Crime, Safety, and the Police

[Lost99]

Your biggest vulnerability to policia robbery will be coming through the border. Not the border patrol, but once you start getting in taxis or drive in. So walk in with under $300, then go to a ATM on calle revolucion. Just get a couple hundred at a time because the walk to hk, from revolucion, there's also chance of police stopping you, and going through your wallet, patting you down. ... you can get robbed any moment by anyone.

I know the police are corrupt there (Dealt with that in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia etc.) but how can the police Rob me or coax a bribe out of me if I'm clean, not carrying anything illegal and done nothing wrong? Can they detain foreigners for no reason whatsoever?

In 3rd world Asian countries the Police can only hassle you if you did something wrong (even jaywalk or not carrying proper ID as a foreigner) and try to coax maybe a $20 bribe to 'speed up' the process. However if you stand pat you can pay with nothing except your wasted time. What is the typical Police bribe in Tijuana for convenience if they try hassle you for no reason?

[Phordphan]

Howdy gents,

As the title eludes, I'm planning my first trip to Tijuana Solo shortly in May or June. Very seasoned monger, however primarily in Asia where it much safer. Read through the threads and generally know what to expect and answers but would appreciate your comments as well.

1. How much cash would you risk carry to Tijuana?

2. What hours should I avoid walking alone?

3. Do they have International ATMs that permit Canadian debit / credit cards? I believe it is the cirrus network.

4. I'm planning 6/7 days, since I'm flying in from Canada. Do you think that is too much and I'll get bored of strip club and brothel solo?

5. Is there a way to safely meet like minded visitors while in Tijuana? So I don't need to drink alone all week.

Thanks in advance.

1. Carry maybe $200 in pesos and small US bills. Use ATMs when needed, keep extra money, etc. , in hotel safe.

2. Just about anywhere on Revolucion will be safe any time. For a newb I'd avoid walking along in the Zona Norte section of Constitucion and Ninos Heroes after 2 am. I wouldn't go north of Primera on Revolucion unless you're headed to the gay bar El Premier.

3. Yes, Cirrus will be fine.

4. I can't imagine a week of constant Zona Norte brothel exposure. You might love it, I'd get bored out of my tree after a couple days.

5. Walk up to any gringo you see in any of the bars and strike up a conversation. That's the easiest way.

[Socker]

Howdy gents,

As the title eludes, I'm planning my first trip to Tijuana Solo shortly in May or June. Very seasoned monger, however primarily in Asia where it much safer. Read through the threads and generally know what to expect and answers but would appreciate your comments as well.

1. How much cash would you risk carry to Tijuana?

2. What hours should I avoid walking alone?

3. Do they have International ATMs that permit Canadian debit / credit cards? I believe it is the cirrus network.

4. I'm planning 6/7 days, since I'm flying in from Canada. Do you think that is too much and I'll get bored of strip club and brothel solo?

5. Is there a way to safely meet like minded visitors while in Tijuana? So I don't need to drink alone all week.

Thanks in advance.

1. What you're comfortable with. I do not know of a reason why anyone would want to carry $700 around but I wouldn't. Change your money to pesos as you generally get better deals.

2. If you're big and strong don't think about it. If you're not maybe avoid dark empty streets at night and very early mornings before the commuters are out. If possible do not dress like a tourist, I / e, khaki pants, touristy shorts at night and of course no bling.

3. I would use the Schwab Card as they pay the exorbitant Tijuana banks fees. No ATM cost w Schwab Card.

4. If it's me w plenty of days there I would stay where there's a pool. I stayed at the Marriott Tijuana and they are chic friendly w a nice pool. It's a few miles to the zona but cabs are cheap but less English spoken in that area as opposed to the Ticuan Hotel. The area around the Ticuan is English friendly, fun and easy walk to the Zona and the HKC. There is more to do if you also rent a car and go to the wine country and further down Ensenada. The beach there looks nice too. This is a beautiful drive. Maybe go in June for better weather.

5. I believe if you want to BS w other guys they'll be in the HKC and Zona in general. Good Luck.

[Dogers69]

Howdy gents,

As the title eludes, I'm planning my first trip to Tijuana Solo shortly in May or June. Very seasoned monger, however primarily in Asia where it much safer. Read through the threads and generally know what to expect and answers but would appreciate your comments as well.

1. How much cash would you risk carry to Tijuana?

2. What hours should I avoid walking alone?

3. Do they have International ATMs that permit Canadian debit / credit cards? I believe it is the cirrus network.

4. I'm planning 6/7 days, since I'm flying in from Canada. Do you think that is too much and I'll get bored of strip club and brothel solo?

