Tijuana Reports

[QUOTE=Camera3;4266064]I'm not meaning to question your account, but if all you spent was 20 minutes in secondary with no passport or Sentri or other Known Traveler card, you are lucky, because a few hours might be expected. But, how did you get INTO Mexico without a passport? Because, these days, the Mexican authorities scan the passport and ask why you are going in[/QUOTE]That varies quite a bit. Some of them just look at your ID and ask what you plan to do, or how long you plan to stay. Even just a drivers license is fine. Sometimes they just wave you through. I've never had them scan my passport card, but they have looked at it.

Agreed that he is a lucky SOB

Good Day Gents:

Just wanted to report on my recent excursion south of the border. I started from the Gaslamp district in San Diego on Tuesday late morning by walking over to the trolley. As I stood at the machine purchasing my round trip ticket, a train rolled up. It wasn't the train I need so I didn't pay much attention to it. The doors opened and suddenly I heard some yelling. I turned around to see a dude land a round house on another dude and then throw him off the train. He hit the sidewalk face first and did a couple barrel rolls. The first dude was standing in the door of the trolley and told the dude on the pavement that if he ever says anything to his wife again, he will kill him. The dude on the pavement was trying to get up to fight back. Just like Micky told Rocky in the last round of the first fight against Creed, I told the dude, "just stay down"! The door of the trolley closed and it moved on. The dude on the pavement stayed there for a few minutes to collect his wits then walked off. A few minutes later my train pulled up, I boarded and headed south. Side note. The trolley ride is worth the $5 round trip price of admission. You will witness human filth at its finest. It's a great way to see the effects first hand of people like Obama, Hillary & Sanders; but I digress.

I arrived in San Ysidro about a half hour later, got a quick lunch and exchanged some cash for pesos. Another side note: I will not do this again. In my humble opinion, there is no reason to have pesos in Tijuana. Everywhere I went and everything I did, they seem to prefer to operate on American cash. Maybe it is true that you could save a little money using pesos, but to me it's not worth the hassle of converting. Plus I told someone I wanted to pay in pesos, that seemed to tell that person that I spoke Spanish; which I do not at all. I walked across around noon; PedEast. There was absolutely no line. They saw that I had a passport and just waved me through; didn't even look at my passport. I immediately jumped in a cab and said Hong Kong $5. He took me right to the door. I went up to Cascadas and got a room even though I had not decided to stay the night. Can't remember exactly what I paid but it was ridiculously cheap because I had a VIP card. At least I had a home base of operation.

After cleaning up in the room, I went to check out the scene. I made several passes through the alley, Hong Kong, Bar Tropical and finally Adelitas. There were some lookers in Hong Kong but most girls were staying to themselves. Bar Tropical had a few but none that were pushing my buttons. The street girl selection was on the weak side as it was early in the day, but there were still plenty to choose from. Maybe it was a fluke, but on this visit, there seemed to be quite a few older street girls working. I'm talking probably at least 40's, probably 50's. Finally ended up at Adelitas. I was enjoying a veer at the bar when Kendra came over. 25 year old, girl next door type, a little on the thick side, said she lives in Tijuana, spoke good English. We had some nice convo, bought her a couple of lady drinks and then headed upstairs. She couldn't go to Cascadas and I didn't mind paying for the shorts stay at Adelitas. We settled on $70 for the session. The sex turned out to be on the mechanical side although she was accommodating. Started with a weak CBJ and after seeing she was going mechanical, I went into ground and pound mode. Cycled there a few positions and finished mish in the bag. We cleaned up and were out of there in probably 15 minutes tops. In all fairness I was a bit drained to start off with. A Latina FWB in Cali torn me up pretty good the night before in Cali. After this I went back to Cascadas, took a shower and a short nap. Woke up around 2:30 pm and cycled through the alley and Hong Kong again. I should have waited. Things were getting rolling and slections were better. I enjoyed the shaving cream show.the girls doing it looked extremely young but I'm sure they were of age as I can't imagine HK having underage girls. I slapped a couple of singles on their asses and dittled their cooters for a minute then took a walk. Visited my favorite Microbrewery then stopped at the farmacy by the arch to load up on vitamin V. I don't need it regularly, but it does come in handy once and awhile. I bought (2) bottles of 10,100 mg tablets; approx. $15 each. Side note: I know it has been debated much and I'm not sure of the actual laws, but I just walked back with them in my pocket. If I would have been stopped and searched, I would have just claimed ignorance. I'm not suggesting this, but it worked for me.

