Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
- Cuernavaca
- Culiacan
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalajara
- Guanajuato
- Hermosillo
- Huatulco
- Isla Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Ixtapa
- Juarez
- Leon
- Los Cabos
- Manzanillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Oaxaca
- Piedras Negras
- Playa del Carmen
- Puebla
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- San Luis Potosi
- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Located in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico directly across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas, Juarez is a city of extremes.
Generally, it is far from being a wealthy destination with some rich areas, but most city sections are poor.
Since it is situated along the U.S.-Mexico border, there is a tremendous influence from individuals of every state in the country and many other Central and South American locations.
This brings a diverse mix of many traditions, styles, food, and music since there is no real “Juarez” identity.
With a population of 1.5 million people, Juarez has a variety of interesting and beautiful attractions, despite its reputation for crime from the drug cartels.
One of the best museums in town is La Rodadora, which is a child-friendly and interactive museum that is fun for the whole family.
Also, the Monumento a la Mexicaneidad is a public outdoor art exhibit.
Stop by Las Misiones Mall for all your shopping needs while on vacation.
Furthermore, the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is a beautiful church exhibiting Spanish architecture.
Warnings & Dangers in Juarez
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
Juarez is a notorious destination for high street crime related to the drug cartels that operate in the area. While residents insist the city is not that scary or problematic, as a visitor, you must exercise all precautionary measures to ensure you don’t have any issues during your visit. That means, always be aware of your surroundings, know where the closest police stations are and do not wander around alone at night.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
If you choose to get around town using public transportation, you must be incredibly careful and aware of your surroundings. This is the main place pickpockets target their prey. That means ensuring your wallet is in the front pocket and your purse is on the front of your chest. Never flash money or high-end values while taking mass transit. When looking for a taxi, try to call or book a dependable company instead of hailing a random cab from the street.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Bag snatching and pickpocketing are common in Juarez, especially in crowded areas like airports, and train and bus stations. Therefore, you must keep your belongings by your side all the time and leave valuables in the security deposit box in your hotel.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
The natural disasters risk is low, based on Juarez’s location in the middle of the country. However, the greatest risk is the heat, especially in the summer when the temperature can rise above 100 degrees. It is always advisable to wear sunscreen when visiting anywhere in Mexico.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Kidnappings, muggings, and other street crimes occur in Juarez, but they are uncommon. Regardless, tourists are advised to always remain vigilant and leave all valuables in a safe deposit box at the hotel. Also never flash any high-end items in public, which could entice a criminal to mug you.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Although terrorist attacks have not occurred in the city in a long time, drug cartels are present around the city. Turf wars between warring factions have occurred but are rare. Always be aware of your surroundings and remain vigilant.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Scams are well known to occur against unsuspecting tourists throughout the city. That means you must negotiate everything in advance, double-check all information, and decline drinks sent by strangers as drugging’s can also occur. Be wary of those trying to distract you as it could be a stealing scheme.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
While many women have traveled solo to Juarez for business or vacation without issue, sometimes crimes against women occur. The worst issue women will have is cat-calling on the street with offensive comments and whistling. Therefore, it is important to avoid sections of the city filled with clubs and bars and visit them alone. This will prevent you from running into intoxicated individuals.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Like the rest of Mexico, never drink tap water as it is polluted and full of harmful bacteria. Instead, purchase inexpensive bottled water for drinking and to brush your teeth. Also, try not to swallow any water when showering.
Safest Places to Visit in Juarez
Not every area of Juarez is crawling with crime, due to the new sheriff and his policies.
The nicer areas of the city are Gomez Morin Boulevard, Las Misiones, and Avenue Tomas Fernandes.
In addition to being safe to walk around, the area is exceptionally clean compared to the rest of the city.
Another safe and clean neighborhood is Colonia Azteca.
When visiting, you don’t want to miss the “Golden Area” which is the neighborhood near the U.S. Consulate and features a variety of hotels, bars, and restaurants.
This area is also where many tourists visit, so police services are abundant for protection.
Although these are the safest places in the city to visit, that doesn’t mean you should let down your guard.
Always remain vigilant and do not trust anyone being overly nice and helpful, as it is more than likely a scam.
Also, never walk around these areas alone at night as there are bad people in good neighborhoods and good people in bad neighborhoods.
You will find the locals in Juarez to be generally helpful and pleasant, regardless of where you are traveling from.
Places to Avoid in Juarez
Generally speaking, the City of Juarez is extremely poor so there is a tiny middle class.
Outside of the safe places to visit, the bad areas experience extreme poverty.
