General Reports

[BrotherMouzone]

Avoid early mornings, that's when Tijuana's finest are known to handle majority of the shakedowns.

They got me one time before, it was last year, and to be fair I did have a left over weed pen in my pocket. They got me for the last $45 in my wallet after waking up from a crazy night, it was probably around 7 am when this happened, and I was originally stopped for nothing at all, just walking down the alley. Definitely preferred to pay the $45 instead of the hassle it would have caused.

Been to Tijuana 15-20 times and have fortunately never had a bad experience with a cop (at least not yet LOL). Only interaction I've ever had with a cop down there was walking from HK to go to Adelita's. A cop standing in front of Adelita's warned me (in English) about carrying my cellphone the way I was carrying it because a pickpocket could easily sneak up behind and steal it from me. I thanked him and then walked into the bar. I keep a low profile, don't dress flashy, and try not to do anything stupid down there so I don't worry too much about it. While I'm familiar with that area, I'm not sure what's being referred to when folks on here say "alley" but my instincts would tell me to stay out of "alleys" in foreign countries, even if that's where a bunch of the street girls are available.

Definitely know better than to walk the streets with beer / alcohol, though I have walked from Adelita's to the adjacent hotel and from HK to Hotel Cascadas next door numerous with a small glass of liquor in my hand without incident. I might look to putting a stop to even doing that though.

[Goyo61]

Forgot about commitment on 11th. I need to be back over the border / SD by 3 pm so maybe another day is better if y'all go club hopping.

G.

The 11th could work. I did go to a few bars a few months back and all of them were good to visit but. We wandered into one bar and had a drink. They vibe of the place was Not good. Police came in and took a look around. Didn't know what the scoop was but we quickly drank up and got out of there. Just got to be careful as I do believe there are no-go bars. And how to identify them?

G.

[WombatEd2]

From what I understand Costco memberships in Mexico are only 500 pesos ($26-$27) which is less than half the cost of a Costco membership in the you. S ($60). My understanding is also that a Costco membership purchased in Mexico is good anywhere in the USA Will probably look into getting a Costco membership the next time I'm in Tijuana if this is the case LOL.

I called Costco and asked about this. They confirmed it, but said that if I needed something delivered, it would have to be to an address in Mexico. Since I was buying a queen-sized mattress, I paid the extra to get the USA version.

[OrganicAlo]

Another safety related thing: avoid the town cops. Heard that a lot of them are corrupt and will try to extort you for money. My buddy told me some stories about this. Don't walk around in public with an open beer can or alcoholic beverage either. That would probably get you in trouble.

I've heard stories but never had my own to share. Until now. I went down on Dec 13th /14th and was walking around the block in the early morning, probably around 6 AM. A police truck stopped and, almost immediately, two cops got up into my face asking me what I was drinking. It was just a cup of coffee from the Oxxo and I told them such but, for a few moments I thought I was going to be harassed and / or extorted. Fortunately, a call came through on the radio and they left as fast as they stopped. Still, my takeaway is not to even give them a reason to target you. It was early morning, the streets were mostly empty and I was walking around with a cup in my hand. Tenga cuidado!

Avoid early mornings, that's when Tijuana's finest are known to handle majority of the shakedowns.

They got me one time before, it was last year, and to be fair I did have a left over weed pen in my pocket. They got me for the last $45 in my wallet after waking up from a crazy night, it was probably around 7 am when this happened, and I was originally stopped for nothing at all, just walking down the alley. Definitely preferred to pay the $45 instead of the hassle it would have caused.

[Dogers69]

It fairly unusual the police will suddenly stop and harass you like that. My impression is that the have cops have been shaking people down less unless you they have a reason. I agree the main thing is avoid doing stupid stuff like drinking in public or urinating in public. There is usually a police car parked at the west end of the alley. The cops like stand there and shake people down. It is best walk on the other side when you see the cops. The cops will occasionally hang out on a street corner and wait to shake down as well.

Fairly unusual is not how I would describe it. Guaranteed is a better word if you look non Latino. 6 am in zona is bad place to be walking around. A lot people will bother you not just cops. I've been stopped patted down many times with no drink in my hand. After the 4th time it won't bother you. And don't stop talk to anyone including woman if you see military or police.

[Hargow20]

It fairly unusual the police will suddenly stop and harass you like that. My impression is that the have cops have been shaking people down less unless you they have a reason. I agree the main thing is avoid doing stupid stuff like drinking in public or urinating in public. There is usually a police car parked at the west end of the alley. The cops like stand there and shake people down. It is best walk on the other side when you see the cops. The cops will occasionally hang out on a street corner and wait to shake down as well.