After my V purchase, I went back to Cascadas, took a shower, then hopped back in a $5 cab to Ped East. I walked back over (no line whatsoever), exchanged my remaining pesos for dollars on the US side, jumped in the trolley and got back to San Diego uneventfully. All in time to catch the Padres game.

In conclusion, although this trip was just ok for me, Tijuana is still a jewel every monger should experience in my humble opinion.

JD.

Hey Guys,

Been reading and enjoying this board for a while, finally decided to sign up and participate. I've been to Baja countless times throughout the years for touring and mostly surfing. My TJ experience only consists of driving through or waiting in border wait, so am looking to connect with a buddy to introduce me to Hong Kong for a day trip. I could likely go solo without any issues based on all the great info here, but obviously having a wingman would be great to share beers and the views with. Cheers!

[QUOTE=TheRick182;4268198]Hey Guys,

Been reading and enjoying this board for a while, finally decided to sign up and participate. I've been to Baja countless times throughout the years for touring and mostly surfing. My TJ experience only consists of driving through or waiting in border wait, so am looking to connect with a buddy to introduce me to Hong Kong for a day trip. I could likely go solo without any issues based on all the great info here, but obviously having a wingman would be great to share beers and the views with. Cheers![/QUOTE]May 30-31? Dm me.

[QUOTE=Jd2011;4267297]In my humble opinion, there is no reason to have pesos in Tijuana. Everywhere I went and everything I did, they seem to prefer to operate on American cash. Maybe it is true that you could save a little money using pesos, but to me it's not worth the hassle of converting. [/QUOTE]I think it really depends on the exchange rate. If it has been going up, then paying in pesos is nice because many people haven't caught up to the new rate. When I first started going, the rate had been climbing from 10:1 up to about 15:1. But it had been 10:1 for so long that people still thought that way. A girl would quote US $50 or MX $500. But at that point 500 pesos was more like 35 dollars, so great deal. Now it has been 20:1 for so long that people think of that as the exchange rate, even though it has dropped down to 18:1. Go the girl is now quoting me US $80 or MX $1600, and paying in pesos is more like $90. Bad deal. I like having some pesos for street vendors and stores. I bought some pharmaceutical products and tried to pay in dollars and they gave me a 17:1 exchange rate. Sucks that I blew all my pesos on girls giving me 20:1. I got the worst of both worlds there.

While I agree with that, I run into the problem where the girls will only want USD, and won't take Pesos. The businesses will take pesos no problem, but the girls can be problematic about it. I personally gave up trying to use pesos down that, and just strictly stick with USD.

[QUOTE=KCQuestor;4268535]I think it really depends on the exchange rate. If it has been going up, then paying in pesos is nice because many people haven't caught up to the new rate. When I first started going, the rate had been climbing from 10:1 up to about 15:1. But it had been 10:1 for so long that people still thought that way. A girl would quote US $50 or MX $500. But at that point 500 pesos was more like 35 dollars, so great deal. Now it has been 20:1 for so long that people think of that as the exchange rate, even though it has dropped down to 18:1. Go the girl is now quoting me US $80 or MX $1600, and paying in pesos is more like $90. Bad deal. I like having some pesos for street vendors and stores. I bought some pharmaceutical products and tried to pay in dollars and they gave me a 17:1 exchange rate. Sucks that I blew all my pesos on girls giving me 20:1. I got the worst of both worlds there.[/QUOTE]

Anybody up for checking out TJ s assorted dive bars today?

And later we will hit the nicer places like Hacienda bar.

[QUOTE=FanService;4270045]While I agree with that, I run into the problem where the girls will only want USD, and won't take Pesos. The businesses will take pesos no problem, but the girls can be problematic about it. I personally gave up trying to use pesos down that, and just strictly stick with USD.[/QUOTE]Interesting. I've never had that. But I will be using dollars for my next trip for sure.

