Is Culiacan Safe for Travel in 2024?

Culiacan, Mexico
Safety Score
58

Culiacán, officially Culiacán Rosales, is a city in northwestern Mexico that is the capital of and the largest city in Sinaloa and the Culiacán Municipality. It was founded on September 29, 1531 by the Spanish conquerors Lázaro de Cebreros and Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán under the name of Villa de San Miguel, which referred to its patron saint, Michael the Archangel.

Warnings & Dangers in Culiacan

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

Culiacan is not the safest city, but if you avoid distant districts from the city center and do not walk alone late at night, you can prevent most of the problems in this city.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM

Public transport is not well-developed. Traffic on the roads can be very busy and unsafe. Pickpockets are common on buses. Use only licensed taxi services.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK : LOW

Pickpocketing is not common, but this kind of thing happens here. Keep track of your belongings, do not leave your phone unattended, keep important documents in the hotel's safe.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

Culiacan is located in one of the world’s most seismology-active regions. The risk of earthquakes is permanently high here. Before planning a trip here, travelers should get information about the situation with natural hazard risks.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK : HIGH

There is a risk of armed attacks or kidnapping in Culiacan, and the common goal of robbers is to get your money and valuables. Therefore, if you are attacked, give the robbers what they ask of you to save your life.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM

Terrorist attacks in the city are often associated with internal political showdowns. External threats from terrorist organizations usually do not exist in the city.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

Fraud is commonly associated with street vendors offering counterfeit goods to tourists. Don't buy them even if the price is very attractive. Also, only withdraw money from ATMs at banks with cameras to avoid skimming your card.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : HIGH

Women are not advised to travel to this city alone; it can be hazardous. You also need to be quiet and wear modest clothing.

How Safe Is Culiacan for Tourists?

Culiacán is not the safest city to travel to.

The crime index here is at a high level.

The main problems are related to drug trafficking and attacks.

It is safe to walk in the center of Culiacan during the day and evening.

It is not recommended to travel to the outskirts of Culiacan at night.

It can be very unsafe and most often serious crimes occur in these places.

Traffic in Culiacan can be extremely aggressive, much more aggressive than in many other parts of Mexico, and they often reach pedestrians without concern for safety.

Locals associate this with the stereotypically aggressive, proud and violent attitude of “sinaloense”.

Culiacan (along with the city of Badiraguato) is famous for being the birthplace and residence of many drug lords and drug dealers.

Mexicans from other states often point out that Culiacan is very dangerous to visit. Most deaths only occur among drug cartels and the federal military.

In general, in this city, you must adhere to the strongest security measures, do not carry jewelry and a lot of cash with you, and also monitor your surroundings.

Do not trust those who ask or offer you help.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Culiacan?

No visas are required for tourist proposals to enter Mexico for many countries of Europe, US citizens, and so on. You should have a valid passport and a tourist permit. The maximum possible stay is 180 days. For a longer stay or other options, you should visit the Mexican embassy.

Which Currency Is Used in Culiacan?

The Mexican peso – is the official currency in Mexico. There are one hundred Mexican centavos to every peso. The symbol for the Mexican Peso is $, so you can see MX$ or MN$ in banks and exchange points.

How's the Weather like in Culiacan?

In Culiacán, the wet season is oppressive and mostly cloudy, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it is hot year-round. The best time of year to visit Culiacán for hot-weather activities is from mid-May to mid-June.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Culiacan?

Bachigualato Federal International Airport, commonly referred to as Culiacan International Airport, is an international airport located in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. It serves domestic and international air travel for the city of Culiacan.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.

What Are Some Things to Do in Culiacan?

Home to the Tomateros, Culiacan is a city that outstands for hunting, nature and business tourism, mixing its natural surroundings with a modern urban infrastructure that goes hand by hand with the most modern cities.

Is the Water in Culiacan Safe to Drink?

Tap water is not drinkable in Culiacan. You should buy bottled water or boil tap water.

Is Uber Safe in Culiacan?

There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a taxi from your smartphone application. The fare will depend on the time of day, and the distance traveled.

More Travel Destinations

Leave a Comment