Crime, Safety, and the Police

[Captain Solo]

A very good article with insights into Mexico's culture and lifestyles by Otis be Flywheel, a Gringo living in Baja California:

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2018/01/chalino-sanchez-father-of-modern-narco.html?m=1

Chalino Sanchez, the father of modern narco corrido, his history and death.

Written by Otis be Flywheel.

Born Rosalino Sanchez in 1962 on a small ranch in Sinaloa named Las Flechas close to Culiacan and raised in Sanalona. He had seven brothers and one sister, Juana, he was the youngest male sibling. Everyone in Mexico has a nickname and Rosalino was no different with various names being adopted by him at different stages in his life including his singing name of "Chalino".

Other names he had were Marcelino, El Pelavacas (the cow skinner), El Indio, Compa Chalino and El Valiente. El Valiente was a common name in this area of Sinaloa and was given to the rural tough guys who would shoot it out with as much relish as eating breakfast. Chalino started early with his criminal career, when Juan Quiroz lured away his sister as a concubine. Quiroz friend Hector El Chapo Perez helped him, later boasting about it claiming that Juana was bad in bed and the kitchen, blemishing the good name of Juana, Chalino's sister.

Chalino brooded about revenge but was not in a position to do anything about it for a few more years. They say revenge is a dish best served cold and 4 years later when he was 16, Chalino shot and killed Hector El Chapo Perez at a Mexican Revolution party. There followed a shootout with Perez's brothers. Chalino had warned Hector that he would kill him, saying " When I buy my first pistol I will shoot you in the chest with it". Chalino later even composed " Corrido de Rosalino" about the event:

He left his homeland.

Because that's what destiny wanted.

To defend his family.

That's why Chalino fought.

[WombatEd2]

Born Rosalino Sanchez in 1962 on a small ranch in Sinaloa named Las Flechas close to Culiacan and raised in Sanalona. He had seven brothers and one sister, Juana, he was the youngest male sibling. Everyone in Mexico has a nickname and Rosalino was no different with various names being adopted by him at different stages in his life including his singing name of "Chalino".

...
Great article.

[Captain Solo]

San Diego underground sex industry is $800 M a year, but anti-prostitution law is still in the book, and is being prosecuted seriously by jealous cops and overzealous district attorneys.

Why risk arrest, fines, prison time and social stigmas when Tijuana's La Zona is only 1 mile South of the border, with hundreds pretty young girls every day, and sex transactions are tolerated by Mexico's laws?

https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/29-johns-arrested-prostitution-sting-operation-da-announces

29 SAN DIEGO JOHNS ARRESTED IN PROSTITUTION STING OPERATION, the. A. ANNOUNCES.

By Miriam Raftery.

January 30,2018 (San Diego) – In what she calls a "wakeup call for men who buy sex," San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan today announced the arrest of 29 men following a three-week sting operation.

Joined by the San Diego [CodeWord908] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord908) Task Force, Summer announced that Operation Reclaim and Rebuild was aimed at stopping the sexual exploitation of young women and girls and the cycle of abuse caused by prostitution.

A coalition of law enforcement agencies across Southern California participated in the operation, which included posting fake ads online offering sex for money. When the men showed up at a hotel expecting sex, they were instead surprised by being handcuffed.

The "johns" arrested included men wearing wedding rings, active duty military personnel, and a sex abuse counselor at a local hospital who showed up wearing medical scrubs. One man came on a bicycle in cycling gear wit a backpack full of sexual props, and another left his dog in the car, which was towed by the officers.

In addition to towing vehicles, authorities also seized cell phones as evidence.

District Attorney Stephens says she hopes to raise awareness that "when people pay for sex, the person on the other end of the transaction is often a victim who was forced into sex trafficking as a child. ".

She added that the anonymity of the Internet emboldens Johns to demand extreme acts and believe that they won't be held accountable. She adds, "They are often more violent than the pimps and traffickers themselves."

A university study recently showed that the underground sex industry in the San Diego region alone is roughly an $810 million business each year.

This was the fourth year of Operation Reclaim and Rebuild, which this year included law enforcement statewide.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra states, "Together, we sent a loud and clear message—criminals who prey on young women and children will be swiftly brought to justice. ".

[Travv]

Looking at the upside, these guys are looking at honor camp work and some fines and a state appointed defense lawyer. The upside is they avoided alimony, child support and divorce lawyer fees! Maybe they still came out ahead of the game compared to the guys going through a divorce. . . Watch this Youtube - " Thinking about getting married? Think again or at least watch what your future will be like. This dude gets sent to jail because he can't pay over 100% of his income to child support and alimony. Over 100%. This is how the system works. It's not broken, it's not insane and it's not ridiculous. It's serious and it's meant to work that way. . . " https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=345&v=EzoNRiKDz2I.

[Jackie888]

San Diego underground sex industry is $800 M a year, but anti-prostitution law is still in the book, and is being prosecuted seriously by jealous cops and overzealous district attorneys.

This was the fourth year of Operation Reclaim and Rebuild, which this year included law enforcement statewide.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra states, "Together, we sent a loud and clear messagecriminals who prey on young women and children will be swiftly brought to justice. "Therefore mongers should stick to MILFs.

[Captain Solo]

In US, MILFs, once or twice divorced with a few kids, are some of the meanest, nastiest, ugliest and greediest creatures on earth.

Why would you want to fuck around with them?

Are you a captain of the Kamikaze Airlines? Hehe.

[Hargow20]

I was noticing that police appear to have opened a new substation on Constitucion & the Cohilla alley. This located where the barber shop was located next the to parking lot. I noticed that there was some lockers. Not sure if the police hang out there now. Or if this a police station. Despite the police corruption I am hoping that it is a police station. Hopefully this will deter the bandito's.

[Captain Solo]

Jose Maria Guizar Valencia, boss of the notoriously violent Zeta cartel, was trying to blend in, traveling without body guards. He was captured entering a hotel without violence by Mexico's Federal Police.

Bravo! Bravo! Who said Mexico's police is stupid, incompetent and corrupt?

If left to LAPD, the brass would call in SWAT teams, snipers, tanks, helicopter gunships, A-10 Warhog ect. To level out blocks of houses, commanding by remote controls while they are busy in LA's Central Jail [CodeWord125] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord125), torturing, beating and staging suicides on the hapless inmates.

http://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-mexico-zetas-cartel-20180209-story.html

[Captain Solo]

I know a few ISG bros who just cannot wait to get to Tijuana hehe:

Video: Road rage confrontation in Oceanside ends with car flipped on side.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/video-road-rage-confrontation-oceanside-010632934.html

[Flyer47]

Old news report from 2016 I found. Still relevant I think. Bottom line, don't let CBP or their medical personnel put fingers in you for the purpose of a search. Unless you really need the money.

"USA Customs and Border Protection (CBP) paid a New Mexico woman $475,000 for illegally subjecting her to vaginal and anal searches after she was detained at the Cordova Bridge point of entry in El Paso."

https://www.aclutx.org/en/press-releases/cbp-settles-lawsuit-aclu-client-who-endured-invasive-cavity-searches

[Captain Solo]

Two LAPD officers plead no contest to sexually assaulting women while on duty, receive 25- year prison terms.

Abuse of power by cops in US happens a lot more often than you know:

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-lapd-officers-rape-plea-20180226-story.html#nws=mcnewsletter.

[Captain Solo]

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2018/02/being-mother-and-sicario-boss-story-of.html#more.

The story of Rosalia, a mother and Guerrero sicario boss.

Translated by El Profe for Borderland Beat from La Silla Rota.

The testimony of Rosalia, a young sicario in Guerrero who leads a double life as a mother and gunman boss.

Mexico City (La Silla Rota). It is early in the morning when you hear the engine of a truck parking in the street. The last details are set, the fruit in an old plastic container, eggs Mexican style and a box with a puzzle.

A tall woman with long dyed blond hair gets down from the truck. Her skin is light brown. She has an unusual attractiveness. Her name is Rosalia and she works as a sicaria for LOS Ardillos in Guererro. She shows a story published by the NY Daily News in which it is assured that the real names and exact locations have been modified for security.

The beginnings in Narco.

She was only nineteen when she had her first contact with drug trafficking. Veronica's father had recently died and she had no money to rent an apartment. She lived in a room with no furniture. She and Veronica, then very small, slept on the floor every day, and only a few cardboard boxes and blankets were responsible for not leaving them out in the cold of the night. "Really fucking ugly that place."

Her incursion in drug trafficking began when an ex boyfriend of hers, a triggerman, introduced her to his employer. Rosalia's task was to go every day to collect the fees from the farmers who planted marijuana and poppy in the mountains. It was a very tiring job, she says that there were times when she wanted to start crying out of despair. She did not have enough time to sleep. And much less to spend time with Veronica.

She did not want her daughter to have contact with the world she then became apart of. She did not want her daughter to see the are-15 that accompanied her on her trips through the mountains. Nor did she want Veronica to be present when she had to commit her first homicide "to a bastard who wanted to fuck with the boss."

She went to the mountains and her employer told her that in a house of his, they were going to take him to a man who had to be killed. Her children, who are only a few steps away, do not flinch, their faces do not show a reaction to what her mother said, they have become accustomed to Rosalia's life.

[Flyer47]

So 911 works in Mexico since 2017:

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/01/09/mexico-switches-to-us-style-11-emergency-number.html

Does anyone know if cell phones in Mexico always have access to 911 like US phones do? US cell phones can dial 911 even with no SIM card installed, meaning a cell phone in the US does not have to have a cellular plan in order to call 911.

[Baxter Slade]

So 911 works in Mexico since 2017:

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/01/09/mexico-switches-to-us-style-11-emergency-number.html

Does anyone know if cell phones in Mexico always have access to 911 like US phones do? US cell phones can dial 911 even with no SIM card installed, meaning a cell phone in the US does not have to have a cellular plan in order to call 911.Thats a great question I hope someone comes up with the right answer. I did try to call 078 the Mexican tourist assistance number on my USA Cell phone while in Tijuana. And it did not work.

[Travv]

The Mexican tourist hotspot of Cancun is in the grips of a brutal and growing crime wave that threatens to leave it a ghost town. Violence has escalated to such an extent that the murder rate has doubled in the past year. With 169 killings recorded in the first half of last year alone.

Amid a thriving drug trade and widespread extortion, fear is rampant and most of the murders go unsolved, reports news.com. Now, the situation is so dire that its multi-billion dollar tourism industry is under threat. Later on, just before sunset, he found himself in the middle of a crime scene— a man had been gunned down in the sand. Four men had come in through a luxury hotel and attacked the man, who later died in hospital.

There are fears that Cancun is now on the brink of ruin and could face a similar demise as another well known Mexican resort, Acapulco. This was once one of the world's most glamorous locations but is now Mexico's murder capital. Investigators in Acapulco are totally overwhelmed, often visiting 10 murder scenes a day. Troops patrol the city's streets and beaches, extortion and murder are rife and many businesses have been forced to close. There are no foreign tourists in sight, it's simply too dangerous here and the gangsters rule the streets. Local businesswoman Lara explained: "They arrived one day and asked for between 15,000 and 20,000 pesos ($1025-$1367) a month.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/5789294/how-mexicos-party-hotspot-cancun-has-become-one-of-the-worlds-murder-capitals/

The good news here is that Tijuana is apparently safer than Cancun and Acapulco!

Who knows, if the Mexican government loses enough money from tourists leaving, they might implement the solution to the crime problem. Sell shotguns freely (Thank you Joe Biden) to local business owners and homeowners. Soon the extortion and other criminal trades would become too dangerous for criminals once the business owners decided to clean up the area.

[Hargow20]

It is really amazing and disgusting that there is people selling drugs in the open and cops are doing nothing about it. The cops need to crack down on the drug dealers if they hope to reduce crime in Tijuana and Mexico. !!

[MongerHunger]

Lastest information on US family of 4 found dead in Mexico.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2018/03/23/us/iowa-family-dead-mexico/index.html

[Hobby Fan]

There are reports in other sections within last week about getting aggressively searched at the old border drop off, and picked up and searched while simply walking in the alley looking for an americana. Neither guy got robbed, fortunately.

I was picked up by the police 10 months ago while talking to an Americana type chica. First problem in many years. They said I was weaving while walking and talking to all the girls. That was simply not true. I was polite in responding. I would not back down or offer a bribe despite multiple threats of spending the night in a Mexican jail. The police did not back down either. They drove me to an actual zona norte police station where a supposed judge sitting in an office marked judge or magistrate in Spanish (I don't remember) fined me $ 80 US. This sum was more or less negotiated -- after studying my cash. Maybe others would have said "no" even at that point, but if they were going to take it this far and had a night judge in on the game, I did think they might hold me all night. I had things to do the next day.

Not surprisingly, the machinery for printing receipts was out of order.

[Travv]

Cracking down on the drug cartels and dealers is dangerous for the cops and will not work since the dealers make their money by selling drugs, not by robbing tourists. It is the drug users who rob tourists to get money to buy drugs and it is safe for the local cops to arrest them since they are not organized crime. Prohibition did not work for alcohol and likely will not work for drugs but arresting the users is likely the best way to reduce crime in Mexico. Look at other countries like China and Japan. China had a huge drug problem and they required addicts to get treatment and after that punished them for using, to my recollection.

Offhand, I've seen dealers run off and hide when the local cops drive by so some cops must be cracking down but Tijuana is like Chicago in the 1930's. Prohibiting the sale of alcohol didn't work in Chicago and prohibiting the sale of drugs hasn't worked in Tijuana. Legalizing the sale but prohibiting the purchase of drugs might work if the cops arrested the users / buyers, not the dealers.


It is really amazing and disgusting that there is people selling drugs in the open and cops are doing nothing about it. The cops need to crack down on the drug dealers if they hope to reduce crime in Tijuana and Mexico. !!

[ErosXaphrodite]

What happened after you paid them the $80? Did they take you back to where they picked you up?


There are reports in other sections within last week about getting aggressively searched at the old border drop off, and picked up and searched while simply walking in the alley looking for an americana. Neither guy got robbed, fortunately.

I was picked up by the police 10 months ago while talking to an Americana type chica. First problem in many years. They said I was weaving while walking and talking to all the girls. That was simply not true. I was polite in responding. I would not back down or offer a bribe despite multiple threats of spending the night in a Mexican jail. The police did not back down either. They drove me to an actual zona norte police station where a supposed judge sitting in an office marked judge or magistrate in Spanish (I don't remember) fined me $ 80 US. This sum was more or less negotiated -- after studying my cash. Maybe others would have said "no" even at that point, but if they were going to take it this far and had a night judge in on the game, I did think they might hold me all night. I had things to do the next day.

Not surprisingly, the machinery for printing receipts was out of order.

[GoodSense3]

Was it only Chicago or all US States and Cities? What years did they ban alcohol in US?


Cracking down on the drug cartels and dealers is dangerous for the cops and will not work since the dealers make their money by selling drugs, not by robbing tourists. It is the drug users who rob tourists to get money to buy drugs and it is safe for the local cops to arrest them since they are not organized crime. Prohibition did not work for alcohol and likely will not work for drugs but arresting the users is likely the best way to reduce crime in Mexico. Look at other countries like China and Japan. China had a huge drug problem and they required addicts to get treatment and after that punished them for using, to my recollection.

Offhand, I've seen dealers run off and hide when the local cops drive by so some cops must be cracking down but Tijuana is like Chicago in the 1930's. Prohibiting the sale of alcohol didn't work in Chicago and prohibiting the sale of drugs hasn't worked in Tijuana. Legalizing the sale but prohibiting the purchase of drugs might work if the cops arrested the users / buyers, not the dealers.

[ScatManDoo]

Was it only Chicago or all US States and Cities? What years did they ban alcohol in US?Prohibition in the United States was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933.

[Travv]

"Tijuana's homeless migrants have long been seen by many locals as a nuisance: bad for business, protagonists of petty crime, drug addicts.

In 2009, Mexican federal law decriminalized the possession of small amounts of heroin, marijuana and other drugs. But Tijuana's city code allows its police to arrest people for consuming drugs in public, as well as things as wide-ranging as "inciting vice" or "bothering people in public. " Tijuana's current police chief, Marco Antonio Sotomayor, says the city arrests homeless migrants for a number of such crimes. "About 70 percent of the people we detain are homeless people who commit minor crimes," he said. . . "We're completely changing our approach. Because it's not about locking people up to keep an area clean. It's about giving them an opportunity to change their lives," he said. . . "The problem of violence can be resolved simply if we resolve the problem of addiction," Sotomayor said. "That's the key."

In March 2015, Tijuana took unprecedented action, evacuating a large encampment in the Tijuana River canal and rounding up homeless across the city, sending more than a thousand of them to drug rehab centers — some against their will. KPBS documented a number of problems with the mass relocation. Some people were reported missing. Not everyone placed in rehab was on drugs. Others were hit by cars while running away from police during raids of the canal. The rehab centers in Tijuana are often the subject of human rights complaints, requiring abstinence and relying on chains, ropes and other tools to restrict the mobility of recovering addicts.

While Tijuana police continue to patrol the canal, so does the Mexican army. "The army is not trained to deal with drug use problems or even deportee attention. It's like using a machete to do a surgery," Arredondo said. "You're using a blunt tool for something that is extremely delicate. " Arredondo said alternatively, the city should offer safe consumption rooms and free methadone to wean users off heroin. "

http://www.kpbs.org/news/2018/mar/28/displaced-two-countries-tijuanas-homeless-migrants/

The rateros should be happy they are in Mexico and not Brazil. In Brazil, the police do sweeps periodically to clear out druggies and street criminals at night. In the morning, they send in the garbage trucks to pick up the corpses off the streets from the back alley executions and haul them away.

[EBoardbuilder]

Zona Norte police presence has escalated significantly since January. I was there on Wednesday from 11 PM to 3 AM and I kept seeing a military presence and heavy police presence. Anyone know what the heck is going on a kind of feels like they are hunting for drugs but I keep reading is that gringos keep getting stopped and shake down. Things change when you're not in the states for three months I already miss Japan and Thailand.

[Hargow20]

Nothing really new. Police enforcement tends to go in cycles.


Zona Norte police presence has escalated significantly since January. I was there on Wednesday from 11 PM to 3 AM and I kept seeing a military presence and heavy police presence. Anyone know what the heck is going on a kind of feels like they are hunting for drugs but I keep reading is that gringos keep getting stopped and shake down. Things change when you're not in the states for three months I already miss Japan and Thailand.

[Dcrist0527]

Question for the group. So far, I guess I've been lucky. I have not had a single interaction with the police. But these stories of gringos stopped and shake downs really makes me believe it's a matter of time. My question. How many of these stories are "legit" searches and how many are shakedowns?

I've read a lot of angst about the rateros and drug pushers. But we also don't like the police presence. So my thought is, if I get stopped and searched "legitimately", I can deal with that. But what percent is legit and what percent of these stops are simply bribes? I'm not sure anyone can answer that. But I'm just thinking we need to accept the reality of police presence. That in itself is not a bad thing but we need to highlight shakedowns and bribes, not just police presence.

[Baxter Slade]

Question for the group. So far, I guess I've been lucky. I have not had a single interaction with the police. But these stories of gringos stopped and shake downs really makes me believe it's a matter of time. My question. How many of these stories are "legit" searches and how many are shakedowns?

I've read a lot of angst about the rateros and drug pushers. But we also don't like the police presence. So my thought is, if I get stopped and searched "legitimately", I can deal with that. But what percent is legit and what percent of these stops are simply bribes? I'm not sure anyone can answer that. But I'm just thinking we need to accept the reality of police presence. That in itself is not a bad thing but we need to highlight shakedowns and bribes, not just police presence.My thoughts on this subject. Police in the USA And Mexico can pretty much classify criminals by sight alone. With the main difference being in Mexico they do not need probable cause to stop and search you. So if you look like a normal older gringo sex tourist type and you find yourself being stopped and searched probably 97 per cent chance its going to be an attempted shakedown. Some cops are downright evil who will just steal your money. Others will just be hoping to scare you hoping for a drunk in public violation or make up shit like you need a perscription for that viagra in your pocket.

On the other hand if they since a criminal type, maybe neck tattoo or just hanging in the wrong area. More likely a legit search.

[LukeSkywalker]

I was in La Zona with a wingman Friday last week. Policia presence was light, a couple moto cops ran around.

But there were 2 pickup trucks each carrying 5-6 soldiers in desert-camouflage uniforms. The pick up in front had a guy with his finger on the trigger of a 50-cal machine gun, the big one usually mounted on tanks. They looked very serious. Damn. Scared the shit out of me.

Don't know whom they expect to fight. Must be guys with big weapons. Hate to be near a gun fight with that big mother shooting.

[Ctytek]

When it comes to gringos. There are basically no "legit" searches. 99% of the time the stops and searches are extortion attempts. Best you can do is not give the cops any probable cause. Don't wander around aimlessly, stay in the bars while intoxicated, don't carry any medicine on you, and try to blend in with the local population. And one other thing. Tijuana cops are much more of a threat to you than rateros and street riff raff. Avoid any interactions with the cops.


Question for the group. So far, I guess I've been lucky. I have not had a single interaction with the police. But these stories of gringos stopped and shake downs really makes me believe it's a matter of time. My question. How many of these stories are "legit" searches and how many are shakedowns?

I've read a lot of angst about the rateros and drug pushers. But we also don't like the police presence. So my thought is, if I get stopped and searched "legitimately", I can deal with that. But what percent is legit and what percent of these stops are simply bribes? I'm not sure anyone can answer that. But I'm just thinking we need to accept the reality of police presence. That in itself is not a bad thing but we need to highlight shakedowns and bribes, not just police presence.

[LukeSkywalker]

This is not an April's Fools joke. It's serious. Feds seized BACKPAGE yesterday.

Looks like Feds wants the pervs to stay home and jack off to porn. Hehe.

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-backpage-fbi-20180406-story.html

Federal authorities take down Backpage.com, accused of being a haven for online prostitution.

By Joseph Tanfani.

APR 07,2018.

6:50 PM Washington.

Federal authorities take down Backpage.com, accused of being a haven for online prostitution.

Picture: From left, Backpage.com Chief Executive Carl Ferrer, former owner James Larkin, Chief Operating Officer Andrew Padilla, and former owner Michael Lacey are sworn in before a 2017 congressional hearing. (Cliff Owen / Associated Press).

In the climax of a fight that pitted foes of sex trafficking against advocates of free internet speech, the Justice Department on Friday seized the Backpage.com website and raided the home of its cofounder.

The site, long a haven for sex ads, began shutting down Friday morning, as FBI agents began taking down a network of web pages all over the world. A notice on the site said it had been seized as part of an enforcement action by the FBI, the IRS and the USA Postal Inspection Service.

Agents raided the Sedona, Ariz, home of Michael Lacey, the site's cofounder, according to local media reports, but federal authorities would not comment on criminal charges.

Backpage.com has long been under fire from state attorneys general, organizations that fight child sex trafficking and victims of the prostitution business who have tried to sue the company for damages. California prosecutors filed state criminal charges against Backpage last year, but that case and others foundered because of protections in the federal Communications Decency Act, written to protect free speech on the internet.