It's a fun party, lots of hot girls.

Anyone going?

[QUOTE=FanService;4270045]While I agree with that, I run into the problem where the girls will only want USD, and won't take Pesos. The businesses will take pesos no problem, but the girls can be problematic about it. I personally gave up trying to use pesos down that, and just strictly stick with USD.[/QUOTE]Well, the USD goes alot farther the lonley peso.

[QUOTE=HapaBoy86;4278609]Well, the USD goes alot farther the lonley peso.[/QUOTE]So, I really didn't think much about it on my most recent trips. I have always taken some pesos with me, keep them in my front right pocket (along with hotel room key and Global Entry card, and now that ATT works well in TJ, I carry my phone there, too. Never took my smart phone before now, then keep my small dollars ($5 & $1 bills) in front left and big bills ($20 bills) in left back pocket. I round it out with passport in back right pocket. No wallet and now, no hobby phone. If person wants pesos, I pay in pesos (some cabs, some street vendors), and if dollars I pay in dollars. It is easy to pull out a $1 bill for tips without pulling out a wad of cash. I will say, in my observation, more quote in dollars but accept pesos.

Having the smart phone with real-time translator worked well. Even the girls had fun with it. One girl had her own and we used hers.

Way too many beautiful women who want to fuck and way too much great food.

C3.

Do you know (or does anyone know) if the passport card works in conjunction with global entry? Would be nice to ditch the normal passport. It feels so easily losable. Also, you have to carry both the Global Entry card AND a passport? Sorry for the dumb questions but I'm looking at venturing down there and just got my global entry card.

[QUOTE=Camera3;4279030]So, I really didn't think much about it on my most recent trips. I have always taken some pesos with me, keep them in my front right pocket (along with hotel room key and Global Entry card, and now that ATT works well in TJ, I carry my phone there, too. Never took my smart phone before now, then keep my small dollars ($5 & $1 bills) in front left and big bills ($20 bills) in left back pocket. I round it out with passport in back right pocket. No wallet and now, no hobby phone. If person wants pesos, I pay in pesos (some cabs, some street vendors), and if dollars I pay in dollars. It is easy to pull out a $1 bill for tips without pulling out a wad of cash. I will say, in my observation, more quote in dollars but accept pesos.

Having the smart phone with real-time translator worked well. Even the girls had fun with it. One girl had her own and we used hers.

Way too many beautiful women who want to fuck and way too much great food.

C3.[/QUOTE]

So, I RTFF (actually I read the other FF) and saw that the passport / passport card is for getting into Mexico, and the Global Entry card is for getting back to the US.

The other thing I'm unclear about (and I was looking for when I was RTFF) is when going into Mexico do you need to get a visa or fill out any paper? One time I just walked on through because no one stopped me, but another I went up to a desk and asked. The guy seemed really confused but ultimately gave me a form. I think it was an "FMM" form. Is that necessary?

So, can anyone give me the skinny for getting into Mexico?

[QUOTE=Cruzier1;4280408]Do you know (or does anyone know) if the passport card works in conjunction with global entry? Would be nice to ditch the normal passport. It feels so easily losable. Also, you have to carry both the Global Entry card AND a passport? Sorry for the dumb questions but I'm looking at venturing down there and just got my global entry card.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Cruzier1;4280935]So, I RTFF (actually I read the other FF) and saw that the passport / passport card is for getting into Mexico, and the Global Entry card is for getting back to the US.

The other thing I'm unclear about (and I was looking for when I was RTFF) is when going into Mexico do you need to get a visa or fill out any paper? One time I just walked on through because no one stopped me, but another I went up to a desk and asked. The guy seemed really confused but ultimately gave me a form. I think it was an "FMM" form. Is that necessary?

So, can anyone give me the skinny for getting into Mexico?[/QUOTE]You only need a visa to go to Mexico if you are going to stay longer than 180 days, or if you are going to visit a lot during that 180 day period. I'm not sure of the threshold for "a lot" but I know that a few of the guys from San Diego who go every weekend get a visa.

As far as the passport card, you don't really need it to visit Mexico. I've just shown them my drivers license before (I had my passport packed in my luggage and didn't want to dig it out. There was no problem. Half the time they don't even look and just ask me where I am going (or just wave me through).