According to locals and other tourists, you want to avoid areas such as Anapra, Avenue de Los Aztecas, and the outskirts of Juarez.
Many locals and seasoned tourists would also tell you that the downtown area is not clean and should be avoided, however, it does not experience extreme poverty like the outskirts of the city.
Additionally, avoid La Montada, Guadalajara Izquierda, Torres del Pri, and some sections of Tierra Nueva.
Insight Crime has mapped all the violent incidences in the city for several years and has found the most violent areas to be in the northwest and southwest sections, specifically in Delicias, Aldama, and Babicora Sur.
This doesn’t mean the entire area is bad but generally, if you are visiting the city, you want to stay in more touristy areas and hotel zones where police presence is heavier.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Juarez
Before traveling to Juarez, you must be aware of the following safety tips that could be preventing you from being the victim of a crime.
These include:
Don’t Resist
While most visitors to Juarez are unlikely to have a problem with violent crime, if you are threatened for valuables, don’t resist.
The assailant could be armed and may use it, so give them what they ask.
Don’t Take More Than You Need
When exploring for the day, don’t take anything more than needed for the day and secure valuables in lockboxes or hotel safes.
If these items aren’t available, scatter your money in different secret places.
Female Travelers Should Dress Modestly
Although most locals in Juarez are friendly, some still maintain a machismo attitude toward women.
Therefore, dressing low-key and modestly, especially in rural areas, can avoid unwanted attention.
Follow Government Advisories
While attacks on tourists by drug cartels are uncommon, they have occurred because visitors have not followed government warnings or advisories about not wandering into specific areas without a guide.
Know What’s Going on at All Times
Car rental damage scams, the foreign exchange money switch, watered-down drinks, airport swindles, fake police, and fake taxis are some of the many scams that exist.
While most locals aren’t out to defraud you, be aware of what’s going on and who is around you.
Look After Yourself When Out at Night
From sundown to sunup, Mexicans know how to party and have a vibrant nightlife.
Therefore, always watch out for yourself, your belongings, and fellow travelers.
Drink spiking occurs which puts you at an elevated risk.
Never Leave Your Bag on the Back of a Chair
When dining out in Juarez, avoid leaving your bag over the back of the chair or on the table.
It should remain in your lap or between your feet with the strap around your leg.
Take Precautions When Withdrawing Money
Express kidnapping is a growing issue across Latin America and Juarez is no exception.
Although most victims are forced to empty their bank account and be released without injury, it’s traumatic.
Therefore, take precautions when withdrawing money from ATMs and use licensed taxis.
Travel During the Day
Given the ongoing drug war near border towns like Juarez, only travel in your automobile or a rented car during the day to minimize the risk of robbery or carjacking.
Use Common Sense
Like with anywhere, enjoy your vacation but use common sense by keeping your valuables out of sight and being aware of your surroundings.
So... How Safe Is Juarez Really?
Although Juarez has a reputation for not being a safe city, police officers patrol the most populated areas around the clock.
There have been recent changes within the police organization and the new sheriff has implemented changes that are leading toward more trustworthy police and a safer community for tourists and locals, much better than in the past.
The greatest fear amongst locals is any crimes related to the drug cartels since the city has developed a reputation due to many murders over the past decade.
While violence does occur, it generally isn’t on random tourists since this would make major headlines and bring a lot of unwanted attention to the cartels.
Most that are victims of the violence are somehow connected to underground criminal organizations.
If you are a white American tourist, you may hear a derogatory term like “gringo” being yelled from inside automobiles as you walk by, but the best way to manage this is by ignoring them.
In general, locals are incredibly nice and may even attempt to communicate with you despite not being able to speak Spanish.
Juarez has its problems and as a visitor, you must be always aware of them and your surroundings.
However, if you visit this city, you are unlikely to be a victim of kidnapping or targeted by the cartels for no reason.
Your biggest challenge is pickpocketing, scams, or being mugged; none of which are desirable.
However, if you keep your wits, know where and where not to go, and use common sense, your trip will be amazing.
Given its proximity to the U.S. border, countless Americans, and those from abroad have visited Juarez and found the people to be friendly and helpful even if you don’t speak Spanish, the food to be diverse and amazing, and have had an overall wonderful, problem-free time.
However, before you visit anywhere in the world, you must do your due diligence to understand the risks of traveling to that location.
In the case of Juarez, the city has seen violent turmoil in recent years because of its location at the U.S. border and the drug cartels in the area.