Congress moved to strip away that shield late last month with a measure to carve out an exception in the communications law after a high-volume political battle. When signed into law by President Trump, the measure will allow states to proceed against websites that knowingly assist or support sex trafficking.

Silicon Valley trade groups and free-speech advocates such as the ACLU fought the new measure, warning that it would create havoc by forcing companies to try to get a handle on wild online speech.

But those arguments were overwhelmed by stories from teenagers about being sold for sex on Backpage. A letter from attorneys general around the country said they had evidence of teenagers being trafficked on the site.

Advocates for victims of trafficking said the takedown of Backpage was long overdue — especially since the Communications Decency Act never restrained federal prosecutions, only state ones.

"You heard the stories over and over and over again from kids who were sold there," said Carol Smolenski, executive director of ECPAT USA, an anti-trafficking group. "It's ridiculous that kids could be sold on the internet openly. It was outrageous. ".

A report last year by the Senate Homeland Security Committee found that the website employed software to automatically strip language in ads that pointed to [CodeWord902] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord902) girls, including "[CodeWord901] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord901)," "little girl" and "amber alert. " The ads were then published without those stripped words, the report found.

The report also found that Lacey and other owners, although they reportedly sold Backpage.com to a foreign company, retained significant control through a web of shell companies.

[Flyer47]

When it comes to gringos. There are basically no "legit" searches. 99% of the time the stops and searches are extortion attempts. Best you can do is not give the cops any probable cause. Don't wander around aimlessly, stay in the bars while intoxicated, don't carry any medicine on you, and try to blend in with the local population. And one other thing. Tijuana cops are much more of a threat to you than rateros and street riff raff. Avoid any interactions with the cops.Seems like all of these guidelines would be easy to follow except for carrying medicine. Generic viagra is very tempting and completely legal in Mexico.

Also, has anyone tried calling the Sindicatura and complaining? I heard you can even call 911 in Mexico and they'll hook you up with a translator over the phone. I think I read some reports about people reporting harassment by the police on this board.

[Baxter Slade]

Also, has anyone tried calling the Sindicatura and complaining? I heard you can even call 911 in Mexico and they'll hook you up with a translator over the phone. I think I read some reports about people reporting harassment by the police on this board.While it was at least a couple years ago. I was robbed by the police. At the time 066 was the equivalant of 911 in Tijuana. I called and the person who answered spoke english. They immediatly sent a supervisor to the scene. Of course you will need to be able to ID the culprit. In this case I had the car # of the thieves. They were called back to the location where they were ordered to give me back my money and apologize with hugs. The hugs a bit strange but hey its Mexico.

Then in an attempt to let headquarters know everything was ok they wanted me to call in and say there was no problem. However we never did find a phone that worked.

[LukeSkywalker]

They would tell you to go to Sindicatura office at city hall to sign written complaint.

Beetching alone won't help.


Seems like all of these guidelines would be easy to follow except for carrying medicine. Generic viagra is very tempting and completely legal in Mexico.

Also, has anyone tried calling the Sindicatura and complaining? I heard you can even call 911 in Mexico and they'll hook you up with a translator over the phone. I think I read some reports about people reporting harassment by the police on this board.

[LukeSkywalker]

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-backpage-ceo-plea-20180412-story.html

Unlike Backpage, the content of this site is 100% braggarts' fiction.

[LukeSkywalker]

We don't want hordes of horny tourists to abandon Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, and head to Tijuana to screw our hot chicas, swim in the the perfumed Tijuana river, and dunk in the brown water of La Playas and Imperial Beach.

https://nypost.com/2018/04/11/streets-of-cancun-run-red-with-14-murders-in-36-hours/

[Ninguno Especial]

There was a bit of discussion regarding the street girls (SG's) being managed. Every few years some article comes out about this town being where generations of pimps reside, some in mansions (a few photos at the link). Also at least one Tijuana monger has been to the town and swears it's all true.

Not that they recruit them there, which is done in other parts of Puebla and other states, but many of the old money families are from Tenancingo it appears. So don't think all of the SGs go here to see their kids or padrotes. These days there are a lot of young upstart pimps who live in other areas that the girls go see on their "vacations" to be with family. That or just move to wherever the BF or boss says the needs to go next. I think when business is slow in Tijuana the padrote sends them to the DF or other state.

Amazing the site name is SG. NEWS. YAHOO LOL Can't make this stuff up.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/tenancingo-sex-slavery-capital-mexico-165823191.html

[Travv]

Interesting story. Dude targeted by Tijuana policia for shakedown?

"It started out innocently enough. He wanted to get bigger. He lived near the Mexican border so he crossed over and brought back some steroids for his personal use. No harm, no foul. That was his first trip, the first of many. They were all uneventful, until this last one. Now he's sitting in a Tijuana jail, contemplating best and worst case scenarios. If he's lucky, he'll spend two years in a Mexican prison and pay a hefty fine. If he's not so lucky. Well, he doesn't even want to think about that. Testosterone: Before you found yourself in this situation, how often did you cross over to buy steroids?

Anonymous: Probably once a month. I've crossed over at least a dozen times before. I'd drive through and park at the San Ysidro border, then pick stuff up for myself or my friends. I didn't do it to make money – though that was a bonus. I did it because I didn't think everyone should have to pay such high prices. People would let me know what they needed and I'd pick it up. I was just doing people favors at first and making enough profit to buy my own stuff. But in the eyes of the law, I was a drug dealer. T-mag: Ever run into trouble before?

Anon: I'd never had a problem. I'd hear stories about people getting caught or harassed and say, "That's bullshit, they just don't do that. " I'd gotten away with paying off the cops with twenty or fifty dollars, but this time they assumed I had money because of the amount of steroids I had on me. I had thirty-one bottles so they thought I was a dealer. But on the Mexican side you can just be walking down the street. If they feel like stopping you, they can do anything they want. They have people that watch the pharmacies and people that follow you. I was stupid. I didn't even think about the Mexican side. I was worried about US customs.

I always use the same parking garage. The pharmacists actually recommended I park there. This time the attendant who worked there looked at me and waved so I waved back. He never did that before. I had a bad feeling, a feeling I shouldn't have gone this time. Before I left I kept reading about all these people getting busted and it just sent chills up my spine. . . So we walked back to the truck, unlocked the door, and noticed two guys walking up to us. It was the tourist police. They told us to put our hands on the hood of the truck. They searched our pockets and found one Viagra tab on my friend. "You're in a lot of trouble," they told him, "You need a prescription for this. " I told them that we didn't need a prescription for that and they just said, "Oh yes you do!

https://www.t-nation.com/pharma/popped-doing-time-in-a-tijuana-jail

Moral of this story: If the Tijuana policia think you have lots of money, prepare to be busted for Viagra or whatever and go on a tour of ATM machines with your ATM card with a Policia escort to help you carry your money.

[Ninguno Especial]

Interesting story. Dude targeted by Tijuana policia for shakedown?

"It started out innocently enough. He wanted to get bigger. He lived near the Mexican border so he crossed over and brought back some steroids for his personal use. No harm, no foul. You must have had to really dig for this 2003 article 14 years ago next month. LOL.

[Travv]

Nothing new in Tijuana. Tourist being watched by the parking guy and snitched off to the policia for a cut of the shakedown. Had the same experience one weekend about a year ago. Parking guy oddly took forever to open the gate at Pepe's and when I went down the street, the policia flashed their red lights. He must have been holding me up so the policia could nab me. Luckily I do not drink and drive and speak passable Spanish so the cops let me go, but my guess is the parking attendants (apparently Pharmacists too) watch for guys they think have been drinking or whatever, then call the policia on the cell and tip them that a mark is headed their way. Worth reading these horror stories to know what to expect and do in this scene now.


You must have had to really dig for this 2003 article 14 years ago next month. LOL.

[Hargow20]

When I visit the Pharmacy I only buy one Viagra and take it immediately afterwards. Although last night I bought a pill and had forgotten to take. I gave it Ashley when we were don. Personally it is simply not worth the risk of trying to sneak it across the border.


Nothing new in Tijuana. Tourist being watched by the parking guy and snitched off to the policia for a cut of the shakedown. Had the same experience one weekend about a year ago. Parking guy oddly took forever to open the gate at Pepe's and when I went down the street, the policia flashed their red lights. He must have been holding me up so the policia could nab me. Luckily I do not drink and drive and speak passable Spanish so the cops let me go, but my guess is the parking attendants (apparently Pharmacists too) watch for guys they think have been drinking or whatever, then call the policia on the cell and tip them that a mark is headed their way. Worth reading these horror stories to know what to expect and do in this scene now.

[ScatManDoo]

When I visit the Pharmacy I only buy one Viagra and take it immediately afterwards. Although last night I bought a pill and had forgotten to take. I gave it Ashley when we were don. Personally it is simply not worth the risk of trying to sneak it across the border.I used to hide my generic Viagra when returning to the United States.

But for several years now I always declare the Figral that I am bringing back to Orange County when I cross the border.

It's no problem.

[Dcrist0527]

Two thoughts and 1 question.

Sneaking it across the border is one issue. Frankly, I've never declared the few pills I have brought across. This next trip, I do plan to declare it. The CBP site is somewhat clear that a small, personal supply is allowed, assuming it is not a controlled drug, which V is not. It's important to understand what controlled means, which is a higher bar than prescription. The other concern: CBP tolerating that small supply does not help with other laws about possessing prescription meds in the US without a US script.

Buying it in Mexico, I suppose could be a reason for troubles within Mexico. As a practice, I put them in my pocket immediately, and then I immediately get back to the hotel and keep them there. I won't walk around with a pill in my pocket afterwards.

The question. My understanding, obtaining an actual prescription is a mere formality in Mx. I've never bothered. But has anyone actually obtained the prescription for V in Mx?


When I visit the Pharmacy I only buy one Viagra and take it immediately afterwards. Although last night I bought a pill and had forgotten to take. I gave it Ashley when we were don. Personally it is simply not worth the risk of trying to sneak it across the border.

[Simmer]

The CBP site is somewhat clear that a small, personal supply is allowed, assuming it is not a controlled drug, which V is not. It's important to understand what controlled means, which is a higher bar than prescription. The other concern: CBP tolerating that small supply does not help with other laws about possessing prescription meds in the US without a US script.Watching some TV documentary (Border Patrol US?) they showed a container full of mailed medications from India. IIRC they said a 90 day supply is allowed so if that's true, how do you count Viagra or Cialis given they are "on demand" drugs? (I know 5mg Cialis can be taken daily but what about the 20mg doses?) I suppose one could argue that V could be taken daily and thus 90 tabs ought to be ok... Famous last words.

[Dcrist0527]

LOL Great question. I can see a CBP agent having a lot of fun with that question. They'd take one look at me and say, "90 pills, fat ass? 3 months worth, not 3 decades worth, dreamer".

You raise a great point: dosing. 100 MG can be cut. I plan to bring 20 pills back. We'll see how it goes.


Watching some TV documentary (Border Patrol US?) they showed a container full of mailed medications from India. IIRC they said a 90 day supply is allowed so if that's true, how do you count Viagra or Cialis given they are "on demand" drugs? (I know 5mg Cialis can be taken daily but what about the 20mg doses?) I suppose one could argue that V could be taken daily and thus 90 tabs ought to be ok... Famous last words.

[Ctytek]

The question. My understanding, obtaining an actual prescription is a mere formality in Mx. I've never bothered. But has anyone actually obtained the prescription for V in Mx?I just carry my US prescription, when going to pharmacy. This way. I am (somewhat) covered, if I get stopped with a bottle of pills in my pocket on my way back to the hotel.

And I say "somewhat" because even having a valid Rx may not always help, when stopped by corrupt Tijuana cops. At the end of the day. If they are determined to shake you down, they will. Doesn't matter what paperwork you present them with.

[Travv]

When I buy Mexican pharmaceuticals like Metformin or Maxifort, I keep the pills in the original manufacturer bottle and declare it to US Customs. On return visits to Tijuana, I keep most of the pills in the USA and 1 or 2 of the original pills in the manufacturer marked bottle so if examined, the policia can tell it is the same pharmaceutical product. Hard to allege you are a "dealer" with only 1 or 2 Viagra or Metformin tablets. If this goes to a judge, the judge can see that it is a harmless medicine, as opposed to keeping the pills in an anonymous pill case where the policia could allege it is meth or whatever. The real worry is that the policia might try to "plant" you with pot or meth or whatever, in order to extort cash out of you. Almost worth buying a body camera to video the policia to keep that from happening.


Two thoughts and 1 question.

Sneaking it across the border is one issue. Frankly, I've never declared the few pills I have brought across. This next trip, I do plan to declare it. The CBP site is somewhat clear that a small, personal supply is allowed, assuming it is not a controlled drug, which V is not. It's important to understand what controlled means, which is a higher bar than prescription. The other concern: CBP tolerating that small supply does not help with other laws about possessing prescription meds in the US without a US script.

Buying it in Mexico, I suppose could be a reason for troubles within Mexico. As a practice, I put them in my pocket immediately, and then I immediately get back to the hotel and keep them there. I won't walk around with a pill in my pocket afterwards.

The question. My understanding, obtaining an actual prescription is a mere formality in Mx. I've never bothered. But has anyone actually obtained the prescription for V in Mx?

[HorseTrader]

Watching some TV documentary (Border Patrol US?) they showed a container full of mailed medications from India. IIRC they said a 90 day supply is allowed so if that's true, how do you count Viagra or Cialis given they are "on demand" drugs? (I know 5mg Cialis can be taken daily but what about the 20mg doses?) I suppose one could argue that V could be taken daily and thus 90 tabs ought to be ok... Famous last words.My doctor told me to take the 20 MG Cialis no more than once every 2 days. Same doctor said 100 MG Viagra could be taken each day.

We never discussed how many consecutive days it could be taken (3 days? 10? 100?). I took about 25 doses of Viagra over a 30 day trip to Thailand without known adverse side effect.

[Artisttyp]

We never discussed how many consecutive days it could be taken (3 days? 10? 100?). I took about 25 doses of Viagra over a 30 day trip to Thailand without known adverse side effect.I keep telling myself I would give up mongering if I got to that point but then again I am only 48 and 420 works as my Viagra.

[HorseTrader]

I keep telling myself I would give up mongering if I got to that point but then again I am only 48 and 420 works as my Viagra.Getting old sucks.

[Simmer]

(I know 5mg Cialis can be taken daily but what about the 20mg doses?)


My doctor told me to take the 20 MG Cialis no more than once every 2 days. Same doctor said 100 MG Viagra could be taken each day.

We never discussed how many consecutive days it could be taken (3 days? 10? 100?). I took about 25 doses of Viagra over a 30 day trip to Thailand without known adverse side effect.Oops, I didn't intend to suggest that I was asking about taking 20 MG Cialis daily. What I meant was how many 20 MG tabs for a 90 day supply. Apologies.

IIRC taking 5 MG Cialis daily gives you around 25 MG Cialis steady state after about 10 days.

I'm going over in a couple of weeks. I think I'll try bringing back 30 x 100 MG Maxifort unopened / sealed. I don't think that's an unrealistic quantity. I'll be driving over the border, but Uber / taxi around Tijuana, if that makes any difference.

[OlderMan4U]

Last time I went to Hong Kong not long ago, I was with a buddy and it was on a Saturday afternoon.

We left and headed back to the border around 7 pm and the taxi dropped us off about a quarter mile or so from the border, next to a road that goes underneath an overpass. There was no one along that street except for a beggar. I thought it looked a bit hairy for someone by themselves to walk back.

Any solo guys walked alone back to the border at early evening or later at night?

[Dcrist0527]

Sounds like Ped East. I've walked that route numerous times without incident, day and night. I'm not advising it is entirely safe. But that is a common drop off point for taxis. I typically see an older lady under that bridge, selling candy.

I've never had or seen anything frightening in that area. The part of the walk that is more concerning is about a half mile south of there.


Last time I went to Hong Kong not long ago, I was with a buddy and it was on a Saturday afternoon.

We left and headed back to the border around 7 pm and the taxi dropped us off about a quarter mile or so from the border, next to a road that goes underneath an overpass. There was no one along that street except for a beggar. I thought it looked a bit hairy for someone by themselves to walk back.

Any solo guys walked alone back to the border at early evening or later at night?

[Captain Solo]

A gringo was living with his Mexican wife and 3 children in an apartment in an upscale area in Zona Rio. The area is predominated by huge mansions with large green yards, owned by big local men. He was proud of the area and thought his family was safe. He kept 3 large pit bulls in the yard for security.

One Saturday 6 months after moving in, he took the family out to lunch. He came back after 2-hour lunch finding the dogs' bloody heads without their carcasses in the yard and his apartment completely empty. Someone killed the dogs and moved the entire content of his apartment, including old stoves, washer / dryer, a couple closets full of clothes, furniture, toys etc. Some guys were having dog tacos that night.

Looked like criminals were watching his family the whole time waiting to strike, and anything of any value could be stolen even in daylight. The crime was never investigated or solved. He was so afraid that he quickly moved back to the US.

OTOH, a bro has been living in Zona Norte for about 5 years, parking his car on the street. He never got anything stolen or ever felt unsafe. He's having the greatest time of his life with dozens bar girls crashing in his place over the year, cooking and cleaning, giving him free sex all night. Most girls were very hot. Life is good!

[OlderMan4U]

Sounds like Ped East. I've walked that route numerous times without incident, day and night. I'm not advising it is entirely safe. But that is a common drop off point for taxis. I typically see an older lady under that bridge, selling candy.

I've never had or seen anything frightening in that area. The part of the walk that is more concerning is about a half mile south of there.Cool, thanks. It was so weird how there was no one there at that time.

I wasn't used to that drop off point, the previous drop off point was located at where you actually now enter into Tijuana.

[GolfSexRroll]

A gringo was living with his Mexican wife and 3 children in an apartment in an upscale area in Zona Rio. The area is predominated by huge mansions with large green yards, owned by big local men. He was proud of the area and thought his family was safe. He kept 3 large pit bulls in the yard for security.

One Saturday 6 months after moving in, he took the family out to lunch. He came back after 2-hour lunch finding the dogs' bloody heads without their carcasses in the yard and his apartment completely empty. Someone killed the dogs and moved the entire content of his apartment, including old stoves, washer / dryer, a couple closets full of clothes, furniture, toys etc. Some guys were having dog tacos that night.

Looked like criminals were watching his family the whole time waiting to strike, and anything of any value could be stolen even in daylight. The crime was never investigated or solved. He was so afraid that he quickly moved back to the US.

OTOH, a bro has been living in Zona Norte for about 5 years, parking his car on the street. He never got anything stolen or ever felt unsafe. He's having the greatest time of his life with dozens bar girls crashing in his place over the year, cooking and cleaning, giving him free sex all night. Most girls were very hot. Life is good!I have not posted on this board in six months. I have now have lived in Playas for seven months. I live in a good area for one three quarters LESS than my rip off rent in SD. I am one block from the beach. I don't know where Capt. Comes up with this bullshit? I just had say something because noobies BELIEVE what Solo says is true. Mexico in my opinion for a gringo is as safe. Or safer than SD.

[Captain Solo]

I hope Golf will last a few more months before having everything stolen.

A couple guys were planning to share a crash pad in Zona Norte. They had to assume everything would be stolen in the first few months.

[Hargow20]

With all the murders in Tijuana one never really knows what happening there. Even the locals are mugged in Tijuana at times. Personally a gated community is the only place I would consider living in Tijuana.


I have not posted on this board in six months. I have now have lived in Playas for seven months. I live in a good area for one three quarters LESS than my rip off rent in SD. I am one block from the beach. I don't know where Capt. Comes up with this bullshit? I just had say something because noobies BELIEVE what Solo says is true. Mexico in my opinion for a gringo is as safe. Or safer than SD.

[Ctytek]

I have not posted on this board in six months. I have now have lived in Playas for seven months. I live in a good area for one three quarters LESS than my rip off rent in SD. I am one block from the beach. I don't know where Capt. Comes up with this bullshit? I just had say something because noobies BELIEVE what Solo says is true. Mexico in my opinion for a gringo is as safe. Or safer than SD.Indeed. Half of the things Capt. Says are made up BS and urban tales. Just take it for what it's worth.

Mexico is indeed can be as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make. There are probably close a 1 million of American retirees living in Mexico. They all live in safe communities. Stuff can happen of course, but it's no worse in Mexico than SD, Florida, or Texas.

[Captain Solo]

Number of Americans murdered in Mexico is higher than all other countries combined:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystoller/2018/02/21/mexico-where-more-americans-are-murdered-than-in-all-other-countries-combined/#3 e5 c5 ef0 de37.

https://nypost.com/2018/05/16/we-were-kidnapped-while-on-vacation-in-mexico/

[Captain Solo]

I know the 2 people who live in Tijuana personally. All info are factual.

Take your own risks in Mexico. Report any successes or failures to inform the other bros.

[Travv]

Everyone knows there is no free lunch. Tijuana housing is cheaper than San Diego, Florida or Texas for a number of good reasons. In SD or Texas, people rarely break into houses to rob or burglarize because robbers know that locals can easily buy 12 gauge shotguns and keep them loaded and handy in the home. In California and Texas, unlike Mexico, you have the right to defend yourself in your home from criminals with a shotgun or pistol or whatever. So in Mexico, you can expect a lot more violence from robbers or burglars because they know they won't be facing the wrong end of a shotgun. In Australia, when they restricted firearms like Mexico, robberies and burglaries skyrocketed. The criminals lost their fear of breaking into houses. Captain Solo's warnings and alerts about Tijuana crime is worth considering. If you want to go or live in Tijuana, only take cheap stuff you do not mind being stolen. Old beater cars for example. Buying nice houses or land with no title insurance in Mexico is unwise, IMO, but I hear other Americans talking about doing it. "It's so cheap to buy here. . . . ".


Indeed. Half of the things Capt. Says are made up BS and urban tales. Just take it for what it's worth.

Mexico is indeed can be as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make. There are probably close a 1 million of American retirees living in Mexico. They all live in safe communities. Stuff can happen of course, but it's no worse in Mexico than SD, Florida, or Texas.

[OlderMan4U]

Number of Americans murdered in Mexico is higher than all other countries combined:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystoller/2018/02/21/mexico-where-more-americans-are-murdered-than-in-all-other-countries-combined/#3 e5 c5 ef0 de37.

https://nypost.com/2018/05/16/we-were-kidnapped-while-on-vacation-in-mexico/It's such a shame.

I really love the vibe of Mexico and it is full of wonderful people, but the crime in many parts of Mexico make it a no go for me. The kidnappings in particular are scary. 70 something Americans murdered out of 31 million that visited Mexico in 2016 doesn't seem extraordinarily high, but it is still scary.

At least Tijuana for the moment doesn't have a warning by the state department:

"There are no USA Government restrictions in tourist areas in Baja California, which includes: Ensenada, Rosarito, and Tijuana."

