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Common Emergency Situations
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What to Do in Common Emergency Situations
 

Tijuana is a lively and culturally rich city, but like in any large border destination, travelers should be prepared for unexpected situations. Here are practical recommendations for what to do in case of crime, health issues, money problems, legal needs, or other urgent situations—both during the day and at night, and whether you're in a central area or a remote part of Tijuana.
 

Crime-Related Emergencies

If you are robbed, threatened, or feel unsafe.

In a central area (e.g., Zona Centro, Zona Río):

  • Move to a well-lit, crowded area immediately. Go to a restaurant, hotel lobby, or store.
  • Call 911 (Mexico’s emergency number). Operators often speak both Spanish and English.
  • Avoid chasing or confronting anyone.
  • Go to a police module if nearby (common in tourist zones).
  • If your passport was stolen, go to your consulate (US Consulate is in Zona Río).


In a remote or quiet area:

  • Get to the nearest main road or business as fast as possible.
  • If you cannot find people around, call a rideshare (Uber, Didi) if your phone still works.
  • If your phone was taken, ask any open business to call an Uber or police for you.
  • At night, prioritize calling a ride rather than walking.

     

Health Emergencies

In a central area:

Tijuana has many hospitals and urgent-care centers.
 

For emergencies:

  • Go to Hospital Angeles or Hospital Del Prado.
  • Call 911 if you need an ambulance.

For minor issues:

  • Farmacias Similares and Farmacias Roma have clinics with doctors on duty.
  • Many clinics are open until late.


For kids:
Pediatric urgent care is available at Hospital Angeles and Hospital del Prado.


For pet emergencies:
24/7 vets include Dr. Zoo and Profauna.


In remote or outlying areas:

  • Use your phone to call 911. Ambulances can reach remote zones, though slower.
  • Call a rideshare; rides arrive even in distant colonias.
  • If without transportation, ask locals for the nearest “farmacia con doctor”.


At night:
Go to private hospitals, as they provide safer, more reliable service after dark.


 

Money Problems

Lost wallet, no cash or card problems
 

Anywhere in the city:

  • Contact your bank immediately to block your cards.
  • Many Western Union locations in Tijuana allow someone to send you money from abroad within minutes.
  • Some ATMs allow cardless cash withdrawals using your banking app.


In a central area:

  • You can walk into banks on main avenues like Paseo de los Héroes.
  • Hotels will often help you contact your bank or print documents.


In isolated areas:

  • Get to the nearest Oxxo, 7-Eleven, or gas station.
  • They have ATMs and phone charging stations.


At night:
Choose ATMs inside stores, not on the street.
 


 

 

Needing a Lawyer

If you are involved in an accident, detained, or need legal help:
 

In a central location:

  • Contact an English-speaking lawyer. Many operate near the border or Zona Río or consult https://miabogadoentijuana.com/ 
  • The US Consulate (if you’re an American citizen) can provide a list of local attorneys.  +152664 977 2000
     

+152664 977 2000In remote areas:

  • Call 911 first. Police can assist and help you contact legal support.
  • Move toward the nearest populated area via rideshare.


At night:
Stay in well-lit areas and avoid interacting with unknown individuals offering “help.”


 

Lost or Stolen Smartphone

In central areas:

  • Go to the nearest Oxxo to buy a cheap phone or SIM to communicate.
  • Log in from any computer (hotel, café) to track it, lock it, erase data.
  • Ask businesses to call you a taxi or rideshare if needed.


In remote areas:

  • Head toward the nearest tienda (corner store), gas station, or Oxxo.


Ask someone to:

  • Call an Uber for you
  • Help you reach your hotel or safe area


At night:
Do not walk long distances. Get a ride from rideshare apps or safe taxis.
 

 

 

Car Trouble or Transportation Issues

In central locations:
Call an Uber or Didi if you need to get moving right away.


For car problems:

  • Towing services usually operate 24/7. Grúas Tijuana https://www.gruastj.com.mx/ o Grúas Terriquez +1526647683414 
  • Gas stations often help with simple issues like charging the car battery, air for your tires and water for the radiator. 


In remote or isolated areas:

  • Call 911 if stranded in an unsafe location.
  • Call a tow truck directly (they serve most rural roads).
  • Stay inside the vehicle at night with doors locked until help arrives.


 

Final Tips for Traveling Safely in Tijuana
 

  • Always keep your phone charged.
  • Use rideshare apps—they are safer than street taxis.
  • Avoid walking long distances at night, even in busy areas.
  • Store important documents in your hotel, carry copies instead.
  • Learn basic Spanish emergency phrases.