Another safety related thing: avoid the town cops. Heard that a lot of them are corrupt and will try to extort you for money. My buddy told me some stories about this. Don't walk around in public with an open beer can or alcoholic beverage either. That would probably get you in trouble.

I've heard stories but never had my own to share. Until now. I went down on Dec 13th /14th and was walking around the block in the early morning, probably around 6 AM. A police truck stopped and, almost immediately, two cops got up into my face asking me what I was drinking. It was just a cup of coffee from the Oxxo and I told them such but, for a few moments I thought I was going to be harassed and / or extorted. Fortunately, a call came through on the radio and they left as fast as they stopped. Still, my takeaway is not to even give them a reason to target you. It was early morning, the streets were mostly empty and I was walking around with a cup in my hand. Tenga cuidado!

[KC Questor]

From what I understand Costco memberships in Mexico are only 500 pesos ($26-$27) which is less than half the cost of a Costco membership in the you. S ($60). My understanding is also that a Costco membership purchased in Mexico is good anywhere in the USA Will probably look into getting a Costco membership the next time I'm in Tijuana if this is the case LOL.

Can confirm. I use my Costco Mexico card in the US all the time. It cost half what my US membership cost.

[PdSuave]

I've had a lot of experience the last few years in every bar on revolution st and many of the strip bar places. What I can say, is, if the bar has a staff member asking you to come in, it's much better than just walking in. Keep in mind, a lot of the bars aren't used to seeing gringos. The customers don't want it for whatever reason in some cases. Price inflation, foreigner invasion, music changes, etc. Now this is not to say anything negative towards anyone in mexico because, all people, in all countries are the same essentially from my experience. I see it in NYC bars when they complain of the customer base changing. Last week, when in a normal club on revolution st, as the only gringo in the place, the singer mouthed off insulting me in Spanish and saying stuff about my date that would cause a riot and arrest in the states. Just because he apparently didn't like gringos. We walked out in 2 seconds when my date explained what he was saying. So, you will not be loved everyplace in Tijuana. Playboy club won't have enough girls, gold palace is good, the guys will complain about the size of the woman in the club next to hotel nelson on rev street, IMO, there's no hidden gems for a group, due to not enough woman in the smaller clubs.

Bar Reno never has a staff member outside (unless you count the 3 tooth amigo sleeping on the sidewalk next to the entrance), and the love we feel when we walk in? Jejeje. I will agree that is one place that I drink my beer the quickest. Are we going in this place to pick up chicas? Hell no. It's just fun to experience all facets in various bars in the zona. Of course gringos will not be liked in all bars. But why not give it a chance? You will never know until you walk past the curtains of each place. If the chica selection is low, build rapport with the bartender, he will remember you next time. The DJ at Golden Palace is one of our (referring to Baxter Slade) best friends in these bars. If we want a song on, it's going on. These little relationships are quite valuable outside of the putas. It's a nice break. Can't spend all of the time in CC and HK. I agree with your point that most of these places may not have many chicas to choose from for a group of guys, but, it's still fun to bar hop and just get a layout of other places, so when you do go back, with maybe 1 wingman, you will be familiar, may know the bartender or DJ, and maybe the gem will be there. It's all about reconnaissance!

As for Revo St. Goyo61 was asking. My favorite bar there is Ruta 3. It's an upstairs bar, just a block away from Hotel Caesars. Friendly and flirty meseras, and live music. Sundays between 3-6, live acoustic music. Good food, cheap beer and a great vibe. I don't know many other bars on Revo worth mentioning.

[Dcrist0527]

Just recently booked my 3rd trip to Tijuana later this month.

Have some questions about HK coupons or discounts I will write about in that section.

The main goal is to no mistakes this trip. That means no tequila for Chicago club chicas, max $80 arribas, no overpriced sodas at HK sports bar, and no fichas except for serious Arriba candidates.

That's a great list. As someone who plans things out to a fault, my advice would be to not let those things get in the way of fun. We all learn through experience. There's a ton of info on this board. But set your main goal as having a great experience. Keep prices in check but if you let a 1 vs 2 dollar tip to a taxi driver ruin your experience, that's a loss.

[Ludacris775]

Another safety related thing: avoid the town cops. Heard that a lot of them are corrupt and will try to extort you for money. My buddy told me some stories about this. Don't walk around in public with an open beer can or alcoholic beverage either. That would probably get you in trouble.

