General Reports

[BrotherMouzone]

I was going to try it to Hotel Velario which is about a block away from the main strip with Hong Kong etc. I usually bring a suitcase so I would rather not walk at all.

Okay, well it's a slightly shorter walk (maybe 4-5 minutes) from there. Taxi van drops you off on Revolucion across the street from the Burger King. You'd walk down towards the Arch, once you're at the Arch make a left on Primera, and keep walking until you hit Velario (which is right on Primera).

One thing about the taxi vans is they don't pull off until they're full. Depending on how large your suitcase is they might make you either wait a little bit for one of the more spacious vans or pay a little bit extra for bringing the suitcase (which presumably would take up an additional seat). I've taken large suitcases on taxi vans a couple times before and had to pay $2 total, which was still a good deal. Have had no issues walking with my luggage down to the Zona Norte area.

If you don't want to walk at all, taxi or Uber is going to be your best bet going to Velario. If you were going to HK (or one of the clubs affiliated with HK) you could just take the free shuttle from the border.

[Dogers69]

I was going to try it to Hotel Velario which is about a block away from the main strip with Hong Kong etc. I usually bring a suitcase so I would rather not walk at all.

Do not walk anywhere in this part Tijuana with a suitcase unless its a block or two on revolution. Even 1 block on revolucion will attract dangerous attention. The security guard at hotel velario wouldn't even let me stand on the curb in front waiting for a uber with no suitcase. He said you can't stand still here you will be attacked. This was around noon.

[Scbb1]

After you get through Mexican customs, upon entering Tijuana by foot through that old metal turnstile, the taxi vans are immediately to the left. Beige and white colors I believe. Hard to miss. Last time I checked a few months, the fare was 10 pesos to Avenida Revolucion, though not sure if the price has increased since then with inflation. When paying in USA Dollars, the fee is 75 cents, but I usually just give them $1 because it's easier. From Avenida Revoluction it's a straightforward 5-6 minute or so walk to the Zona Norte clubs. I've been doing this my past couple of trips instead of fooling around with $7/$8 taxis if I don't see the free HK shuttle. In general, the taxi vans are super cheap. I 've taken them out to Rosarito multiple times for only 22.50 in pesos (around $1. 15), though the vans going to Rosarito leave from a different location in Zona Centro. If you know the various routes and stops (which I certainly don't) you can pretty much get anywhere you want to in Tijuana, including Playas (beach), for similar pricing. I think you might even be able to get as far down as Ensenada for super cheap if you know the routes to take.

For the taxi vans you pay the driver after the trip when exiting the van (as opposed to when you first get in) which is kind of weird, but whatever.

I was going to try it to Hotel Velario which is about a block away from the main strip with Hong Kong etc. I usually bring a suitcase so I would rather not walk at all.

[Hargow20]

The US customs will give a verbal warning. The best thing to do is to apply for a passport at the UCSD passport processing center. The immigration will accept the proof of application.

Got a buddy wanting to go to Tijuana but doesn't have passport. He may ride into Tijuana with buddy but curious if they will give him much grief coming back to the USA if he just has a license and maybe copy of his birth certificate or something?

-G.

[KBToys]

What did the girls look like compared to HK? What is the deal with them?

Mostly average looking, but a few attractive ones. I'the say most people went to drink and were couples or groups that dance Banda. Not sure if it was due to the live band being on stage or it is just another Thursday. Just trying out different joints around the city as ZN bars have lots of amiga friends with camera phones.

[WombatEd2]

Got a buddy wanting to go to Tijuana but doesn't have passport.

People driving into Tijuana are almost never stopped by Mexican Immigration. Customs officers occaisionally stop you, especially if you look like you're bringing a lot of stuff into Mexico. If they stop you, and find something that they think is subject to import duty, then they'll want to see your passport and vehicle registration. But that's really rare.

US citizens attempting to enter the USA without a passport cannot be denied entry, but they can be subjected to long delays while they somehow prove that they are citizens.

I drive in every week but would never bring someone with me if they didn't have a passport.

[AmorPorFavor]

Thursday night went to La Cueva del Peludo for drinks. It was like 250 or 300 pesos for a bucket of beers and $8/160 pesos for lady drinks. Didn't take anyone upstairs as had company. They give your company a green wrist band. The thing that was odd was my company was propositioned by another monger that offered $500. The place was pretty packed for a Thursday night and they had a large Banda band playing music. Service is good and ok food. I would be back without company as they tend to get extremely jealous.

