Tijuana

The questions people ask first about Tijuana, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
• SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
• Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
• TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
• SafetyTijuana is a big city with a real crime rate, but tourist areas are busy and policed.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeMXN 40–70 (≈ US$3–4)
• Sit-down mealSit-down lunch, mid restaurantMXN 150–300 (≈ US$9–17)
• Street or quick mealFish or carne asada tacoMXN 25–45 (≈ US$2–3)
• BeerCraft beer, pintMXN 70–120 (≈ US$4–7)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across the centreAgree the fare first or use an app.MXN 80–150 (≈ US$5–9)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekMXN 200–400 (≈ US$11–25)
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMX$300 (≈ US$17)
• Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per roomMX$1,600 (≈ US$90)
• High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per roomMX$3,200 (≈ US$180)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$700 (≈ US$40) · Mid MX$1,500 (≈ US$85) · High MX$3,000 (≈ US$170)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

TIJ General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International (About 8 km (5 mi) east of the centre; the CBX pedestrian bridge links it to San Diego without a border wait.) · SAN San Diego International (About 41 km (25 mi) north; trolley plus a walk across the border is the cheap route.)TIJ General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International (About 5 mi (8 km) east of the centre; the CBX pedestrian bridge links it to San Diego without a border wait.) · SAN San Diego International (About 25 mi (41 km) north; trolley plus a walk across the border is the cheap route.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

MXN 700–1,200 (≈ US$40–65) excl. bed

Mid

MXN 1,200–2,500 (≈ US$65–140) excl. bed

High

MXN 2,500 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed

• Returning to the US on foot can take 30 min to several hours; the SENTRI and Ready Lanes are faster but need an approved card.
• Do not carry firearms or ammunition across the border in either direction.
• Buy Mexican car insurance before driving south; most US rental agreements do not cover Mexico.
• Zona Norte after dark is a red-light district: expect solicitation and drink-price games.