[Dcrist0527]

The very last thing I want to do is contribute to a personal dispute. But how does the Captain pointing out one robbery and one safe situation differ materially from your statement "as safe or as dangerous"?

I think the safest thing to say is: YMMV. I can write about every one of my Tijuana experiences and I could have a very different experience tomorrow. I think this board is at its best when we share experiences and pass along any tips learned from those experiences. As I said, I don't want to contribute or continue any personal arguments. But I hope we hear more experiences, not try to discount others' experiences.


Indeed. Half of the things Capt. Says are made up BS and urban tales. Just take it for what it's worth.

Mexico is indeed can be as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make. There are probably close a 1 million of American retirees living in Mexico. They all live in safe communities. Stuff can happen of course, but it's no worse in Mexico than SD, Florida, or Texas.

[Dcrist0527]

If we take those raw figures as true, and I believe they are, what that means:

0.00024% of Americans traveling to Mexico are victims of homicide.

0.00014% of Americans traveling abroad outside of Mexico are homicide victims.

As a percentage, and by comparison, yes, Mexico is more dangerous than other foreign countries. By one-ten-thousandeth of a percentage point!

The way I look at it, STDs are not the only risk we run in mongering. I think we are wise to consider our risks. No doubt, there are more dangerous people and situations in the zona vs on revolucion. But the same can be said for many cities in the US.

We'd be foolish to ignore the stats, or the dangers. They are real. But they can be mitigated with knowledge, though not entirely eliminated.


Number of Americans murdered in Mexico is higher than all other countries combined:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystoller/2018/02/21/mexico-where-more-americans-are-murdered-than-in-all-other-countries-combined/#3 e5 c5 ef0 de37.

https://nypost.com/2018/05/16/we-were-kidnapped-while-on-vacation-in-mexico/

[Captain Solo]

I was waiting for someone to ask, what area afforded this bro 5 years of cheap but relaxed, sexy, crime-free living? But nobody asked. Uneducated, small-minded men are quick to nitpick and put down others with no proofs, no reasons. People quick to call lies are usually the biggest liars themselves.

There are areas that are cheap but safer than others, due to a number of factors. I will share the tips only with good, upright bros. No need to bring more riff raffs into the area.

[Ctytek]

LOL. 70 murders out of 31,000,000 makes travel to Mexico far more safer than living in just about ever US major city. By Far. As a reference point - 149 were murdered in San Antonio Tx in 2016, and it has a population of just 1.5 million people.

To put it another way. You're statistically less likely to be murdered while traveling to Mexico, than staying home in a US city.


It's such a shame.

I really love the vibe of Mexico and it is full of wonderful people, but the crime in many parts of Mexico make it a no go for me. The kidnappings in particular are scary. 70 something Americans murdered out of 31 million that visited Mexico in 2016 doesn't seem extraordinarily high, but it is still scary.

[MongerHunger]

A gringo was living with his Mexican wife and 3 children in an apartment in an upscale area in Zona Rio. The area is predominated by huge mansions with large green yards, owned by big local men. He was proud of the area and thought his family was safe. He kept 3 large pit bulls in the yard for security.

One Saturday 6 months after moving in, he took the family out to lunch. He came back after 2-hour lunch finding the dogs' bloody heads without their carcasses in the yard and his apartment completely empty. Someone killed the dogs and moved the entire content of his apartment, including old stoves, washer / dryer, a couple closets full of clothes, furniture, toys etc. Some guys were having dog tacos that night.

Looked like criminals were watching his family the whole time waiting to strike, and anything of any value could be stolen even in daylight. The crime was never investigated or solved. He was so afraid that he quickly moved back to the US.

OTOH, a bro has been living in Zona Norte for about 5 years, parking his car on the street. He never got anything stolen or ever felt unsafe. He's having the greatest time of his life with dozens bar girls crashing in his place over the year, cooking and cleaning, giving him free sex all night. Most girls were very hot. Life is good!I would like to know where you got this information from. What is your credible source?

[Dcrist0527]

That's a false argument. Comparing one's travel, when they spend a week or so in Mexico, and where they live, where they spend 50+ weeks, is just not a valid comparison. Also, motives for those homicides are vastly different.


LOL. 70 murders out of 31,000,000 makes travel to Mexico far more safer than living in just about ever US major city. By Far. As a reference point - 149 were murdered in San Antonio Tx in 2016, and it has a population of just 1.5 million people.

To put it another way. You're statistically less likely to be murdered while traveling to Mexico, than staying home in a US city.

[Captain Solo]

What scared my friend was the details of the burglary and the silent conspiracy afterward.

To completely move the content of this attached townhouse, including large appliances like stoves, fridge, washer, dryer, furniture etc in 2 hours, it required a large group of big, strong men who knew exactly what they were doing, with a large truck, and they were not afraid to get caught.

It looked obvious that these guys were some sort of organized criminals, who burglarize homes frequently.

The crime happened in broad daylight, but the neighbors never saw anything, and never helped in the police investigation. The owners of the big mansions nearby may be some sorts of criminals themselves. Nobody volunteered any info or tried to help the bro recover his stolen properties.

The conspiracy was very scary.

[Captain Solo]

The 2 guys are close friends.

I have been in their places many times.

I saw the apartment before and after the burglary. All info are first-hand and factual.

[Baxter Slade]

The 2 guys are close friends.

I have been in their places many times.

I saw the apartment before and after the burglary. All info are first-hand and factual.I guess it is worth repeating an actual quote from the Captain.

Posted by Captain Solo:

So I am only writing sexy fiction in ISG to entertain the bros.

[TomJackin]

I guess it is worth repeating an actual quote from the Captain.

Posted by Captain Solo:

So I am only writing sexy fiction in ISG to entertain the bros.Damn, that is funny, but so true!

[PVMonger]

What scared my friend was the details of the burglary and the silent conspiracy afterward.

To completely move the content of this attached townhouse, including large appliances like stoves, fridge, washer, dryer, furniture etc in 2 hours, it required a large group of big, strong men who knew exactly what they were doing, with a large truck, and they were not afraid to get caught.

It looked obvious that these guys were some sort of organized criminals, who burglarize homes frequently.

The crime happened in broad daylight, but the neighbors never saw anything, and never helped in the police investigation. The owners of the big mansions nearby may be some sorts of criminals themselves. Nobody volunteered any info or tried to help the bro recover his stolen properties.

The conspiracy was very scary.While I live in Puerto Vallarta and not Tijuana, things similar to what you describe happen here also.

What is interesting, tho, is that these types of burglaries seem to happen more in "upscale Colonias" than they do in less affluent Colonias.

My wife and I live about 3 km from some wealthy (homes priced from $250 K USD and up), ungated Colonias and we hear reports of burglaries quite frequently. We live in a far less upscale Colonia where the homes are much smaller and sell for about $60 K USD to $125 K USD. No one here has been burglarized in the 6 years we've lived here.

My personal take is that "expensive houses" contain "expensive things" and are therefore targeted. In our Colonia, most residents are Mexicans and most don't have a pot to p.

Ss in or a window to throw it out of.

[Member #4555]

In the movie the Hangover part III, there is a scene where a mansion is robbed. The mansion is supposed to be located in Tijuana, but they actually filmed the scene in Nogales I think.

Anyway, the Tijuana mansion is robbed when the owner is not home. They rob a bunch of gold from a vault and they kill the owner's dogs too.

It sounds a lot like the scene from Hangover III. In a two hour window in broad daylight, somebody had enough time to clear out an entire mansion and kill dogs? An owner who has a mansion and vicious attack dogs in Tijuana doesn't have a security camera too? The robbers knew they would be gone for two full hours when they left? The robbers didn't wait for the owners to go on vacation before cleaning out the house?

[Larry David]

So your first post on a mongering forum is to call a senior member a liar because you don't like what he posted? Hmmm. Smells like you already have an account but don't want to use it to attack the captain. Or perhaps you already attack him and you are trying to create the impression that there are others who have a hard on for him, too.

Now, I have never met, spoken to, nor messaged with captain solo, but I do read the Tijuana forum and he provides good information.


In the movie the Hangover part III, there is a scene where a mansion is robbed. The mansion is supposed to be located in Tijuana, but they actually filmed the scene in Nogales I think.

Anyway, the Tijuana mansion is robbed when the owner is not home. They rob a bunch of gold from a vault and they kill the owner's dogs too.

[Member #4555]

So your first post on a mongering forum is to call a senior member a liar because you don't like what he posted? Hmmm. Smells like you already have an account but don't want to use it to attack the captain. Or perhaps you already attack him and you are trying to create the impression that there are others who have a hard on for him, too.

Now, I have never met, spoken to, nor messaged with captain solo, but I do read the Tijuana forum and he provides good information.This is my only account and yes, it was my first post. I've been lurking a while and while Solo does offer some good advice, he also is a know it all who states a lot of things like they are facts.

I think the only person with multiple accounts on here is Solo himself. I saw one post of his where it listed his other handles.

Good handle by the way. Larry David. Like it.

[Baxter Slade]

You are right Larry David.

That post was kind of fishy. It is usually the other way around. The senior members know the Captains posts are filled with fiction. And the newb's believe every word.

[Dcrist0527]

Ignoring the personal attacks, but.

Lost in this argument over what could or could not be true is the lack of any real police work in Tijuana. Be it corruption or overworked, take a look at how many murders go unsolved. If murders go unsolved at a 95% clip, how much time do you think they invest in a home invasion? Consequently, there is not a lot of fear or deterrence in the criminal's mind. Add in the corruption, and this situation is more than plausible.


You are right Larry David.

That post was kind of fishy. It is usually the other way around. The senior members know the Captains posts are filled with fiction. And the newb's believe every word.

[StRobert]

German weapons company "Heckler & Koch" is accused of illegal weapons traffic to Mexico (9,472 pieces of G-36 rifles) - here is the link http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/english/germany-seeks-stem-flow-weapons-mexico.

[Tyven]

I am a long time lurker, and I know that I will likely be told to RTFF (which I have back and forth). I want to go to Hong Kong, but I am solo first time to Tijuana (I speak a little Spanish). Is it possible to get border-to-door service easily or, conversely, are there operating reliable guides who can get you to the club in one piece. I'm a little paranoid because I have never been to Tijuana. Sorry if this is such a newbie question.

[Baxter Slade]

I am a long time lurker, and I know that I will likely be told to RTFF (which I have back and forth). I want to go to Hong Kong, but I am solo first time to Tijuana (I speak a little Spanish). Is it possible to get border-to-door service easily or, conversely, are there operating reliable guides who can get you to the club in one piece. I'm a little paranoid because I have never been to Tijuana. Sorry if this is such a newbie question.I guess it is good that you are paronoid. It well just make you more alert. But you should have no worries. Best bet is enter by foot and long as you enter before 10 p. M use ped west. The entrance is located just east of the outlet mall. You will need a passport or passport card to enter Mexico. You will most likely have to fill out paperwork that won't take long. The main thing they want to know is where you are going (Tijuana is the correct answer) and that you will be staying less than 7 days. If you are not comfortable telling them you are going to the clubs, just say you are going to the casino (Caliente) to bet on sports. Once you exit into Mexico straight ahead to the driveway and to your right you will see cabs. Tell the driver $5 to Hong Kong. If he says $6 tell him to fuck off and wait for another taxi. Once you get to Hk welcome to disneyland. And you will be fine paying in dollars and you will also be fine with no spanish. You will also be able to safely walk out the rear of HK and the alley will have a nice selection of SG's if you are on a budget. When you have had enough you will have no problem locating a taxi. And once again don't ask how much tell them what you will pay. $5 is a generous offer. Tell them you want to go to La linea Chaparel. Just remember to say Chaparel or you could end up at an unfamiliar location.

Now I'm sure there are fellas on here that would be happy to meet up and show you around on your maiden voyage. However unless you pay the membership fee nobody can PM you to make those arrangements.

[Tyven]

I guess it is good that you are paronoid. It well just make you more alert. But you should have no worries. Best bet is enter by foot and long as you enter before 10 p. M use ped west. The entrance is located just east of the outlet mall. You will need a passport or passport card to enter Mexico. You will most likely have to fill out paperwork that won't take long. The main thing they want to know is where you are going (Tijuana is the correct answer) and that you will be staying less than 7 days. If you are not comfortable telling them you are going to the clubs, just say you are going to the casino (Caliente) to bet on sports. Once you exit into Mexico straight ahead to the driveway and to your right you will see cabs. Tell the driver $5 to Hong Kong. If he says $6 tell him to fuck off and wait for another taxi. Once you get to Hk welcome to disneyland. And you will be fine paying in dollars and you will also be fine with no spanish. You will also be able to safely walk out the rear of HK and the alley will have a nice selection of SG's if you are on a budget. When you have had enough you will have no problem locating a taxi. And once again don't ask how much tell them what you will pay. $5 is a generous offer..Thank you so much for your amazingly concise help! Good advice on the membership too.

[Ath Trainer]

I guess it is good that you are paronoid. It well just make you more alert. But you should have no worries. Best bet is enter by foot and long as you enter before 10 p. M use ped west. The entrance is located just east of the outlet mall. You will need a passport or passport card to enter Mexico. You will most likely have to fill out paperwork that won't take long. The main thing they want to know is where you are going (Tijuana is the correct answer) and that you will be staying less than 7 days. If you are not comfortable telling them you are going to the clubs, just say you are going to the casino (Caliente) to bet on sports. Once you exit into Mexico straight ahead to the driveway and to your right you will see cabs. Tell the driver $5 to Hong Kong. If he says $6 tell him to fuck off and wait for another taxi. Once you get to Hk welcome to disneyland. And you will be fine paying in dollars and you will also be fine with no spanish. You will also be able to safely walk out the rear of HK and the alley will have a nice selection of SG's if you are on a budget. When you have had enough you will have no problem locating a taxi. And once again don't ask how much tell them what you will pay. $5 is a generous offer. Tell them you want to go to La linea Chaparel. Just remember to say Chaparel or you could end up at an unfamiliar location.

Now I'm sure there are fellas on here that would be happy to meet up and show you around on your maiden voyage. However unless you pay the membership fee nobody can PM you to make those arrangements.Chaparel is the name of the new crossing?

[OlderMan4U]

I guess it is good that you are paronoid. It well just make you more alert. But you should have no worries. Best bet is enter by foot and long as you enter before 10 p. M use ped west. The entrance is located just east of the outlet mall. You will need a passport or passport card to enter Mexico. You will most likely have to fill out paperwork that won't take long. The main thing they want to know is where you are going (Tijuana is the correct answer) and that you will be staying less than 7 days. If you are not comfortable telling them you are going to the clubs, just say you are going to the casino (Caliente) to bet on sports. Once you exit into Mexico straight ahead to the driveway and to your right you will see cabs. Tell the driver $5 to Hong Kong. If he says $6 tell him to fuck off and wait for another taxi. Once you get to Hk welcome to disneyland. And you will be fine paying in dollars and you will also be fine with no spanish. You will also be able to safely walk out the rear of HK and the alley will have a nice selection of SG's if you are on a budget. When you have had enough you will have no problem locating a taxi. And once again don't ask how much tell them what you will pay. $5 is a generous offer. Tell them you want to go to La linea Chaparel. Just remember to say Chaparel or you could end up at an unfamiliar location.

Now I'm sure there are fellas on here that would be happy to meet up and show you around on your maiden voyage. However unless you pay the membership fee nobody can PM you to make those arrangements.Thank you for the detailed information.

Stupid me, I knew there was all this construction and a new pedestrian crossing, but for some reason it never fully registered in my mind that there was a new ped west entrance near the outlet malls. On a trip last month I used the old ped east as me and my mate parked right there in the lot across from Jack in the Box.

Next trip I might just use ped west instead, maybe park at that Border parking immediately to your right as you exit the I-5 to the border. I don't know if there's any long term parking for border crossing at the mall though. And I have to be careful to tell the taxi driver where to drop me off. Someone on another website suggested telling the taxi driver Plaza Viva Tijuana or central de autobuses de la linea.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/sdut-pedwest-crossing-opens-next-month-2016jun30-story.html

[Baxter Slade]

Chaparel is the name of the new crossing?Yes also known as ped west. But south of the border better to refer to it as Chaparel.

[Travv]

No need to take a taxi back and forth to the border. HK now has a shuttle service for VIP card holders. Just go to the valet station and ask for the shuttle. Once when the shuttle took a long time to arrive, one of the valets took my VIP card and got authorization for HK Club to pay for a taxi for me. Tip the drivers and enjoy the ride!


Thank you so much for your amazingly concise help! Good advice on the membership too.

[Captain Solo]

It's called El Chaparral for those guys who know it all:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Chaparral

[Baxter Slade]

It's called El Chaparral for those guys who know it all:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_ChaparralYes the Captain makes a valid point. Do not forget to mention the EL or you could end up at LA Chaparal.

[Electronman]

I guess it is good that you are paronoid. It well just make you more alert. But you should have no worries. Best bet is enter by foot and long as you enter before 10 p. M use ped west. The entrance is located just east of the outlet mall. You will need a passport or passport card to enter Mexico. You will most likely have to fill out paperwork that won't take long. The main thing they want to know is where you are going (Tijuana is the correct answer) and that you will be staying less than 7 days. If you are not comfortable telling them you are going to the clubs, just say you are going to the casino (Caliente) to bet on sports. Once you exit into Mexico straight ahead to the driveway and to your right you will see cabs. Tell the driver $5 to Hong Kong. If he says $6 tell him to fuck off and wait for another taxi. Once you get to Hk welcome to disneyland. And you will be fine paying in dollars and you will also be fine with no spanish. You will also be able to safely walk out the rear of HK and the alley will have a nice selection of SG's if you are on a budget. When you have had enough you will have no problem locating a taxi. And once again don't ask how much tell them what you will pay. $5 is a generous offer. Tell them you want to go to La linea Chaparel. Just remember to say Chaparel or you could end up at an unfamiliar location..Very helpful report.

On a recent visit I had two taxi drivers insist on on $8 fare. In one case, I rejected the taxi and went to another pick up point. For the other, I had already hopped in the cab, without confirming the fare and I was surprised when the driver requested $8 when he dropped me at the border. I paid the extra three dollars- no need to start a scene over three dollars.

Getting two $8 quotes, makes me think that the drivers are conspiring to raise the prices.

Anyone else have this experience? Just thought that others might want to be aware and prepared.

[Ninguno Especial]

Very helpful report.

On a recent visit I had two taxi drivers insist on on $8 fare.
Getting two $8 quotes, makes me think that the drivers are conspiring to raise the prices.
Anyone else have this experience? Just thought that others might want to be aware and prepared.Thanks for the heads up. I've not used a taxi in well over 2 yrs as I only go daytime & grab a 10 peso Mercedes Van at the border, returning from 2nd and Constitucion for same price. But those quotes are outrageous.

When the peso to USD rates were closer like 10 and 12 to one they would easily take 50 pesos some 30 pesos or $3 US. Now $8 is easily 140 pesos and when they see pesos they act like it is foreign currency, as if they are too good to accept it.

[Hargow20]

You are much better off using Uber if you are heading to the Zona after 9 pm or back from there. It costs only $2. 34. Just ask the to take El Chapparal. That this bridge just south of Pedeast. I always walk to the Zona if it is before 8 pm. There is always other people walking across the bridge so you will be safe.


Very helpful report.

On a recent visit I had two taxi drivers insist on on $8 fare. In one case, I rejected the taxi and went to another pick up point. For the other, I had already hopped in the cab, without confirming the fare and I was surprised when the driver requested $8 when he dropped me at the border. I paid the extra three dollars- no need to start a scene over three dollars.

Getting two $8 quotes, makes me think that the drivers are conspiring to raise the prices.

Anyone else have this experience? Just thought that others might want to be aware and prepared.

[Electronman]

You are much better off using Uber if you are heading to the Zona after 9 pm or back from there. It costs only $2. 34. Just ask the to take El Chapparal. That this bridge just south of Pedeast. I always walk to the Zona if it is before 8 pm. There is always other people walking across the bridge so you will be safe.Thanks for the helpful replies. Do we have a "walking" map posted anywhere in this thread? I know that Tijuana Amigos, now closed, used to have a pedestrian map.

I did have one bad experience walking- a local started walking with me and offering to be my guide to Hong Kong. I declined emphatically and multiple times, but he continued to walk along beside me. Within a block, a police cruiser pulls up, three cops hop out and demand to search me. I asked why and I was told that I was waling with a "known drug dealer." I might have been carrying $400 dollars in my wallet, which the cops found in their search, and I felt certain that the police would take the cash as bribe money or worse yet plant some drugs on my body. Fortunately, a lieutenant pulled up and ordered the local police to back off and sent me on my way. I'm not sure what happened to the "known drug dealer" who offered to be my escort but it really felt like a set up. However, I do like to walk cities and I'd be tempted if I knew the recommended route.

[Jackie888]

Thanks for the helpful replies. Do we have a "walking" map posted anywhere in this thread? I know that Tijuana Amigos, now closed, used to have a pedestrian map.

I did have one bad experience walking- a local started walking with me and offering to be my guide to Hong Kong. I declined emphatically and multiple times, but he continued to walk along beside me. Within a block, a police cruiser pulls up, three cops hop out and demand to search me. I asked why and I was told that I was waling with a "known drug dealer." I might have been carrying $400 dollars in my wallet, which the cops found in their search, and I felt certain that the police would take the cash as bribe money or worse yet plant some drugs on my body. Fortunately, a lieutenant pulled up and ordered the local police to back off and sent me on my way. I'm not sure what happened to the "known drug dealer" who offered to be my escort but it really felt like a set up. However, I do like to walk cities and I'd be tempted if I knew the recommended route.Any time a local speaking great English offers to be your guide, get your stuff, be a buddy for no apparent reason, you have to ditch him immediately.

Be polite but firm and say the words "I don't want anything. I don't need your help." Then walk away.

Only once did a local insist and followed me and I had to face him and tell him to "fuck off."

There guys are predators. They're probing to find a weak one. They know you have cash.

[Hargow20]

The Zona Norte is real easy to walk around and walk to if you wish. The Zona is comprises two street blocks. The central part is the Cohuilla alley this runs east west. The alley runs into Constitucion and that is on the east side. Ninos Hero's is on the west side. On the North side there is Cohuila street. This is where Hong Kong and Adelita's bard On the west side there is Primera street. Primera street runs into Revolucion and takes you across the Pedestrian bridge. As for SG's & SW's the better ones are either in the alley or on Constitucion or Nino's Heros. If you do walk around always look to see who is behind you. You can always Google Hong Kong bar and that will give a map. The only caveat is that Google maps does not label the alley.


Thanks for the helpful replies. Do we have a "walking" map posted anywhere in this thread? I know that Tijuana Amigos, now closed, used to have a pedestrian map.