This does not mean you should avoid visiting and enjoying all that Juarez has to offer but follow the main tips:
- Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings
- Never walk around alone at night
- Know where to find the local police services
- Never flash your valuables or money in public
- Be aware of overly friendly locals
- Don’t go looking for trouble
- … and use common sense!
If you follow heightened precautions when visiting, you will have an amazing time in Juarez, Mexico!
How Does Juarez Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Juarez | 32 |
| Playa del Carmen | 69 |
| Cabo San Lucas | 68 |
| Acapulco | 63 |
| Cancun | 71 |
| Guadalajara | 62 |
| Mexico City | 45 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
Entering Mexico is a straightforward process with all foreign travelers receiving a permit upon entry, which costs $15. While some countries require a visit, if you are an American tourist, you do not need a visa if staying in the country for under 180 days. For more information, contact the local Mexican embassy or consulate office.
Currency
The official currency of Mexico is the peso, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted due to the exchange rate. ATMs are plentiful around Juarez and across the country, but credit cards are mostly only accepted in stores, restaurants, and high-end hotels so it’s a cash-based economy.
Weather
Juarez is considered an arid, desert climate meaning that the summers are stifling hot, and the winters are cold but short, with a dry climate year-round. For this reason, it’s critical to wear sunscreen on exposed skin, even in the winter.
Airports
The closest airport is Abraham Gonzalez International Airport, which is in the city of Juarez. The airport is located close to the Mexico-U.S. border, directly opposite from El Paso, Texas.
Travel Insurance
Like with any international trip, it is critical to get travel insurance for your visit to Juarez. This is because travel insurance covers the costs of loss and theft of valuables and medical costs, should you have an issue. It also covers last-minute cancellations due to personal issues, inclement weather, natural disasters, and a variety of other stoppages.
Juarez Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 13 | 16 | 20 | 27 | 31 | 35 | 35 | 34 | 31 | 25 | 19 | 15 |
| Low °C | -1 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 11 | 16 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 9 | 2 | -1 |
| High °F | 55 | 61 | 68 | 81 | 88 | 95 | 95 | 93 | 88 | 77 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 30 | 32 | 37 | 48 | 52 | 61 | 66 | 64 | 59 | 48 | 36 | 30 |
playas de juarez
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW
the beaches of Juarez are dangerous, especially the Pacific beaches,use your credit card,
don’t show your cash to her.
also i don’t agree that the TERRORISM RISK : LOW, what level of risk do you apply for losing your head.
Beaches?
There are no beaches in Juarez.
Only on rare occasions when the Rio Bravo foods it’s banks 😀
Crossing in to Juarez
If crossing by bus from El Paso over the boarder you do NOT need an exit stamp from the US Immigration with a UK passport, I was told incorrectly by Mexican authorities on the border when applying to enter Mexico that I needed an exit stamp, I had to walk back across the border bridges pulling bags in the heat, queued after being questioned by US police along with loads of Mexicans to be told by two different US immigration/Passport officers that NO exit stamp is required on leaving the US to enter Mexico, they have other methods of following us but would not say how. Tramped now back to Mexico and got my entry tourist visa to enter, all this took about 2hrs wasted in a dangerous city Cuidad Juarez that I wanted to leave asap.
Juarez is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico for women. The femicide, trafficking and kidnap rates are really high.
****ing dangerous
Are you crazy man?? If you lost your mind so you can go to this ****ing hell
Juarez beaches?
Juarez doesn’t have a beach. There is no ocean or sea nearby Juarez, it is literally in the middle of the desert. The mayor natural disaster risk are the heat waves and torrential rainfalls on the summer and fall season (and thus not common to happen).
Get real
I was reading, PACIFIC OCEAN. PACIFIC OCEAN? who in the hell wrote this un-factual piece. Exactly there is NO OCEAN !!! the bs that gets passed as info on the internet!!!
Was robbed 6 times in 3 days . By the cab driver , the hotel clerk , followed by the door men from the bar & pushed into a doorway by 6 idiots . I was capable of fighting them off if only the bartender had not doping me up gradually spiking my beer . You CANNOT GET A DRINK IN JUAREZ W/O A DRUG IN IT . Stay in the US . Visiting a country , a bar , a beach , a hooker isn’t worth the pathetic hassle of going back home with nothin . Police aren’t there to protect you either . You are a US citizen. You have no rights in Mexico.
Super dangerous but still 4 stars?
But you gave it 4 stars? Wth?
You have got to be kidding...
Beaches in Juarez, eh? Boy I must have really missed something when I was there. I’m not sure how you find the Pacific Ocean in Juarez when it’s like a 1000 miles away.
