General Reports

[Phordphan]

I have been toying with this idea for a while. Will it be cost effective and convenient. If yes then where to change the money on US side or after crossing over? Thanks in advance for all your inputs. Looking forward to my next trip.

The exchange rate at the trolley stop cambios are about the best in the area and are higher than the ones in Mexico. The ones at Otay have much less competition and are generally slightly about that in Mexico.

Whether or not it's worth the effort depends on what you're doing. The main bars (HK, AB, CC, etc.) all keep a very close eye on the exchange rate and you'll save nothing by using pesos in these establishments. The exception is if the peso takes a quick nose dive and you've visiting Tijuana that day. You might, but usually won't, save money at the hotels.

Where you save money is with the girls or doing things out of the Zona. Generally every place in Tijuana accepts dollars but most give a less than favorable exchange rate. So, you'll save money at many local restaurants, bars, taco stands, etc, etc.

[Phordphan]

That address is the pay parking lot directly behind Jack & the Box.

Funny how they failed to mention the racial makeup of the crowd or the name of the guy they arrested. This has a gang beef written all over it.

[Spinneritas]

The local news is reporting a criminal attack in a San Ysidro parking lot

That address is the pay parking lot directly behind Jack & the Box.

[Batuk]

I have been toying with this idea for a while. Will it be cost effective and convenient. If yes then where to change the money on US side or after crossing over? Thanks in advance for all your inputs. Looking forward to my next trip.

[Leo Ryder]

Years ago when those towers were manned that bridge was the only place where I ever had my pockets searched by the gangstas in uniform. They probably stole some money but I will never know for sure. They seemed pretty concerned with the wire covers I had forgot to take out of my pockets. That was quite some time ago back in the days when the Police would wait by the taxi drop off point at la linea, just to steal from the tourists as they made there way out of Mexico. Thanks for the warning GSR.

I used to walk across a lot, back and forth. A couple of months ago, I got stopped by two Mexican cops right on the bridge. First they asked me if I spoke Spanish in Spanish, I said: "Yes a little" in Spanish. Then they asked me why I was going to Tijuana and where and who to meet, etc. I told them that I was going to see a friend who had a business on 1st street. They then asked me to roll up my sleeves to check if I had any needle marks on my arms. Then they let me go.

My suggestion is that if you get stopped, be calm and tell them you speak Spanish, even if just a little bit and even you answer them in English. Then tell them that you are going to see a local friend who has a business or whatever in town. In this way, they would be hesitant to rob you or scam you since they would be afraid of the consequence if you told your local friend about it. Make sure you are friendly but at the same time let them know that you are paying attention to their name badges if they had any on them.

Years ago, two cops took me for a ride in Tijuana for over an hour trying to scare me into getting them $600 dollars while they waited for me at the border. They took a picture of my ID and also threatened me that they would arrest me they next time they saw me if I did not come back with the money. And at the same time offered me "protection" and even police ride to the border if I did come back with the money. However, they were totally against the idea that I called my Tijuana friend to bring them the money.

Recently, I have been taking the 10 peso taxi to Revolution Ave. And then it is just a couple of blocks walk and there are plenty of people around you. It is far short of a walk and a lot safer from the Tijuana cops than walking across the bridge. Just my 10 cents.

[Baxter Slade]

I always walk from the border to the Zona. Day or night. I never have problems with the locals and others who walk the 20 minute walk. Yesterday I discovered that they made one of the "towers at the west end of the "river bridge" a muni police substation! NOW I am nervous. Shit a nice walk, and now I have to keep my eye on those "outlaw cops!" Also the plants that they put in on the bridge died! WOW go figure! Nothing says "Welcome to Mexico" than the smell of the Tijuana River! You would NEVER catch me in the Ocean in OB!

Years ago when those towers were manned that bridge was the only place where I ever had my pockets searched by the gangstas in uniform. They probably stole some money but I will never know for sure. They seemed pretty concerned with the wire covers I had forgot to take out of my pockets. That was quite some time ago back in the days when the Police would wait by the taxi drop off point at la linea, just to steal from the tourists as they made there way out of Mexico. Thanks for the warning GSR.