Actually you do need a passport or receipt of passport application. !! A friend was refused entry into Mexico about a month ago.

[QUOTE=KCQuestor;4281179]You only need a visa to go to Mexico if you are going to stay longer than 180 days, or if you are going to visit a lot during that 180 day period. I'm not sure of the threshold for "a lot" but I know that a few of the guys from San Diego who go every weekend get a visa.

As far as the passport card, you don't really need it to visit Mexico. I've just shown them my drivers license before (I had my passport packed in my luggage and didn't want to dig it out. There was no problem. Half the time they don't even look and just ask me where I am going (or just wave me through).[/QUOTE]

Ok, more reading. You do not need an actual visa, but you do need an "FMM". 7 days or less is apparently free. I this is form that I was given. I recognize it and I do not recall paying money for it. [URL]https://www.discoverbaja.com/fmm-faqs/[/URL].

The Mexican officer did seem annoyed by me asking for one so like everything in Mexico it probably isn't really enforced unless you get hassled for some bribe monies.

[QUOTE=Cruzier1;4280935]So, I RTFF (actually I read the other FF) and saw that the passport / passport card is for getting into Mexico, and the Global Entry card is for getting back to the US.

The other thing I'm unclear about (and I was looking for when I was RTFF) is when going into Mexico do you need to get a visa or fill out any paper? One time I just walked on through because no one stopped me, but another I went up to a desk and asked. The guy seemed really confused but ultimately gave me a form. I think it was an "FMM" form. Is that necessary?

So, can anyone give me the skinny for getting into Mexico?[/QUOTE]

While I know it's a American holiday coming up, but it's still a major 3 day weekend for us here in the States. So does anyone know of anything special happening down in the Zona Norte to take advantage of the US holiday weekend? I was seriously thinking of heading down there this weekend, mainly because I didn't really have anything else planned. I was hopping that it would warm up some by this weekend, but the forecast is predicting low to mid 60's down there, and some possible rain Saturday. So now I'm thinking of holding off and wait another week or 2 until the weather gets better.

[QUOTE=FanService;4283814]While I know it's a American holiday coming up, but it's still a major 3 day weekend for us here in the States. So does anyone know of anything special happening down in the Zona Norte to take advantage of the US holiday weekend? I was seriously thinking of heading down there this weekend, mainly because I didn't really have anything else planned. I was hopping that it would warm up some by this weekend, but the forecast is predicting low to mid 60's down there, and some possible rain Saturday. So now I'm thinking of holding off and wait another week or 2 until the weather gets better.[/QUOTE]The only place I know to find out things like this is Hong Kong's website and they have an event tomorrow called VIP Chica. No idea what it is and the next event is in June, so nothing this weekend except their usually packed party atmosphere. They do celebrate some US holidays. But pretty much no one else that I have seen.

Other people may have different experiences.

C3.

[QUOTE=MongerSeeker;4282505]Actually you do need a passport or receipt of passport application. !! A friend was refused entry into Mexico about a month ago.[/QUOTE]It may be YMMV, but you definitely do NOT need a passport. I work with a lot of medical patients who go to Mexico for surgery or dentistry. More than half of them do not have and never have had a passport (lots of low and middle income people who don't ever travel internationally). They are just fine entering with just a drivers license and copy of a birth certificate for the return.

[QUOTE=Cruzier1;4280935]So, I RTFF (actually I read the other FF) and saw that the passport / passport card is for getting into Mexico, and the Global Entry card is for getting back to the US.

[/QUOTE]No you don't need Global Entry to get back into the US. Global Entry is one of the DHS "Trusted Traveler" programs ([URL]https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/[/URL]) that gets you into the "fast lane" when crossing the border. Global Entry is is usually only needed if you fly internationally to locations other than Mexico a lot. The Sentri card is usually the card to get if you are going to / from TJ by foot or car a lot.

The passport card works the same as a passport for land entry back into the US. You need a regular passport if you are going fly to / from Mexico or other international destinations. If you are going to get a passport anyways, I suggest also getting the passport card, as it will also be able to be used in place of a REAL I'd drivers license when that becomes a requirement for domestic air travel next year.

