Reynosa

[Slick Willie]

I'm headed down to Reynosa, haven't been since July 4 weekend coming and going from Tampico (still need to write that report).

Have been told exchange rate is 16:1, all the questionable activity at Hotel La Villita have come and gone and is hospitable now, army patrols have really upped the ante on getting dirt off the streets.

If you're in the area, look for a caucasive guy with a black Mazda or walking around with a Gatorade bottle.

Thanks for the scoop on the Hotel La Villita. I had stopped staying there some time ago when I finally realized what was going on at that place. Glad to hear it's more or less back to normal now, although all in all I really prefer NL to Reynosa.

Looking forward to your reports.

[CenTexCrash]

I'm headed down to Reynosa, haven't been since July 4 weekend coming and going from Tampico (still need to write that report).

Have been told exchange rate is 16:1, all the questionable activity at Hotel La Villita have come and gone and is hospitable now, army patrols have really upped the ante on getting dirt off the streets.

If you're in the area, look for a caucasive guy with a black Mazda or walking around with a Gatorade bottle.

[Xenu45]

Reynosa right now there are no women! I counted 10 at peak time during Saturday at around 8:30 pm, and half were already busy and the other half dogs! Like I said before those shitty cartels are responsible for the low women count! I have seen stunners work there then gone in a few days, seems like those scum just make them disappear! Why are no women working there? Slim pickings, like I said before, more crackheads roaming the area than working girls. There is another plaza a Taxi took me to once, but there also slim pickings. Monterrey seems like the only other option but that can get expensive with hotel, unless some of you need a wingman and we can split costs. LOL!

[CaliTexMex]

Well. My Nuevo Laredo experience only goes back to 2003, and my Reynosa experience even less. I am, or at least was, a Juarez monger, from 1968. But I can tell you back in 2003, NLBT was hopping, I mean in Papaguayos I counted in one night 48 girls, there were more but that is what I could count. Reynosa, Lipsticks was so crowded that it was hard to find a decent seat. With about 100 door girls to select from, like I said, a shell of it's former status. I know guys that I trust with my life, literally, that have mongered here when the top price girls were $5......no shit...$5....THOSE were the days....

Considering I was paying 100 pesos at around $7 USD for model-quality women in Reynosa several months ago, I'd consider it close if not better than the old times.

Only problem is there were at most about 5 smoking hot women there during peak hours on the weekend around evening time.

It was the greatest feeling fucking Alina, a true stunner, across from door 89 for $7. Her blue fishnet dress and really high heels that showed off her petite tight ass just made my whole month.

I can't think of any other place in the world where you can fuck beautiful looking Latina / whitish women for such low prices. Especially when inflation accounted. If things were back to "normal" it may be worth moving around the valley permanently. Certainly not much going on the US side but having 100+ beautiful women to choose from for low prices makes the most boring places much more tolerable. Maybe one day yet.

[Laredo]

Instead of departing from Reynosa bus station, it may be a better option to take the buses going directly from McAllen to MTY.

Some of the buses going to MTY stop at the REX bus station, but some other go directly to MTY.

At the McAllen bus station you can get tickets not only to MTY, but to many other cities in Mexico. Most of them change buses at the MTY bus station.

These buses take the Anzaldua bridge, where the mexican custom control is much faster than through the Hidalgo bridge, since the is no pedestrian crossing.

'Regios' (people from MTY) usually take this route. This shortcut allows them to skip most of the downtown REX heavy traffic and easily taking the the tollway to MTY.

The most dangerous area in REX is the downtown, close to the Hidalgo bridge, including the Colonia Carmen Serdan, where BT is located.

Once on the REX-MTY autopista (expressway), usually the ride is safer.

Considering all the issues going on in REX, MTY may be a more reasonable option.