5. Is there a way to safely meet like minded visitors while in Tijuana? So I don't need to drink alone all week.

Thanks in advance.

Never carry large amounts unto maxixe. There's dudes on the news in Tijuana all the time losing thousands to the police. These were not even mongers. Your biggest vulnerability to policia robbery will be coming through the border. Not the border patrol, but once you start getting in taxis or drive in. So walk in with under $300, then go to a ATM on calle revolucion. Just get a couple hundred at a time because the walk to hk, from revolucion, there's also chance of police stopping you, and going through your wallet, patting you down. You can also get robbed anyplace in Tijuana particularly the walk from revolucion to Hong Kong. The robbery won't be a stick up dude in a ski mask. It will be people sucker punching you to knock you to the ground or chokehold. I was choked out in front of 30 people and the criminals had no worries. In fact when I woke up, bleeding out from my head, one of their goons who didn't rob me, came up to me to warn me that if I speak to the cops he will have me killed. This was like 300 feet from Hong Kong. Maybe 150 feet from Gloria bar. So keep in mind when in Tijuana, you can get robbed any moment by anyone.

[Captain Solo]

Warren,

Don't worry. Old. Shriveled Gloria's girls will protect you in Tijuana, hehe. Just kidding.

1. How much cash would you risk carry to Tijuana?

I usually carry $200-400 cash in my regular wallet with all debit / credit cards for 22 years without problem. But in March, I took out the wallet to pay for HK girls' fichas, and within 1 hour, could not find it again. HK did not find it. They said someone stole it. You should keep cash in hotel's safe and take out small sums for daily use.

2. What hours should I avoid walking alone?

I would avoid walking from Revo to Coahuila any time after dark, unless you are with wingmen. There are a lot of hungry, angry, crazy people in Tijuana. They will rob you if they have a chance. A few bros have been choke held near the bar block. Many more were probably not reported. UBER costs only $2-3 from Ticuan to Hong Kong, not worth risking robberies or injuries, especially after you have been drinking.

3. Do they have International ATMs that permit Canadian debit / credit cards? I believe it is the cirrus network.

ATMs with Cirrus Network are in many places, but my wingmen and I have had our cards hacked in Hong Kong, hotel Cascada, machines on the streets, machines in markets and convenient stores every time we use them. You may want to withdraw money inside a major bank, like HSBC, with a branch on Revo, or carry traveller checks and cash them at the banks.

4. I'm planning 6/7 days, since I'm flying in from Canada. Do you think that is too much and I'll get bored of strip club and brothel solo?

Depending on how much and what activities you want to do. I know a few guys from out of state who stayed a week, did not get bored. You can spend time to check out various bars to get to know their talents and entertainment. You can check out Plaza Santa Cecilia with outdoors entertainment on weekends, tourist traps on Revo, retail stores on Constitucion, normal life outside La Zona Roja like Zona Rio's shopping malls, Cathedral Plaza, fresh sea food at Mariscos El Choforo or Titos, believe me Mexican sea food is fresh and delicious, go for $13 AYCE Brazil or Korean grills, invite hot girls out to Tijuana Playa, Rosarito, Ensenada.

5. Is there a way to safely meet like minded visitors while in Tijuana? So I don't need to drink alone all week.

I met many bros from out of state and out of the US, always enjoy their companies. Announced your it in close to the date, will meet if possible. Other bros in this site might also be in town. Hit them up. While hanging out with the bros is fun, there are many nice, hot, sweet young girls in HK you can drink with. The younger ones usually speak enough English to be fun and sweet companies. You can ask meseros to bring you the types of girls you like and tip them $ or 2. Most HK meseros are good, honest, hard-working people due to their very strict discipline. Other bars are shady.

Ask hot girls for their tel, FBs or Instagrams in case you want to invite them to vacations in exotic places like Cancun, Tulum, Mexico City, Acapulco, or a tour of Canada in the future. A few bros are taking HK girls on vacations without paying per diem, just flights, hotels, food, bars, entertainment ect. Believe me, good girls go to heaven, but hot girls go everywhere.

You can also party with guys in the club. Treat this trip as an exploratory venture. Test out and refine your skills as an ambassador of the world. Smiles and fun, friendly gestures will make you good friends everywhere. Local Mexican guys have been lots of fun with me, pouring me shots from their expensive bottles, muchas gracias amigos. It's good to be the Captain hehe. I also met with Mexican guys from other states, fun, good, solid, successful people, exchanging our views on girls and on life. Life is sweet. It's fun to sit at the bar with your friends, drinking, commenting on the quality of putas' boob jobs and butt jobs in exchange for dirty looks hehe. I treat the bros like close and trusted members of a honorable brotherhood, always goes well.

