You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. Expect to find yourself in potential trouble if you even consider buying drugs while in Baja, Mexico. After living in Southern California for ten years, I only went to Baja for the first time last year. Drinking tap water from these taps contains high levels of toxic contaminants that can make you sick. Ensenada has plenty of parking. It is also a popular tourist destination. Featuring coastal towns like Rosarito and cities like Tijuana, Baja California has a lot to offer in terms of beaches, nightlife, and family fun not to mention its fantastic food, such as the famous fish tacos. There are plenty of people around and a heavy law enforcement presence. Plus, many locals dont have insurance, so if you do get into an accident at least youll be covered. For employees of the United States government, only certain areas of Mexico are permitted to travel: Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tlaxcala, Zacatecas, and the greater part of Mexicos interior. In the map, there are three types of crime: violent crimes, property crimes, and sexual crimes. If youre looking for a party town, Rosarito is the place to go. When you go alone in Tijuana, you are more likely to be a victim of violent crime and sexual assault. A drivers license is not acceptable. Overall crime rates in Mexico are quite low, despite varying city, state, and region crime rates. With that being said, be aware of who is around you at all times, dont leave your personal belongings lying around, and certainly dont carry all of your money with you. If you think youre being overcharged for a taxi, a trip from the border to the center of town should be around $5 (USD). But the real question that travelers are asking: What about the tourism areas along the Roviera Maya? Its best to avoid driving at night if possible, as your visibility is reduced, and criminals are generally more active at this time. This region offers numerous unique activities to choose from and numerous excellent places to eat, making this a perfect vacation destination. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Our website contains a list of high-risk areas that visitors should visit. Street tacos are abundant, and its worth trying them at least once. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. It is also possible to enjoy Mexican food and culture in safe areas. It is best to ignore these advances or confrontations and walk away., Some of the most common places for harassment in Mexico include taxis and public transport. 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. It is not illegal for U.S. government employees to travel to Baja California Sur. Transformative Travel: I look at how travel can change lives. Yes, driving to Tijuana is safe. Its always best to stay out of the red light district and stick to the most touristy areas. Inform a family member or friend that you are traveling to Baja California, and update them about your movements. With millions of people living within an urban landscape, hardly any civilians see any of the gang-violence themselves. There are low levels of robberies, carjackings, and hate crimes, and a high level of corruption and bribery. This part of Mexico is not attributed to the drug war and has had no major problems. There are six ways to get to Ensenada from San Diego: tram, bus, or car. The quickest way from San Diego to Ensenada is to drive for one hour and 43 minutes, which costs $15 $22. It is part of the San DiegoTijuana transborder urban agglomeration and the larger Southern California megalopolis. Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers or new acquaintances that you have not seen poured, says Ruuska. Is it safe? You should be aware of your surroundings and take appropriate precautions to avoid any problems. Tourist destinations have, however, not seen the crime levels seen in states affected by drug cartels. Is Mexico Safe for American Tourists? Considering the size of Baja, Mexico, and the population factor, the crime rate is actually relatively low compared to other areas in Mexico. According to a recent official research, Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, and San Jose del Cabo are the safest destinations in Mexico. San Diego and Tijuana were selected as the joint bid for World Design Capital, making it the first binational bid in WDO history. Those crossing the U.S.-Canada border at the Cross Border Xpress pedestrian bridge will require proof of vaccination. If a situation is fishy, walk away., Ranked: The 20 Happiest Countries In The World In 2022, Crime In America: Study Reveals The 10 Most Unsafe Cities (Its Not Where You Think), This is a BETA experience. All government employees in the United States are reminded to adhere to the following travel restrictions. Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. In the past three years, crime has been on the rise due to uncertainty among the people and their government. Quite a few vacationer places, like Mexico City, Sayulita and Cancun, now have warnings However, these incidents have been between criminal organizations and gangs. Ensenada has only had five confirmed cases as of 4/16. Unpatrolled beaches on the Baja Peninsula have been the source of drownings. Baja California is relatively safe for US tourists, as evidenced by the large numbers of travelers who cross the border by car or on foot. There are no longer any Ensenada Massages, Valle Mobile Spa, or Ensenada Excursions available. These measures have helped to reduce the murder rate, but Ensenada still remains one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. The most important thing is to use common sense, drive defensively, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. When the sun goes down, temperatures drop near beaches. 