I did have one bad experience walking- a local started walking with me and offering to be my guide to Hong Kong. I declined emphatically and multiple times, but he continued to walk along beside me. Within a block, a police cruiser pulls up, three cops hop out and demand to search me. I asked why and I was told that I was waling with a "known drug dealer." I might have been carrying $400 dollars in my wallet, which the cops found in their search, and I felt certain that the police would take the cash as bribe money or worse yet plant some drugs on my body. Fortunately, a lieutenant pulled up and ordered the local police to back off and sent me on my way. I'm not sure what happened to the "known drug dealer" who offered to be my escort but it really felt like a set up. However, I do like to walk cities and I'd be tempted if I knew the recommended route.

[Electronman]

Any time a local speaking great English offers to be your guide, get your stuff, be a buddy for no apparent reason, you have to ditch him immediately.

Be polite but firm and say the words "I don't want anything. I don't need your help." Then walk away.

Only once did a local insist and followed me and I had to face him and tell him to "fuck off."

There guys are predators. They're probing to find a weak one. They know you have cash.Jackie,

That is exactly what I did. But I continued walking towards my destination and he followed in spite of my insistence that I did not need or want his company. Interestingly, the local police pulled up within a block of this guy starting to walk along with me. This timing made me suspicious that it might have been a set up with the police also involved, possibly by sending this guy to walk with gringos and to give them a pretext to stop and harass American tourists. I felt fortunate to get out of the situation with no monetary or physical damage. The only reason I posted this was warn others of this type of scam and vulnerability.

[TomJackin]

Thanks for the helpful replies. Do we have a "walking" map posted anywhere in this thread? I know that Tijuana Amigos, now closed, used to have a pedestrian map.Here is an older map.

[Electronman]

Here is an older map.Thanks!

I'm assuming that the "old" crossing would be a better option for those taking the trolley.

[Captain Solo]

If someone accosts you on the streets, chances are very high that they are criminals, trying to set you up for something bad. Or policias may suspect you for crimes by association.

Tell them firmly to go away. If they persist, tell them "Policias. " If they still follow you, call out loud for help: "Ayuda! Ayuda!" They would usually run away.

[TomJackin]

Thanks!

I'm assuming that the "old" crossing would be a better option for those taking the trolley.You are assuming correct.

[WombatEd2]

In Australia, when they restricted firearms like Mexico, robberies and burglaries skyrocketed.I tried to google this and came up empty. (Ignoring sites with clear gun agendas, one way or the other.).

By any chance do you have a reliable source for this?

[WombatEd2]

Yes the Captain makes a valid point. Do not forget to mention the EL or you could end up at LA Chaparal.After all, in LA one whole damn city named "LA Puente".

[Mr Russell]

Hey guys!

Wanted to post about an incident that I experienced yesterday evening walking on Revolucion. I walked form HK to Restaurante Caesar's for dinner around 7 pm. Finished around 8 pm and started walking back to HK. Had my phone in my hand browsing the internet and as I crossed the first street light I noticed something odd about this group of two girls and a guy. Early to mid 20's. Don't exactly know why they caught my attention but as I stared at them they seemed to have their focus on me.

Next thing I noticed the dude started following me. I quickly walked into a Oxxo convenience store and watched to see if he would follow me in. He didn't. Spent 2 minutes in there and walked out thinking he left but to my surprise he was waiting just one business store away and as I came out he started following me again. I was alone so at this time I knew I shouldn't walk any further and should get a taxi / uber. A couple stores down was a well lit pharmacy that I frequently buy RXs from. I knew the cashier so I stopped into that pharmacy and told the clerk and pointed out he guy outside who was following me. I asked that he called the cops for me. He said he would do so but would probably take them 20 minutes to get here. I see patrol cars passing by on the street but didn't want to run out to wave them down.

There was a local customer who was buying RXs and overheard what I said to the clerk and said he'the go out and ask that dude what he wanted from me. Customer went out and he came back in with the prick and said he believes I have "his phone". He had a cheap cracked phone in his hand with a live GPS dot of our location and he said he is "tracking" his missing ph and it indicates I have it. What I saw on his shitty phone was either googlemaps or uber app open with flashing current location on. This was his "excuse". I took my phone & wallet out of my pocket and held it up in the hand furthest away from him and told him to go ahead and check if I had possession of his so-called phone on me (thinking back I shouldn't even have gave him that opportunity) but he didn't pat me down and just said he now believes me. Mind you this was just his "excuse". He then left and I requested an uber to pick me up in front of that pharmacy and take me back to HK.

This kid was relentless and had no fear of whatever consequences he would of faced at whatever robbery attempt he was going to attempt on me. I am 35 y / o, 5'8" and a somewhat husky dude and he was fearless. I've walked alone to Revolucion 30+ times even in evening hours and have never encountered anything like this. So glad that my senses made me realize something off about that group when I left the restaurant.

As close proximity as Revolucion is to HK I will always uber to my destinations from here on. Safety first! Just thought I'the share this experience and warn you all that as fun as it is in Tijuana there are always a few individuals like this group that don't give a F**k and don't fear consequences. Even the pharmacy clerk was surprised saying these types of individuals rarely attempt this in the tourist area but I would disagree that it's the best place to attempt robbery. Be careful fellas!


Don't believe the people who say you will be safe just be being smart and using your head. It's not USA. Nobody fears being arrested because it hardly ever happens. So for starters understand your a gigantic target. In NYC the locals swarm the Europeans right off the plain. They stand out. It's the small details. The sneaker brand. The haircut. The accent. Nobody should walk that bridge unless you've been robbed in the past and handed over your wallet with no hesitation. I've read plenty of travel forums with tourists getting robbed on it. You need to have the cash in three spots. Some in wallet some in hidden pockets and socks. 15 dollars is worth mugging. I've had it happen to me. In front of two dozen people walking by. So witness is relevant. Pay the taxi fare or take the sixty cents bus. Tijuana is a lot of fun similar to america in the 80's before everything became illegal and gentrified but it is not a playground. Every minute you are on the sidewalk you will be eyed and considered a target.

[Captain Solo]

To Mr. Russell,

7 PM still has plenty of daylight. Tijuana does not get dark until about 8:30.

There are way to many hopeless drugs addicts in Tijuana with nothing to lose. They were stalking, waiting for the right time at the dark places to rob you. The losers would kill a person for a few bucks.

They even had balls to accuse you of stealing their phone? That would [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) me off. You did not have to stop to entertain anyone's accusations or let them frisk you. They have no rights stalking you. If you feel threaten just shout at them "Policia. " If they still threaten you, call the policias and file a complain for stalking.

It's not worth the risks of getting robbed and beat up walking at night anywhere away from the bar block on Coahuila. That block is not 100% safe but is probably the safest area in Tijuana due to presence of bar touts, chicas, mongers and security cameras.

Take UBER or LYFT at night. They are cheaper and safer than taxis as all rides and drivers are recorded, whereas taxis drives are unknown and may be rateros in rented taxis.

[Dcrist0527]

This is exactly the type of information that should be shared on this board, imo. I think there is alot of fear mongering that happens here and probably scares people away.

I walked Revolucion every day this week without incident, as late as 12:30 AM. While some say 'being smart isn't enough', clearly your awareness and being smart is what it took to stop something from happening.

My point: no one should say Tijuana has no security concerns nor should anyone inflate the risk. Being smart will keep you safe, or at least as safe as many large US cities.

Don't remember who said it. It may have been the captain. The accosters are a danger. Had one just two days ago in the zona. He was "selling candy". His box had 2 pieces of candy in it. Walked past him. Kept following me, telling me he can hook me up with what I need. Spoke perfect English. He kept up with me until I reached the corner. And he's still offering to help. I was at the corner near people and I turned to him and yelled I don't want your help. Sure enough an hour later he appeared as I was going arriba at Cascadas. He looked at the chica and said, "yeah, that's it. Give it to her good. " I stopped, told him to go away. Someone from HK came out and pushed him away from HK and Cascadas. The chica said he is bad news.

I mention this because the minor incidents I have had, the bad guys look for someone who is an easy target. I don't recommend initiating a confrontation. But like Mr Russell did, I think, once you know what's going on through your awareness, it's not a good idea to be timid.


Hey guys!

Wanted to post about an incident that I experienced yesterday evening walking on Revolucion. I walked form HK to Restaurante Caesar's for dinner around 7 pm. Finished around 8 pm and started walking back to HK. Had my phone in my hand browsing the internet and as I crossed the first street light I noticed something odd about this group of two girls and a guy. Early to mid 20's. Don't exactly know why they caught my attention but as I stared at them they seemed to have their focus on me.

Next thing I noticed the dude started following me. I quickly walked into a Oxxo convenience store and watched to see if he would follow me in. He didn't. Spent 2 minutes in there and walked out thinking he left but to my surprise he was waiting just one business store away and as I came out he started following me again. I was alone so at this time I knew I shouldn't walk any further and should get a taxi / uber. A couple stores down was a well lit pharmacy that I frequently buy RXs from..

[Gropai]

I'll be staying at Cascadas and I'll leave the hotel at midnight for a flight at the airport. I'm thinking about taking a taxi to the airport, but is it safe to take a taxi at midnight?

[Member #4722]

I'll be staying at Cascadas and I'll leave the hotel at midnight for a flight at the airport. I'm thinking about taking a taxi to the airport, but is it safe to take a taxi at midnight?If you are worried about taking a taxi at midnight Tijuana probably aint for you.

[Dcrist0527]

Safe? It's a relative word. And a controversial word on this board.

I'll share my experiences. I've used taxis at all hours of the night. Most recently, 3 AM. I've never had a bad experience in a taxi. And this probably sounds silly but. There is no shortage of taxi drivers. I look for one that I feel comfortable with. I trust my gut. But even then, driving through Tijuana in the dead of night, I'm not blind to the possibility of other dangers.

That said, taxi drivers are on the lower end of my security concerns. As Captain Solo pointed out: Uber is cheaper and likely more secure.


I'll be staying at Cascadas and I'll leave the hotel at midnight for a flight at the airport. I'm thinking about taking a taxi to the airport, but is it safe to take a taxi at midnight?

[Travv]

I suspect they actually had their focus on your cell phone. In Venezuela, I've read that people do not use their cell phone in public for this reason. A cell phone is a years salary there and they are then targeted for a robbery of their Iphone or whatever. Once you showed the cell phone, they began stalking you for the right time to attack. People who flash cellphones, cash, Rolexes, and jewelry in Tijuana are likely going to get hit over the head or choked out if they are not careful.


Hey guys!

Wanted to post about an incident that I experienced yesterday evening walking on Revolucion. I walked form HK to Restaurante Caesar's for dinner around 7 pm. Finished around 8 pm and started walking back to HK. Had my phone in my hand browsing the internet and as I crossed the first street light I noticed something odd about this group of two girls and a guy. Early to mid 20's. Don't exactly know why they caught my attention but as I stared at them they seemed to have their focus on me.

Next thing I noticed the dude started following me. I quickly walked into a Oxxo convenience store and watched to see if he would follow me in. He didn't. Spent 2 minutes in there and walked out thinking he left but to my surprise he was waiting just one business store away and as I came out he started following me again. I was alone so at this time I knew I shouldn't walk any further and should get a taxi / uber. A couple stores down was a well lit pharmacy that I frequently buy RXs from. I knew the cashier so I stopped into that pharmacy and told the clerk and pointed out he guy outside who was following me. I asked that he called the cops for me.

[SBeach25]

I suspect they actually had their focus on your cell phone. In Venezuela, I've read that people do not use their cell phone in public for this reason. A cell phone is a years salary there and they are then targeted for a robbery of their Iphone or whatever. Once you showed the cell phone, they began stalking you for the right time to attack. People who flash cellphones, cash, Rolexes, and jewelry in Tijuana are likely going to get hit over the head or choked out if they are not careful.This is also ill advised in Colombia. Cell phones are a hot market down there. Most stolen phones or old phones that get refurbished are sent to South America for resale. Colombia has now issued a 30 day open window for new phones activated to be registered or your phone gets blocked from service. I've had this happened once I passed 30 days.

[LixerGood]

Due to the fact that none of the neighbors claimed to have seen anything, I wonder if at sometime your friend had pissed one or more of them off. Maybe acted a little superior, racist, or otherwise been the ugly American (in spite of having a Mexican wife.).

And this was a not so subtle way of say saying, Go away, we don't want you here.


What scared my friend was the details of the burglary and the silent conspiracy afterward.

To completely move the content of this attached townhouse, including large appliances like stoves, fridge, washer, dryer, furniture etc in 2 hours, it required a large group of big, strong men who knew exactly what they were doing, with a large truck, and they were not afraid to get caught.

It looked obvious that these guys were some sort of organized criminals, who burglarize homes frequently.

The crime happened in broad daylight, but the neighbors never saw anything, and never helped in the police investigation. The owners of the big mansions nearby may be some sorts of criminals themselves. Nobody volunteered any info or tried to help the bro recover his stolen properties.

The conspiracy was very scary.

[Captain Solo]

To Lixergood.

This guy is very nice, meek, humble, not haughty, ugly type. He had his Mexican wife, 3 kids, and his in laws: mother, brother and sister, staying there on and off. They were poor, very crude people from the ghetto of a big city. I could tell they were very proud of that nice, clean townhouse furnished to comfortable American lifestyle.

My guess it was not a hate crime or a racial gesture. The burglars wanted all those appliances, furniture, clothing, toys. They even had time to chop the heads off 3 pit bulls and took the carcasses, of course not for trophies but for tacos that night.

By their quick, clean, precise, audacious plans and execution, they must be robbing houses regularly. It was like a military operation, may be by ex soldiers or cartel guys. If they find a chance to set up up comfortable household for their GFs they will rob the house and nobody will stop them.

[Simmer]

Can anyone recommend a burner phone, ie one that you don't really care if it gets lost or stolen, looks cheap, is cheap, but can at least get Uber on?

I suppose a second hand, old Android-based smartphone of some sort?

[Ctytek]

"Only" once? LOL I have made that walk countless number of times, no problems. Yet. What specific location did you get mugged at, if you don't mind sharing?


I would say walking revolution is like walking a minefield. I've done the walk from. Caesars to Hong Kong a 100 times and only jumped mugged nearly killed once.

[Artisttyp]

Can anyone recommend a burner phone, ie one that you don't really care if it gets lost or stolen, looks cheap, is cheap, but can at least get Uber on?

I suppose a second hand, old Android-based smartphone of some sort?EBay refurbished quad band phone or buy a cheapie at the TelCel center in Plaza Rio.

[Phordphan]

"Only" once? LOL I have made that walk countless number of times, no problems. Yet. What specific location did you get mugged at, if you don't mind sharing?There are two posters on this board who continually spout bilge. At this point I think you know who they both are.

[MongerHunger]

Is this what you think when you go around Tijuana? Doom and Gloom? Scams around every corner? Police becoming your enemy because you report a crime? Rateros making you a mark when they see you? It's a wonder if you have any fun walking around paranoid but keep coming back for more.


I'm not supposed to get into details. What I'll say is for certain as the other poster wrote is they work in teams of many people some will be woman to get your guard down. I've watched dozens on you tubers videos from other countries same scams usually less violent but for more money. Also there is other stuff to be concerned about much worse then your wallet and phone. Just google the subject. I don't want to write about it because it hasn't happened to me. Basically be ready to hand your wallet over and phone. Don't report it to the police because then you will now have enemies. Look at it as a toll. If you lose 150 bucks between the phone wallet and money. So be it. Just have your passport in hidden pocket that they can't find cause that's expensive and a hassle. And if asked for your wallet without being shown a weapon by people smaller than you. If you don't have the discipline to hand it over. If you hesitate. Then stay in Hong Kong and in front of Hong Kong. Which is safe I think LOL.

[Simmer]

EBay refurbished quad band phone or buy a cheapie at the TelCel center in Plaza Rio.Thanks. Didn't cross my mind to buy locally.

[Travv]

I think fear of crime varies between posters. My guess is that the two posters probably fit the profile of the perfect mugger target. Which would be the characteristics of elderly or small or Asian or disabled. Thus they have extensive experience with the local muggers. Posters and members here who look like Hells Angels or LAPD on steroids probably will not have problems from the local Tijuana rateros on the other hand.


There are two posters on this board who continually spout bilge. At this point I think you know who they both are.

[Centurion200]

Have been here for two days. When I visit a new city my favorite thing is to do city walks. Was apprehensive about this place because of all the bad things I've heard. I've cross-crossed the city and aside from some guff from the usual suspects (obviously crazy or drugged out clowns) I've had no trouble. That what you get in any city on the world.

The red-light district attracts low-life's, of course, but if you walk confident and mind your business I think anyone will be fine.

[Bbond]

"Only" once? LOL I have made that walk countless number of times, no problems. Yet. What specific location did you get mugged at, if you don't mind sharing?It really doesn't matter where, some guys just look like a target, and they are not safe anywhere. The way they dress, they way they act, etc, and of course etc. But don't mind me, I only have 50 years experience in Mexico. I just had a "friend" get nailed for 800 pesos protection money, he went out to smoke a cigarette, guy told him that for his protection he need to pay for safety. Idiot, instead of coming back inside and telling me, he paid it. Come on. Look like a fool, be treated as such.

[Hargow20]

The unfortunate fact is what you said is largely true in the Zona. Last year a guy stole my phone. I reported to cops and about a block later they stopped me stole some money from me. The key in the Zona and Tijuana is to always be aware of your surroundings and constantly look behind you. Now the main part of the Zona has become a bit safer since the cops are constantly around.


Is this what you think when you go around Tijuana? Doom and Gloom? Scams around every corner? Police becoming your enemy because you report a crime? Rateros making you a mark when they see you? It's a wonder if you have any fun walking around paranoid but keep coming back for more.

[VegasGambler9]

How about walking around Construction Av at night would that be okay. Thanks to all of you for the info you post.

[Baxter Slade]

There are two posters on this board who continually spout bilge. At this point I think you know who they both are.How about a clue?

[Dcrist0527]

Spot on. I don't know what those 2 posters look like. But you can prevent a lot or invite a lot by how you carry yourself. I am not a "tough guy". I'm as gringo as they come. I'm a fairly fat guy, to be blunt. I do carry it well and look "bigger" than I really am. But walking without fear saved me in a pickle. There is a lot of great advice on this board. Be aware of your surroundings. Look behind you. Don't flash a phone or cash. Don't dress differently than your surroundings. The two things I swear by based on personal experience:

1, walk with a purpose. When I visit, I spend literally hours walking the streets of Tijuana, in and out of the zona, day and night. There are places to avoid. But for the most part, I am not heading anywhere in particular. But I walk like I am. Even around in the alley, I don't loiter. I walk like I'm heading somewhere. I believe this helps you fit in. Someone walking aimlessly just screams target.

2, walk with an attitude. I'm not a tough guy. I do probably look more intimidating than I am. But I won't smile. I act tough. I give a courteous head nod to people I see. It's to be kind and not tick anyone off but it's also eye contact to let them know, I see you, don't mess with me.

Just like most big cities, if you spend time walking around certain areas, you are bound to encounter bad people. Those bad people encounter hundreds of people a day, at least. They act on the few that make themselves vulnerable. Don't give them a reason to choose you and you'll likely not have a problem.


I think fear of crime varies between posters. My guess is that the two posters probably fit the profile of the perfect mugger target. Which would be the characteristics of elderly or small or Asian or disabled. Thus they have extensive experience with the local muggers. Posters and members here who look like Hells Angels or LAPD on steroids probably will not have problems from the local Tijuana rateros on the other hand.

[Artisttyp]

Ejecutado en callejn Coahuila de la Zona Norte.

TIJUANA, Baja California (GH).

Un hombre fue privado de la vida tras recibir una serie de disparos, LOS hechos ocurrieron alrededor de las 21:15 horas en el.

Callejon Coahuila de la Zona Norte.

Policas municipales acudieron a atender el reporte why decretaron a la persona herida a las afueras de un hotel de paso, por lo cual solicitaron LOS servicios de Cruz Roja.

Como primera respuesta personal de bomberos acudi a la escena para brindar ayuda prehospitalaria, sin embargo el hombre ya no presentaba signos vitales.

De momento el rea se encuentra acordonada why resguardada por agentes municipales why del ministerio pblico, en espera de servicios periciales why la unidad de levantamientos.

[Hargow20]

I was a bit surprised considering how much police there is in the alley. The police always have a van or truck parked on the west end of the alley. Hopefully this is random occurrence. We will have to wait see how this effects the Zona. Just keep your guard up folks. It's quite probable that the drug gangs are fighting. If so then there is good chance the ratero's will step up there mugging's.


"A man was deprived of life after receiving a series of shots, the events occurred around 21:15 hours in the.

Coahuila Alley of the North Zone.

Municipal police came to attend the report and decreed the injured person outside a hotel in transit, for which they requested Red Cross services.

As the first personal response of firefighters came to the scene to provide prehospital help, however the man no longer showed vital signs.

At the moment, the area is cordoned off and guarded by municipal agents and the public prosecutor, awaiting expert services and the survey unit. ".

(https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.lacronica.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Policiaca/09062018/1348110-Ejecutado-en-callejon-Coahuila-de-la-Zona-Norte.html&prev=search).


Ejecutado en callejn Coahuila de la Zona Norte.

TIJUANA, Baja California (GH).

Un hombre fue privado de la vida tras recibir una serie de disparos, LOS hechos ocurrieron alrededor de las 21:15 horas en el.

Callejon Coahuila de la Zona Norte.

Policas municipales acudieron a atender el reporte why decretaron a la persona herida a las afueras de un hotel de paso, por lo cual solicitaron LOS servicios de Cruz Roja.

Como primera respuesta personal de bomberos acudi a la escena para brindar ayuda prehospitalaria, sin embargo el hombre ya no presentaba signos vitales.

De momento el rea se encuentra acordonada why resguardada por agentes municipales why del ministerio pblico, en espera de servicios periciales why la unidad de levantamientos.

[Simmer]

Spot on. I don't know what those 2 posters look like. But you can prevent a lot or invite a lot by how you carry yourself. I am not a "tough guy". I'm as gringo as they come. I'm a fairly fat guy, to be blunt. I do carry it well and look "bigger" than I really am. But walking without fear saved me in a pickle. There is a lot of great advice on this board. Be aware of your surroundings. Look behind you. Don't flash a phone or cash. Don't dress differently than your surroundings.The first time I went to HK I soon realised I was a little overdressed (collared button down shirt, smart jeans) - perhaps not for indoors, but walking some of the nearby streets I was clearly not fitting in. But I had memorised the route I needed to take so was fairly confident. If anything, perhaps a few Google Street Views would have helped to be more certain. Only one 4-block walk but I was glad for at least a little preparation after reading this forum. The following day I wore a regular T-shirt and felt more fitting, despite being very white with blond hair.

Inside HK you could immediately spot several Americans from the clothes they wore. Hawaiian shirts tucked into cargo shorts just screams American at me (and I was right). Another bloke, much older, wore suspenders (of the hold the pants up variety!) and what looked like a medical belt of some sort. Hard to explain but I half expected him to be carried out, not walking out! But again, not a look I would like to wear in that Zona.

[MongerHunger]

If it went down like this then be vigilant and observant. Dangerous indeed. No details or limited info. If you are a victim of crime please be careful and take precautions for preventive measures. Some crimes are worth reporting. Any bros out and around the alley at this time? Did you see or hear something? Again be safe out there.


