Crime, Safety, and the Police

[KC Questor]

Yeah, you can call me a 'wuss', but I prefer mainly unhassled mongering experiences. Hopefully no drama. By comparison I've been to Rio's beaches, Colombian cities, etc many times that are supposed to be so dangerous and have never encountered a problem day or night.

Every time I've gone to Colombia I've been warned (by friends and even the State Department) about the dangers of gangs, terrorists, and cartels. Never had a problem. Rio is considered the pickpocket capital of the world and there are often advisories about how dangerous it is, but I had a great time. Why would you be concerned about Tijuana and not those places, especially when you never encountered a problem there?

I've never had an issue in Tijuana. I don't want to discount the guys who have been hassled or robbed. I believe their reports and they concern me. But I also know that the vast majority of guys never have any problems and if you are careful and safe -- like you should be in any city -- you'll have fun. Just like in Medellin or Rio.

[Dogers69]

Had bad experience with policia recently. In zona Norte hotel, which I won't name, because some posters will defend their favorite places like you are attacking their sports team. Anyway, in hotel, light was on, in bed naked, evening, not middle night. Policia tried breaking door down. They had room key, machine guns, ski masks, seven deep, flashlights, the room safety lock held up but could see them. Door opens two inches. I start yelling what do you want because they yelled in Spanish. I put underwear on, let them in because they said policia, and I had no choice. I assumed it was a robbery or they hoped I had a girl who they could arrest me for. Anyway they come in room looking for someone. Even checking bathroom. What was the point? Who knows. I was scared of the machine guns being pointed at me. If the door wasn't with a safety lock, they would of rushed in tripping over each other to squeeze in door. And if someone pulls trigger by accident, just like in the states it would be the victims fault. I probably won't ever sleep in zona Norte again. And always sleep with lights on, incase anyone comes into room, which I always do in Tijuana. I've seen policia and military rush into other hotels like they are arresting a terrorist. So it's not something new. I just thought the better hotels would have some agreement of courtesy with policia. Obviously not. And I do think the whole stripper escort scene gets these guys adrenaline pumping more then it would for home invasions five blocks away on boring residential streets. Don't send me hate responses I know some only want the positive stories. But some can handle the truth and still navigate Tijuana successfully.

[WombatEd2]

from what I've read in you guys posts my mind is telling me, "don't do it! From the corrupt police shakedowns,

When an airliner crashes, it makes headlines; when a car crashes, it doesn't. Yet far more people are killed in car crashes. Tijuana is like an airliner; the disaster stories are spectacular, but blown way beyond proportion.

But if you really read these forums, you'll see that many of us go down there (pun intended) quite often. If you know what you're doing, the Zona is safer than many parts of LOS Angeles, or even San Diego.

[Basketball101]

One of my numerous pet peeves on this board is the hysteria and fear mongering. Sometimes, I wonder what causes bad things to happen to people and why I've been spared. Like you, I'm a bigger guy and that doesn't hurt. And no doubt, everything you've mentioned is a risk. But I would just add that with common sense and awareness, you'll likely be just fine. Every time I venture there, I see people that make themselves such easy targets. They are completely unaware their actions and behaviors are just like drawing a bullseye on their forehead. I've almost stopped to talk to them about it but I'm not that arrogant. I would never use the word "wuss" to describe your apprehension. But I think that apprehension would serve you well in Tijuana. I'm not pushing you to visit, I'm just saying it's not all doom and gloom there.

Some of it is fear of the unknown. Tijuana has the reputation of being dangerous. The recent border issues surely do not help. I remember going for the first time, I used Brocton O Tools guide to walk me through. I studied the forum posts from years back to get enough info. I think the scariest part was the cab rides back and forth. Finding the cab stop, to get there, and once being dropped off, to go home, and finding the border crossing, at midnight.

[Dcrist0527]

I've always wanted to check out the Mexican putas in Tijuana and thought to check out the posts as I'm a long time monger that's visited several countries over the yrs, but from what I've read in you guys posts my mind is telling me, "don't do it! From the corrupt police shakedowns, fake police, drug dealer wars, etc. I see a lot of potential problems that I would rather avoid. Yeah, you can call me a 'wuss', but I prefer mainly unhassled mongering experiences. Hopefully no drama. By comparison I've been to Rio's beaches, Colombian cities, etc many times that are supposed to be so dangerous and have never encountered a problem day or night. No drama. I'd rather concentrate on the chicas. But I appreciate your honest posts that have helped me decide to stick to the carribean, and central & south america. And I'm 6'3", 250 lbs, and have had some fighter training but I don't think you'll see me south of the border (so to speak) You have to know your limitations, LOL!