Due to some work difficulties, I had to postpone my trip from Reynosa to Monterrey but finally got to go this past weekend. I parked and headed across. Once you enter the building on the Mexican side, you past the bag x-ray machine and there is a sign and some doors to the right hand side. The sign lists several options such as bank, immigration, and other options. I entered and there was a guy at a desk to the right hand side. I asked tourista form and he pointed to the immigration office. I entered and said I was traveling to Monterrey, the guy asked for how many days, and told me to fill out the FMM form. I took it back and expected him to send me to the bank next door to pay but he stamped it for 7 days and told me to have a safe trip. The bus station is about 10 minutes walk from the border so instead of a taxi, I walked. Upon arrival, I showed my ticket to a guard who was controlling who could walk from the station to the buses. He glanced at my ticket and let me through. The only problem was finding out which was the correct bus. None had the destination lit up in the front window so I had to ask several times which was the correct one. Once on board, we left for the 3 hour ride to Monterrey. Compared to my last Houston-Monterrey plane ticket ($212-Vivaaerobus), the bus ($51) was a bargain. We had 5 total stops on the way due to tolls but no one boarded to check ID's. After an overnight stay, I headed back. We had the same 5 toll booth stops heading back but as soon as we entered Tamaulipas, we had to pull over for a Migration stop. An official entered and said a bunch of Spanish. One guy stood up and got off the bus. Everyone else pulled out their ID. He checked random people and then left wishing us a safe journey. Once we got back to the station, I walked back to the station and reentered the building to turn in my card. The two camouflaged guards seemed confused as to why I was coming into the building at the exit but I showed them the FMM and they let me pass. I dropped it off and crossed back over. Then the trouble began. The CBP officer could not understand why I was only down for a weekend, why I would visit Mexico if I don't know anyone, why go all the way to Monterrey just to come right back, etc. He pulled me to secondary screening and searching my bags, pockets, everything. He said I had to admit my story was "suspicious". I told him that I was being honest and that I felt I was getting singled out for being adventurous and living life. He finally let me go but it felt like the stories of police who pull over a vehicle and tear it apart looking for something that just isn't there due to instinct. Anyway, hope this answers some questions on where to get the FMM and how much it cost (and probably that it wasn't needed but for free, I would get it again just in case).

[Burma Jones]

Due to some work difficulties, I had to postpone my trip from Reynosa to Monterrey but finally got to go this past weekend. I parked and headed across. Once you enter the building on the Mexican side, you past the bag x-ray machine and there is a sign and some doors to the right hand side. The sign lists several options such as bank, immigration, and other options. I entered and there was a guy at a desk to the right hand side. I asked tourista form and he pointed to the immigration office. I entered and said I was traveling to Monterrey, the guy asked for how many days, and told me to fill out the FMM form. I took it back and expected him to send me to the bank next door to pay but he stamped it for 7 days and told me to have a safe trip. The bus station is about 10 minutes walk from the border so instead of a taxi, I walked. Upon arrival, I showed my ticket to a guard who was controlling who could walk from the station to the buses. He glanced at my ticket and let me through. The only problem was finding out which was the correct bus. None had the destination lit up in the front window so I had to ask several times which was the correct one. Once on board, we left for the 3 hour ride to Monterrey. Compared to my last Houston-Monterrey plane ticket ($212-Vivaaerobus), the bus ($51) was a bargain. We had 5 total stops on the way due to tolls but no one boarded to check ID's. After an overnight stay, I headed back. We had the same 5 toll booth stops heading back but as soon as we entered Tamaulipas, we had to pull over for a Migration stop. An official entered and said a bunch of Spanish. One guy stood up and got off the bus. Everyone else pulled out their ID. He checked random people and then left wishing us a safe journey. Once we got back to the station, I walked back to the station and reentered the building to turn in my card. The two camouflaged guards seemed confused as to why I was coming into the building at the exit but I showed them the FMM and they let me pass. I dropped it off and crossed back over. Then the trouble began. The CBP officer could not understand why I was only down for a weekend, why I would visit Mexico if I don't know anyone, why go all the way to Monterrey just to come right back, etc. He pulled me to secondary screening and searching my bags, pockets, everything. He said I had to admit my story was "suspicious". I told him that I was being honest and that I felt I was getting singled out for being adventurous and living life. He finally let me go but it felt like the stories of police who pull over a vehicle and tear it apart looking for something that just isn't there due to instinct. Anyway, hope this answers some questions on where to get the FMM and how much it cost (and probably that it wasn't needed but for free, I would get it again just in case).

[Bbond]

, I find that the Reynosa taxis are by far the most expensive I have used in all of Mexico.

