General Reports

[AmanteDeLatina]

The Zona Norte is the blue rectangular area in the link to the google map below. You can also see all the areas that Bill was talking about too.

http://goo.gl/maps/ok2ZF

By the way, if you have an Android or an Iphone you can use this map while you are in Tijuana. 2nd Chance, another monger on this forum, made it. It is really good. I added a few places to it too. It not only has Tijuana but it also has all of the fun places in Nogales, Mexicali, Los Algodones and Agua Prieta too if for some reason you decide you want to try those places out. It is an awesome map.

Adding my personal. 02.

I don't know the exact boundaries of "Zona Norte" or specifically its zone of tolerance, but there are areas within it where you can get jacked.

1. The alley behind the OXXO convenience store on Coahuila, about 50 ft. North of Adelita bar and Hong Kong club.

2. Ninos Heroes st. Between Coahuila alley and Art. 123. This sidewalk is also about 75 ft. From Las Chevelas.

3. Art. 123 between Constitution and Ninos Heroes. This is about 200 feet from the Coahuila alley or half a block south.

You only have about a stones throw of grey area before you can accidentally stumble into ground zero.

Try to walk lighted streets with a buddy. Better yet stay inside a club or its hotel and within sight of a cop.

It takes just steps and you may realize you've made a wrong turn.

I read the article, and Zona Norte is not to be compared to the rest of Tijuana. It's much worse.

It's a blast to get laid with a cover girl on the cheap, but things aren't all rosy and sweet.

You are literally walking amongst scheming thieves, thugs and chronics.

Now that you have been reminded, go out there and get that pussy!

[Bill]

I have only been to Tijuana one time but I have read many reports on safety issues on this board and on another monger board for Tijuana goers so I think I know enough about it. What I experienced and what I read is that as long as you stay on Coahuila street (not sure if I spelled that right) in between Hong Kong and Chicago Club which is on Constitucion Street you will never have a problem. At night just never wander away from the area between Hong Kong and Chicago Club. During the day it is ok to hit the alley behind Hong Kong and it is ok to go one block south but NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER go north of the Zona Norte. Did I forget to say NEVER. LOL. I have read on this board and other boards so it has been confirmed many times that all areas north of the Zona are really really bad and if you walk in them at any time of the day you will probably get mugged. On a different board, I read a story of someone that was a 5th degree black belt in karate that was walking north of the zona and got mugged by 6 people and he said even his well trained karate skills were no match for the muggers. They put him in a sleep hold and when he recovered all of his money was gone. NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER go north of the Zona. Take a taxi down to the zona and stay on it or one block south during the day.

Adding my personal .02

I don't know the exact boundaries of "Zona Norte" or specifically its zone of tolerance, but there are areas within it where you can get jacked.

1. The alley behind the OXXO convenience store on Coahuila, about 50 ft. North of Adelita bar and Hong Kong club.

2. Ninos Heroes st. Between Coahuila alley and Art. 123. This sidewalk is also about 75 ft. From Las Chevelas.

3. Art. 123 between Constitution and Ninos Heroes. This is about 200 feet from the Coahuila alley or half a block south.

You only have about a stones throw of grey area before you can accidentally stumble into ground zero.
Try to walk lighted streets with a buddy. Better yet stay inside a club or its hotel and within sight of a cop.
It takes just steps and you may realize you've made a wrong turn.

I read the article, and Zona Norte is not to be compared to the rest of Tijuana. It's much worse.
It's a blast to get laid with a cover girl on the cheap, but things aren't all rosy and sweet.
You are literally walking amongst scheming thieves, thugs and chronics.

Now that you have been reminded , go out there and get that pussy!

[Phordphan]

IMHO there is relative safety in the red light district daylight hours. One SG told me her phone was snatched out of her hand in the daytime.

At night, this is a different animal entirely. If there is a cop within earshot, then you may be safe. If not, you have been warned.

Arte. 123 Fuente Mexico is super sketchy at night. The short stretch between Constitution and Av. Ninos Heroes is hardly lit with shady fukers in the shadows ready to.

Choke or knock you over the head to see what they can take. The police hardly patrol there.

What makes the zona norte different than other monger destinations is that if you slip up, there are MORE watching eyes ready and willing to make you their opportunity.

The drug use and sales are so blatant that the fiends (male and female) will do almost anything without conscience to get their next fix.

There is a reason for Tijuana cops stationed every 100 feet or so.

Sure, some are on the take. However, I don't think they will strangle or club you for your pocket change.