One of my numerous pet peeves on this board is the hysteria and fear mongering. Sometimes, I wonder what causes bad things to happen to people and why I've been spared. Like you, I'm a bigger guy and that doesn't hurt. And no doubt, everything you've mentioned is a risk. But I would just add that with common sense and awareness, you'll likely be just fine. Every time I venture there, I see people that make themselves such easy targets. They are completely unaware their actions and behaviors are just like drawing a bullseye on their forehead. I've almost stopped to talk to them about it but I'm not that arrogant. I would never use the word "wuss" to describe your apprehension. But I think that apprehension would serve you well in Tijuana. I'm not pushing you to visit, I'm just saying it's not all doom and gloom there.

[Artisttyp]

I've always wanted to check out the Mexican putas in Tijuana and thought to check out the posts as I'm a long time monger that's visited several countries over the yrs, but from what I've read in you guys posts my mind is telling me, "don't do it! From the corrupt police shakedowns, fake police, drug dealer wars, etc. I see a lot of potential problems that I would rather avoid. Yeah, you can call me a 'wuss', but I prefer mainly unhassled mongering experiences. Hopefully no drama. By comparison I've been to Rio's beaches, Colombian cities, etc many times that are supposed to be so dangerous and have never encountered a problem day or night. No drama. I'd rather concentrate on the chicas. But I appreciate your honest posts that have helped me decide to stick to the carribean, and central & south america. And I'm 6'3", 250 lbs, and have had some fighter training but I don't think you'll see me south of the border (so to speak) You have to know your limitations, LOL!

If you have done those places then there is no reason you can't do Tijuana.

It is a different beast but worth the experience if anything else.

[Artisttyp]

I'll never stay at Leyva again. 4 or 5 years ago they said my room at checkout only had 1 towel. They wouldn't give me my deposit back saying all rooms at check in have 2 towels. I had no luggage or anything. Just used to crash there when drunk. Said maybe my lady took the towel. I told him I had no lady visitor. Went back and forth to no avail. Place is a joke and rates have gone way up in recent years.

Some people have trouble with Victor the desk guy but during my 3 year stay everyone was super kind to me.

Like I said a good deal for the zona but not without caveats. 3 years ALWAYS hot showers. Never an issue with theft but I lock my stuff up.

[BlkPanther]

Police will say they need to search your wallet. Insist that you hold your money in your hands. I have been searched by police 2 or 3 times and they will relent once you insist. If you see the cops hanging out on the street it is a good idea to walk on the other side especially if there not many people around. The police tend to hang out on the west end of the alley and search people.

I've always wanted to check out the Mexican putas in Tijuana and thought to check out the posts as I'm a long time monger that's visited several countries over the yrs, but from what I've read in you guys posts my mind is telling me, "don't do it! From the corrupt police shakedowns, fake police, drug dealer wars, etc. I see a lot of potential problems that I would rather avoid. Yeah, you can call me a 'wuss', but I prefer mainly unhassled mongering experiences. Hopefully no drama. By comparison I've been to Rio's beaches, Colombian cities, etc many times that are supposed to be so dangerous and have never encountered a problem day or night. No drama. I'd rather concentrate on the chicas. But I appreciate your honest posts that have helped me decide to stick to the carribean, and central & south america. And I'm 6'3", 250 lbs, and have had some fighter training but I don't think you'll see me south of the border (so to speak) You have to know your limitations, LOL!

[Scudrucker]

Over the past number of years, my friends have had a lot of double transactions, skimming and other fraud from some of the nicest places all over Mexico.

You just don't know which atms or hotels or restaurants to trust. Not just Tijuana but all over Mexico. For the record I have had no problems with the 2 banks on constitution (so far).

I visit during the day when there are lots of people and a cop hanging around. I am not a fan of all cash, has anyone had any experience with prepaid cards in Mexico?

[Captain Solo]

Within the last year more than a dozen new ATM machines were installed around La Zona's bar block, adding to the existing dozen ATMs already inside bars and hotels. There is lots of money to be made dispensing cash for mongers to spend on putas. There have been various report of cash skimming from cards used in La Zona's ATMs.