[QUOTE=NotSlowingAt57;4286625]No you don't need Global Entry to get back into the US. Global Entry is one of the DHS "Trusted Traveler" programs ([URL]https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/[/URL]) that gets you into the "fast lane" when crossing the border. Global Entry is is usually only needed if you fly internationally to locations other than Mexico a lot. The Sentri card is usually the card to get if you are going to / from TJ by foot or car a lot.

The passport card works the same as a passport for land entry back into the US. You need a regular passport if you are going fly to / from Mexico or other international destinations. If you are going to get a passport anyways, I suggest also getting the passport card, as it will also be able to be used in place of a REAL I'd drivers license when that becomes a requirement for domestic air travel next year.[/QUOTE]THIS Passport card is much more convenient for crossing US-Mexico border on foot as you can avoid carrying your actual passport and getting passport stamps. Although Global Entry is optional to get back to the US, I still strongly recommend it to save time as the regular line could get very long. Many hotels in Asia want to keep your passport or any form of clients' IDs so having passport card is another plus.

Through SD. Never done it, anyone offer advice? Is there a long wait? I hear there's a parking lot you can park and just walk across to the check point?? Also is TJ dangerous for visitors? Fuck a lot of questions LOL.

Yes there's a couple large pay parking lots near the border entrance. Word of advice though, if you are planning on staying late at night, DO NOT PARK IN THE NEARBY SHOPPING CENTER AT THE BORDER CROSSING! They are SUPER STRICT about policing that shopping center when it comes to parking. If you plan on going across the border during the day, and plan on being back while the stores in that shopping center are still open, then you can get away with it. At night after those stores close, they will start ticketing and towing cars they catch in that lot.

As for the wait, it's dependent on when you try to cross. Getting into Mexico isn't a problem and usually super quick. Coming back across is a different story. It's taken me 15 minutes before, and a hour and half another. I always tell people who are under time constraints, to plan at least a hour to get back across the border. It normally won't take that long, but that's what I always plan.

As for dangerous, well it is Mexico. I've personally only been down into the Zona Norte but I have been thinking about hitting up the beach areas now that it's warmer. When you are in the Zona Norte, you'll quickly notice that there's police EVERYWHERE you go in that area. They are constantly patrolling the street and hanging out on most of the busy corners and by the big clubs. That area is pretty safe because they don't want to scare off the tourists and the money they bring in with them. As long as you use some common sense, don't do anything stupid, stay in the busy areas, and behave yourself, you should be fine. I usually go alone down there, and haven't had any real problems.

[QUOTE=FunSeeker702;4299978]Through SD. Never done it, anyone offer advice? Is there a long wait? I hear there's a parking lot you can park and just walk across to the check point?? Also is TJ dangerous for visitors? Fuck a lot of questions LOL.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=FunSeeker702;4299978]Through SD. Never done it, anyone offer advice? Is there a long wait? I hear there's a parking lot you can park and just walk across to the check point?? Also is TJ dangerous for visitors? Fuck a lot of questions LOL.[/QUOTE]Going into Tijuana walking you have to go through Mexican customs and might have to fill out a visa. If you have regular passport they will be stamping it. You can always get Taxi Libre and ask driver to take you to Adelitas / Hong Kong. During day is walkable. Like any place in world there are parts that are dangerous but if you stay in Zona or tourist area and don't dress flashy and act normal you should be fine.

Check the international section for better info.

Spartan.

[QUOTE=Spartan94;4300122]Going into Tijuana walking you have to go through Mexican customs and might have to fill out a visa. If you have regular passport they will be stamping it. You can always get Taxi Libre and ask driver to take you to Adelitas / Hong Kong. During day is walkable. Like any place in world there are parts that are dangerous but if you stay in Zona or tourist area and don't dress flashy and act normal you should be fine.

Check the international section for better info.