My last 3 trips to Reynosa I paid 50 pesos to the Zona. I walk to the plaza to withdraw pesos from the BBVA Bancomer, and just wait for a cab to pass, ask if he can take me to boystown and how much, if they say more just wave them off. I even once had a driver said he didn't know what to charge, I told him it's just a short distance and I always paid 50 pesos, he agreed to that price. Now leaving bystown is different story, last trip I saw a cab by the OXXO just outside the compound and he only wanted 50 pesos back to bridge. Those cabs that come inside the compound will ask as much as US$20, that's insane.

[Burma Jones]

Just to continue the conversation CenTexCrash and Eszpresszo are having about taxis, I find that the Reynosa taxis are by far the most expensive I have used in all of Mexico. There could be several reasons including safety, kickbacks, taking advantage of being a gringo but my lack of Spanish means I don't discuss it. From the exit of border crossing where the taxis queue up to the guard shack at BT is 1. 7 km. If you pay dollars, it's a flat $10 so pesos is better at 100 for the trip. There was one night, I was quoted 150 pesos for the same distance. There were no other taxis at the time, so I drank another beer and waited until I saw more competition. I did run into the same taxi driver twice on my last two visits. He had family from Detroit and could carry conversation in English. Nice guy but I always felt he expected extra for the conversation. I have never driven myself yet in Mexico but have taken taxis in Mexico City, Monterrey, Tijuana, and LOS Cabos for comparison. For an example, using the airport consortium, expensive taxis in Monterrey, you pay 300-350 pesos for a 30 minute, 35 km ride.

[Bbond]

Hey Bbond, Do you mind telling a story of how the BoysTown in either / or NV or Reynosa were back then? Walking around Reynosa I imagined how the place must have been back when all the clubs were open and many of the doors were occupied. Especially on a weekend.
I've heard from old timers about how NV used to be the "greatest place in the world" according to a few men who went back in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Would love to hear, especially about Reynosa.

Well. My Nuevo Laredo experience only goes back to 2003, and my Reynosa experience even less. I am, or at least was, a Juarez monger, from 1968. But I can tell you back in 2003, NLBT was hopping, I mean in Papaguayos I counted in one night 48 girls, there were more but that is what I could count. Reynosa, Lipsticks was so crowded that it was hard to find a decent seat. With about 100 door girls to select from, like I said, a shell of it's former status. I know guys that I trust with my life, literally, that have mongered here when the top price girls were $5......no shit...$5....THOSE were the days....

[Eszpresszo]

Thanks for your feedback, CenTexCrash. You illustrate a situation where it helps to "play dumb", just as there are others where you need to come off as street savvy.

One thing I was concerned about even before reading the article below, was the ability to move discreetly and not stand out. US plates on a car would stand out, and in the event of an auto accident, I understand a driver in Mexico is looking at a different set of complications, even if he is properly insured and there are no injuries. But, as I mentioned, the article below is pretty scary. Big Brother is watching, but he isn't that Big Brother that Orwell warned us about.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015...ance.html?_r=0

[CenTexCrash]

I'm still learning level 1, but two guys in my circle are caucasive and speak fluently, but there was one taxi issue, I'm wondering if the guy just capitalized on the scenario of gringos who talk back and forth or if there was a level we needed to know about, basically my two dudes felt safe riding us three gringos and they yakked back and forth with the driver about whatever, Reynosa as of late, we were quoted 100 pesos to get from Boystown to the pedestrian bridge. They talked back and forth, and we got there, they reached for their pockets and their happiness died down. I gave him 100 pesos, and my friends were asking if I could give him personally a little bit more, explaining to me in English the guy was basically saying his quota is short, he needs to come up with x amount of dinero to pay off the bad guys so everyone keeps their mouths shut as to who goes around via Taxi.

Since then, I've learned a little more Spanish, but when I ride a cab, nothing personal, I use basic phrases and hand gestures, sometimes use basic nouns of scenic observations like building or canals, but I do NOT engage in conversation, that way I'm a stupid tourist who pays for a ride and not sweet talked into some sob story about the other rent being due.