I usually take cash out of the Scotia Bank's ATM in front of Adelita with the Schwab debit card. It gives high exchange rate, charges 90 pesos terminal fee which Schwab refunds. One time it was otu of service, so I drew cash out of the new Banco Multiva in front of Bar Valentina. The next week the cards from 2 of us were skimmed $300 at a credit union ATM somewhere in Iowa. I disputed the withdrawal and the bank refunded the money and replaced the card. I always check activities in the card a few days after withdrawals in Tijuana, but I suspect if you have too many theft cases from your card, the bank may cancel your account altogether.

Saturday afternoon I was in la Zona. The Scotia bank's ATM in front of Adelita was completely removed from it spot. I need pesos so decided to use the Banco Multiva next to it. I wanted to draw 6,000 pesos. The machine spit out 3,000 pesos in 200 notes, then kept running and rolling, but no more cash, apparently it was out. When I checked the account, I was charged $157.81 for 3,000 pesos. Including 95 pesos terminal fee, I was getting only 19 pesos to the dollar. The official rate is now at 19.9, so Banco Multiva skims another 5% with its low exchange rate and international transaction fees.

I will stay away from Banco Multiva and look for other Scotia Bank or big bank ATMs. They would be safer and cheaper.

[MemoeNasty]

It's Mexico. I have read news articles same thing only they show up at the house demand you sell it in three days hand over all the money. Seriously. It's why a lot people rent in Tijuana. I know a few that can only rent for this reason.

Don't buy real estate in Tijuana. Too many risks. I know prices are high in the US but find a couple cash flowing properties in CA or in another state and live off the difference in Tijuana. You can rent a nice house there for 500 dls a month. Cash flow 2-3 k in the states and you'll live like a king down there. Moe.

[MemoeNasty]

As long as the security guards and your friend is safe F It.

I lived at Leyva for 3 years. Nice staff and decent digs for the zona but the only thing secure is that you WILL BE paying your rent on time and they might stop a girl from going upstairs if they are on the ball. Otherwise it is every man for themselves.

Another issue is thugs hanging out in front. One group of 3 with a baby stopped unexpectedly in front of the garage and the girl went to the office or so it seemed BUT it was a set up to make me think the 2 guys were waiting on her. What it was was a bogus run to the front desk to ask a fake question making me think she was staying at the hotel and meanwhile these two guys were sizing me up when I supposedly let my guard down. I sensed it immediately and maneuvered myself to the other entrance to wait for my guest. They were pissed off.

I'll never stay at Leyva again. 4 or 5 years ago they said my room at checkout only had 1 towel. They wouldn't give me my deposit back saying all rooms at check in have 2 towels. I had no luggage or anything. Just used to crash there when drunk. Said maybe my lady took the towel. I told him I had no lady visitor. Went back and forth to no avail. Place is a joke and rates have gone way up in recent years.

[Dogers69]

It's Mexico. I have read news articles same thing only they show up at the house demand you sell it in three days hand over all the money. Seriously. It's why a lot people rent in Tijuana. I know a few that can only rent for this reason.

[Artisttyp]

A monger amigo of mine and many others often stays at Posada de Santiago (formerly Hotel Leyva). He was there (maybe last night) & parked his big pick-up truck in the parking lot there. A ratero with a gun went into the lot and threatened PDS security at 2 or 3 in the morning and left with my monger friend's truck.

As long as the security guards and your friend is safe F It.

I lived at Leyva for 3 years. Nice staff and decent digs for the zona but the only thing secure is that you WILL BE paying your rent on time and they might stop a girl from going upstairs if they are on the ball. Otherwise it is every man for themselves.

Another issue is thugs hanging out in front. One group of 3 with a baby stopped unexpectedly in front of the garage and the girl went to the office or so it seemed BUT it was a set up to make me think the 2 guys were waiting on her. What it was was a bogus run to the front desk to ask a fake question making me think she was staying at the hotel and meanwhile these two guys were sizing me up when I supposedly let my guard down. I sensed it immediately and maneuvered myself to the other entrance to wait for my guest. They were pissed off.

[Hargow20]

Wow that is bold and crazy. This simply another reason why I avoid driving in Tijuana.

A monger amigo of mine and many others often stays at Posada de Santiago (formerly Hotel Leyva). He was there (maybe last night) & parked his big pick-up truck in the parking lot there. A ratero with a gun went into the lot and threatened PDS security at 2 or 3 in the morning and left with my monger friend's truck.