I was a bit surprised considering how much police there is in the alley. The police always have a van or truck parked on the west end of the alley. Hopefully this is random occurrence. We will have to wait see how this effects the Zona. Just keep your guard up folks. It's quite probable that the drug gangs are fighting. If so then there is good chance the ratero's will step up there mugging's.


"A man was deprived of life after receiving a series of shots, the events occurred around 21:15 hours in the.

Coahuila Alley of the North Zone.

Municipal police came to attend the report and decreed the injured person outside a hotel in transit, for which they requested Red Cross services..

[Captain Solo]

To Simmer,

We are not exactly sensitive middle-school kids. Nobody in La Zona gives a damn what kinds of clothes you put on. The chicas and meseros only care if your clothes have pockets full of cash. The bros only care if you are a cool, fun guys to hang out with. Ratero will rob anyone who give them the best opportunities.

An old guy used to hang out in HK wearing his formal tuxedo with a jungle short with his serious, all business, no kidding manners hehe. He's a funny character. The summer is very hot in day time but still chilly at night. Lots of guys show up in T shirts, shorts, flip flops in day time. Guys come in after work in starched white shirts and suit or jackets. They are there to relax and wear whatever is convenient.

Regardless what clothes you wear, HK chicas and meseros can sniff out the newbies quickly and will ply them with mucho hot girls and fichas. Just wear casual clothes that make you feel good and comfortable for the climate, and you will be appreciated for who you are and where you come from.

[Jicks]

If it went down like this then be vigilant and observant. Dangerous indeed. No details or limited info. If you are a victim of crime please be careful and take precautions for preventive measures. Some crimes are worth reporting. Any bros out and around the alley at this time? Did you see or hear something? Again be safe out there.Looks like alley became more dangerous than it was one year ago. I was there last year during La Malquerida shooting, I think there are better places for non-socal mongers than alley.

[Travv]

Generally IMO, if you are visiting Mexico, Do As The Mexicans Do! Mexican upper class men usually wear long sleeved shirts and pants with quality leather boots with a hat or baseball cap. If you want to dress like Bozo the clown or the 50 Cent Rapper prison costume with saggy shorts, you can do so in Zona Norte at your own risk. Looking like an Ugly American with too much money will not go well if the Rateros notice your bad taste in clothes. So to blend in, dress like a Mexican. This advice applies to all European countries. Ugly Americans wonder why waiters and clerks ignore them in Hawaiian shirts and flip flops and the men who dressed well get treated well by the staff. Many Europeans and Mexicans judge you by your clothes, unlike the USA today where criminals are glorified and baggy Rapper shorts are "in".


To Simmer,

We are not exactly sensitive middle-school kids. Nobody in La Zona gives a damn what kinds of clothes you put on. The chicas and meseros only care if your clothes have pockets full of cash. The bros only care if you are a cool, fun guys to hang out with. Ratero will rob anyone who give them the best opportunities.

An old guy used to hang out in HK wearing his formal tuxedo with a jungle short with his serious, all business, no kidding manners hehe. He's a funny character. The summer is very hot in day time but still chilly at night. Lots of guys show up in T shirts, shorts, flip flops in day time. Guys come in after work in starched white shirts and suit or jackets. They are there to relax and wear whatever is convenient.

Regardless what clothes you wear, HK chicas and meseros can sniff out the newbies quickly and will ply them with mucho hot girls and fichas. Just wear casual clothes that make you feel good and comfortable for the climate, and you will be appreciated for who you are and where you come from.

[DramaFree11]

Generally IMO, if you are visiting Mexico, Do As The Mexicans Do! Mexican upper class men usually wear long sleeved shirts and pants with quality leather boots with a hat or baseball cap. If you want to dress like Bozo the clown or the 50 Cent Rapper prison costume with saggy shorts, you can do so in Zona Norte at your own risk. Looking like an Ugly American with too much money will not go well if the Rateros notice your bad taste in clothes. So to blend in, dress like a Mexican. This advice applies to all European countries. Ugly Americans wonder why waiters and clerks ignore them in Hawaiian shirts and flip flops and the men who dressed well get treated well by the staff. Many Europeans and Mexicans judge you by your clothes, unlike the USA today where criminals are glorified and baggy Rapper shorts are "in".So true, one of my favorite posts!

[DarrenGap]

Quote from el blog del narco. Forgive the google translation.

In the history of Tijuana, it is the first time that it has exceeded 1,000 executions in just 155 days of this year. Not even in the most critical years of confrontation ..... or even in 2016, considered the most violent, had this deadly statistic been overcome.

As of June 2017, in the first six months of the year, the Attorney General's Office of the State (PGJE) registered 771 intentional homicides in Tijuana, while in the same period, but in 2018 (June 7), it registered 1,022.

[Artisttyp]

Generally IMO, if you are visiting Mexico, Do As The Mexicans Do! Mexican upper class men usually wear long sleeved shirts and pants with quality leather boots with a hat or baseball cap. If you want to dress like Bozo the clown or the 50 Cent Rapper prison costume with saggy shorts, you can do so in Zona Norte at your own risk. Looking like an Ugly American with too much money will not go well if the Rateros notice your bad taste in clothes. So to blend in, dress like a Mexican. This advice applies to all European countries. Ugly Americans wonder why waiters and clerks ignore them in Hawaiian shirts and flip flops and the men who dressed well get treated well by the staff. Many Europeans and Mexicans judge you by your clothes, unlike the USA today where criminals are glorified and baggy Rapper shorts are "in".And people always ask me why I dress "up" all the time.

I am closing in on 49. I wouldn't be caught dead in public with a shirt and no collar. Sandals? Would love to but wouldn't dare. That is the ultimate disrespect in Mexico. I won't lie though the summer is BRUTAL in latin countries but I finally found pants I can wear.

JC Penney makes super thin dress pants that can withstand the high 80's and a decent amount of humidity. You will still feel warm but so much less than other pants. And they are surprisingly durable.

Now if only I could find replacements for my Dickies 60/40 % Poly Cotton shorts.

[Baxter Slade]

And people always ask me why I dress "up" all the time.

I am closing in on 49. When do we start planning the grande fiesta for the big 50?

[ScatManDoo]

Generally IMO, if you are visiting Mexico, Do As The Mexicans Do! Mexican upper class men usually wear long sleeved shirts and pants with quality leather boots with a hat or baseball cap. If you want to dress like Bozo the clown or the 50 Cent Rapper prison costume with saggy shorts, you can do so in Zona Norte at your own risk. Looking like an Ugly American with too much money will not go well if the Rateros notice your bad taste in clothes. So to blend in, dress like a Mexican. This advice applies to all European countries. Ugly Americans wonder why waiters and clerks ignore them in Hawaiian shirts and flip flops and the men who dressed well get treated well by the staff. Many Europeans and Mexicans judge you by your clothes, unlike the USA today where criminals are glorified and baggy Rapper shorts are "in".I agree with you Travv. To a point.

Probably our biggest difference if that I don't want to appear to be "Upper Class" to just about anybody I'm likely to run into (or be observed by) when I'm in Tijuana.

So it's always t-shirts and jeans for me. That's the class I want to blend in with.

[Simmer]

Generally IMO, if you are visiting Mexico, Do As The Mexicans Do! Mexican upper class men usually wear long sleeved shirts and pants with quality leather boots with a hat or baseball cap. If you want to dress like Bozo the clown or the 50 Cent Rapper prison costume with saggy shorts, you can do so in Zona Norte at your own risk. Looking like an Ugly American with too much money will not go well if the Rateros notice your bad taste in clothes. So to blend in, dress like a Mexican. This advice applies to all European countries. Ugly Americans wonder why waiters and clerks ignore them in Hawaiian shirts and flip flops and the men who dressed well get treated well by the staff. Many Europeans and Mexicans judge you by your clothes, unlike the USA today where criminals are glorified and baggy Rapper shorts are "in".Well said. The less obvious, the more "local" you look (within reason), the better. Regarding the service, it's fairly well known that at least attempting to speak a little French in France *usually* goes a long way to better relations with your waiter, and similar applies elsewhere.

That said, I don't speak Spanish more than words (not sentences) but I certainly wish I did. I was in Rio once and met up with an American who happened to speak a little Portuguese. We were drinking beers by the beach when he said "drink up, let's go, vamanos, don't turn around". I later learnt that he'd overheard a couple of men nearby planning how to rob us. Had he not understood any Portuguese (like me), we would have at least been somewhat less rich that night, at best.

[John Clayton]

I will be in Tijuana Monday-Wednesday (staying at Ticuan) and I walk everywhere. I wear shorts, a nicer shirt and Teva sandals. Although I don't really care, I have never been shown anything but respect. BTW, a lap dance is 100% more fun if you're wearing shorts.

[Dcrist0527]

While I understand people have different comfort levels with what they wear, dressing "upper class" or anything close is just advertising for trouble. I try to dress like the locals as much as I can. I'm not fooling anyone into thinking I am a local. But wearing nice shoes or dress clothes is a statement. Just not one I care to make walking around Tijuana.


I will be in Tijuana Monday-Wednesday (staying at Ticuan) and I walk everywhere. I wear shorts, a nicer shirt and Teva sandals. Although I don't really care, I have never been shown anything but respect. BTW, a lap dance is 100% more fun if you're wearing shorts.

[Ctytek]

I don't know what all this "upper class Mexican man" nonsense all about. But there is really no "dress code" when it comes to Tijuana streets or clubs. I'd agree that one shouldn't dress to stand out or attack unwanted attention, but you do need to dress like you're a real estate agent going to a realtor convention on a hot summer day.

T-shirts, jeans, quality sandals. All just fine. If you're a gringo. You're not going to fool anyone into mistaking you for a local anyway. Just wear nice clean clothes, which make you comfortable and that don't attract attention or scream that you're cash loaded tourist. You will do just fine.

[Travv]

I think I saw you today with your buddy pulling up to the HK valet station in a car with a big American flag with an eagle logo on the rear window around 1 pm. You were wearing a dirty T-shirt and black baggy shorts and were barefoot walking from the car to HK valet station with your suitcase, which was an old Apple computer cardboard box wrapped with tape. I think the valets were struggling to keep from laughing. But looking like you just spent the night sleeping in a Tijuana alley or sidewalk with the locals might be going to far for most posters here. The upside is that the Rateros would never suspect you were worth robbing since you weren't wearing nice shoes or any shoes at all. What surprised me is that you didn't look like you were burning your feet on the hot asphalt.


While I understand people have different comfort levels with what they wear, dressing "upper class" or anything close is just advertising for trouble. I try to dress like the locals as much as I can. I'm not fooling anyone into thinking I am a local. But wearing nice shoes or dress clothes is a statement. Just not one I care to make walking around Tijuana.

[Cheerfull]

While I understand people have different comfort levels with what they wear, dressing "upper class" or anything close is just advertising for trouble. I try to dress like the locals as much as I can. I'm not fooling anyone into thinking I am a local. But wearing nice shoes or dress clothes is a statement. Just not one I care to make walking around Tijuana.I was in Tijuana this afternoon and evening (Wed). I was in the RLD and visiting Hong Kong and a couple other places on the block. There were a couple of policemen in the alley with assault rifles but other than that everything looked pretty normal. Just another day in Tijuana. I walked over to Revolution around 7:30 pm and up a couple kilometres to Calle Once. Nice walk! No one accosted d me or gave me the evil eye. I think there is some scaremongering going on about Tijuana that seems a bit unwarranted. In the RLD you have to keep your guard up. But once you away from the RLD Tijuana becomes just another tranquil Latin American town. I noticed a lot of nice shops, restaurants, and bars walking up Revolution, and plan to return soon. Took uber back to the frontera (San Pedro) around 11 pm. No complaints great Uber service.

[Dcrist0527]

Agree 100%. Lots of fear mongering. As I've said, I've walked Revolucion literally hundreds of times, day and night, without any issue. The only issues I've had were away from Revo and away from the zona, near the bridge, at night. There are no guarantees in life. The next time I make that walk might be different. But I've not personally experienced or witnessed anything that would cause me safety concerns if you have a reasonable amount of awareness. In fact, the scariest encounters I had this past visit were on the trolleys in San Diego with some clearly mentally disturbed riders.

With respect to others that have had issues occur to them in Tijuana, I would very likely feel like you do. When I've had a scary issue or two stateside, I too generalize about a city, or an area. But we all need to remember, YMMV. And you can take common sense steps to mitigate those concerns.


I was in Tijuana this afternoon and evening (Wed). I was in the RLD and visiting Hong Kong and a couple other places on the block. There were a couple of policemen in the alley with assault rifles but other than that everything looked pretty normal. Just another day in Tijuana. I walked over to Revolution around 7:30 pm and up a couple kilometres to Calle Once. Nice walk! No one accosted d me or gave me the evil eye. I think there is some scaremongering going on about Tijuana that seems a bit unwarranted. In the RLD you have to keep your guard up. But once you away from the RLD Tijuana becomes just another tranquil Latin American town. I noticed a lot of nice shops, restaurants, and bars walking up Revolution, and plan to return soon. Took uber back to the frontera (San Pedro) around 11 pm. No complaints great Uber service.

[Cheerfull]

When I took uber back to the border last night, I typed "frontera" and the uber driver said Uber understands this word as the name of a storefront. He said I should type "frontera San Ysidro" to go to pedwest. Does this mean I type "frontera San Pedro" to go to pedeast?

When returning to USA, the border guys ask if I have anything to declare. Should I declare any Figral (viagra) tablets I bought? Where is the best place in Tijuana to buy this brand?

Thanks!

[Ctytek]

I agree, there is a lot of unwarranted fear mongering on here. But just because you had a uneventful walkabout today does not mean you will have the same experience tomorrow and every other time. Often times. It will be Tijuana police itself who will pull you ever for something stupid like crossing a street on red light, and will attempt to extract "a fine" from you. My point is. Don't get too comfortable and think that nothing will ever happen to you in Tijuana. It is no Beverly Hills or even San Diego.


I was in Tijuana this afternoon and evening (Wed). I was in the RLD and visiting Hong Kong and a couple other places on the block. There were a couple of policemen in the alley with assault rifles but other than that everything looked pretty normal. Just another day in Tijuana. I walked over to Revolution around 7:30 pm and up a couple kilometres to Calle Once. Nice walk! No one accosted d me or gave me the evil eye. I think there is some scaremongering going on about Tijuana that seems a bit unwarranted. In the RLD you have to keep your guard up. But once you away from the RLD Tijuana becomes just another tranquil Latin American town.

[John Clayton]

Common sense doesn't help if six people are jumping you for your wallet. Steps need to be taken prior to crossing that border. Secret pocket for the passport. Money in socks. Old cell not your new I phone. Take memory card out so they don't have your pictures and use a screen lock. As far as the trolley goes. Yeah that trolley is the most trashy sketchy group of people I've ever witnessed. If you look closely at the trolley crowd you will see many switchblades. People take them out in front of you. I'm from Chicago but never noticed anyone with knives or crackpipes. You will see crackpipes every day walking in San Diego if you look at people closely.Maybe it's a different trolley. I'll be riding it to San Ysidro Monday and back on Wednesday. I get the senior fare, so it's only $1. 25. I find the trolley to be clean, fast and convenient. I keep my wallet, phone and passport in my pocket. I can't put money in my socks because I don't wear them.

[TomJackin]

Common sense doesn't help if six people are jumping you for your wallet. Steps need to be taken prior to crossing that border. Secret pocket for the passport. Money in socks. Old cell not your new I phone. Take memory card out so they don't have your pictures and use a screen lock. As far as the trolley goes. Yeah that trolley is the most trashy sketchy group of people I've ever witnessed. If you look closely at the trolley crowd you will see many switchblades. People take them out in front of you. A bit paranoid, are we?

Please stop posting paranoid crap.

[ScatManDoo]

If you are comfortable with losing everything and willing to hand over your passport and wallet with no hesitation then no need to take precautions. Because if you hesitate you will end up cut.A bit paranoid, are we?

Please stop posting paranoid crap.

[Travv]

Having a "throwaway" wallet in my pocket and a hidden wallet saved me from losing my passport, credit cards and cash. A couple Rateros jumped me on Constitucion a few months back and as soon as they found my throwaway wallet with a few dollars of coins, they ran off happy. I was happy too despite my sore neck, because they didn't find my stashed passport, cash and cards. Paranoia paid off in Tijuana for me!


A bit paranoid, are we?

Please stop posting paranoid crap.

[StRobert]

If you are comfortable with losing everything and willing to hand over your passport and wallet with no hesitation then no need to take precautions. Because if you hesitate you will end up cut.I often come back with a trolley from Zona Norte after midnight. San Ysidro to Palm Avenue station (where I park my car). Never a problem, sometimes a homeless man sleeps in the backseat and that's all.

[Baxter Slade]

If you freguent Hotel Ticuan you may be familiar with the employees in this story.

A little over a week ago Itzel the bar cashier went missing after a night out drinking with other employees of Ticuan. She was last seen leaving a sixth st bar with Ricardo a hotel mesero. Her body was found this past Saturday dismembered and stuffed into a couple suitcases in a rural area. At this time Ricardo is believed to be a suspect and has not been seen since.

While I have seen Itzel many times I have never spoken to her. On the other hand I am quite familier with Ricardo and he is a very nice young man. Not a person you would believe to responsible for such a gruesome murder. Only time will tell if he is also a victim or the suspect.

[Dcrist0527]

That is horrible! Itzel was a great girl. Always kind to me.

Her lack of English and my crappy Spanish always made for comical interactions. She was also smart. There was a girl I spent nights with, at Ticuan, Itzel told me to get rid of her. Should have listened to her! LOL.

I too would be surprised if Ricardo was the suspect. Always seemed to be a good and hard-working guy. Hope that he's found and innocent! Thanks for sharing.


If you freguent Hotel Ticuan you may be familiar with the employees in this story.

A little over a week ago Itzel the bar cashier went missing after a night out drinking with other employees of Ticuan. She was last seen leaving a sixth st bar with Ricardo a hotel mesero. Her body was found this past Saturday dismembered and stuffed into a couple suitcases in a rural area. At this time Ricardo is believed to be a suspect and has not been seen since.

While I have seen Itzel many times I have never spoken to her. On the other hand I am quite familier with Ricardo and he is a very nice young man. Not a person you would believe to responsible for such a gruesome murder. Only time will tell if he is also a victim or the suspect.

[Urfikhan]

I often come back with a trolley from Zona Norte after midnight. San Ysidro to Palm Avenue station (where I park my car). Never a problem, sometimes a homeless man sleeps in the backseat and that's all.H-Street and Palomar trolley stops are very safe (and have a lot of parking), per a transportation police employee. He ranked palm Ave low in terms of security.

[Gropai]

The website of Cascadas says there are ATM's in the hotel lobby, is it safe to get money from the ATM there?

[Captain Solo]

To Gropai.

HK and Cascada always have a few security guys blocking the doors.

Never heard of any incidents at both places. But he ATMs probably charge high terminal fees.

The Scotia ATMs between Adelita and rest Monaco charge only 9 pesos terminal fee.

The website of Cascadas says there are ATM's in the hotel lobby, is it safe to get money from the ATM there?

[Artisttyp]

The website of Cascadas says there are ATM's in the hotel lobby, is it safe to get money from the ATM there?Using a debit card in the Tijuana Red Light District at the hotel connected to Tijuana's largest brothel. What could go wrong.

[StripperMan]

Using a debit card in the Tijuana Red Light District at the hotel connected to Tijuana's largest brothel. What could go wrong.The great thing about using debit cards in Tijuana is the people are so helpful. If your card gets stuck in the machine, or keeps denying your pin, there will most certainly be someone right there who will help you get your card out and complete your transaction! You'll notice later that the debit card is not your card but one that looks like your card, and you have just shared your pin number with that person.

Or maybe the thieves don't even waste their time with that. Maybe it's all done electronically within the ATM machine to abscond your info, and relay it to some guy in Bakersfield.

[MongerHunger]

Using a debit card in the Tijuana Red Light District at the hotel connected to Tijuana's largest brothel. What could go wrong.LOL. I try to avoid using bank cards in Tijuana unless it's at a respectable bank branch or ATM.

[Captain Solo]

To Stripperman.

You sound funny but are way exaggerating the risks of ATMs in Tijuana. You are scaring the new guys shitless. I have never heard any problems with ATMs around the bar block in La Zonea Norte. Have been drawing cash from ATMS in Tijuana and Mexico for over 20 years but never had a problems. Meanwhile my credit cards were cloned in LA or Riverside, most likely at gas stations. The thieves bought big loads of appliances in Home Depot and various stores in East LA. Damn. Got all bad charges reversed. The stores said they bear half and credit card companies bear half of the loss. No investigation or prosecution.

I think La Zona is probably protected by guys in the cartels, so there are very few petty crimes, but Revolucion is wide open with lots of thieves watching tourists.

[WombatEd2]

When returning to USA, the border guys ask if I have anything to declare. Should I declare any Figral (viagra) tablets I bought?Thanks!Yes. Declare it. And don't try it with any more than what can reasonably called a 90-day supply.

[ClamSlammer]

There's two new scams going on in Tijuana. The first one is being perpetrated by casa de cambios. When a customer approaches and wants to change a larger, odd sum of money, the clerk will count the funds then quote an amount slightly less than what is presented. An amount around $200 mx that will not arouse much alarm. If the customer is sloppy and didn't count his money or isn't paying attention, the clerk gets away with an easy $200 mx or so. If the customer knows the amount presented and objects, the clerk will "accidentally" knock some or all of the bills onto the floor, where the customer can't see them. The clerk will intentionally leave the disputed amount on the floor where it is not visible to the customer, collect the rest, then recount the bills in front of the customer, confirming the undercounted amount. This scam is frequently perpetrated at the casa de cambio on the SE corner of 3ra and Ocampo.

The second scam involves flattening a gringo's tires while waiting in line to cross back to the USA It's been perpetrated in the SY crossing but I'm not sure if it's been adopted at Otay or westward. What the scammers do is drop spikes in front of the tires of stopped vehicles. Once they are run over, tires flatten. Then, conveniently there are Mexicans nearby that point out the flat and offer to install the spare for a fee. They also conveniently have a can of Fix-A-Flat for sale at an inflated price. Only vehicles in the far right lane are targeted as they can conveniently pull off to the right for the repair. All the other lanes are safe as the scammers know that it is too much of a ***** to cross lanes to get to the far right shoulder. If you happen to be in the far right lane, watch carefully as people walk in front of your vehicle.

[MongerHunger]

There's two new scams going on in Tijuana. The first one is being perpetrated by casa de cambios. When a customer approaches and wants to change a larger, odd sum of money, the clerk will count the funds then quote an amount slightly less than what is presented. An amount around $200 mx that will not arouse much alarm. If the customer is sloppy and didn't count his money or isn't paying attention, the clerk gets away with an easy $200 mx or so. If the customer knows the amount presented and objects, the clerk will "accidentally" knock some or all of the bills onto the floor, where the customer can't see them. The clerk will intentionally leave the disputed amount on the floor where it is not visible to the customer, collect the rest, then recount the bills in front of the customer, confirming the undercounted amount. This scam is frequently perpetrated at the casa de cambio on the SE corner of 3ra and Ocampo.