One hell of a place
Never been but heard wonderful things, not! If anyone goes there then prepare for a bad time. Youd be better off at home lol
I’ve been in Juarez multiple time it’s a wonderful experience if you have family down there or friend because it is way safer with people that live there i would say don’t go past dark because that’s when things can get really ugly.
The time to visit was 40-50 years ago.
We used to go to Juarez back in the 70s. it was a fun day trip. Cheap meals, cheap shopping. Fireworks, switchblades. You would park in the Decor parking lot, pay the attendant like 50 cents to watch your car, and spend the day walking around. I would never go now.
Yes I remember. I was stationed at Ft Bliss, TX in 1971, much different time. Would walk over the bridge, cost 1 cent to enter Mexico. It cost 2 cents to go back to El Paso. Many that lived in Juarez would cross the bridge with their Green Card and work in El Paso. I would always cross back into the US in a cab with the same cab driver, always nice and took me to Ft Bliss.
my time visiting Juarez
I was stationed at fort bliss from May 1968 until august 1969. We would most every weekend walk over the bridge into Juarez. never having any fear of being shot or having any trouble there. I enjoyed shopping there, would get great bargains, just plain enjoyed time spent there.I dated a girl that lived in Juarez, visited her home there, she worked in El Paso. I have visited El Paso 5 times first time back 2015, but would not go to Juarez with my wife and friends because of the danger. I under stand that Juarez is off limits to military now. Do not get me wrong, the people I met back then in Juarez were friendly and for the most part treated you nicely, no problems, Someday I would hope to be able to visit Juarez again just to see how it has changed over the years
Swell swell
Best surfing this side of Kandahar. Great fun. Try to arrive early to avoid the annoying El Pasonians. Absolutely no hassle from the Mexicans. Lovely beach and topless clubs.
dont go
Grow a Pair
The last time I visited Juarez was back in the mid-80s. It was exactly what I expected, cheap beer, cheap pussy, cheap souvenirs, etc. It was a fun place to go for us GIs and probably is still very much the same now as it was back then; only now everybody is a pussy these days. Hell, people nowadays can’t even drop their drawers to figure out what gender they are. I wouldn’t blame that on Mexican violence, I blame that on American families that failed to raise their kids to have some balls.
Can be a nice experience
It’s too bad to see and hear the bad things that keep dragging Juarez down. I mean, sure there’s crime and drugs but these things are not as horrible as they are portrayed on some sites or on the TV. This is especially true if we’re talking about tourists. If you’re a tourist and go on the tourist route and keep doing the right things you will probably not encounter anything bad. Won’t have any problems unless you go out, alone, at night. Or if you visit dangerous areas at any time of the day. But this is the case with any big city.
Paso del Norte Cultural Center is a great place to start. You can either go for the theater scene or even see a sporting event. It’s a very family friendly place.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the place to go to to learn about the history of the place. It’s a special, energy-filled spot.
Monumento a la Mecaneidad is a huge monument that can be seen from a great distance. It’s nice to look at from up close as well.
La Rodadora is a must visit, especially with your children as they will love it. Very hands on and has plenty of nice exhibits like the very cool dinosaur one. If your kid is in love with dinos then this is the place to be.
Museo de la Revolución en La Frontera is where you can go to learn more about Juarez and it’s free.
Other attractions are the City Market, Mercado Juarez, Centro Cultural paso del Norte, Parque Central, Samalayuca Dune Fields, etc. Plenty to see, do, visit and experience in Juarez. Like I said, stay within the tourist areas, get a guide (or if you have a friend to help) and the experience will be a much better one overall. It’s just a matter of avoiding sketchy areas.
I actually ended up moving to Juarez for a while & honestly it was a great experience. Everyone was so kind and helpful, they all gave me meals & i gained 60 lbs from the great food hahah. I pretty much h always felt safe and during the 2 years I was there I never got robbed or kidnapped, I did see a few dead bodies, which is so sad, but that was about it.
Don't go!
Let no one kid you…Juarez is NOT a safe place. I have lived in El Paso since the early 80s and Juarez has changed dramatically. I used to go to Juarez weekly. People here posting that it is a safe place are either lying or don’t live in this region or have never been to Juarez. Unfortunately, Juarez has gone downhill because of the drug cartels that didn’t dominate Juarez in the 80s. The drug cartels breed other crimes there. You might go there and come back and wonder why people think it’s dangerous. On the other hand you could go there and be a victim. If you DO decide to go before you go read ‘The People’s Guide to Mexico’. This book has the most useful information of any book on the market. Again take this advice DON’T GO TO MEXICO unless you are completely aware of the potential dangers involved.