The city of Tijuana is often portrayed in a negative light by the media. However, there is no denying that it can be a dangerous place.
Tijuana, often called “The Most Dangerous City in The World,” has a high murder rate per 100,000 people. However, many aspects of the city make it much safer to visit than one might think.
Tens of thousands of people cross the border from San Diego to Tijuana every day without any problems. Many tourists are content with their visit as long as they steer clear of dangerous areas and don’t call attention to themselves. You can have a great time in Tijuana if you take some basic precautions.
There is no denying that Tijuana is a city with a lot to offer in terms of shopping, nightlife, and attractions. However, it is important to take some basic safety precautions when visiting. Stick to the touristy areas, travel in a group, and don’t listen to strangers on the street, and you can have a wonderful trip.
Is Tijuana Safe to Visit?
As long as you practice good safety, you will be safe in Tijuana as a visitor. Stick to areas that are full of tourists to avoid any trouble. While Tijuana has become safer in recent years, it is still considered a risky destination. How much risk you are willing to tolerate is up to you.
Tijuana is known for being Mexico’s most dangerous city, with a murder rate of 134 per 100,000 people. It has been ranked as the most violent city in the world. In Tijuana, the average monthly murder rate has remained high, with no significant improvement seen by the end of 2021. According to the state’s attorney general, a total of 1,761 murders were recorded by year’s end – a number that is likely to continue into 2022. This worrisome trend has left many residents feeling unsafe and uncertain about the future.
Tijuana is a notoriously dangerous city in 2019, with a murder rate that is 7.7 times higher than that of Detroit. The city’s “Hong Kong District” is particularly dangerous, due to the presence of drug cartels and the high number of tourist scams and muggings.
If you travel to Tijuana, it is important to stay in areas that are frequented by tourists and have a strong police presence. Neighborhoods such as Zona Rio and Playas de Tijuana are generally considered to be much safer than other areas of the city.
Crime in Tijuana
When visiting Tijuana, it is important to be aware of the scams, petty crime, and muggings that occur there. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, is prevalent even in touristy areas – especially when there are large crowds. Be sure to keep your belongings close and your wits about you to avoid becoming a victim of these crimes.
There are, of course, more than just these crimes. The majority of crime in Tijuana happens in working-class neighborhoods outside the city center. This is mostly due to gang and cartel violence, which tourists are not typically targeted for.
If you don’t want to get robbed in Tijuana, it’s best to be indoors at night. Since most crime happens then, you should be back in San Diego by sundown. And if anything does happen to get stolen, don’t expect to get it back. If your stuff is stolen, it is highly unlikely that the police will find it and if they do, you will have to pay to get it back.
In conclusion, it is best to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times while visiting Tijuana. Protecting yourself by being mindful of your surroundings and taking necessary precautions is the best way to ensure a safe visit.
Avoiding Bad Neighborhoods
To stay safe in Tijuana, avoid Camino Verde and Sanchez Taboada, as well as the city’s red-light district. Be extra cautious with your belongings in these areas.
If you stick to the touristy areas, you’ll be fine. Get yourself a map of the city and familiarize yourself with where these areas are. Just be careful not to wander too far off the beaten path, as it’s easy to end up in a less-than-desirable part of town just by walking a few blocks beyond the well-patrolled tourist areas.
If you absolutely have to go out at night, Avenida Revolucion is your best bet. The street is patrolled by officers regularly, making it one of the safer areas in Tijuana. Other safe areas include Calle Coahuila and Paseo de Los Heroes.
Stick to well-lit, busy areas when you’re out and about in Tijuana and don’t display any expensive belongings. Keep your valuables in the hotel safe and only carry around the cash you’ll need for the day.
Cartel and Gang Violence
The extremely high murder rate in the city is largely due to the gang and cartel violence. Gangs often fight over territory, while cartels wage war against each other for control of profitable smuggling routes into the US. This ongoing violence creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, making it difficult for residents to lead normal lives.
While tourists are not typically targeted for violence in Tijuana, it is still wise to avoid any unnecessary risks. Stick to the downtown, Playas de Tijuana, and Zona Norte areas, and you should have no problem avoiding any potential trouble. Additionally, never purchase drugs while in the city – no matter what the circumstances.
