Drug sales are done right out in the open here, and often youll witness users getting high just off of the main thoroughfares. Even if youre in Tijuana for a short time, youre going to see poverty. They then drove him to the border and dropped him off. voiceofsandiego.org. They arrange you the hotel and a driver to take you from the border to the hotel and drs office. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. So, dont let the possible threat keep you from visiting. With that said, dont argue with locals. 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. Tijuana is a city located in the Mexican state of Baja California, on the US-Mexico border. They can stop you on the street and pat you down to find something to charge you a fine for. Make sure all foods are heated all the way through. For one, they are drugs. Privacy Policy. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. 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. Is Afghanistan Safe in 2023? 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. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. Inform a family member or friend that you are traveling to Baja California, and update them about your movements. Dont go wandering around this neighborhood, because trouble will find you. The bottom line is Tijuana is dangerous at night, and more crime often happens during the night and twilight hours there. There are so many other better alternatives. 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. They might get so frustrated they simply leave. Most of the time, its just not worth it. You cant run around like a gringo making demands. Some areas of Tijuana are safer than others, but its still important to take precautions regardless of where you are in the city. It will take about 45 minutes. Is it normal to feel lost after high school? | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, Is Riviera Maya Safe to Visit in 2023? The same goes for Ensenada. If you must go, get a taxi or uber directly to the door of the club. La Ruta 3 in Revolucin always has the best waitresses, very friendly. It is always advisable to wear sunscreen when visiting anywhere in Mexico. Dont let strangers stop you on the street with a sob story. However, its important to weigh the risks and take precautions to stay safe if you do decide to go. You can arrive at the border by either car, train, or bus. It's teeming with crooked police . In addition, you will notice more potholes and poorer road conditions than in San Diego, so drive slowly. This even goes for trendy clothing. Take the Plunge: 8 Affordable and Incredible Diving Destinations You Dont Want to Miss Out On! If you feel unsafe in Tijuana, its important to find a safe place and contact local authorities or your embassy. July 21, 2021 1:41 PM PT. The first is your run-of-the-mill pickpocket. A turf war between the Sinaloa cartel and the Nueva Generacin Jalisco has been the reason for an increase in violence. The tourist locations are the safest part of the city. One of the policemen removed McMillans credit card from his wallet, asked him for his PIN number and withdrew $400 from an ATM. If you have to walk over the bridge, cross with someone else. This goes for tap water and ice cubes. While the Spanish discovered the region in 1542, the city was actually founded by farmers and ranchers in 1889. However, keep children from wandering off. I was there to accompany her while she had dental work done at that big black high rise building right over the border. Additionally, there are plenty of officers around here, so you can always ask them if you get confused. They will strike typically when youre in a crowded market or a busy area. 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. This is an interactive science museum which keeps kids entertained through games and exhibitions. These streets are regularly patrolled by officers and are marginally safer than the rest of Tijuana at night. I recommend if youre not Mexican, do not go. Even knowing the basics will get you quite far. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. If prostitutes come to you, they often try to distract you by touching you before pickpocketing any valuables you have. After all, much of the economy there is based on tourism from the United States. In 2021, Tijuana has been ranked number one for murders against women. Keep dummy wallets for pickpockets and keep your money hidden away. They arrest you, and you have to pay an arm and a leg and possible jail time. This is a cartel-operated area. 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. If you want to see the world, go see it! You can also pay the bribe. Tijuana is a tough town, no bones about it. Make sure to use trusted and accredited hotels/hostels. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we see from our readers about staying safe in Baja California. You should have no problems if you avoid the bad areas and dont draw unwanted attention. Yes! 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. By far the biggest risk for travelers in Tijuana is petty crime, including classic travel scams. Either use cards for emergencies only, or take cash out at trusted atms either in shopping centers. Most of them list the fines as 5,000 pesos ($500), but you can argue them down to 500 to 1000 pesos ($25-$50). However, the greatest risk is the heat, especially in the summer when the temperature can rise above 100 degrees. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. Final Thoughts: Is Tijuana Safe? If youre just planning on spending a day or two in the city, head back, and you can have a great time. Pat-downs . After they got the money and let me go. When I think of Tijuana, Ive always had images of young kids making a run to the border to blow off some steam. I thought that theres cops so Im ok. Long story short I was kidnapped by them forced to drain my bank accounts after handcufffing me and sticking a gun in my mouth. 7. People often give their services without being asked and want to be paid for them. There are 134 murders per 100,000 people. But you probably shouldnt. Generally, the Eastside of Tijuana is pretty dangerous, so stay west of Zona Rio. This website is using cookies to analyze our traffic, personalize content and/or ads, and provide video content. As I mentioned earlier, there is more to the town than its early roots suggest. By keeping track of earthquake warnings, you can better plan your trip. [viator_tour destination="76] . Some people even rent or buy camper vans and sleep on the road. Zona Rio has many specialty shops, craft beer bars, a casino, and cultural tours. | Safety Concerns, Is Norway Safe to Visit in 2023? (2023), How dangerous is Tijuana? Just make sure you have at least 3-4 other people with you and things will be fine. Especially near the border. Most earthquakes are, fortunately, low-magnitude earthquakes, so you are unlikely to experience harm. On this budget, you could live in Zona Rio, downtown, or Playas de Tijuana. Happy travels! The corruption is rampant, but that doesnt mean all the police officers are out for a buck. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya. And some parts of Mexico . 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 . View the San Diego blue line schedule and map here. Many drivers may not even have a valid license. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Next, make sure to not walk down unfamiliar streets, alleyways, or unlit areas. 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. Theres food from all regions of Mexico and some American fare since its so close to the border. The cartels control important drug and human trafficking routes across the border. Often parents will have their children beg. Yes! The main reason for the astronomically high murder rate is the gang andcartel violencein the city. At 7.7 times more than Detroit, the end of 2019 recorded 2,100 total murders in Tijuana. 5 years ago. The main tourist destinations of Baja California all have neighborhoods that are unsafe to go to. Its not going to set you back too much to hand out a few dollars. Crime in Baja California typically falls into one of two categories: cartel activity and thievery. However, there's no denying that Tijuana is a dangerous city. 10 reviews. Traveling to Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California, poses a "serious risk," according to US officials. Mexico is generally a poor country, and youll stick out like a sore thumb if youre carrying an expensive camera and wearing gold jewelry. These guys will try to steal from you while youre distracted. 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. And its been going up since 2017, because of a dispute over turf between the Nueva Generacin Jalisco and Sinaloa cartel. Despite travel warnings from the U.S. State Department, Tijuana is a safe place. Restaurants and food vendors typically serve purified or bottled water, and the ice from these places is safe. If you are driving into Mexico, youll need your vehicle registration. Stay in popular tourist-friendly zones. They are going to be looking for anyone by themselves, so its important you dont travel alone there. (In 2023). You can drive over the border, and your license is valid in Mexico. It is, actually, the northern-most airport in Mexico. I know why youre most likely going there. Even if you prefer solo travel, it is best to travel in a group if you are female. For that matter, you shouldnt begin with, but its just a bad idea to deal with any drug trade there. Water from hotel vending machines is also safe as its purified water. If you are kidnapped, never resist. 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. Not all the taxis use their meters and can charge you a criminal price when you get to your destination. In a nicer area, expect to spend $400-$700 per month for a studio or one-bedroom. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the official border crossings. And lastly, dont use any dangly bags or store your wallet in a loose pocket.
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