See my site Policies It is possible that criminal activity or violence will occur throughout the state. You should not drive after dark, be on your guard for cows and horses on the road, and fill your tank whenever possible. With actionable tips, tricks, and insight, MTB is your go-to source for travel advice. Also, drive during the day if possible and make sure to have Mexican vehicle insurance in case an accident does happen. Those crossing the U.S.-Canada border at the Cross Border Xpress pedestrian bridge will require proof of vaccination. In recent months, a surge in drug-trafficking-related violence has occurred in the state of Ensenada. If you lose it, you will have to pay for a new one. Because of its raw beauty and popularity as a cruise port, this bustling Mexican city is also known as the Cinderella of the Pacific. There is a large expat community in this area as well, as it is close to the United States. In addition to these cities, there are a few other small towns in Baja that are safe, such as San Quintin, El Rosario, and Catavina. The risk of crime is low, and travelers can feel at ease in this area. Although, violent crimes should be easily avoidable using common sense. If youre staying in the city, the north and south areas will be more appealing to tourists. Its best to avoid Ensenadas red light district as well. Moreover, Loreto, Los Cabos, and La Paz are popular tourist destinations with a safe rap. And dont get just any insurance, its best to get affordable yet reputable insurance like Baja Bound whos been in business for decades. Although it is a beautiful city to visit for its natural beauty and intriguing history, it should be noted that it is not a very safe place to be. Ensenada is a wonderful place to visit whether youre going from San Diego to Mexico for a short trip or going all the way around. If youre looking to travel to Baja, Mexico but youre worried about the states overall safety, you can travel with confidence knowing youre already increasing your safety just by consuming helpful content such as this article. However, is Baja California safe for tourists, both single tourists and families? According to Numbeo.com, Baja California is moderately safe. 1. Here are 10 reasons why! Is it safe? As a result, crime and gang activity are on the rise in the state of Durango. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes, while the drive from San Diego to Ensenada takes approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes. Violent crimesuch as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robberyis widespread and common in Mexico, warns the State Department. Yes, Ensenada is definitely worth visiting! WebMexico has a high risk of violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping. From there on out, there was a brief wait before we reached the border agent. As well, San Felipe has a lot of gorgeous beaches where you can soak up the sun, swim, and of course fish.. If youre looking for a place to broaden your horizons in food, Mexicos largest wine region is an excellent choice. Except for the north and south beaches, the only beaches accessible to swimming, sunning, surfing, and camping are those in the outskirts of Ensenada. But the resorts are generally safe places to visit. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. Instead of using yellow taxis, you should take the white libre taxis because they are regulated and less likely to fleece you. Dont eat unwashed salad foods, theres a risk of E. Coli poisoning. If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. In general, Mexican people are friendly, fun-loving, helpful and openand curious of solo female travelers.. 2023 Tour By Mexico. That said, the moment you cross the border driving conditions along with laws change, so make you understand all the requirements to travel to Mexico by car. There are plenty of people around and a heavy law enforcement presence. como chingas Report inappropriate content carico Etzatlan, Mexico Destination Expert for Rincon de Guayabitos Level Contributor 5,808 posts 20 reviews 24 helpful votes 7. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. Before your trip to Baja California, Mexico, keep the following advice in mind. 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! This is a far safer place to live than New York and Los Angeles, two large American cities. US travelers urged to 'avoid travel to Mexico' and 'exercise increased caution' in hot spots. Keep an eye on the situation and avoid taking drugs or cartels. Our aim is to help you experience Mexico to its fullest so you can "Travel Like A Local". The police are trusted by many people. According to the UK Government, over 576,971 British nationals visited Mexico in 2017 with most visits being trouble-free. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or expensive brand-name clothes if you want to appear professional. Recent shooting incidents have mainly been settling of scores between drug traffickers.. Cruises for sportfishing and sightseeing are available all year. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It appears that Baja is more laid-back than San Diego. Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. However, bear in mind that it is illegal. Explore The Music Scene In Tijuana Baja California: Check Out The Top Headliners In The City, Explore The Cost Of Tijuana Hotel Tickets Discover The Discounts And Tips For The Best Experience, Exploring Tijuana: Exploring The Convenient Stops Of Tourismo Express In Downtown Tijuana, Exploring A Vegan Lifestyle In Tijuana: Delicious Vegan-Friendly Options And Tips For A Plant-Based Diet. Despite its reputation as a tourist haven, Ensenada has been plagued by violence in recent years. 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. There is no definitive answer to this question as safety is relative and can depend on a number of factors. It is critical to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling in this area because there has been a significant increase in drug-related violence in recent years. There are no longer any Ensenada Massages, Valle Mobile Spa, or Ensenada Excursions available. Mexicos economy is heavily reliant on tourism. In addition, the U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings for certain parts of Mexico, including Baja California. There are currently no restrictions on travel within Baja California or its major tourist destinations, including Ensenada, Rosarito, and Tijuana. Getting into the Ready Lanes, as well as any of the other entry lanes, is difficult. In general, U.S. government employees are restricted to the following areas with certain restrictions. Todos Santos Bay is located in the Pacific Ocean and is the location of this city. Ive covered the main safety concerns WebOn 6th January 2022, Mexican authorities discovered the bodies of ten people in a vehicle left in front of the main square in the city of Zacatecas, north-west of Mexico City. Maintain a level of self-control, avoid drawing attention to yourself, and stay alert. Safer areas of Chicago Experts agree that Chicagos downtown area is safe, especially for tourists. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D. Due to US dollars are accepted in Tijuana but not everywhere. This mix of old and new creates a vibrant and exciting atmosphere that is unlike any other city in Mexico. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. This area is packed with a variety of unique activities and excellent restaurants that will provide you with memorable experiences. The best way to find rentals in Ensenada is through classifieds, but this is difficult. However, the U.S. State Department has issued an advisory for the state: Level 3 Reconsider Travel. Many police officers in Mexico are highly corrupt. In summary, La Paz is a safe place to visit. Overall crime rates in Mexico are quite low, despite varying city, state, and region crime rates. Female travelers may receive unwanted attention from men, ranging from open displays of catcalling and staring to physical groping. Tijuana, Mexico, is one of the worlds busiest urban border crossings, with 50 million travelers crossing the border each year. Yes! has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. One of the most dangerous cities in the Americas is in this city. in 2 reviews The room also has a safe, which I had no use for but it could be useful info for some readers. Travel Advisory 2023. Todos Santos is a surf town with spectacular views all over the country. Watch out for drivers who are speeding or driving while drunk. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. Tabasco state has a high rate of crime and violence. But the real question that travelers are asking: What about the tourism areas along the Roviera Maya? As one of the most popular tourist Updated: Sep 16, 2022. Generally, the answer is yes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. A. Prostitution is legal in Zona Norte, but the area is unsafe. Consider purchasing a portable water filtration system. Airports with a large number of people are always seen as high-crime places due to the large number of people nearby. There are surf schools in TS, Pescadero, and Cerritos. The month before, a California travel blogger and a German tourist were killed in a shooting in Tulum. (Photo by Guillermo Arias / AFP) (Photo by [+] GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images). Despite that, they dont usually cause trouble for tourists. Here: admiring Chichen Itza's Kukulkan pyramid at sunrise, Traveling as a solo female in Mexico can be a rich experience when safety considerations are in place, says Ruuska. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. Driving through Tijuana is riskier than crossing through Tecate because it is a more convenient border crossing. Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. We cover how much to tip for every service imaginable, among other things. The closest buses to this city are provided by the Tijuana Bus Service, which leaves San Diego and arrives in Tijuana. Avoid drugs and cartels, then you avoid violence. Baja California is far safer than the rest of There have been no major problems, attributed to the drug war, in any area of Southern Baja. Baja, Mexico is safe because the people are friendly and welcoming, and the crime although prevalent is usually petty. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. When you go alone in Tijuana, you are more likely to be a victim of violent crime and sexual assault. It is best to resist any request to pay off an officer who threatened to arrest you or fin you for a crime you did not commit. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Since Todos Santos is a popular tourist city, local police presence is apparent and quick to respond to any petty crimes that may occur while visiting. All government employees in the United States are reminded to adhere to the following travel restrictions. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than during the peak summer months. I would appreciate it if you would send me a private message. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) of furnished accommodation in the upper price range is Mex$ 14,372 per month, while rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) of furnished accommodation in the lower price range is Mex$ 6,575. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. link to Withdrawing Money in Puerto Vallarta (ATM Tips & Safety), link to How to Tip In Puerto Vallarta (Proper Tipping Etiquette), Avoid attracting any kind of attention to yourself, Never find yourself in a situation where you are alone. While driving in cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road. Before I continue, its important to distinguish between Baja California and Baja California Sur. Traveling around Mexico is considered to be lower risk than people might be led to believe, and some destinations are comparably safer than others. Yes. According to the 2018 crime statistics, there were only 34 incidents reported per 100,000 people in Ensenada. Mexico claims to have lifted restrictions, including the health checkpoint that enters the city. The vaccine is now available to people aged between the ages of 18 and 20. Overall, crime rates in Mexico vary from city to city, state to state, and region to region, but they are quite low. But like everywhere you take your precious brood go heavy on the research. Its a relatively simple and quick trip from Tijuana to San Diego. Thefts, snatch-and-grabs, and pickpocketing happen a lot in Mexico, especially in crowded areas so try to avoid them. Ensanada, Mexico, has one of the lowest crime rates in Baja, Mexico. 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. And some parts of Mexico where drug cartel violence is at its worst have long been on a no-go list, with a level 4 no-go advisory. Tijuana is safe to travel to with the family so long as you spend your time during the daylight hours and stick to the downtown areas such as Avenida Revolucin. The stories are sobering. Check theNational Hurricane Center for hurricane warnings. WebPetty theft. It is part of the San DiegoTijuana transborder urban agglomeration and the larger Southern California megalopolis. It is cleaner than any other beach in North America, including Rosarito. The entire area is seedy, and bad things can go down quickly. It is also a popular tourist destination. Utilities for two people in a flat of 85, 000 Mexican pesos (approximately US dollars) are 84457 per month (1 month of heating, electricity, gas, and so on). All rights reserved, Exploring The Crime Rate In Downtown Tijuana: Causes And Solutions, Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Taking A Cab To Tijuana, How To Teach Conversational English In Tijuana, Tijuanas Pollution: Exploring The Impact On Californias Environment, Exploring Baja Californias Wineries: A Guide To Making The Most Of Your Trip From Tijuana To The Mexican Vineyards. Expect to find yourself in potential trouble if you even consider buying drugs while in Baja, Mexico. In January 2022, two tourists were killed in a shooting in Playa del Carmen, while a gay couple from Texas was found dismembered near Ciudad Jurez. Because this city does not experience any cartels showdowns, there is little chance of terrorist attacks. During the rainy season, puddles and ruts form on unpaved roads. In addition to the aforementioned cities, San Quintin, El Rosario, and Catavina are other small towns that you can add to the list of safe areas in Baja. Depending on where you travel to, the cost of living in Mexico can vary drastically. Theres no simple answer to this question it depends on a variety of factors, including the current political and social climate in Mexico, your personal comfort level with driving in a foreign country, and your own risk tolerance. Baja California is one of the most secure places in the state, with La Paz being one of the safest. Eeva Ruuska is the head of Americas operations at Riskline, a global travel risk intelligence company that provides independent country and city risk assessments as well as a 24/7 alert messaging system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Mexico, indicating a high level of Covid in the country. The top destination was Cancun and the Riviera Maya, with 2.4 million visitors, according to the Mexico Tourism Bureau. warns against picking up hitchhikers. 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