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). Baja California Sur is safer than Baja California itself. Despite being a little warmer than in Rosarito and Tijuana, the weather is still cold enough for beachgoers to enjoy the weather here. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. 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. Is Tijuana Safe? The rest stop at km marker 84 contains several impressive buildings on the side of a cliff overlooking the bay. 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. As a result, beach events in these areas have been canceled. Don't draw attention to your money or business affairs. Is Afghanistan Safe in 2023? Mexico Travel Buddy also participates in affiliate programs with BajaBound, CJ, WorldNomads and other sites. The Valle de Guadalupe is located in northern Baja California, just north of Ensenada, and serves as the states unofficial Napa Valley. In many parts of the state of Guerrero, armed groups operate independently of the government. Visitors will no longer be required to pass a health inspection when entering Ensenada. Looking for the latest on COVID-19 in Mexico? If you speak an English-speaking language, you can find a cab driver who will pick you up. There are numerous activities to do in Ensenada, but here are the best. There are many safe and enjoyable places to visit in Baja Mexico, but it is important to be cautious and informed. Cartels have been known to create illegal roadblocks as a way to demand money before allowing you to pass through. Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. Because of high civilian traffic, the US government advises people who have not been vaccinated against the flu to avoid traveling to Mexico. If you are towing a boat or trailer, you should avoid this route. Ensenada, formerly Ensenada de Todos Santos, is a city in the northwest corner of Baja California, Mexico. Some plastic surgeons may not have the proper licenses. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The two states are next to each other, but Baja California Sur is further south, below Baja California. Visit Hussongs Cantina, the oldest in Baja, for a taste of the legendary margarita. 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. Drug use and sales. However, overall, Tijuana is generally considered safe for travelers, as long as you take basic safety precautions and use common sense. You should not travel to areas where kidnapping and crime are common. Ensenada is the ideal beach town for those looking for a convenient beach town with plenty of activities to do. The U.S. Embassy has issued a travel warning for Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California due to a risk of kidnappings, injury, or death. Thefts, snatch-and-grabs, and pickpocketing happen a lot in Mexico, especially in crowded areas so try to avoid them. Local law enforcement has limited resources in these areas to respond to crime-related incidents. Make sure all foods are heated all the way through. If eating at a street stand watch to see if the person who handles the money is also the same person making and serving the food. Traveling to Baja Mexico in 2022 is still a possibility, however it is important to be aware of the current state of the region. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than during the peak summer months. Furthermore, the locals are friendly and welcoming, so you will feel at home right away. Mexico: Expert Travel Advice (2023) - Layer Nonetheless, tourists must exercise caution and take precautions whenever possible. Its best to eat from established restaurants with good reviews. Happy travels! If you wish to enjoy excellent nightlife and a relaxing city on the water, Ensenada is a quiet and small city that is much safer than Tijuana. Travelers should exercise caution when visiting Ensenada and avoid traveling alone or outside of the city center. October 6, 2020: View of poor area of Tijuana Mexico with buildings on hill and traffic in foreground/Manuela Durson/Shutterstock. If this one wasnt true, Aside from the excellent hotels and accommodations available in the city, there are many other excellent choices. Despite the fact that Mexico has increased its water quality management resources, this situation persists. But what is it that makes Baja, Mexico a safe place? Criminal activity and violence are likely to occur at any time in any location, including popular tourist destinations. Driving through Tijuana is riskier than crossing through Tecate because it is a more convenient border crossing. The other category is petty crime and robberies. kidnapping, natural hazards, scams, drugs, and transportation safety issues are just a few of the crimes you should be aware of. You must contact a member of staff or call 911. Leaving things out is a sign of carelessness, particularly if it is a city. 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