Uber in Tijuana: Is it safe? (2024)
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Have questions about Uber in Tijuana?
If you are traveling to Tijuana, a city along the U.S.-Mexico border that often makes news for its cartel violence, you are probably wondering about how to get around.
Or maybe you are wondering whether you should go to Tijuana in first place, because of everything you’ve heard about it.
As of 2024, Tijuana was named the most violent city in the world, according to the World Population Review, because of the violence associated with cartels who battle for control of the territory along the U.S. border.
The city sees saw 105 homicides per every 100,000 residents, as criminal groups who compete over drug smuggling routes to the U.S. often kill in plain sight.
But does it mean that Uber in Tijuana is dangerous?
While you need to be extra cautious in Tijuana, taking Uber in Tijuana is safe, as the platform vets its drivers and tracks your journey in real time. As long as you follow basic precautions and stick to tourist zones, you will greatly minimize your chances of risk.
I’ve taken Uber in Tijuana multiple times and never felt unsafe. My Uber drivers were always courteous and followed my directions when asked to drop me off at a specific place.
In this article, I will give you my tips on how to stay safe while taking Uber in Tijuana, and have an overall positive experience while visiting this city.
✅ Read: Best places to live in Baja California
Is it safe to take an Uber in Tijuana?
Taking Uber in Tijuana is perfectly safe as long as you stay away from the troubled neighborhoods. While Uber in Tijuana is not 100 percent risk-free, the platform has several safety features that ensure a safe ride.
Uber is also safer than taxi in Tijuana, and you are less likely to get ripped off since the app gives you a flat rate.
If you are taking an unmetered taxi in Tijuana, you have to negotiate the price and make sure your driver doesn’t take a longer route – a scam that is done to overcharge unsuspecting tourists.
➡️ Check: Is Tecate safe?
Uber in Tijuana price
The price of Uber in Tijuana depends on the distance and the time of the day, but prepare to pay between 80-100 Mexican pesos for an average ride. Unlike taxis, you don’t need to pay in cash, because all payments are done automatically through the Uber app.
Uber Eats in Tijuana
You can also use Uber to order food in Tijuana. Place your order through the app and wait for your Uber delivery. Don’t forget to tip your driver, as wages in Mexico are much lower than in the United States and other Western countries.
✅ Check: Best Tijuana tours from San Diego
Safety in Tijuana
Is it safe to walk in Tijuana?
Walking around Tijuana is discouraged even during the daytime. While you can walk around downtown and parts of the city that have police presence, stay away from the areas where tourists don’t go.
Some travelers also walk to downtown Tijuana over the bridge after crossing the border, but if you are not familar with the area, it’s best to take Uber, as soon as you get to Mexico.
Is Tijuana dangerous at night?
Yes, Tijuana is dangerous at night. Unless you are a seasoned traveler, who speaks Spanish and knows the city well, you should not be out late. Even safer parts of the city can be sketchy at night.
WHAT IS THE CRIME RATE IN TIJUANA?
What areas of Tijuana to avoid?
Avoid neighborhoods like Tres de Octubre, Sanchez Taboada, Urbivilla Del Prado 2, Camino Verde, and Rio Norte, Tijuana’s red light district from downtown to the U.S. border. It’s also the area where people from the United States come to do drugs and engage in illegal activities that they can’t do back home.
While the homicide rate in Tijuana is very high, most violence takes place between the rivaling cartels, and as a tourist, you are unlikely to become a target of an organized criminal group.
And, if you aren’t engaging in illegal activities and staying away from drugs and crime-ridden areas, your chances of becoming a victim of crime are much lower.
However, the ongoing cartel violence means that there’s a greater risk of bystanders becoming a victim if they happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
What are the safest areas of Tijuana?
The safest areas of Tijuana are downtown and Zona Rio, but even they are not completely safe, especially at night, as they have plenty of car break-ins, muggings, and street crime.
✅ GET THIS ANTI-THEFT BAG TO FOR YOUR BELONGINGS
The majority of violent crime in Tijuana happens outside of the tourist zone, but you should always be alert no matter where you go. Don’t wander into unfamiliar areas, as you could quickly end up in a dangerous neighborhood. Always plan your activities carefully.
Do you need a visa to go to Tijuana?