Spartan.[/QUOTE]No line going in to Mexico and I showed my passport but they didn't stamp it either time I was there recently. Both times they asked what I was doing and how long I was staying. One time I said I had a date and was meeting her for dinner. The other time is said, "I'm going to Hong Kong and getting laid." The officer laughed and said, "At least you are being honest," and handed me my passport and waved me through. Get real. They know why we are there. I took a cab both times. I used to walk but the cab is just more convenient. I have never felt any danger. In fact, I think it is safer than many SW areas of most big cities in the US of A. I have never wandered out of the Zona. No reason. The last time I was there I counted nearly 100 street girls in the block around Adalitas / Hong Kong, and most were drop dead gorgeous. I wear a fashionable shirt and jeans and am so white I could never pass for Mexican. But there are many, many (mostly young) American guys there, especially on weekends.

Don't overthink it. Prostitution is legal and more or less cheap and everyone knows it.

C3.

For all the times I've crossed into TJ and back, they have never once stamped my passport book. If you can, take a Uber (yes the Uber app will work in Mexcio) to the Zona Norte instead of a cab. Most cabs will charge you like $10-$15 for the ride, and Uber normally charges me about $3-$5. Be careful about using your smartphone while in TJ. Depending on your provider, you might run the risk of being charged a extra "international travel" usage fee if you use your phone while in TJ. I checked with my AT&T plan, and my plan (I have the unlimited everything plan) did cover usage in TJ with no problems. A buddy of mine who went with me one time, found a surprise fee on his next cell phone bill because his plan (I don't know who he uses) didn't cover usage across the border.

[QUOTE=Spartan94;4300122]Going into Tijuana walking you have to go through Mexican customs and might have to fill out a visa. If you have regular passport they will be stamping it. You can always get Taxi Libre and ask driver to take you to Adelitas / Hong Kong. During day is walkable. Like any place in world there are parts that are dangerous but if you stay in Zona or tourist area and don't dress flashy and act normal you should be fine.

Check the international section for better info.

Spartan.[/QUOTE]

So how does one even set something up in TJ? I've looked at the escort sites for TJ but not sure if they're real or not.

[QUOTE=FunSeeker702;4302504]So how does one even set something up in TJ? I've looked at the escort sites for TJ but not sure if they're real or not.[/QUOTE]Yes, they are generally real. There are lots of reliable escort agencies. You'll get a room at a short time love motel like Premiere or La Mansion, or else an overnight room at one of a million reasonably-priced, clean, modern hotels. Then you'll call or message an agency and have them send over a girl. Or you do what hundreds of tourists do every day and get a cab to the Zona and go into one of the strip club / brothels like Hong Kong or Adelita and pick out a girl to go upstairs. Read the forum here. It's safe, cheap, legal, and easy.

[QUOTE=KCQuestor;4302858]Yes, they are generally real. There are lots of reliable escort agencies. You'll get a room at a short time love motel like Premiere or La Mansion, or else an overnight room at one of a million reasonably-priced, clean, modern hotels. Then you'll call or message an agency and have them send over a girl. Or you do what hundreds of tourists do every day and get a cab to the Zona and go into one of the strip club / brothels like Hong Kong or Adelita and pick out a girl to go upstairs. Read the forum here. It's safe, cheap, legal, and easy.[/QUOTE]Wow appreciate all the input gents. Going to start planning a trip soon so I may hit you guys back up for some last minute details. Much love from Vegas guys!

A challenge: someone link to a site they have a factual basis for calling phony.

I want to point out that some of internet escort girls won't meet you at some of the hotels in the Zona Norte. Especially at the Hong Kong hotel, or any of the ones right by it. The main reason being that they trying are to be discreet about prostituting themselves and they don't want to be seen in that area. Also if you are getting a over night room somewhere, and planning on bringing a girl to the room. When you check in, make sure to tell them that there will be a second person in the room with you later. You don't have to tell them that you are bringing a prostitute, just that there will be a second person. I've have had 2 hotels get mad at me when the guy in the lobby saw me bring a lady in with me. One yelled at me and said I didn't pay a "double occupancy" fee when I checked in. I don't know if he was trying to scam me, but I didn't check in as 2 people, so maybe it was legit. So I paid him the extra $10 he wanted, and took my lady friend to the room.