The friends above mentioned also disagree with the daylight activity of hailing an approaching cab, a window wiper hails the same approaching cab for you and wants a contribution towards his good deed. Why'all could probably relate.

[Eszpresszo]

Having grown in South Texas, I find this thread intriguing. I left the region before I had any interest in mongering (too many pretty young women up in Dallas / Ft. Worth for me to ignore). I am curious if any of you guys used the taxis to get around instead of driving. I grew up in San Antonio, and my father did business in all the American border towns along the Texas / Mexico border. He used to take out family down there sometimes and we'd always go for dinner and shopping across the border in places like Matamoros, Nueva Laredo, Reynosa and Ciudad Acuna. Dad liked to buy the cheap liquor and cigs and I'd always go nuts for the hokey souvenirs in the shops. Usually there were cabs waiting at the the other side of the Rio Grande (taking a cab from the US side was an option but expensive.) We'd catch a cab on the Mexican side and in those days it was a swift ride to our destination (I used to ride shotgun next to the cab driver). Cabs and the Mexican border towns in general were safe options in those days, because the cities depended on tourist dollars and the local businessmen as well as the police and civic officials strived to maintain a tourist friendly atmosphere. Taking a cab seemed to be the smart thing to do.

So, are cabbies likely to rip you off. Or rob you these days? I'd be reluctant to drive there, based on my experience. Once dad drove us across the border in his Buick. There were not really any traffic controls on the streets back then and it was a game of chicken at every intersection, which my dad. A superb driver -won nicely. While my brother and I cheered him on from the back seat, my mom was terrified at the near collisions we avoided. We arrived at some nice restaurant where my dad, my brother and I chowed down on frog legs while my mom just sipped her daiquiri, having lost her appetite. She never let dad drive across the border. At least not with the family in the car. Ever again. So for me, a cab seems to be the logical way to go, or am I missing something?

[CaliTexMex]

Not been to either in 20 years, you are in for quite a shock, neither are even a shell of what they were back then. I don't know about the room rates but, yes, plenty of parking inside Reynosa Boystown.

Hey Bbond,

Do you mind telling a story of how the BoysTown in either / or NV or Reynosa were back then? Walking around Reynosa I imagined how the place must have been back when all the clubs were open and many of the doors were occupied. Especially on a weekend.

I've heard from old timers about how NV used to be the "greatest place in the world" according to a few men who went back in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Would love to hear, especially about Reynosa.

[CenTexCrash]

CenTex,

Just a quick question. Is the tourist visa purchase point within the main building after you cross the bridge (where you normally press the button for green / red for checking of any bags)? I am taking the bus from Reynosa to Monterrey next weekend and don't want to risk a checkpoint without the visa. Even if it never gets asked for, I hate not to have one. Thanks for any info and great story; awaiting the Tampico saga.

My approach was different. I know there's a building somewhere in the vicinity of the pedestrian bridge to get the visa. For me, I didn't know enough Spanish to ask which building, but since I was going to the Reynosa airport to pick up the rental car, I took a chance and guessed there'd be vias granting on-site, and sure enough there was.

In March 2013, my personal car broke down in McAllen, and my friend had a spare car to loan me in Laredo, and quickest option was a Mexican bus from Reynosa to NLaredo with a changeover in Monterrey. 45 minute layover, night time, didn't get to see anything. Worried about getting carded, but no the bus stopped at least twice at the checkpoint outposts, but no guards carded the passengers.

Driving down to Tampico, saw one of these outposts about 50 miles south of Reynosa, and buses were stopping, and I slowed down, pulled out my visa for likely furnishing, and guy looked at me like what are you stopping for, you're driving solo in a car, run along! Go! What the eff was the visa for?

So yeah, somewhere just past that bridge there should be some entity that issues the visas.

[Burma Jones]

Felt bad because the traveling into the Interior, at NO POINT was I asked to show my tourist Visa.

CenTex,

Just a quick question. Is the tourist visa purchase point within the main building after you cross the bridge (where you normally press the button for green / red for checking of any bags)? I am taking the bus from Reynosa to Monterrey next weekend and don't want to risk a checkpoint without the visa. Even if it never gets asked for, I hate not to have one. Thanks for any info and great story; awaiting the Tampico saga.