General Reports

[KBToys]

If I lived in a driving distance from the border I would have taken my car every time I am down there. It also makes much sense because I have sentri. I have a close friend who lives in SD and he is always parking his car in some iffy streets close to the boarder and is walking in. He has sentri but he swears to never drive his car in to drive far and wide, mainly because he is hung up in this thought that he could get attacked or his car may be stolen. We see all kinds of expensive cars with US plates being driven or parked around and his SUV is not that luxurious. He also always mentions the crossing back by car is a nightmare. The man is a Zona-rat and I am sure many of you will recognize him If you are a frequenter. The man is truly set in his thoughts anything out of the zona and centro is uncharted territory. Took him to a Mr pampas once against much to his fear. He really needs help, but I am not going out of my activities of laying women just to eradicate his phobia of Tijuana.

Let me ask you and other guys who drive into Tijuana. What is the crossing back looks like with Sentri, say, how are specifically Wednesday's? Remember this is with sentri I am asking.

I drive in TJ all the time and during the day no longer than hour wait and at night maybe 15 min. It takes more time driving to padre kino to the Sentri point. Also I have driven expensive cars and suvs no problem. Only issue would be if you have dark tint and drive near the centro or Zona, then be ready for them to mess with you. I would be in more fear parking in shady SY than a secured lot in Tijuana. Also convenient to jump in your own car and drive around with friends or chicas to various restaurants, bars, movies, pool halls, baseball, concerts, etc. Driving in Tijuana is equivalent to driving in Mario Kart. Sometimes you have to drive aggressive while other times defensive. I've seen plenty of higher end cars driving around Tijuana like G Wagens and other high end cars. I'm sure they are the business owners in Tijuana or possibly cartel, but I doubt cartel want or need to draw attention to themselves.

[Zenduka1]

Driving around Tijuana is more freedom and less hassle than doing Uber or Didi unless you plan to drink, smoke, or be under the influence. Also the only thing to worry about is policia in ZN. They don't hassle you much outside the Zona. You can drive around to various restaurants, sports bars, clubs, casinos, etc. If you limit yourself to ZN, then you are missing a lot of what Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada, and Valle have to offer. I used to do the walk across and cab it around until it was more expensive than just getting the insurance for Mexico. I feel for the guys that only have ZN and Revolucion as the only experience they have of Baja or Tijuana in general. TJ isnt anymore dangerous than downtowns in U.S. If youre looking for trouble, then youll probably find it. Also disrespect anywhere in the world will be dealt with the same no matter who you are.

If I lived in a driving distance from the border I would have taken my car every time I am down there. It also makes much sense because I have sentri. I have a close friend who lives in SD and he is always parking his car in some iffy streets close to the boarder and is walking in. He has sentri but he swears to never drive his car in to drive far and wide, mainly because he is hung up in this thought that he could get attacked or his car may be stolen. We see all kinds of expensive cars with US plates being driven or parked around and his SUV is not that luxurious. He also always mentions the crossing back by car is a nightmare. The man is a Zona-rat and I am sure many of you will recognize him If you are a frequenter. The man is truly set in his thoughts anything out of the zona and centro is uncharted territory. Took him to a Mr pampas once against much to his fear. He really needs help, but I am not going out of my activities of laying women just to eradicate his phobia of Tijuana.

Let me ask you and other guys who drive into Tijuana. What is the crossing back looks like with Sentri, say, how are specifically Wednesday's? Remember this is with sentri I am asking.

[HK Monger]

Any issues with parking at Pepe's car lot? I see all the posts about driving down there, but I have not had an issue. I plan on going during the day time, so no night driving for me.

I always drive into Mexico and park in Pepe's lot. I drive a decent car too, not an old beater. I haven't had any issues using this lot. In fact, since I have been going to this lot (maybe in the last 8 years or so) I have not been stopped by the police in the Zona Norte (maybe its just good luck though). Prior to this, I used to park in the lot by Chicago club, and I have been stopped by the police a few times exiting this lot. One good thing about Pepe's lot is that it's free if you have the vip card. Once in a while, depending on when you go, the lot may be full, so you will have to park somewhere else (and brave more driving through the Zona Norte).

While getting stopped by the police is a major hassle, it's not really a common occurrence. In 10+ years of driving all around in Mexico, not just in the Zona, I have been stopped only a handful of times.