[QUOTE=KCQuestor;4302858]Yes, they are generally real. There are lots of reliable escort agencies. You'll get a room at a short time love motel like Premiere or La Mansion, or else an overnight room at one of a million reasonably-priced, clean, modern hotels. Then you'll call or message an agency and have them send over a girl. Or you do what hundreds of tourists do every day and get a cab to the Zona and go into one of the strip club / brothels like Hong Kong or Adelita and pick out a girl to go upstairs. Read the forum here. It's safe, cheap, legal, and easy.[/QUOTE]

I know it's not a Mexico holiday, but how busy do you think it will be down there during the 4th of July holiday? With the weather finally warm, and with it being a 4 day weekend for a lot of people. I'm guessing it might be a busier than normal weekend down there. I was originally planning on going up to Yosemite during the 4th with some friends, but my friend's RV is having some engine problems. So we may not end up going now. So now I'm thinking of making another solo trip down to TJ. I've only really been down in the Zone Norte area, but I want to start exploring outside of that now. How is the beach action down in TJ? Is it relatively safe area for someone solo? Any good hot spots to visit, or places I should flat out avoid? Or is the whole beach area to sketchy and unsafe to visit alone?

Murders in Tijuana in 2018.

Total: 2,518.

By Area:

Zona Centro: 239.

Playas: 158.

Mesa de Otay: 50.

La Mesa: 84.

San Antonio de los Buenos: 208.

San Chez Toboada: 258.

Cerro Colorado: 175.

Centenario: 161.

Los Pinos: 451.

La Presa: 410.

Presa Rural: 313.

[QUOTE=KCQuestor;4285320]It may be YMMV, but you definitely do NOT need a passport. I work with a lot of medical patients who go to Mexico for surgery or dentistry. More than half of them do not have and never have had a passport (lots of low and middle income people who don't ever travel internationally). They are just fine entering with just a drivers license and copy of a birth certificate for the return.[/QUOTE]This is bad advice! The law is clear going both ways; you are supposed to have a passport. Just because you and your people have been successful in getting around the system doesn't mean you or anyone else won't be blocked next time you try it.

[QUOTE=BusterHymen;4313447]This is bad advice! The law is clear going both ways; you are supposed to have a passport. Just because you and your people have been successful in getting around the system doesn't mean you or anyone else won't be blocked next time you try it.[/QUOTE]I handed US entry folks my brand spankin' renewed Global Entry card that, unbeknownst to me, hadn't been registered, and that put me into the secondary screening room. I had my passport and offered it, but to no avail, I was stuck in the "room. " Here is the deal, I was the only one in there with two border patrol officers doing nothing. They let me sit there for 15 minutes or so, I guess to teach me a lesson, I don't know. That room seats a good 50 people, so I am guessing if there were a bunch of people in that room I could have sat there for hours. Once I was called up it took 30 seconds to clear me, along with getting a lecture. As soon as I got to my room in SD I registered the damn card.

So, yeah, you can probably go both ways without a passport, but it might be painful. No issue with passport going in, no line ever for Sentry line coming back. Why would you do it any other way?

C3.

[QUOTE=FanService;4313216]I know it's not a Mexico holiday, but how busy do you think it will be down there during the 4th of July holiday? With the weather finally warm, and with it being a 4 day weekend for a lot of people. I'm guessing it might be a busier than normal weekend down there. I was originally planning on going up to Yosemite during the 4th with some friends, but my friend's RV is having some engine problems. So we may not end up going now. So now I'm thinking of making another solo trip down to TJ. I've only really been down in the Zone Norte area, but I want to start exploring outside of that now. How is the beach action down in TJ? Is it relatively safe area for someone solo? Any good hot spots to visit, or places I should flat out avoid? Or is the whole beach area to sketchy and unsafe to visit alone?[/QUOTE]If any celebrating goes on for American holidays, it will be at Hong Kong. Here is their events page:

[URL]https://hktijuana.com/events.php[/URL]

Note, they don't advertise too far out, as you see here, they are having a 70's and 80's party in June. So, check there after June 19 and they next party will be advertised.

My own experience is, you don't really need an excuse to party in TJ. Every day is a party.

I have never gone to the beach. Someone else will have to weigh in for that.

C3.

TJ Fake Cops.