My point is, if there are no cops in the vicinity, question your compass.

If you are not within sight of them, may the force be with you.

Your points are valid, within reason. However, you may be going off on a bit of a tangent.

The original question was from a newbie, who asked a legitimate question, based upon a misconception. The question was at what time of the evening does it become so dangerous in the Zona that it is too risky to even venture outside of the bars. Obviously, the answer is "Never."

I can think of no time, day or night, when it would be too risky to make the rounds between HK, Tropical, Chicago and Adelita. Additionally the alley is certainly safe at night, or at least as safe as any other red-light district in any parts of the world I've visited. Taxis maybe be a bit scarce after about 5:00am, but, other than that, about the worst risk I can think of, when stepping out of a bar, is getting accosted by the annoying touts trying to drag you to Mermaid's.

Yes, the area of Primero, between Con. And NH is spotty at night. But no newbie in his right mind (an important distinction) will venture south on NH at night, because there is absolutely nothing there of any interest.

Yes, there are drug dealers in the zona. If you mind your own beeswax, they won't be a problem. Are there desperate addicts? Of course, but they're far fewer and much farther between now, than in the dark days of a couple years back, when there was NO police presence in the zona, at least during the day.

Now if you're the kind of newbie who goes to a strange country, and then gets wasted and starts heading off on a journey through uncharted territory, bad things are in your future. But the OP doesn't fall into that category, and he's stated such.

So, the reality is, for newbies, if you keep to the "beaten path," take taxis in and out of the zona, don't get shitfaced, and don't act like an asshole, you'll be fine. And, if you're not careful, you may actually have a good time.

[Phordphan]

I found an article that I thought really did a good job of putting it all into perspective. Read the right hand column of:

http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-cali...l-warning.htm.

As you can see, Tijuana has a lower crime rate than the city of Philadelphia, New Orleans, Baltimore, Detroit and Washington DC. I live in Phoenix, Az and Phoenix had a murder rate of 8. 02 per 100, 000 in 2010. (

http://www.policymap.com/city-crime-...ics/index.html

). Tijuana's crime rate was 7. 2 per 100, 000 so Tijuana has a lesser murder rate than where I live. If you read that article you will see the interesting thing is that the city that they profiled, Philadelphia, actually has a police force 3 times as large as Tijuana and they still have a higher crime rate. If you were going to come to Phoenix to visit me there are areas of this town that I would advise you to stay away from or to be very careful in. I would venture to say that most large cities in the USA have some region of the city that the locals would tell you to keep away from and to be very careful in. Tijuana is the same way. It is like any other large city anywhere. Just use common sense and you will be fine.

New link: http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-cali...el-warning.htm

Old one appeared to be broken.

Great article, BTW.

[Bill]

IMHO there is relative safety in the red light district daylight hours. One SG told me her phone was snatched out of her hand in the daytime.

At night, this is a different animal entirely. If there is a cop within earshot, then you may be safe. If not, you have been warned.

Arte. 123 Fuente Mexico is super sketchy at night. The short stretch between Constitution and Av. Ninos Heroes is hardly lit with shady fukers in the shadows ready to
choke or knock you over the head to see what they can take. The police hardly patrol there.

What makes the zona norte different than other monger destinations is that if you slip up, there are MORE watching eyes ready and willing to make you their opportunity.

The drug use and sales are so blatant that the fiends (male and female) will do almost anything without conscience to get their next fix.

There is a reason for Tijuana cops stationed every 100 feet or so.

Sure, some are on the take. However, I don't think they will strangle or club you for your pocket change.

My point is, if there are no cops in the vicinity, question your compass.
If you are not within sight of them, may the force be with you.

[AmanteDeLatina]

I found an article that I thought really did a good job of putting it all into perspective. Read the right hand column of:

http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-cali...l-warning.htm.

As you can see, Tijuana has a lower crime rate than the city of Philadelphia, New Orleans, Baltimore, Detroit and Washington DC. I live in Phoenix, Az and Phoenix had a murder rate of 8. 02 per 100, 000 in 2010. (http://www.policymap.com/city-crime-...ics/index.html ). Tijuana's crime rate was 7. 2 per 100, 000 so Tijuana has a lesser murder rate than where I live. If you read that article you will see the interesting thing is that the city that they profiled, Philadelphia, actually has a police force 3 times as large as Tijuana and they still have a higher crime rate. If you were going to come to Phoenix to visit me there are areas of this town that I would advise you to stay away from or to be very careful in. I would venture to say that most large cities in the USA have some region of the city that the locals would tell you to keep away from and to be very careful in. Tijuana is the same way. It is like any other large city anywhere. Just use common sense and you will be fine.

