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
- Zamora
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Mexicali is the capital of the state of Baja California and is located in the northeastern part of the state.
It’s right along the border, conjoined with the Californian city of Calexico.
Mexicali is a vital agricultural and industrial center with an amazing history of its own.
The city was founded in 1898 as La Lagua del Alamo, but was renamed Mexicali after American C.M. Holt worked on a little wordplay for the names of the two cities separated by the border.
One of the features of Mexicali that stands out to so many is the history of Chinese immigration in the city.
Not only did immigrants gather there, but the city also served as a destination for Chinese in the United States who had to leave after the country passed the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882.
Cooks who settled there took American Chinese recipes and adjusted them to incorporate slightly different ingredients that were more common in northern Mexico.
Mexicali long held a reputation as one of Mexico’s quieter cities, meant for families and more focused on protecting its citizens against the terrible summer heat, rather than against crime.
But that’s changed in the past few years, with the U.S. Department of State now listing the state of Baja California as Level 3, Reconsider Travel, in its alert system.
(Mexico as a whole is Level 2, with some states reaching Level 4, the most dangerous level, and two remaining at Level 1.)
For those who want to visit or who have business in the city, the increase in crime and the State Department warnings can be nerve-wracking.
Yes, being in Mexicali has risks, and you’ll need to take those into account to give your trip a better chance of being really great, rather than full of regret.
Warnings & Dangers in Mexicali
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
The problem with giving a rating for the risk for Mexicali is that risk is just that. It's not a guarantee that something bad will happen, and you could have a perfectly lovely trip. It's common for people to walk over from Calexico in California to eat at a restaurant in Mexicali, for example, despite all the risks. But you do need to be on the lookout and take steps to protect yourself that go beyond the normal "stay aware" advice that tourists might get in other countries. Unfortunately, the crime rate in Mexicali is much higher than it used to be; a decade or so ago, Mexicali was known as one of the quieter cities in Baja.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Avoid hailing taxis in the street, and instead go to regulated taxi stands or ask your hotel to call a taxi. If driving, stay on busy streets in tourist areas because carjacking is a risk. Note that if you decide to stay in Calexico, just across the border, you can walk into Mexicali instead of driving or taking a taxi; however, this can be uncomfortable in summer.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Petty theft is an issue, so do your best to make yourself a less attractive target. Use anti-theft bags, hidden money pouches, and so on.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Mexicali's summer heat is brutal, and the region is prone to powerful earthquakes, such as the April 2010 Easter quake, which had a magnitude of 7.2. Summer monsoons can lead to flooding in the region. Never cross flooded highways.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Robbery is a real concern in the region.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Mexicali isn't known for terrorism as Americans might think of it, but the risk exists, as does the risk of being caught in violence between rival cartels. Kidnapping is a risk, even for U.S. citizens visiting as tourists. The entire state of Baja California is under a State Department Level 3 advisory, and U.S. government employees have been warned not to enter certain parts of the Mexicali Valley. However, they can enter the city of Mexicali and the airport.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Fraud unfortunately almost doubled in Mexicali between 2020 and 2025. Some scams are run-of-the-mill tourist scams you'd find anywhere, such as overcharging tourists or selling fake merchandise. Others include potential fender-bender scams where a car might hit yours, only for the other driver to negotiate a cash settlement on the spot. Police shakedown scams are possible. Gas station scams are common, including the attendant (pumps are full-service throughout the country) not zeroing out the last customer's purchase and effectively adding it to yours. People have reported being double-charged for gas or being told they didn't hand over a large bill like they thought they did. (If you pay for gas in cash, state the amount of money you're handing to the attendant as you hand it over.)
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
A tourist zone during the day may be safer due to higher law enforcement presence, but an isolated, poorly lit neighborhood at night is not. Some reports online recommend women travel in groups instead of alone. Most of the people in Mexicali are like those in any other city: helpful and friendly. But the risks are higher in Mexicali.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Don't drink the tap water. Tourist resorts and hotels sometimes have purified/filtered water, but if you don't see any signs, assume the tap water isn't safe, and you'll need to get bottled water. Unfortunately, contaminants to enter the supply even after the water has been purified.
Safest Places to Visit in Mexicali
Stick to tourist areas while in Mexicali.
The city is known for its signature take on Chinese food and its Chinatown, called La Chinesca, with its underground tunnels built to keep people out of the heat.
The city has several museums and an art center, as well as a zoo.
You can have a fun time in Mexicali, despite all the warnings.