Leave you passport and valuables in the safe. Carry a passport copy and just enough cash for the day. You will be safe and have lots of fun. Nothing happened to me in Tijuana in 22 years until I lost my wallet in HK last month, but no attempt was made to withdraw cash from the cards, so it probably slipped out of my jacket, some amateurs found it and kept it.

Take care, relax and have fun.

Thanks in advance.

[John Clayton]

Howdy gents,

As the title eludes, I'm planning my first trip to Tijuana Solo shortly in May or June. Very seasoned monger, however primarily in Asia where it much safer. Read through the threads and generally know what to expect and answers but would appreciate your comments as well.

1. How much cash would you risk carry to Tijuana?

2. What hours should I avoid walking alone?

3. Do they have International ATMs that permit Canadian debit / credit cards? I believe it is the cirrus network.

4. I'm planning 6/7 days, since I'm flying in from Canada. Do you think that is too much and I'll get bored of strip club and brothel solo?

5. Is there a way to safely meet like minded visitors while in Tijuana? So I don't need to drink alone all week.

Thanks in advance.

I am in my mid 70's. I've been to Tijuana many times, most recently in February. I've never felt any danger walking from the Ticuan to Coahuila, or in going to an ATM after dark. Cirrus network is definitely okay. I'm not much into the strip clubs or bars. I've never stayed more than two days in a row -- I think I would get bored. Bookstores, haircut, trip to the beach, Telefónica Gastro Park, dinner at Misióand 19 -- I'm not much of a city person.

[Dcrist0527]

Great questions. A little perspective on my answers. I probably take too many risks. I wouldn't recommend my approach. But I'll also say I never had any serious issues. I'm always alone. And I've walked in areas I shouldn't have gone in the wee hours of the morning. My best advice is to trust your gut, always remain aware of all of your surroundings. And do not be out on the streets if you are drunk.

1. Obviously, depends on where you are going or what you want. I'll tell you that if I'm planning a big night (by my standards) I limit myself to $700. And when I have that much cash, I will usually take a taxi instead of walking. I know you aren't familiar with the area. But I usually stay about a mile away from the bars. I often walk there but the more cash I carry, the more likely I'm taking a cab. That said, you can have a very good night in the bars for $200.

2. Especially if you don't know the area, stick with daylight hours. If you are staying in Centro or the zona, Avenida Revolucion is a popular area at night with some restaurants, civie bars and I would say it is safe at night. At least between 2nd and 8th street. There are other areas of city that are reasonably safe too. But if you are in the zona at night, stay in the immediate block of the bars and even then, stay alert.

3. ATMs are a hot topic. And I don't want to steer you wrong. I'm not certain on the network. But I would strongly encourage you to use the ATM inside Cascadas. If you use the ATMs outside near Adelitas or even in the alley, be prepared for your card to be skimmed and cloned. I speak from experience. There are numerous banks along Constitucion that are safe.

4. 6 days is a lot. Granted, it's your first time so I wouldn't advise a 2-day trip. But 6 days is a lot. Tijuana isn't as bad as some make it seem but it is hardly a tourist destination! Plenty to do in San Diego, if that is an option for you.

5. Not really. I think whatever hotel you stay at, you'll bump into fellow mongers. If you have a membership on this site, I'd recommend hitting up some seniors. That would help both the experience and your safety.

Howdy gents,

As the title eludes, I'm planning my first trip to Tijuana Solo shortly in May or June. Very seasoned monger, however primarily in Asia where it much safer. Read through the threads and generally know what to expect and answers but would appreciate your comments as well.

1. How much cash would you risk carry to Tijuana?

2. What hours should I avoid walking alone?

3. Do they have International ATMs that permit Canadian debit / credit cards? I believe it is the cirrus network.

4. I'm planning 6/7 days, since I'm flying in from Canada. Do you think that is too much and I'll get bored of strip club and brothel solo?

5. Is there a way to safely meet like minded visitors while in Tijuana? So I don't need to drink alone all week.

Thanks in advance.

[Lost99]

Howdy gents,

As the title eludes, I'm planning my first trip to Tijuana Solo shortly in May or June. Very seasoned monger, however primarily in Asia where it much safer. Read through the threads and generally know what to expect and answers but would appreciate your comments as well.