If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, or Western European countries, you don’t need a visa to go to Tijuana. But if you are traveling from Asia, South America, or other parts of the world, check visa requirements for Mexico before your trip.
You can check visa requirements for Mexico here.
Getting around Tijuana by Uber
Uber from Tijuana to Ensenada
Uber offers a quick and convenient way to get from Tijuana to Ensenada, but you will also pay a higher price than for public transportation. The drive from Tijuana to Ensenada takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and offers beautiful views of Mexico’s Pacific Coastline.
Uber from Tijuana to Rosarito
Rosarito is a beach town 30 minutes south of Tijuana along Highway 1. You can take an Uber from Tijuana to Rosarito, but to get back to Tijuana, you will need to get a taxi or take a bus, as there’s no Uber in Rosarito.
Uber to Tijuana Airport
You can take Uber to Tijuana Airport from anyehere in the city. Your driver will drop you off at the main entrance of the terminal.
I took an Uber in Tijuana after crossing the border and paid 134 Mexican Pesos for a ride to Tijuana Airport where I rented a car. My connection was very poor, and I had to resend pick-up instructions to my driver several times. You might have better luck depending on your carrier.
Always check if your cell phone plan includes data and messaging, or get a Mexican SIM card head off your trip, that will allow you to send messages and make calls with no problems.
Uber from San Diego Airport to Tijuana Border
Uber from San Diego Airport to the Tijuana border costs roughly $45. It’s a great way to get to the Mexico border quickly if you don’t have a lot of time and don’t want to deal with public transportation.
Another option is to take a bus from San Diego Airport to downtown and catch the San Diego Trolley at Santa Fe Depot Station. The train goes straight to San Ysidro (PedEast) border crossing and takes about 35-40 minutes.
Once you cross the border, you can catch Uber.
Safety tips for taking Uber in Tijuana
✔️ Cancel the ride if a driver has low ratings
Before your driver arrives to pick you up, you can modify or cancel your trip. If a driver has a low rating (below 4.7), look for another ride.
✔️Travel with a group
Tijuana isn’t the best destination for solo travelers, and while taking Uber is perfectly safe, it’s better to travel with someone else, as it will provide an extra layer of security.
✔️Keep someone posted about your trip
Whether you are traveling alone or with a group, let someone back home know about your travel plans. One of the newest Uber safety features allows you to add a “trusted contact” that sends out an alert when you take an Uber.
I recommend Airalo, an eSIM card for your trip to Mexico, which can be managed through the app to top up your account at any time.
✔️Check the license plate
Before getting in a car, always make sure that the license plate of the car matches the license plate that you see in the app. It’s the easiest step to ensure a safe ride.
✔️Confirm driver’s name
Another good way to ensure a safe trip is to confirm your driver’s name before getting in a vehicle.
✔️Learn some Spanish
Although the Uber app arranges everything for you, speaking Spanish could be helpful if you need to explain directions or clarify the drop-off place to a driver.
✔️Avoid sharing personal information
If a driver starts a conversation, stay polite but don’t share personal details. There’s no reason they should know about your travel plans.
✔️Express your appreciation of the Mexican culture
If you start a conversation with with your Uber driver, it’s a good idea show your appreciation of the Mexican culture. This will create a positive interaction during your trip and help you to get a good rating at the end of your trip, because your driver can rate you too.
✔️Stay away from controversial topics
Stay away from controversial subjects, especially politics or the current migrant crisis along the U.S.-Mexico border that has affected Tijuana. While not everyone will react strongly, it’s best to avoid these topics.
✔️Keep a low profile
Maintain a low profile during your trip. It will help you to get a better attitude and avoid unwanted attention.
✔️Leave a tip
If you received good service, leaving a small gratuity is a good way to show your appreciation.
✔️Consider renting a car
If you plan on staying in Tijuana for a few days, consider renting a car. Having your vehicle will allow you to visit some of the best beaches near Tijuana and take day trips from Tijuana to Ensenada, Rosarito, and Valle de Guadalupe, some of the most popular destinations in Baja Norte.
✔️Get travel insurance for your trip to Tijuana
Even if you plan to stay in Tijuana only for a short time, consider buying travel insurance. SafetyWing offers several insurance plans that protect you in case of accidents, hospital visits, property theft, lost and stolen luggage, and many other things that could happen while you are on the road.