Places to Avoid in Mexicali
It’s easier to talk about where to be in general than it is to point out certain neighborhoods.
You may want to heed the Department of State’s advice to U.S. government employees:
Stay north of Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas, stay north of Highway 92, and stay west of Highway 1.
Travel to the airport on Highways 1 and 8 only, and only during the day.
Avoid other areas.
If business interests require that you travel to other parts of the city, coordinate with your contacts there to arrange for safe transportation and to find out which specific areas to stay out of.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Mexicali
- Get travel insurance. This extra protection will come in handy should anything happen.
- Register with the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and follow the State Department on social media for alerts.
- Keep your wits about you. Never wander with earbuds in, for example, and watch your belongings.
- Never flash wealth. Dress down — dress neatly, but dress down — and be very cautious around ATMs.
- Avoid driving at night, and avoid driving on isolated roads.
- Stick to well-lit, populated areas.
- Do learn at least some phrases in Spanish.
- Obey all laws.
- If you’re not driving, use regulated transport, be it rideshare apps or taxis from regulated stands.
- Stay only in reputable hotels. Sites like Airbnb aren’t recommended because the locations aren’t really vetted, and you likely won’t be familiar with the neighborhoods.
So... How Safe Is Mexicali Really?
While people do still visit Mexicali to visit family, get medical care, eat, and so on, it really isn’t the safest city at the time of this writing.
Of course, those who travel there regularly and who are used to the precautions may disagree with that assessment.
However, the State Department’s warnings and alerts, and the documented increase in specific types of crime over the years, leave Mexicali with a less than stellar safety situation.
Overall, crime rates did decrease by 17% in early and mid-2025, compared to 2024.
But fraud is up, as previously mentioned, and homicides and rape increased.
(Baja California as a whole had the highest homicide rate in all of Mexico in 2024.)
If you go, plan carefully; ensure you get your paperwork in order, stay at reputable spots, stick to tourist areas, and try not to go out at night.
Be aware of heat illness, too, in summer.
How Does Mexicali Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Mexicali |
40 |
| Ensenada |
78 |
| Chichen Itza |
70 |
| Isla Mujeres |
82 |
| Nuevo Laredo |
35 |
| San Miguel de Allende |
80 |
| Ixtapa |
70 |
 Harbour Island | 68 |
 Valley City | 82 |
| Boone | 82 |
| Cheyenne | 81 |
| Chattanooga | 69 |
| St. George | 94 |
Useful Information
Visas
American citizens traveling to Mexico do need a passport. If you're entering via land, driving in from California, you can use a passport book or passport card. However, if you fly in, you need a passport book. Passports have to be valid for at least six months. You'll need an FFM, also called a multiple immigration form, and you'll need to pay a fee that averages about US$46, depending on the exchange rate. (Travelers who are staying for fewer than six days and not traveling outside a specific border zone may not need the form or fee.) You can take care of both of these at the airport or at offices at border crossings, or you can apply for the FMM online before your trip. If you plan to stay for more than six months, even as a tourist, you need to apply for a temporary resident visa before your trip.
Currency
Mexicali uses the Mexican peso, with 1 peso equal to 100 centavos. Be aware that the symbol for the peso is the dollar sign, and the centavo uses the "c" with a slash through it that also represents U.S. cents. As of January 2026, US$1 equaled about Mex$17.9. You can exchange dollars for pesos at a "cambio" at the airport or in the city. However, using an ATM to withdraw money in pesos normally gets you the best rate.
Weather
The climate in Mexicali is similar to that in El Centro, California, and Yuma, Arizona. Nice winters with average highs in the upper 60s and low 70s Fahrenheit, and average lows in the 40s, but dreadfully hot summers with average highs around 108F and average lows around 79°F. If you travel there in summer, you have to be smart about the heat and remember that you're in a desert. Monsoon storms are common in summer.
Airports
Mexicali has an international airport, alternately known as Mexicali International Airport, Mexicali Airport, and Aeropuerto Internacional General Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada. You can rent a car at the airport to get into the city itself, or you can use a rideshare app such as Uber or DiDi. However, there have been reports online of people having credit card issues with these services. Using cash may be better. If you take a taxi, ensure you go to a regulated taxi stand (look for an information desk at the airport if you're not sure where the taxis are), and be aware that taxi trips can be costly. Important: Technically, you could fly into Tijuana, rent a car, and drive along Federal Highway 2 or 2D to Mexicali. (2D is a newer, wider road, with tolls in pesos.) However, with either highway, the roads east of La Rumorosa twist and wind their way through high mountain passes that are prone to snow during winter storms. You'll also have to stop at a military checkpoint between the mountains and Mexicali.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a necessity, and travelers should ensure that they buy a policy that covers everything from medical issues to evacuation to cancellations. American auto insurance may not meet local requirements; it can, but it doesn't always do so. It's safer to purchase auto insurance specific to Mexico. Some car rental companies may have policies you can purchase, and your auto insurance agent may have additional coverage you can purchase.