Just in case you do get pulled over, I recommend that you don't keep a lot of money in your wallet. I always keep "bait money" in there, like $40 or so. Hide the rest of your money in a place they won't look (like in your shoe). Assuming that you actually haven't been doing anything wrong, and the police just want to hassle you to get you to pay them, you can say that this is all you have on you. Usually, they are going to been fine with this and send you on your way. Actually, don't offer anything at first until it becomes clear that you are going to have a hard time getting out of the situation without paying. There have been a few times the police just sent me on my way with no loss. I say $40 because I feel like if you hide all your money or only only have a few bucks in your wallet the cops are going to be more suspicious and give you a harder time.

As to whether you drive your car in or walk across the border, it really comes down to how frequently you visit. If you only visit a few times a year, you should probably just walk across and take Ubers, but if you go there frequently like I do, it makes sense to take your car and not be "a walker".

Advantages of having your car:

1) No border parking fees. (Tijuana parking lots are cheaper).

2) Less walking. More convenience.

3) No waiting for a ride. No Uber / taxi fees.

4) Easier access to Tijuana and the surrounding areas.

5) Easier to make arrangements with girls outside the clubs.

6) If there is a wait time to cross the border, I'd rather sit in my car than stand outside in a line.

Disadvantages.

1) Policia.

2) Mexican insurance.

3) Driving on Mexican roads can be "different" than what you are used to.

4) Potentially longer wait times at the border (if you don't have sentry or global entry it may be anywhere from 20 minutes to 3+ hours to cross). If you can use the sentry lanes it will be significantly shorter, though.

[Hargow20]

I have taken the taxi van's to Puerto Nuevo several times. My biggest issue is that it takes roughly 1-1/2 hours each way. The other roblem is that vans are crowded for such a long ride. So occasionally I drive down with a friend that lives in Tijuana. There is bus that goes to Rosarito. But it only runs 2 or 3 times a day. The other issue is that actually takes longer than tha vans. If the restaurants were smart they would have cheap or free direct van that went to the border and back. This would make a lot of sense especially on the weekends.

Driving around Tijuana as a gringo can be perfectly fine IF you know what you're doing and are street smart. My point would be that from what I've read here, many of the posters here don't fit that description so leave themselves vulnerable when driving around in a foreign country. I think it's just not worth the risk for a large percentage of gringos but sure, it can be perfectly fine for many like maybe yourself.

Will also say that I don't feel limited having never driven a car in Tijuana. Have always been able to get to places outside of Zona Norte (Zona Centro, Zona Rio, Chapultepec, Playas, Agua Caliente going out past the main Caliente Casino and soccer stadium) with no problem just using Uber, DiDi, or taxi de ruta. Have even been to Rosarito and Ensenada several times using Uber or taxi de ruta, no problem.

Fair enough, though as a "tourist" who's only in Tijuana 3 times or so a year (and starting to think about going less), I don't have much interest in befriending "regular" Tijuana girls, I'll stick to the chicas in the club LOL. I'll say that one of the chicas I've known from Adelitas for over 7 years drives me around in her truck when we've gone out and that's worked out great.

[Hargow20]

Using Uber. Didi and or the taxi vans is very cheap & convenient. The other issue that driving back across the border takes much longer. I believe that driving to Tijuana only makes sense if you going to visit Rosraito or further south.

Driving around Tijuana is more freedom and less hassle than doing Uber or Didi unless you plan to drink, smoke, or be under the influence. Also the only thing to worry about is policia in ZN. They don't hassle you much outside the Zona. You can drive around to various restaurants, sports bars, clubs, casinos, etc. If you limit yourself to ZN, then you are missing a lot of what Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada, and Valle have to offer. I used to do the walk across and cab it around until it was more expensive than just getting the insurance for Mexico. I feel for the guys that only have ZN and Revolucion as the only experience they have of Baja or Tijuana in general. TJ isnt anymore dangerous than downtowns in U.S. If youre looking for trouble, then youll probably find it. Also disrespect anywhere in the world will be dealt with the same no matter who you are.

[BrotherMouzone]

Sheesh. Everybody is terrified of driving. I drive in Tijuana all the time. All over the place, from Tecate to Playas to Ensenada. Unless you limit yourself to a small area, Tijuana is hard to get around in without a car.

I have SENTRI, otherwise I would never take a car due to the insane lines.

When we go out to clubs, or dinner where there will be drinking, I do take Uber / cab. I also do not drive in the Zona Norte at night.

