General Reports

[JeraldoRivera]

So a question for you newbie mongers. What sounds better to you?

1) Get off trolley, cross at PedEast, take $2 Uber and arrive safely in ZN. (ClamSlammer).

OR.

2) Get off trolley, wait for $1 shuttle to PedWest, cross, then walk a mile with your bags and a pocket full of cash through one of the most dangerous sections of the #5 murder capital of the world in order to save $1. (ScatMan).

Uhhhhh, yea. Ill take clam slammer for a dollar!

[Hargow20]

Unless you cross on a early weekday morning before 9 am then crossing should not be a problem. I cross Pedwest it is a 10 minute wait at most when I cross.

Came back to Tijuana after 5 years.

Waiting in Marriott Hotel for Angie from MusasTJ.

I have a flight to catch from San Diego tomorrow afternoon at 1 pm.

Any suggestions on what time I should head over to San ysidro border pedestrian line?

5 years ago it used to be an hour max in normal pedestrian line.

But with current immigration issues in US, I need advise.

Report of Angie to follow in a couple of days.

[IndieFriend]

Came back to Tijuana after 5 years.

Waiting in Marriott Hotel for Angie from MusasTJ.

I have a flight to catch from San Diego tomorrow afternoon at 1 pm.

Any suggestions on what time I should head over to San ysidro border pedestrian line?

5 years ago it used to be an hour max in normal pedestrian line.

But with current immigration issues in US, I need advise.

Report of Angie to follow in a couple of days.

[ClamSlammer]

Been searching in the forum, has anyone stayed at the ibis hotel Tijuana? From the map it's a 25 min walk to Hong Kong and 7 min car ride. Is it too far away from center of the action? Plan to visit Tijuana for the first time end of June, any feedback about this hotels location and it's neighborhood is greatly appreciated.

I drive past the Ibis Hotel daily. It is in Zona Rio near Costco, which is one of the wealthier areas of Tijuana. In my opinion it is too long to walk to the Zona. An Uber should cost under $3 dls. Near Ibis Hotel is a good taco joint called Tacos el Franc. Also good is Taconazo. There is a civie club called LE Container nearby which is loaded with young civies on weekends. All are a very short walk from Ibis. However, I'm not sure if Ibis is open yet. Last time I took a good look and it didn't seem to have opened yet. Perhaps by the end of June it will be ready.

[ClamSlammer]

If someone were to buy the same bottle, but pay in pesos & report back, we would find out if it is advantageous to instead pay in pesos at that location.

Why would one actually have to buy a bottle in order to find out whether or not it is advantageous to pay in pesos? The exchange rate should be posted, and if it isn't one could ask the cashier. Then convert the dollar amount into pesos by using the in-house exchange rate. This level of mathematics is taught around 2nd grade I believe. If you were at a dealer and just curious about a new car, would you actually buy the car just to figure out if it's cheaper using pesos?

[Phordphan]

Been searching in the forum, has anyone stayed at the ibis hotel Tijuana? From the map it's a 25 min walk to Hong Kong and 7 min car ride. Is it too far away from center of the action? Plan to visit Tijuana for the first time end of June, any feedback about this hotels location and it's neighborhood is greatly appreciated.

25 minutes walking? I guess if you walk kind of fast. But 7 minutes by can isn't all that far. I guess it depends on what "center of action" you mean. There's lots going on in that area, but nothing in the way of hookers. Frankly, I wouldn't stay in a Zona hotel on a bet, but that's just me. I'd stay at the Ticuan and walk, or cab, depending on your fear level.

The Ibis isn't even open for business for another week. I've seen the pix and the prices. The rooms are new, but seem incredibly small. The price is an indication. I see between $40 and $50 per night. That is at the low end of the spectrum of Tijuana hotels. For your first time, I'd get a room at Ticuan. It'll cost you double, but it will probably be worth it.

[Aviator400]

Been searching in the forum, has anyone stayed at the ibis hotel Tijuana? From the map it's a 25 min walk to Hong Kong and 7 min car ride. Is it too far away from center of the action? Plan to visit Tijuana for the first time end of June, any feedback about this hotels location and it's neighborhood is greatly appreciated.

