“Citizen Kane” is Orson Welles’ masterpiece, but one of his most bravura sequences comes at the beginning of “Touch of Evil.” We’re in Tijuana on the U.S.-Mexican border, and we see a shadowy figure stash a time bomb in the trunk of a Cadillac. For the next three suspenseful minutes, the vehicle passes our newlywed protagonists several times before it eventually explodes, narrowly sparing their lives. During the course of that fateful stroll, Welles depicts the city as an exciting and somewhat seedy place of dance clubs, strip joints, and revelers in the streets. This isn’t to say you are likely to get blown up during a visit to Tijuana, but the scene highlights one fact that still holds true over 60 years later: It is a popular destination where deadly violence might be just around the corner.
Sadly, danger can befall tourists wherever they go on vacation. You have to factor in a certain level of risk if you want to travel at all. But you can also minimize the danger by avoiding places that are notorious for violence, instability, and other hazards. Tijuana, hugging the border just a 20-minute drive from downtown San Diego, is something of a paradox: Not only is it one of the most dangerous vacation spots in Mexico, but it is also the most-visited border town in the world, with around 50 million people crossing the line each year. So what makes Tijuana so threatening, what level of danger does it pose to tourists, and how can you stay safe?
Why is Tijuana so dangerous?
How to stay safe in Tijuana
Tijuana’s crime stats may look scary, but it is worth noting that the majority of the worst offenses usually happen in sketchy neighborhoods away from touristy areas — pretty much like any major U.S. city with high crime rates that also attract plenty of visitors. Generally speaking, Tijuana has three main areas that are safe during the daytime if you keep your wits about you: Playas, Zona Rio, and Otay. Wherever you go, however, you should always stay vigilant.
One of the most common-sense safety tips in Mexico is making sure you blend in with the locals. If there are criminals preying on visitors, they are usually looking for a reason. Therefore, don’t draw attention to yourself by driving an expensive car, wearing flashy clothing or jewelry, waving valuable items around, or showing ostentatious signs of wealth. Also, don’t make your own behavior a risk: Getting drunk and acting aggressively, seeking out drugs, or engaging in solicitation are three very good ways to get yourself in trouble.
You can reduce the chances of something bad happening by exercising the same kind of caution you would probably use back home, such as not walking in dark and dangerous parts of town. This is the kind of city you would never want to visit alone, and it’s a good idea to take extra precautions like equipping yourself with pepper spray. While it is illegal to bring it into the country, there’s nothing stopping you from picking up some once you get into Tijuana.