Driving around Tijuana as a gringo can be perfectly fine IF you know what you're doing and are street smart. My point would be that from what I've read here, many of the posters here don't fit that description so leave themselves vulnerable when driving around in a foreign country. I think it's just not worth the risk for a large percentage of gringos but sure, it can be perfectly fine for many like maybe yourself.

Will also say that I don't feel limited having never driven a car in Tijuana. Have always been able to get to places outside of Zona Norte (Zona Centro, Zona Rio, Chapultepec, Playas, Agua Caliente going out past the main Caliente Casino and soccer stadium) with no problem just using Uber, DiDi, or taxi de ruta. Have even been to Rosarito and Ensenada several times using Uber or taxi de ruta, no problem.

If you want regular girls to befriend in Tijuana a car is a must.

Again one can do a lot with public transportation but there is a whole lot of world that opens up if one had a private car.

Fair enough, though as a "tourist" who's only in Tijuana 3 times or so a year (and starting to think about going less), I don't have much interest in befriending "regular" Tijuana girls, I'll stick to the chicas in the club LOL. I'll say that one of the chicas I've known from Adelitas for over 7 years drives me around in her truck when we've gone out and that's worked out great.

[KBToys]

Driving around Tijuana is more freedom and less hassle than doing Uber or Didi unless you plan to drink, smoke, or be under the influence. Also the only thing to worry about is policia in ZN. They don't hassle you much outside the Zona. You can drive around to various restaurants, sports bars, clubs, casinos, etc. If you limit yourself to ZN, then you are missing a lot of what Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada, and Valle have to offer. I used to do the walk across and cab it around until it was more expensive than just getting the insurance for Mexico. I feel for the guys that only have ZN and Revolucion as the only experience they have of Baja or Tijuana in general. TJ isn’t anymore dangerous than downtowns in U.S. If you’re looking for trouble, then you’ll probably find it. Also disrespect anywhere in the world will be dealt with the same no matter who you are.

[Phordphan]

If you want regular girls to befriend in Tijuana a car is a must. You can't be entertaining enough to retain their interest. I was chatting with this business man in Pragas cafe once who was from Sand Diego, his girl came, an elegant fare skinned ravishing woman. I was blown away. He was telling me how he met her and how he has other regular women he sees. Told me his expense was much less than what he spent in the Zona, much more fan and exciting. They got in his car and left.

Again one can do a lot with public transportation but there is a whole lot of world that opens up if one had a private car.

The guy was not lying. Blowing $200 for 30 minutes in a crappy room is lunacy. You would not believe the experiences one can have for the price of dinner, a bottle of wine, the cost of a motel for several hours, and a $100 donation. Doing all that running around in Ubers is doable but a PITA. Having your own set of wheels makes life a lot easier.

[Cocr Brotheler]

Seriously I got the heebie jeebies staying 6 blocks south in Ticuan for 4 nights in 2022 and took an Uber over to Zone Rio to see Top Gun and walk around not having to worry as much about watching my back. Area around Ticuan pretty neat too some regulars bars, clubs, dining, Sanborns etc.

[Zenduka1]

I hear you but that's just not my experience. I Uber everywhere in Tijuana. From the border to centro is 3-4 dollars. From centro to zona is 3-4 dollars. I have not gone to playas but it must be 10-15 dollars. I've taken a private van to Ensenada, just me and some friends in a luxury sprinter, for 40 dollars an hour so getting some cheap driver is probably 1/3 that. You can easily get around cheap.

I will tell you some examples. There is this spinner I adored and had the pleasure of laying once. She then went to work for a message parlor in zona rio, quit that and left back to her home place Ensenada. She urged me to come see her there for $250 to spend an afternoon and night with me. She was a smashing hit but every time I am down there, check-in Cas or Rizo, I always lost interest of getting into a hassle of getting transport, spend a night and then hassle back. I never did it. Besides she was talking about places we can visit yadi-yada, I felt like its too much of a hassle and went for the low hanging fruit I can find in HK and other clubs.

There was this pretty HK girl who told me she wants to go to Rosarito on her day-off with me but when I told her we had to take a taxi or uber, she lazied out of it. She thought I had my own car.

Me and a buddy hired a taxi once to go to Rosarito and we constantly heard the annoying noise the driver was making complaining about the money we were paying him for his service, the entire time. Even after I told him will give him $10 more, he still would not stop. He left us in some awkward place and we roamed around to find the eatery spot we wanted. We then got into a mini-van to get back, the driver coughed the entire time terribly, this was in Feb 2020. Scary.