Safety Wing offers flexible plans for long-term and short-term travelers and have budget-friendly rates.
➡️ CHECK TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR YOUR TRIP TO TIJUANA
Renting a car in Tijuana
Renting a car in Tijuana is a great idea. It will give you more freedom and flexibility, and you will not have to worry about taking Uber or trying to figure out public transportation.
When you have a car, you can also get out of Tijuana, and enjoy much safer destinations in Baja California. You can find many car rental companies like Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz at Tijuana Airport, the best place to rent a car in Tijuana.
Where to find car rentals in Tijuana?
The best place to find car rentals in Tijuana is DiscoverCars, an online platform where you can find dozens of vehicles of different makes and models. DiscoverCars has affordable prices and a flexible cancellation policy. They also offer Mexico car insurance, which is required for all vehicles.
Note that US car insurance is not valid in Mexico, and most Tijuana car rental companies will not accept it.
➡️ CHECK PRICES ON RENTAL CARS IN TIJUANA
What documents do I need for renting a car in Tijuana?
To rent a car in Tijuana, will need a valid driver’s license, a passport, a credit or debit card, and Mexican car insurance.
A passport
A valid passport is required for all car rentals in Tijuana.
A driver’s license
A valid driver’s license is required to rent a car in Tijuana and the rest of the country. If you are traveling to Mexico from countries that don’t use the Roman language alphabet, you will need an international driver’s license, for which you can apply online ahead of your trip.
Can I drive in Mexico with a US license?
Yes, you can drive in Mexico with a valid US driver’s license. The same applies to driver’s licenses from Canada, the EU, and the UK.
A credit or debit card
You will need a credit or debit card to pay for a car rental in Tijuana. It’s also possible to pay in cash, but it’s very uncommon. Plus, it’s not a good idea to walk around Tijuana with wads of cash in your pocket.
.A car rental company will put a hold on your credit card ranging between s$1,000-$2,000. If you return your car rental with no damages, the hold on your credit card will go away, and you will get your money back.
Why it’s better to pay for your rental car with a credit card
It’s better to pay for your rental car with a credit card, because if you use a debit card, a car rental company will take the required amount straight out of your checking account, which means you will not have access to that money for the duration of your trip.
A Mexican car insurance
You will also need Mexican car insurance, which is mandatory for driving in the country.
While car rental companies in Mexico can’t legally force you to buy their car insurance, they also are not allowed accept US car insurance.
This means that you have two options: get third-party insurance ahead of your trip or get insurance from your car rental company, which is a lot easier.
When you book your car with DiscoverCars, you can buy your car through their platform for just under $10 a day. DiscoverCars offers basic, medium, and full coverage for rental cars.
Can I buy Mexican auto insurance at the border?
You can’t buy Mexican car insurance at the border, and to enter the country, you need to have proof of Mexican car insurance.
I recommend Baja Bound Mexican Insurance, a popular choice among many visitors from the United States and Canada. You can get a free quote from them online.
Tijuana tours
If you want to minimize your chances of risk in Tijuana, join a guided tour.
Guided tours of Tijuana are excellent if you don’t speak Spanish, and want to get familiar with the city and its culture, without having to figure out how to get around in an unfamiliar environment.
Best guided tours of Tijuana
A local guide will meet you at the designated place and show you the area. This way, you don’t have to worry about having to navigate the area on your own or worry about stepping into the wrong place.
➡️ EXPLORE TIJUANA WITH A LOCAL GUIDE
Tijuana food tours
Another great option is a Tijuana taco tour from San Diego, during which you will cross the border with your guide and have a chance to try the famous Tijuana tacos.
While Tijuana is famous for its street food, there’s always a chance to get sick from the street food that’s been sitting around for too long or wasn’t cooked properly. Popular food tours in Tijuana bring you to places that are vetted and have a good reputation.
Book one of the most popular taco tours in Tijuana
More Uber alternatives in Tijuana
Public transportation in Tijuana, Mexico, is a diverse system that includes buses, taxis, and shared vans. Here are some aspects of public transportation in Tijuana:
Buses
Tijuana has a well-developed bus network that covers various parts of the city. Different bus routes connect different neighborhoods, and the fare is generally affordable, however, it often had to be paid in cash.