Don't buy into the hype and absurd paranoia you read about. Tijuana is not the dark, abandoned, scary-as-hell place it was in 2009. If you go on a weekend, you'll see the joint hopping from Coahuila all the way up to Ticuan. Most will be Mexican locals, and things don't stop until around 4:00am, maybe later. Or is that earlier?

While you won't see lots of brothers in the zona, you will see several. You won't stick out like a peacock in a henhouse. If you go to the zona, take a taxi in, and take a taxi out. It's OK to walk at night, but I remember you have some health issues that preclude that, so you'll be fine in a taxi. Don't wander off the beaten path while in the zona, and don't get sloppy drunk. Keep your wits about you and you'll be fine. There is a huge police presence in the zona (and all up and down Revu) and they tend to keep a reasonably tight lid on things. There is no need to leave the bars early.

If you're there on a weekend, be sure to stroll around 6th street and Revolucion. It's become a serious party destination for the locals, and it can be a lot of fun. If you want to chill a bit, and soak in some old-school Tijuana, go to Dandy Del Sur, sit and have a beer and people-watch. Try some of the carne seca.

Basically, just relax. Have a good time. As with any foreign country, don't wander around drunk, don't do stupid shit and don't be an asshole. You'll be fine.

[Phordphan]

As this is my first trip, I have to ask. What time does it start getting dicey to be out? I won't be walking anywhere, especially after dark. But if you're in one of these big bars. Adelita's or Hong Kong. What time is it best to get out and back to your hotel. Assuming you're actually staying in Tijuana?

Costa Rica, DR, PI, I'm comfortable hanging all night in those places, but I'm not doing that here. It just seems weird to leave the club before it gets dark. I'll do it if I have to though.

Don't buy into the hype and absurd paranoia you read about. Tijuana is not the dark, abandoned, scary-as-hell place it was in 2009. If you go on a weekend, you'll see the joint hopping from Coahuila all the way up to Ticuan. Most will be Mexican locals, and things don't stop until around 4:00am, maybe later. Or is that earlier?

While you won't see lots of brothers in the zona, you will see several. You won't stick out like a peacock in a henhouse. If you go to the zona, take a taxi in, and take a taxi out. It's OK to walk at night, but I remember you have some health issues that preclude that, so you'll be fine in a taxi. Don't wander off the beaten path while in the zona, and don't get sloppy drunk. Keep your wits about you and you'll be fine. There is a huge police presence in the zona (and all up and down Revu) and they tend to keep a reasonably tight lid on things. There is no need to leave the bars early.

If you're there on a weekend, be sure to stroll around 6th street and Revolucion. It's become a serious party destination for the locals, and it can be a lot of fun. If you want to chill a bit, and soak in some old-school Tijuana, go to Dandy Del Sur, sit and have a beer and people-watch. Try some of the carne seca.

Basically, just relax. Have a good time. As with any foreign country, don't wander around drunk, don't do stupid shit and don't be an asshole. You'll be fine.

[AmanteDeLatina]

That was a good one!

Actually, I would say get 4 single rooms. You wouldn't want your friends walking in on you when you are having fun with your chica, would you? Please also do not post any trip reports about threesomes or foursomes where there were more than one man involved. ROFL.

Please don't post a trip report that 4 guys were spooning in a bed, please get two rooms. LOL.

[AmanteDeLatina]

I have only been to Tijuana one time but I have read many reports on safety issues on this board and on another monger board for Tijuana goers so I think I know enough about it. What I experienced and what I read is that as long as you stay on Coahuila street (not sure if I spelled that right) in between Hong Kong and Chicago Club which is on Constitucion Street you will never have a problem. At night just never wander away from the area between Hong Kong and Chicago Club. During the day it is ok to hit the alley behind Hong Kong and it is ok to go one block south but NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER go north of the Zona Norte. Did I forget to say NEVER. LOL. I have read on this board and other boards so it has been confirmed many times that all areas north of the Zona are really really bad and if you walk in them at any time of the day you will probably get mugged. On a different board, I read a story of someone that was a 5th degree black belt in karate that was walking north of the zona and got mugged by 6 people and he said even his well trained karate skills were no match for the muggers. They put him in a sleep hold and when he recovered all of his money was gone. NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER go north of the Zona. Take a taxi down to the zona and stay on it or one block south during the day.