Mexicali Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
20 | 23 | 27 | 31 | 35 | 41 | 42 | 42 | 39 | 32 | 25 | 20 |
| Low °C |
9 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 24 | 29 | 29 | 26 | 19 | 13 | 9 |
| High °F |
68 | 73 | 81 | 88 | 95 | 106 | 108 | 108 | 102 | 90 | 77 | 68 |
| Low °F |
48 | 52 | 55 | 61 | 63 | 75 | 84 | 84 | 79 | 66 | 55 | 48 |
No reliable police force
Mexicali us a popular dental services destination. With no reliable police force or enforced rule of law, the medical tourist is a likely cash robbery target since yo I’m pay cash for all services. Worth the risk? Your call.
I flew from Ireland to Mexico city,,and the first thing I sniffed outside the largest airport I had ever landed at,was car exhaust. After spending a whole night eating at a pizza hut there, I could not wait to get out with so many pairs of cops looking at me like I was on their radar. I soon learnt that they think of gringos as possible drug traffikers. thank Christ for a wonderful American lady who kindly showed me to my departure and thus liberty. Having flown over mostly desert I was one of three Europeans who stood out like you could not mistake us. Two Dutch and one Mick.? Landing was another experience as all I could see on the approach to the airport were the odd Ranchero (ranch) beneath us and no sign of any city. But alas there is one, but many miles away from the main airport and truly a scary place with a line of the most impoverished cab drivers I had ever set eyes on. But that is when experience kicks in, and the young lady behind the Cambio winked reassuringly as a suspicious undernourished but smiling toothless driver who already had hold of my luggage and led the way to his equally suspicious cab, with its collapsed passengers side window and malfunctioning radio which he kindly put on to relax me. Though he turned out to be a very stand up person trying hard to assure me that all would be okay. Mind you he could have dumped me in that long desert freeway and who would have been the wiser. Eventually, I seen large buildings up ahead and soon the five lane road at the USA/immigration border and instantly felt i would survive another day. The morale of the tale is, don,t prejudge others untill your senses know better from all around you. Seamus Glas,, author, and travel writer..
4star
I love Mexicali it is a wonderful place to meet women and eat the best Chinese food outside of China. The people are great except the police. I am sick and tired of being stopped and ripped off for no reason. Except that they want my money
Safe overall
Safe overall if you’re not looking for trouble or going to bad areas. Lots of good places to eat and some nice movie theaters and stuff like that. I would really advise walking alone in places you’re unfamiliar with, especially at night.
You mean AGAINST walking alone in places you’re unfamiliar with, especially at night.
I moved there
prostitutes galore. I left my wife of 31 years and married one. She thinks I am rich. They wait on you hand and foot. Her family protected me since I married the ugly old thing. cheap liquor, cheap food, cheap housing
Too bad
USA should take it clean it up make it Arizona coastline. Best thing that could ever happen. What a shame it’s wasted coastline.
What you are saying? Use Spanish
What coast?
Mexicali DOESN’T have any “coastline!”
It’s hours east of the coast & literally 🌵 DESERT.
Watch for accident scams
We come to mexacali to shop Costco, Walmart, and home deposit, and cross border. Car accident scammers hit you from behind and claim you hit them. They threaten to call police if you don’t pay $200-$1000. DONT PAY!!! negotiate, or threaten to call cops, but be ready for consequences. It has happened to us and our friends. We didn’t pay, but our friends did (and perpetuate the scam). Looking for U.S. plates and older people driving. Too bad Mexicali doesn’t do anything about this escalating problem.
Good to live in, boring to visit
Good city to live in, horrible to visit. (I live here) Great food, horrible weather, exceptional safety considering it’s a city on the border, avoid going astray from the main avenues if you’re on the southern part of the city, everything, if anything in it is worth seeing, it’s in the historical center, which is right on the border, and not sprinkled around the city.
I spent some time in Mexicali recently, and it’s wild to think about all that history and the way the food culture has evolved there; the blend of flavors is something you really can’t find anywhere else.