1. How much cash would you risk carry to Tijuana?

2. What hours should I avoid walking alone?

3. Do they have International ATMs that permit Canadian debit / credit cards? I believe it is the cirrus network.

4. I'm planning 6/7 days, since I'm flying in from Canada. Do you think that is too much and I'll get bored of strip club and brothel solo?

5. Is there a way to safely meet like minded visitors while in Tijuana? So I don't need to drink alone all week.

Thanks in advance.

[Captain Solo]

A few tough guys keep showing off blings and money in the bar. They may be good targets. Cartels are evil and well-armed. They even kidnapped, murdered US government employees and agents.

The old, ugly wives probably bought big life insurance policies for guys and encouraged them to go to Tijuana more often.

When called up for ransoms, the ugly wives would piss the kidnappers off just so they will give tough guys extra doses of torture and slow, painful deaths.

Just a possible scenario guys should be looking out for. Just operate in stealth mode like special Ops guys. Don't tell anyone where, when, how and what you do and be ready to hug mother Earth at the first sound of bullets cracking.

[Jackie888]

The bro with his friends just checked out and left hotel Ceasar about noon Monday when a kidnap and shoot out took place at a store next to the hotel.

Streets around the area were cordoned off and surrounded by policias. Multiple shots were fired. Did not hear any death or injuries or the outcome of the siege. The bar block in La Zona Norte may be the safest place in Mexico to hang out with assurance and protection by some authorities, not the dumb, corrupt, greedy policias.

Then on the way back to US the bro drove into SENTRI lane and got fined $5,000. He got a lot of scares and bad news for one day. He and his friends are fun to hang out with. A few of his dates were exceptionally beautiful girls, wanted to drink and play in the sexy and exciting ambiance of Hong Kong strip club, a few probably found their latent lesbian nature playing with girls in the foam show..

Just last week, US State Department raised alert status of Tijuana to include Kidnapping.

[Dogers69]

In the recent past, military patrol of the zona norte included a single section of 6 national guardsman in a single truck. This weekend, I noticed that they now patrol in a section of 6 national guards in a truck and an additional section of 6 regular army in a humvee. I am unsure if this is beefed up patrol is training or a reaction to an increase in violent crimes. Policing by military do scare me because I am uncertain if these guys were trained to enforce the law. Or are they going to lay down suppressive fire when fired upon, and mow down everything in front of them.

They gonna clear the block both sides of the street. Like Russia is doing now and USA did in Iraq. Its a war.

[BlackThought]

In the recent past, military patrol of the zona norte included a single section of 6 national guardsman in a single truck. This weekend, I noticed that they now patrol in a section of 6 national guards in a truck and an additional section of 6 regular army in a humvee. I am unsure if this is beefed up patrol is training or a reaction to an increase in violent crimes. Policing by military do scare me because I am uncertain if these guys were trained to enforce the law. Or are they going to lay down suppressive fire when fired upon, and mow down everything in front of them.

I think the local policías tend to be more corrupt than the military. It's normally the military that are cracking down on cartels.

[Jackie888]

In the recent past, military patrol of the zona norte included a single section of 6 national guardsman in a single truck. This weekend, I noticed that they now patrol in a section of 6 national guards in a truck and an additional section of 6 regular army in a humvee. I am unsure if this is beefed up patrol is training or a reaction to an increase in violent crimes. Policing by military do scare me because I am uncertain if these guys were trained to enforce the law. Or are they going to lay down suppressive fire when fired upon, and mow down everything in front of them.

[Captain Solo]

The bro with his friends just checked out and left hotel Ceasar about noon Monday when a kidnap and shoot out took place at a store next to the hotel.

Streets around the area were cordoned off and surrounded by policias. Multiple shots were fired. Did not hear any death or injuries or the outcome of the siege. The bar block in La Zona Norte may be the safest place in Mexico to hang out with assurance and protection by some authorities, not the dumb, corrupt, greedy policias.

Then on the way back to US the bro drove into SENTRI lane and got fined $5,000. He got a lot of scares and bad news for one day. He and his friends are fun to hang out with. A few of his dates were exceptionally beautiful girls, wanted to drink and play in the sexy and exciting ambiance of Hong Kong strip club, a few probably found their latent lesbian nature playing with girls in the foam show.

This group was also nailed for $150 open beers in the taxi just last week. They got in troubles either way, driving or walking over, and staying over night. Hope he finds ways to limit his exposures so he can continue to party with us.

[Captain Solo]

Yep.

Any of the rideshare services.