The second scam involves flattening a gringo's tires while waiting in line to cross back to the USA It's been perpetrated in the SY crossing but I'm not sure if it's been adopted at Otay or westward. What the scammers do is drop spikes in front of the tires of stopped vehicles. Once they are run over, tires flatten. Then, conveniently there are Mexicans nearby that point out the flat and offer to install the spare for a fee. They also conveniently have a can of Fix-A-Flat for sale at an inflated price. Only vehicles in the far right lane are targeted as they can conveniently pull off to the right for the repair. All the other lanes are safe as the scammers know that it is too much of a ***** to cross lanes to get to the far right shoulder. If you happen to be in the far right lane, watch carefully as people walk in front of your vehicle.That is some bold "ish" with the tire. In reference to the cambio casas, bros make sure your receipt matches up with your transaction. Rushing thru can distract you in not checking or counting. Don't get shorted bros!

[Jim0129]

There's two new scams going on in Tijuana. The first one is being perpetrated by casa de cambios. When a customer approaches and wants to change a larger, odd sum of money, the clerk will count the funds then quote an amount slightly less than what is presented. An amount around $200 mx that will not arouse much alarm. If the customer is sloppy and didn't count his money or isn't paying attention, the clerk gets away with an easy $200 mx or so. If the customer knows the amount presented and objects, the clerk will "accidentally" knock some or all of the bills onto the floor, where the customer can't see them. The clerk will intentionally leave the disputed amount on the floor where it is not visible to the customer, collect the rest, then recount the bills in front of the customer, confirming the undercounted amount. This scam is frequently perpetrated at the casa de cambio on the SE corner of 3ra and Ocampo.

The second scam involves flattening a gringo's tires while waiting in line to cross back to the USA It's been perpetrated in the SY crossing but I'm not sure if it's been adopted at Otay or westward. What the scammers do is drop spikes in front of the tires of stopped vehicles. Once they are run over, tires flatten. Then, conveniently there are Mexicans nearby that point out the flat and offer to install the spare for a fee. They also conveniently have a can of Fix-A-Flat for sale at an inflated price. Only vehicles in the far right lane are targeted as they can conveniently pull off to the right for the repair. All the other lanes are safe as the scammers know that it is too much of a ***** to cross lanes to get to the far right shoulder. If you happen to be in the far right lane, watch carefully as people walk in front of your vehicle.Your tales are pure BS, specially the one about flat tires, I cross the border 3 to 4 times a week on both crossing and never seen these so called scam artists changing flat tires.

[Jim0129]

That is horrible! Itzel was a great girl. Always kind to me.

Her lack of English and my crappy Spanish always made for comical interactions. She was also smart. There was a girl I spent nights with, at Ticuan, Itzel told me to get rid of her. Should have listened to her! LOL.

I too would be surprised if Ricardo was the suspect. Always seemed to be a good and hard-working guy. Hope that he's found and innocent! Thanks for sharing.Mmmm, the problem with Hotel Ticuan is that its right next to last pulgas which is known to be a mafia hotspot, since its close by I am pretty sure that a lot of the "banda" bands stay there and the mafiosos follow them all over, its their favorite music, so there is a very good chance that this girl had a lot of interaction with the mafia and may have had friends that were mafia members, she may have been invited to a celebration and things went bad, if the other guy that was with her was also a Ticuan worker he may have ended the same way.

Those type of horrible killings are always related to the mexican mafia, the horrible way they kill the victims its a way of punishment for something.

[ClamSlammer]

Your tales are pure BS, specially the one about flat tires, I cross the border 3 to 4 times a week on both crossing and never seen these so called scam artists changing flat tires.LOL. Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it's not going on. Perhaps it would be wise to lessen your ignorance and open yourself up to the possibility that things occur in the world that you never see. And it's not like the tire scammers are flattening 100 tires a day-they're not. You erroneously make this false assumption. Doing so at such high volume will surely attract unwanted attention and investigation. They do it very sparingly. In order to notice the tire scam, you'd have to be in the far right lane, or perhaps the 2nd from right. Otherwise with all the cars piled up you'd never notice. And many victims opt not to pay for the scammers tire services, instead they just drive over with a flat tire and deal with it after they cross. Talk to some of the tire shops in Chula Vista and they will confirm they've witnessed an increase in customers whose tires inexplicably go flat while waiting to cross back to USA.

And I don't know how you could call the case de cambio scam "BS" because you've never seen tires get changed at the border. Somehow you find those two events are related somehow. I'd love to hear your logic on that.

[Hargow20]

There was a attempted mugging on Cohilla st just east of Constitucion that happened during the daytime around 1 pm. If anyone has any recent news on increase rateros's muggings lately please post..? It is quite possible that the ratero's have started jumping people on the streets again. Last year the Rateros' were mugging people on Constitucion just north the alley. So keep your guard up and look behind you.

[Ctytek]

Did this "scam" happen to you personally? If not. You are just spreading hearsay. There are enough posters on this forum who love to make up stories and spread urban legends. Let's stick to the facts and report things witnessed first hand.


LOL. Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it's not going on. Perhaps it would be wise to lessen your ignorance and open yourself up to the possibility that things occur in the world that you never see.

[Dcrist0527]

You're probably right. Yes, I have seen at least two banda bands staying there. One band took up a ton of rooms. There were between 20-30 of them.

Who knows what happened. I did not know her well. I knew her name and she was always kind, almost flirty. But I also saw her attitude too when something went wrong with some group at the restaurant. I agree. A message was being sent with something so gruesome. Regardless, just sad.


Mmmm, the problem with Hotel Ticuan is that its right next to last pulgas which is known to be a mafia hotspot, since its close by I am pretty sure that a lot of the "banda" bands stay there and the mafiosos follow them all over, its their favorite music, so there is a very good chance that this girl had a lot of interaction with the mafia and may have had friends that were mafia members, she may have been invited to a celebration and things went bad, if the other guy that was with her was also a Ticuan worker he may have ended the same way.

Those type of horrible killings are always related to the mexican mafia, the horrible way they kill the victims its a way of punishment for something.

[WombatEd2]

After many years of having no contact with Tijuana LE, last Tuesday (7/3/18) I was stopped, searched, questioned briefly, and let go. No bullshit on their part. They were polite and patient as I emptied my wallet of dollars and pesos before turning it over to the to search (for drugs, they said). When they asked me if I had any drugs, I smiled politely, chucked politely, and said "no" in a tone that implied that I found that as silly as suggesting that I had the tooth fairy concealed in my trunk.

I had been driving around the block looking for parking, and on what was probably my third pass, they pulled me over.

The location was Coahuila & Martinez. I don't know why, but that intersection was swarming with police and soldiers. With all that "protection", it looked to me like a safe place to park on the street. And indeed, it was.

[Captain Solo]

Wow. Our bro Clam is excellent in uncovering scams in and around Tijuana.

Slashing tires is a serious offense. I will have to stay away from the right SENTRI lane from now on.

While I cruise through the SENTRI lane in less than 5 minutes every time, the ready and regular lanes are always backed up at least 3 to 4 hours, regardless of the time of day or night. When your bladder is about to burst under pressure, there are guys who would drive your car along for $1 while you go off to [CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134). Do not follow suggestions of a few guys to [CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134) in front of the closed shops in the alleys, as they work with an asshole policia, who would show up on his bike within 30 seconds and ticket you for peeing in public, potentially requiring a big bribe to get out of the jam. What a scam, huh? Keep walking down the road until you find guys who set up a barrel on the floor of a closed shop.

Clam is so good at fighting scams, El President Enrique Nieto should name him his Anti-Scam Minister in Mexico City. Wonder if the propane delivery guy is still screwing Scam 's novia bare back in his bed every weekly delivery hehe.

[Hargow20]

I was walking in the alley and two cops stopped me the police car that is always parked on the west end. They questioned me and wanted to search my wallet. When I tried taking money and cell phone they objected. But then they let me hold it in my hands. The cops were disappointed when they did not find anything. That was kind of funny. After this they let me go.


After many years of having no contact with Tijuana LE, last Tuesday (7/3/18) I was stopped, searched, questioned briefly, and let go. No bullshit on their part. They were polite and patient as I emptied my wallet of dollars and pesos before turning it over to the to search (for drugs, they said). When they asked me if I had any drugs, I smiled politely, chucked politely, and said "no" in a tone that implied that I found that as silly as suggesting that I had the tooth fairy concealed in my trunk.

I had been driving around the block looking for parking, and on what was probably my third pass, they pulled me over.

The location was Coahuila & Martinez. I don't know why, but that intersection was swarming with police and soldiers. With all that "protection", it looked to me like a safe place to park on the street. And indeed, it was.

[Baxter Slade]

I was walking in the alley and two cops stopped me the police car that is always parked on the west end. They questioned me and wanted to search my wallet. When I tried taking money and cell phone they objected. But then they let me hold it in my hands. The cops were disappointed when they did not find anything. That was kind of funny. After this they let me go.From what I have been hearing lately it seems like the police are becoming more active in robbing gringo tourists. AND ITS NOWHERE NEAR CHRISTMAS..

An amigo recently had the cab he was in pulled over by the police. He was ordered out, during the search a good chunk of his money disapeared, but they were kind enough to leave him enough to pay for his taxi ride.

[ScatManDoo]

From what I have been hearing lately it seems like the police are becoming more active in robbing gringo tourists. AND ITS NOWHERE NEAR CHRISTMAS..

An amigo recently had the cab he was in pulled over by the police. He was ordered out, during the search a good chunk of his money disapeared, but they were kind enough to leave him enough to pay for his taxi ride.Elections were held just last weekend. So now is the best time for exploiters (like Tijuana Policia) to test how far they can go in their devious efforts.

[Dcrist0527]

I've said this before and I am not saying this to anyone in particular. Just a general comment.

I think it's important to differentiate being stopped and questioned by police and being robbed by police. We talk alot about safety concerns. Only the police can combat that. So it's like having your cake and eating it too.

Are there corrupt police? Certainly. But I also understand that some of their police work is to talk to people. And when I think about my activities, loitering in the alley for a short time, or when known dealers approach you, I can understand a question from the police.

My only point is we absolutely need to warn each other about corrupt police activity. But we also don't need to overreact "normal" police work.

[ScottHall]

I was exiting Chicago and headed toward Adelitas, and there was a policia car parked on the corner waiting for someone like me. They called me over for questioning and I had no choice but to comply. They asked me where I was going, what I was doing, where I was from, where did I work, do I have drugs. I gave them honest answers about everything and simply told them I was going to Adelitas. I put my cash in my hand and they frisked me down and they let me go. I had about 200 on me, I don't know if they would have tried to take some if I had left it in my pocket while they frisked me. It's the first time I had ever run into policia in about 50 trips. It wasn't too big of a deal but it's definitely not something you want to get used to.


I've said this before and I am not saying this to anyone in particular. Just a general comment.

I think it's important to differentiate being stopped and questioned by police and being robbed by police. We talk alot about safety concerns. Only the police can combat that. So it's like having your cake and eating it too.

Are there corrupt police? Certainly. But I also understand that some of their police work is to talk to people. And when I think about my activities, loitering in the alley for a short time, or when known dealers approach you, I can understand a question from the police.

My only point is we absolutely need to warn each other about corrupt police activity. But we also don't need to overreact "normal" police work.Fair point but it seems like they single out tourists for these random searches. In my mind I'm like, what a waste of time and resources it is to hassle a guy who's done nothing wrong and no threat. Meanwhile there are a lot of genuinely dangerous people out there that they could be focusing on.

[Travv]

To be fair, I saw the Tijuana policia helping an old American tourist with a cane in front of Tijuana Tillys Restaurant last Sunday. Looked like the guy was having a serious health problem and they were helping him into the patrol car to take him to a hospital. So they do provide a service and are not completely useless.


I've said this before and I am not saying this to anyone in particular. Just a general comment.

I think it's important to differentiate being stopped and questioned by police and being robbed by police. We talk alot about safety concerns. Only the police can combat that. So it's like having your cake and eating it too.

Are there corrupt police? Certainly. But I also understand that some of their police work is to talk to people. And when I think about my activities, loitering in the alley for a short time, or when known dealers approach you, I can understand a question from the police.

My only point is we absolutely need to warn each other about corrupt police activity. But we also don't need to overreact "normal" police work.

[Dcrist0527]

Totally agree. And great point about it rattling the nerves and not being accustomed to that.

I'm not in law enforcement but I think if I were, anyone in the zona might be suspicious. LOL I say that halfway as a joke. And I agree, if they could pick out the good guys and bad guys, that'd be great. But we all know the percentage of bad hombres in the zona is higher than many other places.

Thanks for reporting. Sucks that it happened to you. But I appreciate you sharing that you were allowed to hold your money. Great to know and I'll benefit from that when it's my turn. I'm probably approaching my 50th trip so I'm probably overdue.


Fair point but it seems like they single out tourists for these random searches. In my mind I'm like, what a waste of time and resources it is to hassle a guy who's done nothing wrong and no threat. Meanwhile there are a lot of genuinely dangerous people out there that they could be focusing on.

[Captain Solo]

To Scott Hall.

You 've done well handling Tijuana Polciias properly. Polcicas and soldiers are poorly paid and hungry. If you leave your cash exposed, they would be tempted and would more likely than not, steal from you. But if you hold tight to your cash, they don't have the balls to rob it from your hands.

The keys for survival and progresses in life are prior knowledge and experiences in handling difficult situations. If Tijuana does not have aggressive policia patrols, just imagine the level of violent and property crimes that wealthy mongers could be targeted for. A few mongers would be choked, beat up, knifed and robbed every day before they can get near La Zona to screw any girls.

A few years back I found a few young Mexican soldiers manning a drug checkpoint mid way between Tijuana and Ensenada, wearing full battle fatigues, carrying weapons and heavy combat loads, hanging out in the hot sun, checking cars and buses. I gave them a few ice-cold Coke cans. They were grateful. I would not give money to solders or policias as that can be interpreted as bribes. But if I find them in needs, I would help and try to give them what they need.

A few policias old timers in Tijuana could not shake me down with their automatic weapons late at night. They were reduced to begging me for cervezas money hehe.

A few years back a couple young US Marines were drinking in Adleitas, marveling at the pretty and sexy chicas but did not have enough money to take them upstairs. I told them about street girls' deals and gave them enough money to have a taste of Mexican street chicas hehe. Marines, sialors, soldiers, airmen ect are precious US assets. They have been forbidden to go to Tijuana may be since 2008 due to cartel's violence. Poor kids.

[ScatManDoo]

I was exiting Chicago and headed toward Adelitas, and there was a policia car parked on the corner waiting for someone like me. They called me over for questioning and I had no choice but to comply. They asked me where I was going, what I was doing, where I was from, where did I work, do I have drugs. I gave them honest answers about everything and simply told them I was going to Adelitas. I put my cash in my hand and they frisked me down and they let me go. I had about 200 on me, I don't know if they would have tried to take some if I had left it in my pocket while they frisked me.I know.

The policia definitely would have tried to palm some of your money if you gave them the opportunity.

[Hargow20]

When the police stop and search me and then tell me they need to search my wallet you know they are corrupt. !!


I've said this before and I am not saying this to anyone in particular. Just a general comment.

I think it's important to differentiate being stopped and questioned by police and being robbed by police. We talk alot about safety concerns. Only the police can combat that. So it's like having your cake and eating it too.

Are there corrupt police? Certainly. But I also understand that some of their police work is to talk to people. And when I think about my activities, loitering in the alley for a short time, or when known dealers approach you, I can understand a question from the police.

My only point is we absolutely need to warn each other about corrupt police activity. But we also don't need to overreact "normal" police work.

[Baxter Slade]

When the police stop and search me and then tell me they need to search my wallet you know they are corrupt. !!Yep if they have half a brain it would be pretty easy for them to figure out who the riff raff are. So when they are stopping us clean cut american sex tourist types they have a pretty clear cut motive.And its not making the streets safer.

And then they ask do you have drugs to act like that is there main concern. Ridiculos all they have to do is stand up in one of the upper floor windows in cascadas and watch the area in front of the Eduardo you would be amazed at all the drugs and money you will see changing hands.

[TomJackin]

Yep if they have half a brain it would be pretty easy for them to figure out who the riff raff are. So when they are stopping us clean cut american sex tourist types they have a pretty clear cut motive.And its not making the streets safer.

And then they ask do you have drugs to act like that is there main concern. Ridiculos all they have to do is stand up in one of the upper floor windows in cascadas and watch the area in front of the Eduardo you would be amazed at all the drugs and money you will see changing hands.Fuck those thieving monkeys!

[Bushes]

Bigger payday / kickback from the clinic / hospital. Emergency surgery on his wallet.


To be fair, I saw the Tijuana policia helping an old American tourist with a cane in front of Tijuana Tillys Restaurant last Sunday. Looked like the guy was having a serious health problem and they were helping him into the patrol car to take him to a hospital. So they do provide a service and are not completely useless.

[Captain Solo]

Wednesday 9 AM I was driving East on Coahuila back to the border when 2 policia patrol cars started following me.

I turned South on Madero, approaching the Wax Museum, when the assholes flashed their beacons. 2 guys with no names, no badges approached our car. I was pissed off as usual and asked them in loud voice, "Que Pasa? Que Pasa?" The guy said he was searching for drugs and wanted to see my driver's license and car registration. I gave him the business card for Tijuana's Internal Affairs attorney. He looked scared but asked if I had any drugs or alcohol. I denied all.

He started an embarrassed smile, asked me to calm down, "Tranquillo, tranquillo" and asked me to put my hands on the trunk for a search. I held my wallet and cash in both hands. He went through my pockets and was laughing at the big load of condoms in my pocket. They wanted to search my wingman. I already told him to hold his wallet and cash in hands if stopped by policias, so they could not steal anything.

They let us go, smiling apologetically. They carefully drove behind us to hide their car's ID, but I took it down in the rear view mirror, P0443.

Looks like policias are taking advantage of lax supervision during the transition of the new presidency to harassed people. Just put up with their bullshit but act with confidence until the new government takes firm controls.

[Artisttyp]

Lots of gun play around the zona this week. I personally ran away from a guy running down the alley with a gun in his hand. Two more murders followed on Articulo 123 . One was just this morning. Couple that with the recent death two weeks ago in the alley.

New government and hot weather = Rocky Times.

I'd love to post the relevant articles in spanish but not being able to load photos onto my post make it useless.

Be Careful.

[Artisttyp]

The article lists the events and locations.

TIJUANA, Baja California (GH).

Doce asesinatos se registraron en menos de 12 horas entre la madrugada why tarde de ayer en distintos hechos.

A las 2:50 horas, en un camino vecinal ubicado a un costado de la Privada Monserrat del fraccionamiento Barcelona Residencial fue hallado un hombre muerto.

Las primeras versiones indican que la vctima recibi impactos de proyectil en las manos, para posteriormente ser ultimada con un balazo en la cabeza.

En la calle Jos Mara Morelos de la colonia Chilpancingo, un hombre fue ultimado con arma de fuego.

Al ser atendido por socorristas, se descubri que haba sido lesionado en la espalda why que ya no presentaba signos vitales.

A las 6:00 horas en la calle Francisco Villa de la colonia Cuauhtmoc fue localizado un hombre que sufri mltiples impactos de bala en la cara why cabeza.

En otro hecho, a las 6:31 horas, la Polica Municipal confirm el hallazgo de un cadver calcinado en un camino vecinal de la colonia Valle de las Palmas.

El informe pericial detall que no fue posible definir el sexo de la vctima por el estado de calcinaciand en el que se encontr.

Cadver en taxi libre.

Minutos ms tarde, a las 7:02 horas, elementos de la Procuradura General de Justicia del Estado (PGJE) arribaron a la calle Las Palmas del ejido Rojo Gmez tras recibirse la notificaciand de un cadver masculino abandonado en un taxi libre. La vctima, semioculta por una chamarra, tena una cuerda en el cuello, con mltiples huellas de violencia.

En otro hecho, un sujeto que no ha sido capturado ingres a la tienda de abarrotes Jaramillo, en la calle Cinco de Mayo de la Zona Norte, why dispar a quemarropa en contra de un hombre que atenda el negocio.

A la llegada de LOS socorristas, el agredido, pareja sentimental de la propietaria del establecimiento, ya haba fallecido.

En la avenida scar Bayland Chacand, de la colonia Tierra why Libertad, un hombre que coma en un puesto de tacos fue ejecutado a balazos, a las 12:55 horas.

Segand versiones de testigos, LOS presuntos responsables huyeron a bordo de un auto Honda, color blanco, en direcciand a la colonia Las Torres, sin ser localizados.

A las 14:10 horas, se report una agresiand con arma de fuego en el interior de un domicilio de la calle Muleg, en la colonia Ampliaciand Rodrguez.

Paramdicos de Cruz Roja atendieron al agredido, quien fue declarado fallecido a causa de las lesiones.

A la misma hora, en una vivienda de la calle Manuel Acua del Mdulo 4 de Otay, se registr un ataque armado que tuvo como saldo dos personas fallecidas.

Mueren en hospital.

A las 12:15 horas, dos hombres fueron atacados a balazos en el Caand del Sainz; tras la agresiand, fueron trasladados al hospital a bordo de un automvil particular.

Mientras eran llevados, fueron interceptados por una unidad de Cruz Roja why llevados al Hospital Regional andmero Uno, donde una de las vctimas, identificada como Jos Luis Cuarenta Hernndez, fue declarada sin vida.

En el Hospital General, personal mdico confirm la muerte de Sebastiand Lpez Chao, de 32 aos, quien fue internado tras ser baleado en la Zona Norte.

Dos hombres ms fueron ultimados a tiros durante la noche en puntos distintos de la ciudad.

A las 20:00 horas un sujeto fue asesinado entre las calle De las Rosas why 5 Mayo en colonia Loma Dorada Campos, why 15 minutos ms tarde otro homicidio ocurri cerca de la calle Uno Poniente de la Colonia Magisterial.

Cifras de la PGJE indican que julio acumula 98 muertes violentas en Tijuana, con las que se llega a mil 288 en 2018.

[Artisttyp]

Now they say it's *14 in the past 17 hours.

[Captain Solo]

Only 1 out of 14 murders was in Zona Norte. The rest was in other colonias, with 1 female tortured and beaten to death and left in a Taxi Libre.

This is extreme cruelty that exceeds any criminal records in any country. The Italian Mafiosi would look like country gentlemen next to Mexican murderous criminals.

El Capitan will neither take Taxi Libres, nor hang out in La Zona Norte with cold, hard, old, ugly, obese bar girls, street girls, escorts, or will he be moving to Tijuana any time soon.

Re. Artistype.

Tijuana, Baja California (GH).

Twelve murders were recorded in less than 12 hours between dawn and yesterday afternoon in different events.

At 2:50 am, a dead man was found in a neighborhood road located next to the Monserrat Private Community of the Residential Barcelona subdivision.

