Hong Kong Club Reports

[ScatManDoo]

I've driven into Tijuana for years and my experience is that if you drive a nice car (especially jeeps, 4 x4's or sports cars) or truck that the underpaid Tijuana Policia like, expect to be pulled over and ticketed or shaken down for mordida. If you drive an old beater, then you will avoid problems. For this reason, I drive an old beater truck and avoid the envy problem caused by flashy cars that the Policia can't afford and but want. This problem is not isolated to Tijuana; my aunt used to drive a Cadillac years ago in California until she realized she was getting ticketed over and over. One of the cops even told her that someone who could afford a Cadillac, could afford a ticket. She got rid of the Cadillac and her ticket problems went away. How can you tell not to drive a car into Tijuana? If the cops keep pulling you over, then you have a car or truck that draws their attention and makes them envious of you. And being a rich tourist in a flashy car can get expensive or dangerous in Tijuana.

I agree with you Travv.

For the same reason, when in Tijuana, I am always in a clean t-shirt, jeans & sneakers.

When in Tijuana, there's a lot to be said for the benefits of 'blending-in' with the locals and not sticking out in a crowd.

[ClamSlammer]

Most people get in trouble in the zona because they are doing stuff that is illegal.

Utterly and completely dead wrong. 99.9% of the detainment / searches the cops perform in Tijuana they do so with zero probable cause.

[Phordphan]

I've driven into Tijuana for years and my experience is that if you drive a nice car (especially jeeps, 4 x4's or sports cars) or truck that the underpaid Tijuana Policia like, expect to be pulled over and ticketed or shaken down for mordida. If you drive an old beater, then you will avoid problems. For this reason, I drive an old beater truck and avoid the envy problem caused by flashy cars that the Policia can't afford and but want. This problem is not isolated to Tijuana; my aunt used to drive a Cadillac years ago in California until she realized she was getting ticketed over and over. One of the cops even told her that someone who could afford a Cadillac, could afford a ticket. She got rid of the Cadillac and her ticket problems went away. How can you tell not to drive a car into Tijuana? If the cops keep pulling you over, then you have a car or truck that draws their attention and makes them envious of you. And being a rich tourist in a flashy car can get expensive or dangerous in Tijuana.

Sorry, I have to disagree with this. I drove a new Caddy for years and never got pulled over once. Tijuana has shitloads of nice cars running around these days. Lots of BMWs, Mercedes, etc. I never see them being stopped by Tijuana's Finest. My guess is that an ultra-flashy car may just as likely contain a narco as a rich gringo.

I guess there may be exceptions. I once saw a new, bright-yellow Corvette stopped by the Fuzz right in front of Hotel Nelson. But, again, my money's on a narco, not a felony-stupid gringo.

My "normal" TJ car is a 2003 Honda, which is sort of a beater, although I keep it mechanically sound. I also drive a late model Hyundai and an older BMW. But the reason I prefer the older Honda is not cop avoidance, but maniac mitigation. The way the locals like to play bumper cars prevents me from wanting to drive a nice car in TJ. I'm always nervous in my Hyundai, and rarely nervous in my Honda. If I get a scratch or ding on the Honda it's not the end of the world, and it's easier to play chicken with locals who may be driving a new car.

[DramaFree11]

Amazing the level of paranoia, even among so-called "veterans. ".

I drive in Tijuana constantly. I've been pulled over like 3 times. My only rules are that I won't drive in the Zona Norte after dark, and if I'm clubbing I always take an Uber. After a close call with an alcoholmetro (sp?) one night, I no longer drive if I'm going to the clubs. I don't need the hassle.

One reason the cops target cars in the Zona is because of the very high probability that the driver has been drinking.

One thing to drive in Tijuana for work. Completely different to drive to Hk, to save a couple of bucks. You made the case for me about driving at night or after you drinking. Sorry, it simply just not worth it.

[Phordphan]

I need my car for the work I do down there. I've been crossing once a week for at least five years, driving a late-model Subaru, and I've been stopped three times by the cops. In two of the cases, I was guilty. In only one case did I pay a mordida.

YMMV, but "playing with fire" is hyperbole.

Amazing the level of paranoia, even among so-called "veterans. ".

