Visiting Guadalajara is moderately safe if you take the necessary precautions. Multiple government advisories, including those from the United States and Canada, suggest exercising “increased caution” or “reconsidering travel” to the state of Jalisco.
The truth is that the safety level in Guadalajara may fluctuate based on factors such as political stability.
However, the government has implemented significant initiatives to enhance local security, resulting in a decline in crimes targeting tourists in the city in recent years.
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Crime Statistics in Guadalajara
Guadalajara boasts a crime rating of 73.06, which aligns closely with some of Mexico’s most perilous cities. Guadalajara is the 11th most violent state in Mexico.
These are some crime rate statistics in Guadalajara, according to Numbeo.
| Crime Severity | 73.06 | High | |
| The trend of Crime Increase Over the Last 3 Years | 78.51 | High | |
| Concerns About Home Burglaries and Theft | 56.09 | Moderate | |
| Concerns About Personal Robbery or Mugging | 66.63 | High | |
| Concerns About Vehicle Theft | 63.73 | High | |
| Concerns About Theft from Vehicles | 72.01 | High | |
| Concerns About Physical Assault | 51.17 | Moderate |
Areas to Avoid
The prevalence of powerful drug cartels significantly contributes to Guadalajara’s elevated crime levels. Positioned as a pivotal hub for drug trafficking, the city becomes a prime target for criminal organizations. Competition among these cartels for control over territory often leads to conflicts, involving random locals and tourists in the middle of these disputes.
According to reputable local media, these are the neighborhoods that should be avoided as much as possible. The Center, Santa Tere, Lafayette, Oblates and Chapel of Jesus.
In addition, these are some other areas that should be avoided, especially at night. The Independence, Miravalle, Santa Cecilia, Saint John of God, Ladron de Guevara and Americana.
LATEST NEWS from Guadalajara:
March 11: A man stabs three women to death in Guadalajara
At the Technological University of Guadalajara (UTEG) Olímpica campus late on Wednesday afternoon, two university administrative staff members were fatally stabbed by a man going by the name of Gabriel Alejandro “N.”
The suspect is thought to have also killed a young woman in a motel room a few kilometers away from the university earlier on Wednesday. Shortly before he is accused of carrying out the double homicide at UTEG, Gabriel Alejandro can be seen on camera checking into the motel.
One of the victims called the police before she passed, so they arrived at the campus and arrested Gabriel Alejandro in a classroom he had blocked off with chairs. The suspect in handcuffs is seen being placed inside a police car in a video.
Official Travel Advisories
U.S. Travel Advisory
According to the U.S. State Department, American citizens should reconsider traveling to Guadalajara due to concerns regarding crime and kidnapping.
Jalisco State, where Guadalajara is situated, witnesses frequent occurrences of violent crime and gang activity. Within Guadalajara itself, tourist zones are not immune to territorial conflicts among criminal factions, which have resulted in shooting incidents that harm or even claim the lives of innocent bystanders.
Canada Travel Advisory
As a rule of thumb, the Canadian government advises its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.”
However, it does not advise citizens to avoid visiting Guadalaja as it does with other states such as Guerrero.
Common Scams
Sadly, there are many people out there looking to take advantage of tourists in order to make quick profits. Being knowledgeable about the circumstances in the city is your best line of defense against being scammed.
Pickpocketing: Scammers employ diversion tactics such as spraying you with liquids or condiments. While appearing to assist in cleaning up, they will simultaneously pickpocket you.
Photo with locals: Prior to taking a picture, be sure to inquire about any associated charges.
Taxi overcharges: It’s common for tourists to be overcharged for taxi rides, especially if fares are not negotiated upfront. Always ensure that the meter is activated by your driver to avoid inflated fees.
ATM assistance: Beware of friendly locals offering assistance to avoid local taxes on ATM withdrawals. Their intention is to obtain your credit card details for fraudulent purposes. Decline any assistance at ATMs and only utilize those located in shopping malls and banks.
Invitation to local bars: While “friendly” locals may suggest visiting a bar they know, it often leads to you paying inflated prices. Always check the prices before ordering anything and do your own research on local, reputable bars and restaurants.
Safety Tips for Guadalajara
Follow these guidelines to reduce any potential risks:
- Choose Didi and Uber for taxi services.
- Use ATMs located in malls, supermarkets, or banks.
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy: 911 for police, 066 for ambulances, and 080 for fire services.
- Select reputable accommodations situated in safe neighborhoods.
- Refrain from venturing out alone after dark.
- Avoid displaying valuable jewelry or carrying excessive cash.
- Reject offers to purchase illegal drugs.
- Exercise caution when sharing personal information with strangers.
- Carry pesos as many establishments do not accept other currencies.