Anyone been to this place? https://sietedecopasbar.com/coupons.php Also noticed a new joint near an Autozone in middle of town. Forgot the name and specific location. Most likely not fully staffed, but would be interesting to check out.

Someone should make a primer tagged post to top of Tijuana board with all of the clubs in town. I am sure they have others we haven't seen, but most likely catered to Mexicans.

What did the girls look like compared to HK? What is the deal with them?

[Azfriole]

Got a buddy wanting to go to Tijuana but doesn't have passport. He may ride into Tijuana with buddy but curious if they will give him much grief coming back to the USA if he just has a license and maybe copy of his birth certificate or something?.

He'll probably get more issue trying to get into Mexico without a passport if walking across. If riding might not be a problem, getting back into the US it's not like they are going to deny a US citizen entry into the US especially with ID and a birth certificate.

[KBToys]

Thursday night went to La Cueva del Peludo for drinks. It was like 250 or 300 pesos for a bucket of beers and $8/160 pesos for lady drinks. Didn't take anyone upstairs as had company. They give your company a green wrist band. The thing that was odd was my company was propositioned by another monger that offered $500. The place was pretty packed for a Thursday night and they had a large Banda band playing music. Service is good and ok food. I would be back without company as they tend to get extremely jealous.

Anyone been to this place? https://sietedecopasbar.com/coupons.php Also noticed a new joint near an Autozone in middle of town. Forgot the name and specific location. Most likely not fully staffed, but would be interesting to check out.

Someone should make a primer tagged post to top of Tijuana board with all of the clubs in town. I am sure they have others we haven't seen, but most likely catered to Mexicans.

[Gregyyr]

Got a buddy wanting to go to Tijuana but doesn't have passport. He may ride into Tijuana with buddy but curious if they will give him much grief coming back to the USA if he just has a license and maybe copy of his birth certificate or something?

-G.

[KBToys]

From my experience years ago they are pretty easy to spot. Look for Asian massage places in seedy strip malls. It might take one or two real massage sessions before they feel comfortable about asking you for services. They want to make sure you aren't a cop.

I went to these years ago in Santa Monica. I have seen some in SD. One in Carlsbad but I never went in figuring Tijuana is right here so why bother?

As far as I know they have been around SoCal forever.

Why not try the sister USA Boards? They have each city and what they have to offer.

[AmorPorFavor]

If you think of it try to add a link to the documentary. Would love to see it.

It was a while ago. Its on youtube somewhere.

[BrotherMouzone]

Where do you find these taxi vans, how do they work?

After you get through Mexican customs, upon entering Tijuana by foot through that old metal turnstile, the taxi vans are immediately to the left. Beige and white colors I believe. Hard to miss. Last time I checked a few months, the fare was 10 pesos to Avenida Revolucion, though not sure if the price has increased since then with inflation. When paying in USA Dollars, the fee is 75 cents, but I usually just give them $1 because it's easier. From Avenida Revoluction it's a straightforward 5-6 minute or so walk to the Zona Norte clubs. I've been doing this my past couple of trips instead of fooling around with $7/$8 taxis if I don't see the free HK shuttle. In general, the taxi vans are super cheap. I 've taken them out to Rosarito multiple times for only 22.50 in pesos (around $1. 15), though the vans going to Rosarito leave from a different location in Zona Centro. If you know the various routes and stops (which I certainly don't) you can pretty much get anywhere you want to in Tijuana, including Playas (beach), for similar pricing. I think you might even be able to get as far down as Ensenada for super cheap if you know the routes to take.

For the taxi vans you pay the driver after the trip when exiting the van (as opposed to when you first get in) which is kind of weird, but whatever.

[Scbb1]

Yeah, I didn't take a taxi at all on my last trip to Tijuana in May (5 day trip that included some back and forth between San Diego). Relied solely on the $1 taxi vans, free HK limo, Uber, and Didi to get around Tijuana. Am done with taxis unless I absolutely have to.

Where do you find these taxi vans, how do they work?

[Artisttyp]

If he has to serve it in the Tijuana prison it would be like 44 years in a US one. I saw a documentary on that place and it is a hellhole. I would rather die than spend 22 years there.

If you think of it try to add a link to the documentary. Would love to see it.