I've heard stories but never had my own to share. Until now. I went down on Dec 13th /14th and was walking around the block in the early morning, probably around 6 AM. A police truck stopped and, almost immediately, two cops got up into my face asking me what I was drinking. It was just a cup of coffee from the Oxxo and I told them such but, for a few moments I thought I was going to be harassed and / or extorted. Fortunately, a call came through on the radio and they left as fast as they stopped. Still, my takeaway is not to even give them a reason to target you. It was early morning, the streets were mostly empty and I was walking around with a cup in my hand. Tenga cuidado!

"Don't give them a reason to target you". I agree with that philosophy. Not a good idea to walk around with any beverage in your hand IMHO.

[Rainman306]

Just recently booked my 3rd trip to Tijuana later this month.

Have some questions about HK coupons or discounts I will write about in that section.

The main goal is to no mistakes this trip. That means no tequila for Chicago club chicas, max $80 arribas, no overpriced sodas at HK sports bar, and no fichas except for serious Arriba candidates.

[Goyo61]

Good tip. If they invite you into the bar, that is clue as to the experience once you get inside. Being a armature guitar player if there was any club with acoustic artists playing it would be very cool and would enjoy seeing. There is a band that plays in a courtyard close to Caesars restaurant on one of the weekend days I have seen which was nice to see when I was on revolution a few months ago.

G.

I've had a lot of experience the last few years in every bar on revolution st and many of the strip bar places. What I can say, is, if the bar has a staff member asking you to come in, it's much better than just walking in. Keep in mind, a lot of the bars aren't used to seeing gringos. The customers don't want it for whatever reason in some cases. Price inflation, foreigner invasion, music changes, etc. Now this is not to say anything negative towards anyone in mexico because, all people, in all countries are the same essentially from my experience. I see it in NYC bars when they complain of the customer base changing. Last week, when in a normal club on revolution st, as the only gringo in the place, the singer mouthed off insulting me in Spanish and saying stuff about my date that would cause a riot and arrest in the states. Just because he apparently didn't like gringos. We walked out in 2 seconds when my date explained what he was saying. So, you will not be loved everyplace in Tijuana. Playboy club won't have enough girls, gold palace is good, the guys will complain about the size of the woman in the club next to hotel nelson on rev street, IMO, there's no hidden gems for a group, due to not enough woman in the smaller clubs.

[Dogers69]

I've had a lot of experience the last few years in every bar on revolution st and many of the strip bar places. What I can say, is, if the bar has a staff member asking you to come in, it's much better than just walking in. Keep in mind, a lot of the bars aren't used to seeing gringos. The customers don't want it for whatever reason in some cases. Price inflation, foreigner invasion, music changes, etc. Now this is not to say anything negative towards anyone in mexico because, all people, in all countries are the same essentially from my experience. I see it in NYC bars when they complain of the customer base changing. Last week, when in a normal club on revolution st, as the only gringo in the place, the singer mouthed off insulting me in Spanish and saying stuff about my date that would cause a riot and arrest in the states. Just because he apparently didn't like gringos. We walked out in 2 seconds when my date explained what he was saying. So, you will not be loved everyplace in Tijuana. Playboy club won't have enough girls, gold palace is good, the guys will complain about the size of the woman in the club next to hotel nelson on rev street, IMO, there's no hidden gems for a group, due to not enough woman in the smaller clubs.

[Tigger69]

Another safety related thing: avoid the town cops. Heard that a lot of them are corrupt and will try to extort you for money. My buddy told me some stories about this. Don't walk around in public with an open beer can or alcoholic beverage either. That would probably get you in trouble.

I've heard stories but never had my own to share. Until now. I went down on Dec 13th /14th and was walking around the block in the early morning, probably around 6 AM. A police truck stopped and, almost immediately, two cops got up into my face asking me what I was drinking. It was just a cup of coffee from the Oxxo and I told them such but, for a few moments I thought I was going to be harassed and / or extorted. Fortunately, a call came through on the radio and they left as fast as they stopped. Still, my takeaway is not to even give them a reason to target you. It was early morning, the streets were mostly empty and I was walking around with a cup in my hand. Tenga cuidado!

[BrotherMouzone]

Agreed, daytime boredom is a real problem; there's only so much are&are I can do before I start to get restless. I'm not an seasoned professional but have been down 5-6 times and starting to figure out a few options. Please share if you have any other ideas!

3. Costco; I bought pharmaceuticals at the Tijuana Costco (mostly for the experience); it was weird being in a place so familiar yet so different.

From what I understand Costco memberships in Mexico are only 500 pesos ($26-$27) which is less than half the cost of a Costco membership in the you. S ($60). My understanding is also that a Costco membership purchased in Mexico is good anywhere in the USA Will probably look into getting a Costco membership the next time I'm in Tijuana if this is the case LOL.