If you are traveling to other cities in Baja California, you can also take an intercity bus with Aguila, the main bus company that serves the region.
One thing to remember is that petty crime can always occur on public transportation. If you are taking a public bus in Tijuana, keep a close eye on your belongings, as there could always be pickpockets around.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Tijuana, and they can be found on many streets throughout the city or at designated taxi stands. Taxi Libre is the most reputable taxi company in Tijuana, that has meters. You can easily recognize them with white and orange colors and big letters that read “Taxi Libre” on both sides.
While Taxi Libre is a viable option for getting around Tijuana, and you can find them easily, the downside is that it will probably be more expensive than Uber.
Use only licensed taxis and if you are ever in doubt, ask a taxi driver to show their license. Remember that taxi prices in Tijuana are in Mexican pesos, not in American dollars.
Shared Vans (or colectivos)
Shared vans, known as “colectivos” or “peseros,” operate on specific routes and are a cost-effective way to travel short distances within the city.
Passengers share the ride, making it an economical option, but you can pay only in cash. Also, you will need to tell your driver where to drop you off, as colectivos don’t have designated stops.
Safe things to do in Tijuana
Although Tijuana is not the safest city in Mexico, there are still some activities you can enjoy here without worrying about your safety. Here are a few quick options:
✅ Visit Merced Hidalgo
A popular market in Tijuana, Mercado Hidalgo is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of goods including fresh produce, spices, clothing, crafts, and traditional Mexican foods.
It’s a great place to explore if you want to experience local culture and find unique items. As always watch out for your cell phone and purse, to avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets.
✅ Check out the Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in Mexico. It houses the iconic image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which is said to have appeared miraculously to Juan Diego in 1531.
✅ Stop by Centro Cultural Tijuana
The Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT) hosts cultural exhibitions, including art galleries, photography displays, and cultural showcases. It has an IMAX theater, cafes and restaurants, and the Jardin Caracol, an outdoor area where you can take a relaxing walk.
✅ Relax at Playas de Tijuana
Playas de Tijuana is a coastal area overlooking the Pacific Ocean home to the Friendship Park (Parque de la Amistad), which includes a border monument known as the “Monumento a la División Internacional.” This monument marks the border between the United States and Mexico.
✅ Sample famous Tijuana tacos
Tijuana is known for some of the best tacos in Mexico, and you can’t visit this city without stopping by some local taquerias. While navigating Tijuana’s taco scene can be challenging on your own, you can easily do so by joining one of Tijuana’s taco tours.
Best hotels in Tijuana
- K Tower Boutique Hotel – K Tower has rooftop dining and pool and buffet breakfast, and has a convenint location south of Zona Rio.
- Quartz Hotel Tijuana – A modern hotel with spacious rooms, great breakfast, and private parking that has thousands of good reviews from visitors.
Uber in Tijuana: FAQ’s
Can you get an Uber in Tijuana?
Yes, you can get an Uber in Tijuana by requesting a ride through your smartphone app. Uber in Tijuana works like anywhere else.
Is Uber or taxis safer in Tijuana?
Uber in Tijuana is safer than a taxi. It’s not uncommon for taxis to overcharge tourists, and unlike Uber which tracks your ride and allows you to communicate in an emergency, a taxi doesn’t have any safeguards.
Can I take an Uber from San Diego to Tijuana?
No, you can’t take an Uber from San Diego to Tijuana. An Uber can drop you off at the pedestrian border crossing, but it’s not allowed to drive to Mexico, as it requires several documents for all vehicles, including mandatory Mexican insurance.
Is Uber allowed in Tijuana airport?
Yes, Uber is allowed in Tijuana Airport. You can request a ride from Tijuana Airport to the city and ask your driver to drop you at the terminal so you catch your flight.
Is there a Lyft in Tijuana?
As of 2024, there’s no Lyft in Tijuana.
Taxi in Tijuana: Final word
Tijuana has some of the highest rates of violent crime in Mexico, and while walking around the city isn’t the best option, especially for first-time travelers, Uber is an excellent way to get around safely and quickly. By ordering Uber you can avoid dangerous areas and expensive taxis which often overcharge tourists who have little knowledge about the area.
