. Zona Ro, Centro, Hipdromo, Playas are all tourist friendly and safe. Not always. Many drivers may not even have a valid license. | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Like many border towns, violence has plagued this city for decades. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. Additionally, there will be taxis queuing at the end of the pathway as well. Millions of Americans have taken day trips to Tijuana and continue to do so. We may earn a commission when you click this link, at no extra cost to you. If you enjoy a good drink, Tijuana is the place for you. Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. It was the second Latin-American country to enact anti-discrimination laws for the LGBTQ+ community and in 2011 the Mexican Constitution . La Ruta 3 in Revolucin always has the best waitresses, very friendly. 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.". Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. These establishments will overcharge immensely and give the driver a commission. If you take a taxi, negotiate a fare before you get in. The short answer is yes, Tijuana is safe for tourists. 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. This goes for tap water and ice cubes. After all, the city has been ranked as the most violent city in the world for multiple years running now. Some of the safety measures that American tourists can take include: By following these safety measures, American tourists can greatly reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime or violence while visiting Tijuana. It may not be the classiest part of the city, but you will be among many tourists. Most of the time, its just not worth it. If youre staying in a hotel, make sure to get bottled water to drink and brush your teeth with. Stratfor Worldview reports that just in 2017, over 35 million Americans visited Mexico. Its best to apologize and walk away here. You can have a more stress-free ride using Uber. Don't Drive: Driving to Tijuana from San Diego is possibly the absolute worst way to go there.In theory, it's easy. However, the greatest risk is the heat, especially in the summer when the temperature can rise above 100 degrees. Its unfortunate, although this is probably the most prominent thing to ruin a tourists time while visiting Tijuana. Top 27 Communication Apps For International Travel, 96% are Christians with most identifying as Catholic, October-November with temps of 46 to 91, Hamburgers or hotdogs at Telefnica gastro park, Fine dining Mexican Cuisine at Misin 19 in Zona Ro, Street tacos from Las Ahumaderas near Zona Ro, Zona Centro (while the touristy district is here, bad stuff still happens in this area. Ask where youre staying for the nearest safe atm. 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. I was walking down the street with two police officers walking a head of me. The rating is mostly based on its insanely high homicide rate of 2,367. , and its best to buy bottled water or water filters to prevent food poisoning. But the water in Mexico isnt safe to drink. Water in Mexico is often contaminated with parasites or bacteria, which can make you sick. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. 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. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. According to theAustralian government, some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. Because of cartel activity in these areas, between 2007 and 2010, there . For a fee of course. Fortunately, most homicides are cartel-related and occur in neighborhoods tourists dont frequent. If you want to see the world, go see it! They act friendly and nice before launching into a sob story. At some point in 2022, six homicides per day were recorded in the city. Your belongings arent always safe when traveling, and you need to protect your, We know that living abroad as an expat can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also come with its own set of financial challenges. It is highly recommended that you avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-known areas. In general, you should avoid seedy bars and stick to well-lit popular places within tourist areas. To get there, use the train ride on the Imperial Way blue line (bright-red Tijuana Trolley) from San Diego. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. Why does Tijuana have a party reputation? As with any city, it is best to avoid wandering around alone at night in areas that are not well-known or are known for being dangerous. Tijuana has a lot of great food. has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When you ask is Tijuana dangerous?, you wouldnt immediately think about water. Its best to avoid Ensenadas red light district as well. 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. Many used to live in the US before they were deported for crimes. 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. A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. Its best to avoid Ensenadas red light district as well. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico warned Americans traveling to Tijuana and Rosarito of heightened risk for violence between cartels after authorities announced the arrest of a high-ranking cartel leader last week. But you probably shouldnt. See this list of some of the. But the reality is that while Tijuana is a wonderful place, its very dangerous to visit. 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? I would NOT visit Tijuana alone as it can become dangerous even if you are a man. 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. Restrictions on nonessential travel across the U.S.-Mexico land border will stay in place through at least Aug. 21, the Department of Homeland Security announced . This website is using cookies to analyze our traffic, personalize content and/or ads, and provide video content. However, try to negotiate the price if you choose this option. Sometimes they work in groups. Cartels also operate in Baja California. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. On this budget, you could live in Zona Rio, downtown, or Playas de Tijuana. Dont let its fearsome reputation get to you. Its no joke down there in Zona Norte. As such, they weave in and out of traffic, and you may not see them in time if you are not accustomed to sharing the road with so many two-wheeled vehicles. This is not a city to get lost in. If you are an expat looking to build wealth, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you achieve your financial goals. Save. In general, you might want to avoid Tijuana altogether. Avoid Sanchez Taboada and Camino Verde, along with the citys neighborhoods. It is always advisable to wear sunscreen when visiting anywhere in Mexico. So, count your change, ignore people approaching you on the street, and look at hotel reviews before you book. It will take about 45 minutes. ). In January, the average temperature is 11.4 C. Watch out for drivers who are speeding or driving while drunk. Even if the police find your stuff (a miracle in and of itself), theyll likely charge you to get it back. They then drove him to the border and dropped him off. voiceofsandiego.org. In the alert from July 4, the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana said there was "potential for confrontations between criminal . The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. The town was nothing but farmland until the early 20th century. | Safety Concerns. As mentioned above, Los Cabos is currently the deadliest city in Mexico. After all, much of the economy there is based on tourism from the United States. Keep your valuables hidden and maintain a low profile. I got a backpack, a wallet, a handbag for my fianc. During the daytime, its mostly safe. Tijuana is a fun place with great shopping and excellent food. At best, if you get too drunk and pass out, youll be robbed. Before your trip to Baja California, Mexico, keep the following advice in mind. Be aware of pickpockets on public transport and in transportation stations. Never get into an altercation or argument in a bar with a local. Theyre there to prevent violent crime against tourists, not to help you. Its okay to attempt to negotiate prices, although you probably wont get too much deducted when on the main stripe in Zona Centro. That makes it one of the most popular day trips and weekend destinations in Mexico for Americans, especially people living in California. People will come up to you on the street and play the victim for a handout, a food vendor will try to short-change you, and even hotels will try to fleece you with extra fees. To Americans raised to trust "Officer Friendly," the concept of police and public official corruption may seem difficult to grasp. Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. Tijuana, located only 30 minutes south of San Diego, is a popular vacation . Thats especially true on the weekends when there are large crowds. In Tijuana, pickpockets are very active. And lastly, dont use any dangly bags or store your wallet in a loose pocket. You can still visit this restaurant. However, its not a safe area. However, not all doctors are professional or good at what they do. They have routes throughout Tijuana. Though it is a very different experience. In a nicer area, expect to spend $400-$700 per month for a studio or one-bedroom. Get the best deal on your trip by comparing deals on Booking.com and Expedia! Dont accept offers of drugs. Cons are everywhere, from the taxi to your hotel and even tours. | Safety Concerns, The 10 Absolute Best Beaches in California in 2023, The 10 Most Dangerous Countries in Africa in 2023, The 19 Best Places to Visit in Wyoming in 2023, The 2023 Guide to the Cancun Seaweed Season. You will want to avoid the red light district Zona Norte (the North Zone) in Tijuana. Mugging isnt as prevalent, and you must look out for it in the wrong neighborhoods outside touristy attractions. Neighborhoods like Zona Rio and Playas de Tijuana are known to be some of the safest areas. There have been altercations between taxi and Uber drivers, and while passengers havent been targeted, you dont want to be the first. If you lose anything due to crime, dont expect to get it back. Tijuana is known for its nightlife, but drunks are frequent targets, especially walking alone. Lastly, if you travel to one of the infamous strip clubs or bars, make sure to get a taxi directly to the establishment door. Tourists arent targeted for violence, but that doesnt mean you should tempt fate. It is the lowest average temperature of the whole year. Restaurants and food vendors typically serve purified or bottled water, and the ice from these places is safe. If prostitutes come to you, they often try to distract you by touching you before pickpocketing any valuables you have. Additionally, there are plenty of reports of car theft and break-ins within these parking lots. So, dont buy drugs in Tijuana. | Safety Concerns, Is Norway Safe to Visit in 2023? There is a small risk of hurricanes, but generally only during the months right before and after a hurricane season. The State Department cautions US citizens to be more careful and vigilant about their own safety when visiting Mexico. Many doctors and staff speak English, and some have even . The Easy Way: The San Diego Trolley (which is also sometimes called the Tijuana Trolley), takes you directly to the border crossing. American Prohibition really made the city what it is. Oddly enough, yes. The LAZ and International parking located just outside of the San Ysidro metro station prices are reported as deceptive. The earthquake risk is very low in Tijuana. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people, and Tijuana has been ranked the most violent city in the world. However, food preparation laws are slack here than in America. And about 2/3rds of those murders happened at nighttime. 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. Enjoy your trip! You can find parking lots on the U. S. side of the border from Tijuana. As a border town, its become a melting pot attracting cooks from many different places. Then, they turn around and tell their corrupt policeman friend about it. Some plastic surgeons may not have the proper licenses.
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