Is Albuquerque Safe for Travel in 2024?

Safety Score

United States : Safety by City

Albuquerque is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Mexico. The city’s nicknames are The Duke City and Burque, both of which reference its 1706 founding by Nuevo México governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdés as La Villa de Alburquerque. It is the principal city of the Albuquerque metropolitan area, which had 915,927 residents as of July 2018.

Warnings & Dangers in Albuquerque

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

The city has a fairly high level of violent crime, so it is important to be very careful not to walk late at night to avoid streets and districts remote from the city center.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM

Public transport is well developed, but thieves and pickpockets often use buses. Avoid travel to terminal stations. Use only licensed taxi services. If you are traveling by your own car, park only in guarded parking lots.

PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH

Pickpocketing occurs in Albuquerque at every turn, so wear an anti-theft backpack, look after your belongings, and don't leave your phones and wallets unattended. In crowded places, keep an eye on your surroundings.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW

In Albuquerque, it is worth taking care of protection from the sun and heat. There are also sometimes thunderstorms here. Follow the weather forecasts.

MUGGING RISK : HIGH

In the suburbs of Albuquerque, local gangs' showdowns take place; during these showdowns, there are shootings and kidnappings. Avoid these areas and don't get involved with drugs.

TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM

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

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

The most common scams in Albuquerque are related to street beggars. Be suspicious of anyone who asks or offers you help.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM

Women traveling alone in Albuquerque should avoid late-night walks and be very discreet on the city streets. Heightened precautions won't hurt.

How Safe Is Albuquerque for Tourists?

Albuquerque is an unsafe city for tourists.

The crime index here ranges from medium to high.

The main problems are related to vandalism, drug trafficking, and theft.

Travelers should also remember that this city has the highest rating in the country for car thefts.

If you are traveling in your car or rented car, carefully lock it, take care of additional anti-theft measures, and the only park your car in guarded paid parking lots.

The city center is relatively safe during the day.

It is better to avoid walking in the area of University Boulevard at night.

The convention center near San Pedro downtown can be a quite scary day and night.

It is better to avoid this place or visit it only in the company of like-minded people.

There are many crooks and beggars on the streets.

Be attentive to your surroundings and watch closely those who ask or offer you help.

In general, if you follow common sense, watch your belongings and your car, and be suspicious of the people around you, you will avoid major problems in Albuquerque.

Do not trust people who offer you a free drink at a bar – most likely, they will inject you with opiates to poison and rob you.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Albuquerque?

Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the United States diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or Visa Waiver Program countries. A valid passport is a must.

Which Currency Is Used in Albuquerque?

The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. It has a sign: $ and a code: USD. Also, it abbreviated US$. One dollar is divided into 100 cents (Symbol: ¢).

How's the Weather like in Albuquerque?

In Albuquerque, the summers are hot, the winters are short and very cold, and it is dry and mostly clear year-round. The best time to visit Albuquerque is from September to November.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Albuquerque?

Albuquerque International Airport Sunport is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, the Albuquerque metropolitan area, and the larger CSA Albuquerque-Santa Fe Las Vegas.

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 Albuquerque?

Here you can take a scenic hot air balloon ride over the city, play a game on one of the golf courses, go mountain biking in the Sandia foothills, hike through history, go kayaking on the waters of the legendary Rio Grande, or stroll through the Old Town.

Is the Water in Albuquerque Safe to Drink?

Tap water is not potable. You can use bottled water or boil tap water.

Is Uber Safe in Albuquerque?

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.