[GolfSexRroll]

I always walk from the border to the Zona. Day or night. I never have problems with the locals and others who walk the 20 minute walk. Yesterday I discovered that they made one of the "towers at the west end of the "river bridge" a muni police substation! NOW I am nervous. Shit a nice walk, and now I have to keep my eye on those "outlaw cops!" Also the plants that they put in on the bridge died! WOW go figure! Nothing says "Welcome to Mexico" than the smell of the Tijuana River! You would NEVER catch me in the Ocean in OB!

[Magic Rancher]

The local news is reporting a criminal attack in a San Ysidro parking lot where many of us may pass by. It's always good to be aware that danger may strike on either side of the border. If anyone has more details, please post.

http://www.cbs8.com/story/25050077/6...ro-parking-lot

[Surfer500]

In Tijuana:

http://www.lorcarestaurante.com/nosotros.html

5 minutes by taxi from the Ticuan.

How does the Paella compare to Casa Placencia, (spelling?) that is next to Fonda de Argentina?

[TomJackin]

Where is this place located, is it in Tijuana and where?

In Tijuana:

http://www.lorcarestaurante.com/nosotros.html

5 minutes by taxi from the Ticuan.

[Surfer500]

I fly JetBlue as well but I have yet to be given TSA clearance with my Pre Check Number.

It's a bummer but JetBlue takes care of me so I don't complain.

By the way if there is anyone from Coastal North County SD please PM me. I am going apartment hunting when I come down and would like to ask you some questions.

Thanks

Something doesn't sound right! If you have Sentri then you will have a GOES account number. When you enter this into your profile with JetBlue it can automatically verify whether you qualifyy. There's no waiting for "approval' as you already have it with Sentri.

Suggest you talk with JetBlue about this.

[Surfer500]

Lorca continues to run the paella special. It is paella for two, salad for two, great bread, and a carafe of sangria for less than 25 dollars. Even less if you pay in pesos. The paella was a mix of fish and meat. It takes at least 30 minutes to prepare the paella. Lorca also has a kids menu and we ordered some chicken nuggets for my friend's daughter. We also ordered the cheese platter with sausage.

I favor the paella over any that I had in the San Diego Spanish restaurants!

Where is this place located, is it in Tijuana and where?

[TomJackin]

Lorca continues to run the paella special. It is paella for two, salad for two, great bread, and a carafe of sangria for less than 25 dollars. Even less if you pay in pesos. The paella was a mix of fish and meat. It takes at least 30 minutes to prepare the paella. Lorca also has a kids menu and we ordered some chicken nuggets for my friend's daughter. We also ordered the cheese platter with sausage.

I favor the paella over any that I had in the San Diego Spanish restaurants!

[Baxter Slade]

Hello brothers,

Been to Tijuana tons of times but not for about a year & half.

I am now handicapped (need two new knees) and I was thinking I could just walk to the front of the.

Long line entering the U S.

It is very painful to stand for that long of time.

I am going to bring my handicapped placard and hold it in my hand as I walk.

Has anyone done this?

I would think it would be O K?

Thoughts anyone.

Thanks much,

DaNuck

There is a lane designated for handicapped. Just walk right to the turnstyle, show your placard to the guard and follow the signs to the handicap lane. You will be ahead of the game with a placard I have seen people just limp or carry a cane without showing any documentation of a handicap. The only drawback is the handicap lane merges with the people coming off the buses. But most of the time it will be clear sailing.

[CumberlandBlue]

I haven't crossed the line since October, so others probably have a more up-to-date idea of this as things change overnight- but, when you enter the building and you hit the long hall of lines, the far left line is a disabled line. You should be able to go straight up to it. And the line tends to be pretty short. I have never done it, but I see older people use it and those with canes. Sorry- bad knees suck.

Hello brothers,

Been to Tijuana tons of times but not for about a year & half.

I am now handicapped (need two new knees) and I was thinking I could just walk to the front of the.

Long line entering the U S.

It is very painful to stand for that long of time.

I am going to bring my handicapped placard and hold it in my hand as I walk.

Has anyone done this?

I would think it would be O K?

Thoughts anyone.

Thanks much,

DaNuck