Is Chihuahua Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Chihuahua is the capital of Mexico’s biggest state.

Many travelers stay here only for a night stop before or after riding the Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico.

But in this city, you can find colonial buildings, beautiful plazas, a lot of museums which keep key episodes of Mexican history.

Tourists will be impressed in Casa Chihuahua – culture and history museum of Chihuahua.

A visit to Chihuahua is not complete without seeing the downtown area in and around the “Cathedral de Chihuahua” – the main ecclesiastical building of the Catholic Church in Chihuahua.

It is designed in the Spanish Baroque style and is in the form of a Latin cross.

Warnings & Dangers in Chihuahua

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

The level of crime and violence still is high in Chihuahua. Most tourists are safe and protected with hard armed police. But however, you should be more alert than usual here.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

In the city, a traveler can use taxis services and buses. As well as getting around town, or go to the airport or train station. If you want to find a taxi - choose a car with a sign-on roof or sides. Do not get in cars without taxi signs, it may be unsafe.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Exercise caution every time you go outside. In crowds, markets or on public transportation you can fall victim to pickpockets. They can be very crafty and sometimes work in pairs.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

North Mexico region can have earthquakes sometimes, but it's a really rare incident here. Hurricanes also can affect Chihuahua from June to November.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

In Mexico, it is easy enough to become a victim of a robbery. But directly in the Chihuahua area, it is safe enough cause it's not so popular tourist place.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Due to drug dealer crimes, the terrorism risk remains high in that region. Most of the terrorist attacks don't affect tourists and covered by police asap but may affect citizens as well.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

To avoid any scams it's recommended not to buy anything by streets. It can be an unsafe cheat. Better to travel in a group of tourists and do purchases and money exchanges in big markets and banks.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

In Chihuahua, you still might meet people who think that a woman that dresses a bit more revealing is actually making an offer to get familiarity. To some males, women with “European” features are more attractive and these women might find themselves getting excessive attention.

So... How Safe Is Chihuahua Really?

Northern Mexico, especially the state of Chihuahua, has experienced a great increase in violent drug-related crime during the past 12 years.

Chihuahua is much safer than other cities in that region, but still has issues with cartel killings.

Most killings have specifically targeted drug dealers and their families, and tourists have rarely been affected by violent crime.

Military checkpoints may be set up in the city and the roads around the city.

Stop at these checkpoints is required.

Much of the city is very modern and has plenty to see.

Be aware of self-imposed unspoken curfew of about 10 pm.

You can admit that the police here are very heavily armed.

But they have a reason for that.

The areas around downtown and the nice-looking areas around it are about as safe to visit for a solo traveler like any other place in most parts of the world.

To remain safe, travelers should not attract unnecessary attention with expensive things, smartphones and keep documents and money with you.

Chihuahua is a kind of rough place for any solo traveler these days, but for women especial.

It is not a recommended place for women solo travel.

How Does Chihuahua Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

No visas required for tourist proposals to enter Mexico for many countries of Europe, US citizens and so on. You should have a valid passport and a tourist permit. The maximum possible of stay is 180 days. For a longer stay of other options, you should visit the Mexican embassy.

Currency

The Mexican peso - is the official currency in Mexico. There are one hundred Mexican centavos to every peso. The symbol for the Mexican Peso is $, so you can see MX$ or MN$ in banks and exchange points.

Weather

Mexico’s biggest state has many weather variations. The hottest months in Chihuahua are from April to October, the coolest months are between November and December. Precipitation may be expected from June to early October.

Airports

Chihuahua has one International Airport - General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport. It handles national and international air traffic of the city of Chihuahua. Airport located 18 km from Chihuahua city.

Travel Insurance

The travel medical insurance should be done before starting your trip to Mexico. As well as in other countries, the customs officer can ask you to show travel insurance. Be prepared.

Chihuahua Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Mexico - Safety by City