I drive in Tijuana constantly. I've been pulled over like 3 times. My only rules are that I won't drive in the Zona Norte after dark, and if I'm clubbing I always take an Uber. After a close call with an alcoholmetro (sp?) one night, I no longer drive if I'm going to the clubs. I don't need the hassle.

One reason the cops target cars in the Zona is because of the very high probability that the driver has been drinking.

[RickyVee]

Thanks guys for the intel. Yes risky driving in Tijuana but some of us have our reasons. Funny story I parked a couple weeks ago in malquerida parking structure. Had to go back to car to get my luggage. Cop was patrolling parking structure came up to me and was questioning me. I too drive a late model car anything but flashy. He was asking if I had drugs searched my whole car and me came up short. Got the feeling he wanted to try to shake me down. Don't know about the rest of you but if your scared of the cops they can smell it and will procede to rob you blind. If you are not carrying drugs or weapons they are powerless to do much. Most people get in trouble in the zona because they are doing stuff that is illegal. If your there for the girls and booze only you shouldn't have any issues the vast majority of the time.

[WombatEd2]

I think you guys are playing with fire driving into Tijuana, especially around Hk area, just not worth the risk. I use to drive into Mexico, but have stopped.

I need my car for the work I do down there. I've been crossing once a week for at least five years, driving a late-model Subaru, and I've been stopped three times by the cops. In two of the cases, I was guilty. In only one case did I pay a mordida.

YMMV, but "playing with fire" is hyperbole.

[Basketball101]

The 7 dollar cover (you get beer) is from 7 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Thanks. Thats a early start, LOL.

[StRobert]

Went to Hk, Thursday night. 7 dollar cover, even before 800. Was not impressed with the chicas, as a whole. Many tall, big girls. Lineman in heels. Got a booth near the main stage. Only had a couple chicas stop and chat. Danced with one, early. If she came later, and spoke any English, I would have gone arriba. Looked like fun. Hewded back to Chicago.

The 7 dollar cover (you get beer) is from 7 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

[StRobert]

I think you guys are playing with fire driving into Tijuana, especially around Hk area, just not worth the risk. I use to drive into Mexico, but have stopped.

I agree, I always park my car on a trolley stop in Chula Vista (it's free for 24 hrs if you use a trolley). Then trolley to the border and taxi to Zona. I never have problems. The same if I come back, 15 minutes from Zona to the US (around midnight) The last trolley from San Ysidro is 1258 AM next after 430 AM. If you do not have a sentri card waiting time for the car to come back to the US is crazy, sometimes 2-3 hours.

[Travv]

I've driven into Tijuana for years and my experience is that if you drive a nice car (especially jeeps, 4 x4's or sports cars) or truck that the underpaid Tijuana Policia like, expect to be pulled over and ticketed or shaken down for mordida. If you drive an old beater, then you will avoid problems. For this reason, I drive an old beater truck and avoid the envy problem caused by flashy cars that the Policia can't afford and but want. This problem is not isolated to Tijuana; my aunt used to drive a Cadillac years ago in California until she realized she was getting ticketed over and over. One of the cops even told her that someone who could afford a Cadillac, could afford a ticket. She got rid of the Cadillac and her ticket problems went away. How can you tell not to drive a car into Tijuana? If the cops keep pulling you over, then you have a car or truck that draws their attention and makes them envious of you. And being a rich tourist in a flashy car can get expensive or dangerous in Tijuana.

I think you guys are playing with fire driving into Tijuana, especially around Hk area, just not worth the risk. I use to drive into Mexico, but have stopped.

[Thunder52]

I think you guys are playing with fire driving into Tijuana, especially around Hk area, just not worth the risk. I use to drive into Mexico, but have stopped.

It's a pain getting back if not very early am BWT is fiction.

[OrganicAlo]

Three months. I bought mine in April and using it next week before it expires.

Same, got mine April 30th, trying to make a third trip down before it expires.

[KC Questor]

Can anyone confirm how long HK VIP last for please. Is it 3 months or 4 months? Thank you.

Three months. I bought mine in April and using it next week before it expires.

[OrganicAlo]

Hi,

Can anyone confirm how long HK VIP last for please. Is it 3 months or 4 months? Thank you.