The first versions indicate that the victim received projectile impacts in the hands, to later be finished with a bullet in the head.

On Jos Mara Morelos street in the Chilpancingo neighborhood, a man was killed with a firearm.

When being served by lifeguards, it was discovered that he had been injured in the back because he no longer showed vital signs.

At 6:00 in the street Francisco Villa of the Cuauhtmoc neighborhood was located a man who suffered multiple bullet impacts in the head face.

In another fact, at 6:31 am, the Municipal Police confirmed the finding of a burnt corpse in a neighborhood road of the Valle de las Palmas colony.

The expert report detailed that it was not possible to define the sex of the victim by the state of calcinaciand in which he was found.

Cadver in free taxi.

Minutes later, at 7:02 am, elements of the Attorney General's Office of the State (PGJE) arrived at the street Las Palmas of the ejido Rojo Gmez after receiving the notification of an abandoned male corpse in a free taxi. The victim, half hidden by a jacket, had a rope around her neck, with multiple traces of violence.

In another fact, a subject that has not been captured enters the Jaramillo grocery store on Cinco de Mayo Street in the North Zone, why shoot at close range against a man who runs the business.

Upon the arrival of LOS lifeguards, the assaulted, sentimental partner of the owner of the establishment, had already passed away.

On the scar Bayland Chacand avenue, from the Colonia Why Libertad neighborhood, a man who eats at a taco stand was shot to death at 12:55.

Segand versions of witnesses, the alleged perpetrators fled aboard a white Honda car, in the direction of the Las Torres neighborhood, without being located.

At 2:10 pm, an aggression was reported with a firearm inside a home on Calle Muleg, in the Colonia Ampliaciand Rodrguez neighborhood.

Paramedics of the Red Cross attended the assaulted, who was declared deceased because of the injuries.

At the same time, in an apartment on Manuel Acua Street in Module 4 of Otay, there was an armed attack that left two people dead.

They die in hospital.

At 12:15 hours, two men were attacked with bullets in the Caand del Sainz; After the attack, they were taken to the hospital on board a private car.

While they were being taken, they were intercepted by a Red Cross unit after being taken to the Andmero Uno Regional Hospital, where one of the victims, identified as Jos Luis Cuarenta Hernández, was declared lifeless.

At the General Hospital, medical personnel confirmed the death of Sebastiand Lopez Chao, 32, who was hospitalized after being shot in the North Zone.

Two more men were shot dead during the night at different points in the city.

At 20:00 a subject was killed between Calle de las Rosas why 5 May in Colonia Loma Dorada Campos, why 15 minutes later another homicide occurred near Uno Poniente Street in the Magisterial Colony.

Figures of the PGJE indicate that July accumulates 98 violent deaths in Tijuana, with which it reaches 1,288 in 2018.

[Dcrist0527]

Just what I wanted to read after I booked my next trip. Yikes!


Now they say it's *14 in the past 17 hours.

[Travv]

The way things are going, guys might want to invest in used bulletproof / stabproof shirts and vests off of Ebay in the future for peace of mind. For a scary new movie about Mexico, check on Youtube for "Sicario Trailer", which might motivate you to spring for the extra protection from stray shootouts in the "gunfree" zone of Mexico.


Only 1 out of 14 murders was in Zona Norte. The rest was in other colonias, with 1 female tortured and beaten to death and left in a Taxi Libre.

This is extreme cruelty that exceeds any criminal records in any country. The Italian Mafiosi would look like country gentlemen next to Mexican murderous criminals.

El Capitan will neither take Taxi Libres, nor hang out in La Zona Norte with cold, hard, old, ugly, obese bar girls, street girls, escorts, or will he be moving to Tijuana any time soon.

Re. Artistype.

Tijuana, Baja California (GH).

Twelve murders were recorded in less than 12 hours between dawn and yesterday afternoon in different events.

At 2:50 am, a dead man was found in a neighborhood road located next to the Monserrat Private Community of the Residential Barcelona subdivision.

The first versions indicate that the victim received projectile impacts in the hands, to later be finished with a bullet in the head...

[Hargow20]

What time in the morning did you see this. ? You indicated that you arrived in the Zona around 2 am. Also please provide a map link to Articulo 123. ? I am assuming that this happened somewhere between 2 am-6 am. ?


Lots of gun play around the zona this week. I personally ran away from a guy running down the alley with a gun in his hand. Two more murders followed on Articulo 123 . One was just this morning. Couple that with the recent death two weeks ago in the alley.

New government and hot weather = Rocky Times.

I'd love to post the relevant articles in spanish but not being able to load photos onto my post make it useless.

Be Careful.

[Artisttyp]

What time in the morning did you see this. ? You indicated that you arrived in the Zona around 2 am. Also please provide a map link to Articulo 123. ? I am assuming that this happened somewhere between 2 am-6 am. ?I never indicated that I arrived at 2 am. You are confusing me with another poster down below. I was in the alley at *around 11 am.

Articulo 123 I believe starts on Ninos Heroes and Calle Primera. Calle Primera basically turns into Articulo 123.

[Hargow20]

It is extremely distrurbing to hear that this is taking place with all the police around. There is usually at least 1 or cops standing in front of the bars. I was looking at Google maps and Calle Primera does not intersect or become Articulo 123. But how many blocks up from Nino's Heroos did the shooting take place. Personally I am avoiding the Zona until weather cools off a bit.


I never indicated that I arrived at 2 am. You are confusing me with another poster down below. I was in the alley at *around 11 am.

Articulo 123 I believe starts on Ninos Heroes and Calle Primera. Calle Primera basically turns into Articulo 123.

[Tommy Boy]

With these recent things happening, is the quality of the SGs worth the risk?

[Hargow20]

Yes I think it is still worth the risk. You can bet the that the cops have stepped up patrols after these recent incidents. The main thing is constantly look to see who is behind you. The other thing is keep reading this forum to keep abreast of the crime trends. When crime goes so does the ratero activity. It is extremely important for everyone to keep reporting on any crime news or sightings.


With these recent things happening, is the quality of the SGs worth the risk?

[Hargow20]

The pervasive corruption is the big problem. There is no sense of institutional integrity in the government and law enforcement. If you have enough money you can buy anything you want in Mexico. I am convinced the only way to clean up Mexico's government is to have outside monitoring. I doubt Mexico's govt will ever to agree to this.


The deaths are really sad to see. I spent a lot of time all over Tijuana meeting people, all Mexicans, and other than the muggers, the people were nice to me. I was the only gringo everyplace I went. Where I live in the states it's mostly the same anyway. A mall where I live looks like the mall in Tijuana. So I'm used to being the only white guy. But yeah really sad. All these shootings will happen in America if we ever stopped arresting people. Because that's the issue in Mexico.

[Bbond]

The pervasive corruption is the big problem. There is no sense of institutional integrity in the government and law enforcement. If you have enough money you can buy anything you want in Mexico. I am convinced the only way to clean up Mexico's government is to have outside monitoring. I doubt Mexico's govt will ever to agree to this.There is no ending the corruption in Mexico until there are SERIOUS repercussions, the low end guys get away with it because they share with the upper end guys. I know this to be a fact. You report the thief to another thief. What do you gain? It is a sad scene. And it is not getting better. Maybe getting worse. I am a 50 year vet of Mexico. I have seen it all. And it is pathetic.

[Travv]

Talked to a guy in Caliente who was of the opinion that shootings in Zona Norte result from Rateros angering the local tourist business owners. Brazil is similar. Once the local business owners start losing business because their customers get robbed, they call the local godfather or police capitan, and the next day some rateros get shot and left in the street as an example to the others. May well be the locals are cleaning out the rateros and sending a message to not bother or rob tourists in Zona Norte.


Yes I think it is still worth the risk. You can bet the that the cops have stepped up patrols after these recent incidents. The main thing is constantly look to see who is behind you. The other thing is keep reading this forum to keep abreast of the crime trends. When crime goes so does the ratero activity. It is extremely important for everyone to keep reporting on any crime news or sightings.

[Baxter Slade]

There is no ending the corruption in Mexico until there are SERIOUS repercussions, the low end guys get away with it because they share with the upper end guys. I know this to be a fact. You report the thief to another thief. What do you gain? It is a sad scene. And it is not getting better. Maybe getting worse. I am a 50 year vet of Mexico. I have seen it all. And it is pathetic.You got that right. When I was robbed by the police. And a supervisor was called to the scene. He was not there to make sure the crooked cop was disiplined. He was there to smooth things over and make the problem go away. While he did seem to be pissed the cop was so sloppy he got caught, his main concern was sweeping things under the rug. And that's because he gets a cut from whatever they manage to steal.

[Hargow20]

Have the police been stepping up their random search and shakedowns in the Zona. ? Personally I have only been searched only about 3 times in Tijuana. The odd thing is that one time I went to report a robbery the cops stopped and searched me on the pedestrian street portion of Callle Cohuilla. ?

[Ctytek]

That's a very rosy and optimistic interpretation of the recent violence spike. However, I seriously doubt that well being of the tourists is at the root cause.


Talked to a guy in Caliente who was of the opinion that shootings in Zona Norte result from Rateros angering the local tourist business owners. Brazil is similar. Once the local business owners start losing business because their customers get robbed, they call the local godfather or police capitan, and the next day some rateros get shot and left in the street as an example to the others. May well be the locals are cleaning out the rateros and sending a message to not bother or rob tourists in Zona Norte.

[Dcrist0527]

Agree, that does seem rosy. But I also do think that the well-being of tourists is at the front of many minds. Consider how much money just us perverts on this board put into the Mexican economy. It is significant. These establishments (HK down to the local tienda) would absolutely call the godfather to maintain their well-being, which is fairly high by Mexican standards.


That's a very rosy and optimistic interpretation of the recent violence spike. However, I seriously doubt that well being of the tourists is at the root cause.

[The Tall Man]

You got that right. When I was robbed by the police. And a supervisor was called to the scene. He was not there to make sure the crooked cop was disiplined. He was there to smooth things over and make the problem go away. While he did seem to be pissed the cop was so sloppy he got caught, his main concern was sweeping things under the rug. And that's because he gets a cut from whatever they manage to steal.So true, it will never stop as it is in the DNA of every person with any level of power in Mexico. This IS part of their culture, this is why Mexico will never be a part of the current world, they are and will always be a shit hole of a country.

Some will take offense to this but pull off the blinders and see it for what it is.

Sad but true.

TTM.

[Dcrist0527]

Hard to offend me. LOL I believe there is a lot of truth to what you say. While I don't think it's in the genes, I do believe corruption has infiltrated every aspect of their culture. It will take generations for real change. People with power love what the corruption provides and those that are squashed by it are and will always be resentful.

And frankly, there is no hope on the horizon.

It is sad because there are some outstanding qualities in the Mexican people. That is a helluva generalization but I believe it.


So true, it will never stop as it is in the DNA of every person with any level of power in Mexico. This IS part of their culture, this is why Mexico will never be a part of the current world, they are and will always be a shit hole of a country.

Some will take offense to this but pull off the blinders and see it for what it is.

Sad but true.

TTM.

[SaguaroJack]

Have the police been stepping up their random search and shakedowns in the Zona. ? Personally I have only been searched only about 3 times in Tijuana. The odd thing is that one time I went to report a robbery the cops stopped and searched me on the pedestrian street portion of Callle Cohuilla. ?It would be nice if Mexico had a 4th Amendment. Hell, the US doesn't even have one anymore.

[Hargow20]

My own belief that police enforcement levels largely depend orders from superiors at some higher levels of government. There is also a certain need to stop violence and ratero activity in the Zona as well. The police do shakedowns when they have the opportunity to do so. Part of the problem is that there is disorganized stratified law enforcement in Mexico. They have the military and the Federale, Then there is state police and municipal police. Each of these have their own supervisors and some say they have separate police radio bands as well. The important thing for us is know when crime and police shake downs are on the rise. The only good thing is that there does not appear to be a significant increase in ratero muggings int eh Zona recently. My guess however is that they increasing in local vicinity of the area however.


Agree, that does seem rosy. But I also do think that the well-being of tourists is at the front of many minds. Consider how much money just us perverts on this board put into the Mexican economy. It is significant. These establishments (HK down to the local tienda) would absolutely call the godfather to maintain their well-being, which is fairly high by Mexican standards.

[ClamSlammer]

So true, it will never stop as it is in the DNA of every person with any level of power in Mexico. This IS part of their culture, this is why Mexico will never be a part of the current world, they are and will always be a shit hole of a country.

Some will take offense to this but pull off the blinders and see it for what it is.

Sad but true.

TTM.Absolutely. Mexicans when they get to know you can have big hearts. But their society has little regard for civility on how they treat strangers that they'll never see again. Theft is built into their way of life. Even amongst "friends. " All one needs to observe is a typical 4-stop sign intersection. In the USA, motorists at an intersection will allow the vehicle that arrived first to proceed first 90% of the time. In Tijuana, 90% of the time the first vehicle to arrive will not the the first to pass. Another motorist will perform a rolling stop and quickly zip in front of others cars that arrived before. This is the typical "me first" mentality that is prevalent here. Mexico will never progress as a society until they learn to put society above self. I'm not holding my breath.

[CountryMan54]

Once you have crossed the border do you need to have your passport on you at all times?

[ClamSlammer]

Once you have crossed the border do you need to have your passport on you at all times?Not specifically your passport but you are required by law to carry government issued identification at all times so carry at least your drivers license. If you are stopped and searched and don't have an ID on you you're definitely going to get threatened with jail unless you can pay a cash fine on the spot.

[Baxter Slade]

Once you have crossed the border do you need to have your passport on you at all times?Not necessarily a passport but you must carry ID.

[CountryMan54]

Not necessarily a passport but you must carry ID.Us drivers license or passport card count as ID in Mexico?

[TomJackin]

Not necessarily a passport but you must carry ID.Agree! And, this is a great reason to get the passport CARD. I never carry my passport into Mexico. I just got stopped while walking last night; more to follow.

[CountryMan54]

Agree! And, this is a great reason to get the passport CARD. I never carry my passport into Mexico. I just got stopped while walking last night; more to follow.You guys are a lot of help on this board thank you!

[Baxter Slade]

Us drivers license or passport card count as ID in Mexico?Yes either one should be good. I have heard stories of corrupt cops trying to hold on to your ID as a form of ransom. So once I'm settled in I keep my passport card in the safe and carry an expired DL as ID.

[TomJackin]

It was Wednesday night, the weather was nice, and I decided to walk back to Hotel Ticuan and check out the action on Rev.

I was walking up on Constitucion while headed to Primera. There were plenty of other men walking the same sidewalk, but I was the only Gringo.

A monkey car passed me going the opposite direction and I thought to myself, "Fuck me!" Sure as shit, the monkey car stopped. I heard the first monkey yelling, "Sir, sir, sir. " I continued walking.

Then the second monkey starting yelling for me to stop, which I did. This was the conversation:

Monkey: Show me your ID.

Me: Why?

Monkey: Give me your ID now.

Me: OK, but why did you stop me?

Monkey: While looking at my passport card, "What are you doing here?

Me: I'm a tourist and spending money here to support your economy.

Second monkey: Come over to the car, we need to search you.

Me: Why, what did I do wrong?

Second monkey: We need to check you for drugs.

Me: I'm a tourist, old, and don't use or buy drugs.

Second monkey: (Again) Come over to the car, we need to search you.

Me: I'm sorry, I am still confused why you stopped me.

At that point, both of the monkeys and I were frustrated. That is when I pulled out my phone and started dialing 078.

Second monkey: What are you doing?

Me: I'm calling 078 for tourist assistance.

Second monkey: You need to respect my job!

Me: I do respect you and your job, but you also need to respect me.

Second monkey: OK, you can go, but be careful because this area is dangerous.

Me: Thank you sir.

All of the conversation was in English and I was polite the entire time.

These banners are all over Rev.

[Baxter Slade]

Great story on how to handle a shakedown. Did they ever get there clammy hands into your pockets?

[TomJackin]

Great story on how to handle a shakedown. Did they ever get there clammy hands into your pockets?No, I was standing on the sidewalk that had an extra high curb. I never stepped down and they never stepped up.

[Ctytek]

Interesting. I wonder what dialing that number to complain about police harassment would actually do.


It was Wednesday night, the weather was nice, and I decided to walk back to Hotel Ticuan and check out the action on Rev.

At that point, both of the monkeys and I were frustrated. That is when I pulled out my phone and started dialing 078.

Second monkey: What are you doing?

Me: I'm calling 078 for tourist assistance.

[Travv]

I've heard some people use their smartphones to photograph their passport cards and passport so as to keep the real ones safe back in your room and just use the passport photo on the smartphone. Once a passport photocopy worked for me at the border. The border agent typed in my passport number from the photocopy in the computer and let me through when I forgot my passport.

For those into Mexican doom porn, see http://mexicovacationawareness.com/mexicostory.html Stories from tourists to Cancun and other Mexican vacation sights with every type of ripoff and shakedown story you can imagine. Standard scam in Cancun apparently is a 5 star all-inclusive hotel, drinks spiked with GHB, then the female tourist is raped by the bartender and the male tourist is robbed of his wallet while unconscious. When they wake up, they then taken to the local Cancun hospital for treatment, which then imprisons them at $5 k per day, watched by armed security, until they pay their hospital bill. With accusations that the hotel gets kickbacks from the hospital. Worth reading because you learn to avoid Mexican hospitals because they will not accept your American health insurance, cash only, which you will not have because you lost your wallet to the local policia, muggers or bartenders with GHB, so you are completely doomed with no way to pay the hospital bill and no way to leave.


Yes either one should be good. I have heard stories of corrupt cops trying to hold on to your ID as a form of ransom. So once I'm settled in I keep my passport card in the safe and carry an expired DL as ID.

[Hargow20]

How does one dial 078 with a US phone. ? What sort of response have people been getting from the tourist info employees. Also do they have any authority and how much good does it do....?

Earlier this year I was in the alley and cops stopped and searched me for no reason. The outrageous thing was that when I tried pulling out my cell phone and wallet they objected. It's unbelievable they use this bogus excuse that they need to search your wallet. The funny part was that they were disappointed when they did not find anything on me.


It was Wednesday night, the weather was nice, and I decided to walk back to Hotel Ticuan and check out the action on Rev.

I was walking up on Constitucion while headed to Primera. There were plenty of other men walking the same sidewalk, but I was the only Gringo.

A monkey car passed me going the opposite direction and I thought to myself, "Fuck me!" Sure as shit, the monkey car stopped. I heard the first monkey yelling, "Sir, sir, sir. " I continued walking.

Then the second monkey starting yelling for me to stop, which I did. This was the conversation:

Monkey: Show me your ID.

Me: Why?

Monkey: Give me your ID now.

Me: OK, but why did you stop me?

Monkey: While looking at my passport card, "What are you doing here?

Me: I'm a tourist and spending money here to support your economy.

Second monkey: Come over to the car, we need to search you.

Me: Why, what did I do wrong?

Second monkey: We need to check you for drugs.

Me: I'm a tourist, old, and don't use or buy drugs.

Second monkey: (Again) Come over to the car, we need to search you.

Me: I'm sorry, I am still confused why you stopped me.

At that point, both of the monkeys and I were frustrated. That is when I pulled out my phone and started dialing 078.

Second monkey: What are you doing?

Me: I'm calling 078 for tourist assistance.

Second monkey: You need to respect my job!

Me: I do respect you and your job, but you also need to respect me.

Second monkey: OK, you can go, but be careful because this area is dangerous.

Me: Thank you sir.

All of the conversation was in English and I was polite the entire time.

These banners are all over Rev.

[Baxter Slade]

How does one dial 078 with a US phone. ? What sort of response have people been getting from the tourist info employees. Also do they have any authority and how much good does it do....?

Earlier this year I was in the alley and cops stopped and searched me for no reason. The outrageous thing was that when I tried pulling out my cell phone and wallet they objected. It's unbelievable they use this bogus excuse that they need to search your wallet. The funny part was that they were disappointed when they did not find anything on me.Thats a great question. I hope someone has the right answer. I have had to borrow a phone to call the emergency number. On one occasion I started dialing 078 on my phone even though I knew it would not work. But the bluff worked and the policia backed off.

[Artisttyp]

Thats a great question. I hope someone has the right answer. I have had to borrow a phone to call the emergency number. On one occasion I started dialing 078 on my phone even though I knew it would not work. But the bluff worked and the policia backed off.Unfortunately this site doesn't load up images into the text but here is part of it:

Some Helpful Tips:

078 - Tourist Assistance Hotline.

Línea de Asistencia Turística Estatal.

What does this service provide?

A line that provides information, guidance, advice and support to any situation that the tourist visiting Baja California may need, it operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access is via cell phones, conventional or public phone throughout the whole State.

How does it work?

It is a call center operation, served by bilingual staff, highly qualified that provide a service that supports their performance by using the latest technology in communications.

It consists of 12 call protocols for assistance and 5 protocols for emergency situations. Which guarantee an effective coordination with the command centers 066 (the equivalent of 911 in the USA), with state coverage to attend any emergency situation.

Services provided:

Tourist information through out 8 national and international lines which work 7 days a week from 7:00 AM a 7:00 PM.

CITY.

800 NATIONAL.

800 INTERNATIONAL.

TIJUANA 1-800-028-0888 1-888-775-2417.

ROSARITO 1-800-027-3137 1-800-962-BAJA.

ENSENADA 1-800-025-3991 1-800-310-9687.

MEXICALI 1-800-025-5887 1-888-342-7323.

Assistance during your stay at Baja California dialing 078.

Other emergency numbers.

Emergencias 066 Emergencies - 066 Bomberos de Tijuana Tijuana Firefighters - (664) 685-5556.

Comisióand Estatal de Servicios Públicos de Tijuana CESPT - 073 Comisióand Federal de Electricidad CFE - 071.

Procuraduría General de la República PGR - (664) 633-6800 Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor PROFECO - 01 800 468 8722.

Cruz Roja Mexicana Mexican Red Cross - 066 Hospital General de Tijuana Hospital General de Tijuana - (664) 684-0922.

Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social IMSS - (664) 629-6345 al 47 Instituto de Seguridad why Servicios Sociales de LOS Trabajadores del Estado ISSSTE - (664) 681-4741 al 44.

AND:

Mexico Calling: How To Dial To and From Mexico.

Calling Mexico and making calls from Mexico.

BY SUZANNE BARBEZAT.

Updated 07/10/18.

Public pay phone in Mexico.

•••.

If you're planning a trip to Mexico, you may need to make a call in advance to reserve a hotel room or get some information about tours or activities you're planning to do during your trip. Once you're there, you might like to call home to connect with your loved ones, or deal with any issues that come up that may need your attention. Making these calls may require the use of different dialing codes from the ones you're accustomed to. Don't worry, though. We've got you covered. Here's a look at how to dial to and from Mexico.

How to make phone calls to and from Mexico.

•••.

Mexico Country Code.