Is there a reason that you do not want to use a hotel in the Zona? If it was not your first time, I would suggest that you simply verify that the hotel is puta-friendly. However, you cannot beat the convenience and benefits of having a room in a Zona hotel.

And I recommend that you do not walk anywhere outside the Zona after dark, and there is a lot of fun to be had after dark. Taxis are cheap and fairly safe, even if you are going short distances it is cheap insurance. Uber is also available.

[Daweiwang88]

Been searching in the forum, has anyone stayed at the ibis hotel Tijuana? From the map it's a 25 min walk to Hong Kong and 7 min car ride. Is it too far away from center of the action? Plan to visit Tijuana for the first time end of June, any feedback about this hotels location and it's neighborhood is greatly appreciated.

[ScatManDoo]

"Old border" and add "Trolley station San Ysidro" I never have a problem. There is a good buy in the shop "Tijuana Duty Free" PedEast crossing right at the entrance to the US (if the store is closed, the window is open all night) Tequila "Cazadores" 1 liter, 100% agave US $ 15 (in USA. US $ 30).

If someone were to buy the same bottle, but pay in pesos & report back, we would find out if it is advantageous to instead pay in pesos at that location.

Some locations in Tijuana favor paying in dollars, but most favor paying in pesos. When you know both the pesos and dollars costs, you can make an informed decision as to which currency to use. Sorianna grocery stores are one of the few Tijuana businesses that favor using dollars to shop.

[StRobert]

Thanks for the feedback on the passport stamps. One last question. What do I tell the taxi driver when leaving the Zona to make sure I get back to PedEast? I used to say "la linea" or "Los Estados Unidos" but want to make sure I get back to the PedEast crossing and not the PedWest one. Looking forward to my journey!

"Old border" and add "Trolley station San Ysidro" I never have a problem. There is a good buy in the shop "Tijuana Duty Free" PedEast crossing right at the entrance to the US (if the store is closed, the window is open all night) Tequila "Cazadores" 1 liter, 100% agave US $ 15 (in USA. US $ 30).

[Aviator400]

Most common is la linea vieja (the old border) or the new one is known as chaparral. So you could try NO chaparral otra (other).

And if they take you to the wrong crossing, they are usually pretty good about taking you to the correct one for no additional fee. I have had this happen more than once.

Most also understand enough English to know "Old Border" and "New Border. ".

[Baxter Slade]

Thanks for the feedback on the passport stamps. One last question. What do I tell the taxi driver when leaving the Zona to make sure I get back to PedEast? I used to say "la linea" or "Los Estados Unidos" but want to make sure I get back to the PedEast crossing and not the PedWest one. Looking forward to my journey!

Most common is la linea vieja (the old border) or the new one is known as chaparral. So you could try NO chaparral otra (other).

[Stern Fan]

Thanks for the feedback on the passport stamps. One last question. What do I tell the taxi driver when leaving the Zona to make sure I get back to PedEast? I used to say "la linea" or "Los Estados Unidos" but want to make sure I get back to the PedEast crossing and not the PedWest one. Looking forward to my journey!

[Baxter Slade]

With a Passport card they do not stamp it. They still record that you crossed however. Not really sure if stamping is mandatory. But my guess it is.

Stamping is hit and miss. If you enter late at night you are more likely to be just waved through with no paperwork. And if you find a way to be driven in there is no check for passport.

[Hargow20]

With a Passport card they do not stamp it. They still record that you crossed however. Not really sure if stamping is mandatory. But my guess it is.

Hi all,

Longtime lurker but it's been probably 4 years since I've been to Tijuana. Will be in SD soon and trying to find out what the new rules are when crossing on foot. I've backchanneled the posts and see that it appears you now have to present your US passport to Mexican officials when entering via PedEast? I'd like to avoid having my passport stamped with a Tijuana visa if possible. Do they always stamp it or is it up to the official? Anyway around this outside of the passport card? I remember the past where you would just walk right past the Mexican officials who really didn't seem to care about anything. Thanks in advance.