[URL]https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/story/2019-06-10/former-tijuana-police-officers-pose-as-fake-cops[/URL]

[QUOTE=BusterHymen;4313447]This is bad advice! The law is clear going both ways; you are supposed to have a passport. Just because you and your people have been successful in getting around the system doesn't mean you or anyone else won't be blocked next time you try it.[/QUOTE]This is NOT true. The law is clear that a US citizen does NOT need a passport to re-enter the country. You need to have one if traveling by air, but that's enforced by the airlines.

[URL]https://www.usa.gov/enter-us[/URL]
"American citizens entering the USA Must show a valid passport, USA Passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), or an enhanced driver's license. If you have any questions, contact your carrier to find out if they require a specific document."

From the Customs and Border Protection web site:
[URL]https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/3618/~/u.s.-citizens---documents-needed-to-enter-the-united-states-and%2For-to-travel[/URL]
"Land or Sea Travel: USA Citizens entering the United States by land or sea are required to present a valid WHTI-compliant document which includes a driver's license."
"Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents are likely to be delayed at the border as CBP officers work to verify identity and citizenship."

[QUOTE]A United States citizen traveling back to the U.S. by land cannot be denied entry to the U.S. The U.S. will not refuse entry to a U.S. citizen; even one without a passport or other valid travel document. However, U.S. citizens without valid travel documents could be delayed at the port of entry until a CBP officer can determine their admissibility. At the very least, travelers are advised to bring their valid driver's license and birth certificate to assist in expediting reentry to the U.S.[/QUOTE]

Every day hundreds of US citizens cross back into the US with nothing more than a drivers license. You may be selected for secondary screening, but they can't keep you out. I have escorted dozens of medical patients, by car and by foot, and every trip there are a few with no passport. It has NEVER caused so much as a delay.

See also this StackExchange thread
[URL]https://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/24639/what-documents-to-show-if-im-a-us-citizen-with-no-us-passport-to-re-enter-the-u[/URL]

[QUOTE=FanService;4313216]I know it's not a Mexico holiday, but how busy do you think it will be down there during the 4th of July holiday? With the weather finally warm, and with it being a 4 day weekend for a lot of people. I'm guessing it might be a busier than normal weekend down there.[/QUOTE]I'm planning to be down there that week, but I fly home on the 4th. I expect Wednesday the 3rd to be pretty crazy as people start their three-day weekends.

[QUOTE=FanService;4313216]I know it's not a Mexico holiday, but how busy do you think it will be down there during the 4th of July holiday? With the weather finally warm, and with it being a 4 day weekend for a lot of people. I'm guessing it might be a busier than normal weekend down there. I was originally planning on going up to Yosemite during the 4th with some friends, but my friend's RV is having some engine problems. So we may not end up going now. So now I'm thinking of making another solo trip down to TJ. I've only really been down in the Zone Norte area, but I want to start exploring outside of that now. How is the beach action down in TJ? Is it relatively safe area for someone solo? Any good hot spots to visit, or places I should flat out avoid? Or is the whole beach area to sketchy and unsafe to visit alone?[/QUOTE]I used to go strictly for the Latina tail, but I find myself venturing out more for the beach and food as well. Here are a few of my key spots I always try to make when in town, and yes I roll solo quite often without issue as long as you watch your 6 and aren't an asshole.

- [URL]https://www.yelp.com/biz/telef%C3%B3nica-gastro-park-tijuana-2?osq=telefonica[/URL] Great spot with a diverse mix of food you can't go wrong with not far from the Zona. You can search it on Youtube and see lots of into on the spot.

- [URL]https://www.yelp.com/biz/das-cortez-tijuana[/URL] My home base coffee shop when I cross the border to use my laptop for email, and additional searching and information. Off street parking and friendly people make this welcoming spot for me.

- [URL]https://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-el-yaqui-rosarito?osq=tacos[/URL] When I stay in Mexico I stay in Rosarito Beach, and when I do I can't leave without eating these tacos. Trust me, its a must.

- [URL]https://www.yelp.com/biz/las-rocas-resort-rosarito[/URL] This is where I stay with a ridiculous view, and down the road from the center of action and the tacos posted above. There is a number of girl clubs leading to the resort as well if you need a chica close to home.

I can go on with food, desserts, coffee, and spots of interest. If you need anything more, just PM me and ill do what I can to make a few suggestions.