The country code for Mexico is 52. When calling a Mexican phone number from the USA Or Canada, you should dial 011 + 52 + area code + phone number. If you're calling a cell phone, you'll need to add a 1 after the 52, so you would dial 011 + 52 + 1 + area code + phone number.

Area Codes.

In the three largest cities of Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey), the area code is two digits and phone numbers are eight digits, whereas in the rest of the country, area codes are three digits and phone numbers are seven digits.

These are the area codes for Mexico's three largest cities:

Mexico City 55.

Guadalajara 33.

Monterrey 81.

Long-distance calls from within Mexico.

For national long-distance calls within Mexico, the code is 01 plus the area code and phone number.

For international long-distance calls originating in Mexico, first dial 00, then the country code (for the USA And Canada the country code is 1, so you would dial 00 + 1 + area code + 7 digit number).

Country Codes.

USA And Canada 1.

United Kingdom 44.

Australia 61.

New Zealand 64.

South Africa 27.

Calling Cell Phones.

If you're within the area code of the Mexican cell phone number you wish to call, you should dial 044, then the area code, then the phone number. Mexican cell phones are under a plan called "el que llama paga," which means that the person who makes the call pays for it, so calls to cell phones cost more than calls to regular land line phone numbers. Outside of the area code that you're dialing (but still within Mexico) you would first dial 045 and then the 10 digit phone number. To call a Mexican cell phone from outside the country you would dial as if to a land line but adding the 1 after the country code 011-52-1 and then the area code and number.

If you're adding a Mexican cell phone to your Whatsapp contacts, instead of adding 011, you should enter a plus sign before the country code, then a 1 before the area code and phone number.

More information about using a cell phone in Mexico.

Pay Phones and Phone Cards.

Although pay phones are becoming less common in Mexico, as in most places, you should still be able to find them around if you look carefully, and they offer an inexpensive way to contact home (or make a call when your cell phone battery is dead). Many pay phones are located on busy street corners, making it difficult to hear. You can also look in large stores like Sanborns. They'll often have a pay phone near the public restrooms. And they tend to be much quieter.

Phone cards ("tarjetas telefonicas") for use in pay phones can be bought at newstands and in pharmacies in denominations of 30,50 and 100 pesos. Public telephones in Mexico do not accept coins. When buying a phone card for pay phone use, specify that you would like a "tarjeta LADA" or "tarjeta TELMEX" because pre-paid cell phone cards ("TELCEL") are also sold in the same establishments.

Calling from a pay phone is the most economical way to call, though long-distance phone calls tend to be more expensive from Mexico than from most other countries. Other options include calling from a "caseta telefonica," a business that has telephone and fax service, or from your hotel. Hotels often add a surcharge for these calls, so they're not the best option if you're traveling on a budget.

Emergency and Useful Phone Numbers.

Keep these phone numbers close at hand for any emergencies that might occur. You do not need a phone card to call 3-digit emergency numbers from a pay phone. The emergency number used to be 066 but Mexico has switched to 911 so that they are using the same system as the United States and Canada, so for any emergency assistance you can dial 911 to get an emergency operator who will transfer you to the appropriate service. Also see what to do in an emergency in Mexico.

Directory assistance 040.

Tourist protection and information 01 800 903 9200 or 01 800 987 8224, from the USA And Canada 1 800 482 9232 or 1 800 401 3880.

[Ctytek]

You probably just need a Mexican SIM in order for this to work. Might be worth investing into one for this reason.

From https://www.bajanorte.com/en/assistance-078 :


AUTHORITY ABUSE.
If you feel you have been mistreated by any public official or authority applying the law, you can file a complaint with the State Secretariat of Tourism of Baja California. Please be sure to get the name of the person, agency, license and / or identification card number or patrol car as well as the place and time of the incident to report it immediately. To our Toll Free Number Travel Information & Assistance 078 or the following email assistance@baja.gob.mxIf harassed by Tijuana pigs always get their car license plate and badge IDs, and report these fuckers.


Thats a great question. I hope someone has the right answer. I have had to borrow a phone to call the emergency number. On one occasion I started dialing 078 on my phone even though I knew it would not work. But the bluff worked and the policia backed off.

[ScatManDoo]

I got stopped same spot. Middle of the day. The walk to revolution, is a spot they try and get you. They probably are not allowed to grab you directly in front of or behind Hong Kong. To the police officers credit, that area really is a very dangerous street. For instance, its the most dangerous street I know of, I've been all over American bad neighborhoods and that street is the most dangerous for for me to be in at least.That one block on Constitution (between the alley and Primera) has some of the most dangerous women I know.

[Artisttyp]

Cafe workers spotted an american with a gun hidden in his waist band. They called police and when they arrived the suspect detonated his weapon but police countered with a shot to his upper right extremity in order to neutralize the individual. He was transported to Hospital General where he is reported to be in stable condition.

The photo is on Madero across the street from the new Pemex station. There is a Haitian Cafe in the middle of the block. I wonder if that's the place?

Estadounidense Fue Detenido Por Posesión De Arma De Fuego En Tijuana.

TIJUANA, Baja California (GH).

Un sujeto de nacionalidad estadounidense fue detenido por elementos de la polica municipal why agentes ministeriales al portar un arma de fuego en un caf ubicado en la calle Cuarta why Madero de la Zona Centro a las 20:30 horas de este sbado.

Empleados del caf llamaron a la lnea de emergencias 911, reportaron que haba un hombre con un arma de fuego fajada a la cintura.

LOS oficiales acudieron al lugar why al momento de abordarlo, el sujeto hizo una detonaciand, por lo que LOS agentes repelieron el ataque why neutralizaron al individuo con un impacto de arma de fuego en la extremidad superior derecha.

El estadounidense fue trasladado al Hospital General donde se reporta estable, mientras que las autoridades confirmaron que no hubo mayores lesionados.

[TomJackin]

That one block on Constitution (between the alley and Primera) has some of the most dangerous women I know.Funny stuff!

The only hazard on that stretch are the monkeys!

[Artisttyp]

CORRECTION:

Ave Madero NOT between Revolucion.

[Artisttyp]

Thanks to " Chiquito " from the other website for bringing this to our attention. For most mongers visiting the zona you probably won't find yourself in this area, but for Tijuana regulars like myself, this is an area I routinely find myself in. This is roughly two block from the last shooting on 4th and Madero. I personally know that there is a drug spot in the area. I won't say where for good reasons but anyway here is the story:

Ejecutan a hombre en la zona Centro de Tijuana.

TIJUANA, Baja California (GH).

Un hombre fue ejecutado a plena luz del thea en la calle Segunda de la Zona Centro, esta tarde.

El ataque se registr entre las avenidas Francisco I. Madero why Miguel Negrete, frente a una bodega.

El cuerpo de la vctima qued tendido en la banqueta, donde fue declarada como fallecido.

[Flyer47]

I see lots of talk of threatening to dial 078 to deter unsavory police activity. Would getting a shirt or sweater that says Tourist Assistance Dial 078 in huge letters on the front and back work?

[Baxter Slade]

I see lots of talk of threatening to dial 078 to deter unsavory police activity. Would getting a shirt or sweater that says Tourist Assistance Dial 078 in huge letters on the front and back work?I'm thinking that might work. Please try it and report back.

[Ctytek]

Why don't you get "Tijuana Police Department" vest and a fake badge while you're at at? I think you'd simply be better off not wearing anything that attracts unwanted attention.


I see lots of talk of threatening to dial 078 to deter unsavory police activity. Would getting a shirt or sweater that says Tourist Assistance Dial 078 in huge letters on the front and back work?

[MongerHunger]

When I was in La Zona Norte Friday I stopped in oxxo on Coahuila for a couple of cold brews and seen the front page of a Mexican newspaper saying that there were 6 murders in Tijuana between Wednesday night and Thursday early morning. The newspaper caught my eye as I walked out the front door.

[MongerHunger]

Statistics show murders on the rise. Among those killed were 27,691 Mexicans, 313 foreigners and 3,170 people of unspecified origin.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/07/30/Murders-in-Mexico-increased-27-percent-in-2017/4071532982151/?utm_source=mobi&utm_medium=tn_v

[MongerHunger]

Very sad story.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/07/10/American-tourist-killed-by-stray-bullet-in-Mexico-City/2211531276388/?st_rec=4071532982151

[Artisttyp]

This looks like the second floor of Galerias shopping mall next to the big Caliente. This place is frequented by a good number of "normal" people. Yes that includes mongers as well.

It happened this morning. I also noticed a narco mantra or two mentioned in the papers.

This is where that new Brazilian restaurant that people are talking about is located.

* I wish photos loaded up onto the thread. It would the post so much more appealing.

TIJUANA, Baja California (GH).

Un hombre fue ejecutado con arma de fuego esta maana en el segundo piso de una plaza comercial, ubicada el bulevar Agua Caliente.

La vctima qued tendida a unos metros del rea del cine, con lesiones de bala en cabeza why espalda.

Hasta el momento no se ha localizado a LOS presuntos responsables.

1897799-G. JPG.

Foto: Gustavo Surez.

[Oosik]

About a month ago I visited Tijuana and due to a terrible lack of fiscal restraint I needed more pesos so I had to use an ATM, something I had managed to avoid up up until this trip for this exact reason. A week ago I was surprised to be suddenly spending money in Haiti. The ne'er do-well tried three withdrawals and only one made it through before my credit union slammed the door on my account. My loss is fully covered but it could have been a real pain if I were still traveling and needed more cash.

I had gone to the lobby at Cascadas to use the machine there but it was out of service so one of the staff showed me the ATM lobby to the right as you face the main Cascadas entrance. I gave the machines a good looking over but could not see anything obvious, yet it is almost certain that that is where the card was compromised: I had not used it since leaving Thailand a month and a half earlier. I know Buddhists are supposed to be patient but that would really be pushing it.

Just a FYI thing as I have no idea what I could have done differently: Kind of hard to take the thing apart to look for a skimmer. Well, maybe not THAT hard: Obviously someone else took it apart to put it there.

[LovesToSploog]

About a month ago I visited Tijuana and due to a terrible lack of fiscal restraint I needed more pesos so I had to use an ATM, something I had managed to avoid up up until this trip for this exact reason. A week ago I was surprised to be suddenly spending money in Haiti. The ne'er do-well tried three withdrawals and only one made it through before my credit union slammed the door on my account. My loss is fully covered but it could have been a real pain if I were still traveling and needed more cash.

I had gone to the lobby at Cascadas to use the machine there but it was out of service so one of the staff showed me the ATM lobby to the right as you face the main Cascadas entrance. I gave the machines a good looking over but could not see anything obvious, yet it is almost certain that that is where the card was compromised: I had not used it since leaving Thailand a month and a half earlier. I know Buddhists are supposed to be patient but that would really be pushing it.

Just a FYI thing as I have no idea what I could have done differently: Kind of hard to take the thing apart to look for a skimmer. Well, maybe not that hard: Obviously someone else took it apart to put it there.I was going to write about this. I've got a card specifically for international money withdrawal so it's easy to see where I pull out money. Recently I got an alert from my bank saying my card was being used in San Antonio, I live in California. My bank was able to reimburse and close the card, but I only withdraw from big banks and perhaps I might have gotten my card skim there too but this reinsured my idea that the atms outside Hong Kong have skimmers and it would make sense since I needed the money then, I can imagine others having the same urgency, so it's an easy target.

I told my bank what I could do to avoid this but they told me it happens. For me, it would just be using big Mexican banks and withdrawing all my money so they can be declined automatically. Nonetheless you don't need to take the machine apart, you can easily install a skimmer and a small camera, just do quick YouTube search, it's crazy.

[Once Sailor]

About a month ago I visited Tijuana and due to a terrible lack of fiscal restraint I needed more pesos so I had to use an ATM, something I had managed to avoid up up until this trip for this exact reason. A week ago I was surprised to be suddenly spending money in Haiti. The ne'er do-well tried three withdrawals and only one made it through before my credit union slammed the door on my account. My loss is fully covered but it could have been a real pain if I were still traveling and needed more cash.

I had gone to the lobby at Cascadas to use the machine there but it was out of service so one of the staff showed me the ATM lobby to the right as you face the main Cascadas entrance. I gave the machines a good looking over but could not see anything obvious, yet it is almost certain that that is where the card was compromised: I had not used it since leaving Thailand a month and a half earlier. I know Buddhists are supposed to be patient but that would really be pushing it.

Just a FYI thing as I have no idea what I could have done differently: Kind of hard to take the thing apart to look for a skimmer. Well, maybe not THAT hard: Obviously someone else took it apart to put it there.As with anything technology marches on. Most skimmers now are internal to the machine, so no way of identifying them from the outside like before. It is a really big problem in 'Merica now with gas stations, in fact the US Secret Service recommends you pay cash for filling up gas. (There was a USA Today article around the 4th of July.) Also some of the new ones use Bluetooth to transmit the data, so thieves do not have to go back to retrieve the data.

[ClamSlammer]

Also some of the new ones use Bluetooth to transmit the data, so thieves do not have to go back to retrieve the data.LOL you know Bluetooth can only transmit data an extremely short distance, like 10 meters.

[Dcrist0527]

As with anything technology marches on. Most skimmers now are internal to the machine, so no way of identifying them from the outside like before. It is a really big problem in 'Merica now with gas stations, in fact the US Secret Service recommends you pay cash for filling up gas. (There was a USA Today article around the 4th of July.) Also some of the new ones use Bluetooth to transmit the data, so thieves do not have to go back to retrieve the data.I responded to Oosik via PM but thought I would share here too. This is something I'm familiar with in my day job. LOL.

Once Sailor has some great advice. These skimmers are largely undetectable to everyday people. As mentioned, US gas stations are very common. Two other things to add:

The timeframe for the fraud to occur varies greatly. Often times, it takes a day or two for bogus charges to show up. But sometimes it takes months. Most often, they use the information to create a clone. Depending on the organized crime outfit that captures the data, they'll sell it on the black market. The Russian mob and Eastern Europe crime families are very efficient with this. (These are not typically run by street criminals.).

The other thing to keep in mind is where there is a skimmer, there is very likely something or someone watching you type your PIN. That could be someone many yards away with a zoom lens or a camera. As mentioned, the bluetooth or wireless network function is common. But the crooks that recover the device utilize cameras.

This scheme is significantly underreported and I'm not trying to alarm anyone but you do need to be aware anywhere you swipe your card.

[HornyIndo]

Either its a coincidence or there a spike in such fraud.

I was there couple weeks back and I got a fraud notification from my bank today. Someone withdrew cash from ATM using my card and pin in LA.

I had used my card in Cascadas lobby and in the ATM near the rear entrance to Cascadas in the alley, so its either in the hotel itself or nearby.

[Dcrist0527]

LOL you know Bluetooth can only transmit data an extremely short distance, like 10 meters.Yes, bluetooth is used. They need to be reasonably close in many cases to see your PIN. They also use a private network, (like a private wifi network).

[MongerHunger]

Either its a coincidence or there a spike in such fraud.

I was there couple weeks back and I got a fraud notification from my bank today. Someone withdrew cash from ATM using my card and pin in LA.

I had used my card in Cascadas lobby and in the ATM near the rear entrance to Cascadas in the alley, so its either in the hotel itself or nearby.Are people scared of getting robbed, is that why they don't carry enough cash to cover their expenses in Tijuana and have to use risky ATM machines that are targeted in a high traffic area?

I advised bros to use reputable national big bank branches in known safe areas. Some bros responded with places that were the safest with no issues. I personally do not use the ATM machines or swipe my card anywhere. The amount of cash I bring across the border is sufficient for all of my transactions.

[ClamSlammer]

Yes, bluetooth is used. They need to be reasonably close in many cases to see your PIN. They also use a private network, (like a private wifi network).Perhaps so but the reason the OP provided for using Bluetooth is obviously not correct.

"Also some of the new ones use Bluetooth to transmit the data, so thieves do not have to go back to retrieve the data."

The thieves would have to go back to within a 10 meter radius of the crime scene to retrieve data. That's pretty much going back to the scene of the crime. The OP is insinuating that Bluetooth can transmit the data back to their crime lab 20 miles away, which is certainly not true.

[Once Sailor]

LOL you know Bluetooth can only transmit data an extremely short distance, like 10 meters.No.

From: https://www.sans.edu/cyber-research/security-laboratory/article/bluetooth.

Misconception 1: "Bluetooth is a short-range technology".

Many organizations disregard the security of Bluetooth networks as a concern because they consider Bluetooth to be a short-range technology. Bluetooth technology is not limited to short-range connections however, offering three ranges of standard range connectivity, as shown in figure 1. With class 1 Bluetooth devices transmitting at 100 mW, which have a standard range of approximately 100 meters or 328 feet, range is comparable to that of an 802.11 be WLAN device. Class 1 devices are most commonly implemented in devices where power is plentiful, such as laptop and desktop systems.

So ATM machines and gas pumps have the power to transmit further. Phones and mobile devices use the shorter range bluetooth to save on power consumption.

[Dcrist0527]

Perhaps so but the reason the OP provided for using Bluetooth is obviously not correct.

"Also some of the new ones use Bluetooth to transmit the data, so thieves do not have to go back to retrieve the data."

The thieves would have to go back to within a 10 meter radius of the crime scene to retrieve data. That's pretty much going back to the scene of the crime. The OP is insinuating that Bluetooth can transmit the data back to their crime lab 20 miles away, which is certainly not true.Sorry, maybe I wasn't clear. There are various methods but any type requires two steps. 1. Capturing card data. That is done by Bluetooth (which, yes, is typically nearby. 10-20 ft is more than enough for an unsuspecting victim), a private "WiFi-like network" or recovering the actual device. I can assure you, retrieving the device is quite common. They don't leave the devices in very long. No more than a day or so. In the right ATM, they capture hundreds of card data. 2. They need some way to observe the PIN being entered. If it's Bluetooth or WiFi, that could be someone watching, a zoom lens, or camera. Or, if they leave it there for a day, they'll set a camera. Believe it or not, it's not uncommon for that camera to be in plain sight of the ATM. It's not terribly obvious but still noticeable.

I know we are picking on Cascadas but I promise you, this occurs a lot in the US. Gas stations are most common but they routinely use big bank driveup ATMs, and even the verifone machines you use at a POS like Target. Or even inside the bank itself. It is a significant issue. Thankfully, card companies and banks and in many cases, retail stores (I. E. Target) generally reimburse for this. However, those fraud costs are ultimately passed on.

[Hargow20]

We all need to be mindful of just how dangerous Mexico can be. !!

Airlines cut back on flights to Cancun, other tourist spots in Mexico after reports of violence, travelers blacking out.

(https://www.dallasnews.com/life/travel/2018/08/05/airlines-cut-back-flights-cancun-tourist-spots-mexico-after-reports-violence-travelers-blacking).

[Ctytek]

That is the key. Bring enough cash for your stay. Lock the cash in hotel safe. Take enough with you each day, for your daily use. Problem solved.


I advised bros to use reputable national big bank branches in known safe areas. Some bros responded with places that were the safest with no issues. I personally do not use the ATM machines or swipe my card anywhere. The amount of cash I bring across the border is sufficient for all of my transactions.

[Simmer]

Sorry, maybe I wasn't clear. There are various methods but any type requires two steps. 1. Capturing card data. That is done by Bluetooth (which, yes, is typically nearby. 10-20 ft is more than enough for an unsuspecting victim), a private "WiFi-like network" or recovering the actual device. I can assure you, retrieving the device is quite common. They don't leave the devices in very long. No more than a day or so. In the right ATM, they capture hundreds of card data. 2. They need some way to observe the PIN being entered. If it's Bluetooth or WiFi, that could be someone watching, a zoom lens, or camera. Or, if they leave it there for a day, they'll set a camera. Believe it or not, it's not uncommon for that camera to be in plain sight of the ATM. It's not terribly obvious but still noticeable.

I know we are picking on Cascadas but I promise you, this occurs a lot in the US. Gas stations are most common but they routinely use big bank driveup ATMs, and even the verifone machines you use at a POS like Target. Or even inside the bank itself. It is a significant issue. Thankfully, card companies and banks and in many cases, retail stores (I. E. Target) generally reimburse for this. However, those fraud costs are ultimately passed on.ATM manufacturers could do more. All sorts of protrusions attached to ATMs these days. Cameras (for security), mirrors, deposit drawers etc. If they made the entire front one sheet of steel (or whatever) with cutouts just for the screen, the money slot, and the card slot (and just a slot, not a device within a larger hole) then it would be easier to spot the more obvious devices that should not be there.

This one annoys me. The protrusion over the card slot is probably genuine here. But many ATMs have a recess instead, so is this genuine or is it an add-on? Such devices covering a recess and looking like this picture used to be common for swiping your details years ago.

https://media.cuinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/bigstock-Press-ATM-EPP-keyboard-46112266.jpg


That is the key. Bring enough cash for your stay. Lock the cash in hotel safe. Take enough with you each day, for your daily use. Problem solved.Indeed, though even that is not infallible. Firstly I've yet to stay at a hotel in Mexico that actually had a safe (only around 4 so far, from cheap motels to US priced 3-4* Secondly, after inadvertently locking my stuff in a safe in SE Asia somewhere, where the hotel just sent a bellboy with the master key to all the safes in the hotel, I have little faith that they're completely secure. But most definitely better than nothing, and beats the casual fingering of your stuff.

[Dcrist0527]

ATM manufacturers could do more. All sorts of protrusions attached to ATMs these days. Cameras (for security), mirrors, deposit drawers etc. If they made the entire front one sheet of steel (or whatever) with cutouts just for the screen, the money slot, and the card slot (and just a slot, not a device within a larger hole) then it would be easier to spot the more obvious devices that should not be there.

This one annoys me. The protrusion over the card slot is probably genuine here. But many ATMs have a recess instead, so is this genuine or is it an add-on? Such devices covering a recess and looking like this picture used to be common for swiping your details years ago.You are 100% right. ATM manufacturers do need to do more. And they are. But right now, they are throwing all sorts of solutions at the problem. That's good and bad. But the real problem is the game. Your comments on protrusions and recessions are exactly the issue. But it's a game. The bad guys adapt. If you look at the actual skimmers, these things are a couple of pieces of pliable metals. I'm exaggerating but it's not much more than a couple paperclips. IMO, the protrusions are the best defense right now, in conjunction with a lighting indicator. I don't have a photo right now but a protrusion that "lights up" does have some confirmation of the absence of a skimming device. But #1, who knows to look for that! And #2, they will beat that system as well. Just a matter of time.

The PIN and Chip process is by far the best defense. Cloning a card with a chip is not cost effective for the bad guys. But the PIN and Chip process is widely misunderstood, both by the consumer and the vendor. In fact, many consumers intentionally damage the Chip to force a vendor to the "old" process, which not only circumvents the safeguards but places liability on the vendor with the new laws.

Hardly a fascinating topic on ISG, I know. LOL.

Bottom line, guys, this can and does happen everywhere. Frankly, I can't say it's more or less common in Mexico, Thailand, US or any other locale. There is a certain international bend to this. Someone mentioned charges in Haiti. Any time you use your card, even at your local gas station, just be aware. And be aware of your surroundings.