As this is my first trip, I have to ask. What time does it start getting dicey to be out? I won't be walking anywhere, especially after dark. But if you're in one of these big bars. Adelita's or Hong Kong. What time is it best to get out and back to your hotel. Assuming you're actually staying in Tijuana?

Costa Rica, DR, PI, I'm comfortable hanging all night in those places, but I'm not doing that here. It just seems weird to leave the club before it gets dark. I'll do it if I have to though.

[Keg]

As this is my first trip, I have to ask. What time does it start getting dicey to be out? I won't be walking anywhere, especially after dark. But if you're in one of these big bars. Adelita's or Hong Kong. What time is it best to get out and back to your hotel. Assuming you're actually staying in Tijuana?

Costa Rica, DR, PI, I'm comfortable hanging all night in those places, but I'm not doing that here. It just seems weird to leave the club before it gets dark. I'll do it if I have to though.

You'll be just fine at night, don't worry. If you've already been mongering in those other spots, then you would already have a good sense of safety, so I won't repeat common sense advice. The clubs in the zona are there to make money off people having fun, so you will see for yourself that it is safe at night. DO NOT leave the clubs early and miss all the action.

Cheers,

Keg

[Keg]

4 of us would like to stay in the same room for our safety is this possible? Or will they make us get 2 rooms?

Please don't post a trip report that 4 guys were spooning in a bed, please get two rooms. LOL.

[Dzlkdd]

As this is my first trip, I have to ask. What time does it start getting dicey to be out? I won't be walking anywhere, especially after dark. But if you're in one of these big bars. Adelita's or Hong Kong. What time is it best to get out and back to your hotel. Assuming you're actually staying in Tijuana?

Costa Rica, DR, PI, I'm comfortable hanging all night in those places, but I'm not doing that here. It just seems weird to leave the club before it gets dark. I'll do it if I have to though.

[Dzlkdd]

Hey guys,

I speak a bit of Spanish but I don't quite understand the meaning of salidas. A salida is an exit of sorts depending on what you are talking about, so used here it must be slang for something else. Hmmm. Would someone explain to me what it means. Thanks.

Not an expert. A salida as I understand it is a "barfine." That is a fee that a customer pays an establishment to theoretically cover the losses resulting from allowing an employee to leave work, so that they can accompany you.

[Phordphan]

Hey guys,

I speak a bit of Spanish but I don't quite understand the meaning of salidas. A salida is an exit of sorts depending on what you are talking about, so used here it must be slang for something else. Hmmm. Would someone explain to me what it means. Thanks.

Yes,"exit" is exactly what it means. It's an amount of money you need to pay the bar in order for them to allow the lady to leave the premesis early. Supposedly to compensate the bar for the money they would normally make from her hustling drinks, etc. Very similar to a bar fine in Asia.

I've never heard the same amount mentioned twice, so I'm pretty sure it's all whatever the market will bear. I do know it's not all that easy. Once, a couple of months ago, I got a girl to leave Las CHavelas to go party with me. I had to send her a fake text claiming I was her mom, and I was sick. Then she had to talk to the manager, then she had to twist her brother's arm. It may have been her brother, I don't know. She introduced him as such. He worked as a door man, or something. Anyway, it was an act of congress.

All in all, it's just a monumental pain in the ass and not worth the effort.

[Guitarrefreak]

Thanks for all the input.

I normally start the ride by asking if 50 pesos to [destination] was ok, where destination is normally linea or adelitas.

Most of the time they go siii senorrr without so much as a flinch.

I have seen a couple who go into that 'aye, muy dificil, senor, necesito cinco dollares' type convo at which point I tell them, 'hey, no puedes, no problemo, yo cambio taxi' to which they will wave their hand and say 'no to do bien'

Love it.

The rides back to linea on yellow taxi tends to want to play hardball a little bit more though, taxi libre normally takes it happily.

Same here. I always grab a Libre from the alley when heading back to the border. At the end I always hand the driver a 50 peso note. Never had a complaint, and often they seem pleased when I tell them to keep it.

If they guy is really friendly, or the ride is otherwise memorable, I give another $1 tip.

The Amarrilas from the border are another story. I always just hand them a $5 bill, no tip. Never had a complaint. One guy, long time ago, wheedled a bit for a tip. Once, one guy joked, upon dropping me off,"$10, senor." I, too, laughed, and handed him a $5 bill.