If you want regular girls to befriend in Tijuana a car is a must. You can't be entertaining enough to retain their interest. I was chatting with this business man in Pragas cafe once who was from Sand Diego, his girl came, an elegant fare skinned ravishing woman. I was blown away. He was telling me how he met her and how he has other regular women he sees. Told me his expense was much less than what he spent in the Zona, much more fan and exciting. They got in his car and left.

Again one can do a lot with public transportation but there is a whole lot of world that opens up if one had a private car.

[Jackie888]

I get what you saying and I do as you wrote. However there are times I wished I had a car. With no car and specially if you are a frequenter you will become a zona norte rat who never leaves that neighborhood year in, year out. There were times I wanted to take or go meet girls to / at far and away places like Ensinada, Rosarito, Monterray even playas and couldn't. Even inviting girls to good restaurants is difficult and unattractive without a car. There is a whole pile of liberation that comes with a car.

Yeah. That's the same why I pay the extra insurance to drive in Tijuana. It's to experience more of Mexico than just a fuck bar. People need to understand that if they get shaken down by Tijuana cops, it becomes a a negotiation. Never take the first offer. The last time I got pulled over he wanted $200. I tell him am poor and I have no money. Yep I was lowballing him. He drops to 150 or jail. I countered with 5 and I'll follow him to jail. He wanted $100 or many days in jail and my car. I offered to give him my rental car to keep and $10. We finally agreed to $20. And off I went.

BTW I refuse to speak Spanish during negotiations. Had he spoken English I would have toss out some Asian jibberish and refuse to speak English too. Everyone knows that cops are suppose to bring their own interpreters during a shakedown.

[Hargow20]

Not sure why Pedwest south is not open more. It only requires 1 or 2 CBP officers. Even if Pedwest was open more chances are I would use Pedeast most of the time. These days I always take the trolley to the border from National city. I would only use Pedwest to cross back over if it was open in the evening and lines were long at Pedeast. I just wish the trolley would run later to Old Town in the evening.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna131998

PedWest to reopen Thursday.

[AmericanPi]

I get what you saying and I do as you wrote. However there are times I wished I had a car. With no car and specially if you are a frequenter you will become a zona norte rat who never leaves that neighborhood year in, year out. There were times I wanted to take or go meet girls to / at far and away places like Ensinada, Rosarito, Monterray even playas and couldn't. Even inviting girls to good restaurants is difficult and unattractive without a car. There is a whole pile of liberation that comes with a car.

I hear you but that's just not my experience. I Uber everywhere in Tijuana. From the border to centro is 3-4 dollars. From centro to zona is 3-4 dollars. I have not gone to playas but it must be 10-15 dollars. I've taken a private van to Ensenada, just me and some friends in a luxury sprinter, for 40 dollars an hour so getting some cheap driver is probably 1/3 that. You can easily get around cheap.

[Zenduka1]

Sorry that happened. That's awful. I hope you give it another shot. Many of us love Tijuana and you should see why.

In separate observation, I never understood why some guys drive their cars down there. I know many do with no problem. But why. Ubers are like 1/3 the price as in the US and there's no dealing with drunk driving, traffic, theft, etc. And the border crossing is longer with a car. I don't see the upside of driving. Even if you go to Rosarito its super cheap with Mexican Uber.

I get what you saying and I do as you wrote. However there are times I wished I had a car. With no car and specially if you are a frequenter you will become a zona norte rat who never leaves that neighborhood year in, year out. There were times I wanted to take or go meet girls to / at far and away places like Ensinada, Rosarito, Monterray even playas and couldn't. Even inviting girls to good restaurants is difficult and unattractive without a car. There is a whole pile of liberation that comes with a car.

[Nothing24]

Any issues with parking at Pepe's car lot? I see all the posts about driving down there, but I have not had an issue. I plan on going during the day time, so no night driving for me.

Seems like the lot itself is fine to park at. My issue with parking there is that you would have to drive around in the zona, which I avoid doing at all costs since there is a big time police presence there looking to take advantage of Americans at any chance they can get.

Also to the guy complaining about the quality of chicas a couple weeks ago, you can't really gauge the scene on how things usually are in December or even January. It's very hit or miss due to a lot of girls being out of town to be back wherever they're from for the holidays. For the most part Tijuana usually has a lot of hot chicks working at fairly reasonable rates still. Just know that it's going to be very hit or miss during the holiday season.