Food and Drink Safety
Tijuana is known for its delicious food from all regions of Mexico. You’ll find both American and Mexican fare available at some restaurant since it’s so close to the border. However, the food preparation laws in Mexico are not as strict as they are in America, so keep that in mind when you’re ordering. This means that restaurants and other food service providers here have more flexibility when it comes to how they prepare and serve food.
When researching restaurants and food trucks, be sure to read online reviews to ensure that they meet your standards. Only visit establishments with many positive reviews, preferably from locals.
You should avoid drinking tap water to prevent food poisoning, and it’s best to drink bottled water or use a water filter. If you want to be sure the ice in your drink is safe, stick to restaurants and food vendors that serve purified or bottled water. That way, you know the ice is from a clean, safe source.
If you want to drink or cook with tap water, it’s best to boil it first. Water from hotel vending machines is usually safe, but it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on your drink if you’re at a bar or club.
Drink spiking is an unfortunately common occurrence, especially for women. To avoid becoming a victim, stick to well-lit and popular tourist areas, and avoid seedy bars.
Traffic and Taxi Scams
You can drive into Mexico with your U.S. license, but it’s not the best idea. Cars are expensive and attract attention, and traffic safety is not great.
Some other things to be aware of are taxi drivers who try to take the longer route to your destination, convincing you that your hotel or restaurant is full, and recommending another establishment.
When you take a taxi and opt for the scenic route, the driver is running up the meter and likely receiving a kickback from any hotels or restaurants they take you to. The places drivers recommend are typically more expensive as well, so it’s best to do your own research ahead of time.
If you’re looking for a better alternative to taxis, Uber is your best bet. With rates set by Uber, you can be sure you’re getting a fair price. Just be careful not to make it too obvious that you’re using Uber, as many taxi drivers dislike the company for taking away their business.
Police Corruption
There’s no denying that the police of Tijuana is still very corrupt. They’ve been known to stop people on the street and pat them down, looking for an opportunity to charge a “fine.” This problem has gotten better in recent years, but it’s still something that visitors to the city need to be aware of.
The police are there to stop tourists from being victims of crime, not to help them. The best way to avoid problems is to stay calm and avoid eye contact. If they accuse you of a crime, get a paper ticket and then go to the police station to pay it.
After a ticket is issued, it must then be read by a judge in order to determine the final price. This process often results in the price being lowered, with the money instead going to the station rather than the officer who originally issued the ticket. However, most of the time officers simply don’t bother pursuing the matter any further.
If you witness police corruption, you can try to report it by calling a specific number. However, the authorities may become angered if you do this. Another option is to pretend that you are a foreign tourist who does not speak Spanish, in order to avoid any confrontation.
It is best to try and break the process to prevent more corruption from happening in the future. However, if you do choose this option, negotiate the price. Many times, the fines are listed as $500, but you can haggle them down to $25-$50. Remember that although corruption is rampant, not every police officer is out to make a quick buck.
There are some bad apples in every profession, but overall, the police force consists of good, hardworking people. If you break the law, you should expect to be punished accordingly. Being a police officer is a tough job, and they put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.
Avoiding Scams and Con Men
When you get to Tijuana, be prepared for people to try and scam you. Watch out for anyone who seems like they’re trying to take advantage of you, whether it’s by asking for money or trying to give you less change than you’re owed. Even hotels can try to trick you with hidden fees, so be sure to read the fine print before agreeing to anything.
Scammers will try to get your money in many ways- make sure you’re aware of your surroundings at all times and don’t let anyone distract you. If someone approaches you on the street, be cautious and don’t give them any money. When booking a hotel, read the reviews first so you know what to expect. If prostitutes come to your room, they will try to touch you in order to pickpocket your valuables.
The people who approach you on the street have often have had experience living in the United States before they were deported for crimes. Many of them act friendly and nice, but then launch into a sob story in order to get money from you.
Don’t stop and talk to them, just keep walking. People usually don’t give their services for free, so if they’re offering something, they’ll want to be paid. Just say no thanks, and they’ll probably leave you alone.