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Is 18 considered too young. What is the largest age gap that you think is acceptable in the mongering world or the regular world. There is this couple on youtube. He is 69 and she is about 23. Even I was kind of grossed out by it and I love 18 to 21 year olds. I guess I'm a hypocrite.
[QUOTE=Jinxx;2509157]Yea you got to be careful with that. I started drinking and shooting the sh*t with these two guys I befriended in a club in Monterrey, and I totally inadvertently cockblocked one of the guys. He had a chica on his lap that I had bought a ficha for earlier in the night. Well I guess when me and that guy started talking it made her feel awkward or uncomfortable, and she ended up leaving the guy. He had no idea that she had been with me earlier. I even told him later when I realized it "dude I think I accidentally cockblocked you and scared your chica away". He didn't seem worried about it, but I kinda felt bad.
But yes linking up with random guys at strip clubs can be good or bad, it depends. One thing to keep in mind is it can change the dynamic and your vibe with the chicas. It can cause you to lose your concentration and therefore lose out on a good time with a chica you're trying to focus on. Or you could inadvertantly screw up somebody else's good time.[/QUOTE]What you did was not as bad as that Belgian dude. We drank together for a little over an hour then we went our separate ways in the club. This French woman was in a group saw me and smiled (1 in a million that happens to me), we got to talking. A little later the ass sees me and obviously drunk shouts to me words to the effect ¨Hey, well done, you've picked up a babe!¨ I was speechless with anger.
Things were normal when I crossed into Tijuana yesterday thankfully. Just showed him my FMM / Visa and he let me pass.
[QUOTE=Hargow20;2509161]Was checking with several sources and both told me that crossing that people have been crossing the border as usual. I am heading down today a bit early so I use the dentist excuse if they hassle me.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Hargow20;2509395]Things were normal when I crossed into Tijuana yesterday thankfully. Just showed him my FMM / Visa and he let me pass.[/QUOTE]Great news, thanks.
Round on me this week if you're around after Tuesday.
So I finally got my passport and will soon make my way to Tijuana. I would like some clarification / pointers on getting in and out smoothly and safety. I would appreciate any input that any one is kind enough to offer.
1. What to bring and how to bring it.
I plan on bringing condoms, cash, and wearing clothes that aren't too flashy. Do I need to hide my cash on my person until I get to my hotel? Am I being to paranoid here? Is there anything else I should bring?
2. Otay Mesa Border Crossing.
I was planning on going through the Otay Mesa checkpoint. I was going to park on the US side then catch a cab to Hotel Ticuan. I park at Route 125 Parking correct? Is there anything I should be aware of when parking here and making my way through to the checkpoint? Are cabs readily available as soon as I cross or do I need to go to a specific area? Is there a specific type of cab I should use in preference over others? I am a little weary of using Uber. Is this feeling unfounded?
3. Hotel Specifics.
I may or may not go for a 3 some. I read that in order to have multiple guest at Hotel Ticuan I need to get a room with double beds. Is this true? Does this still apply if I have just one guest at a time but multiple throughout the day? They serve food at the Ticuan correct? I was planning to not leave the hotel.
4. Getting Back.
I simply have the Ticuan call a cab for me correct?
5. Is there anything not here that should be addressed?
Unless you have a FMM / Visa it is unclear if you have problems crossing into Mexico. I have a FMM / Visa and they let me pass the other day. Another person told the Mexican customs that he had a medical or dental appointment and they demanded proof. So until more is known it is probably not worth taking a chance unless you live in the San Diego area.
Hiding the cash should not be a issue unless you are bringing a large amount. Personally I would cross at San Ysidro. Uber is great and have never had a problem. I have been taking the Taxi buses sometimes. Cabs are pletniful, but it is probably expensive to take one from Otay to the Zona. When in the Zona it is important to always keep your guard up. In my mind a lot of the Mexicans think of Americans as rich gringos that they can get money from. The Zona has been fairly safe for the past year or so. But I always look behind to see who is walking behind me. If I do see someone suspicious I will often stop and let them pass.
[QUOTE=ObviousAlias;2509512]So I finally got my passport and will soon make my way to Tijuana. I would like some clarification / pointers on getting in and out smoothly and safety. I would appreciate any input that any one is kind enough to offer.
1. What to bring and how to bring it.
I plan on bringing condoms, cash, and wearing clothes that aren't too flashy. Do I need to hide my cash on my person until I get to my hotel? Am I being to paranoid here? Is there anything else I should bring?
2. Otay Mesa Border Crossing.
I was planning on going through the Otay Mesa checkpoint. I was going to park on the US side then catch a cab to Hotel Ticuan. I park at Route 125 Parking correct? Is there anything I should be aware of when parking here and making my way through to the checkpoint? Are cabs readily available as soon as I crosbe s or do I need to go to a specific area? Is there a specific type of cab I should use in preference over others? I am a little weary of using Uber. Is this feeling unfounded?
3. Hotel Specifics.
I may or may not go for a 3 some. I read that in order to have multiple guest at Hotel Ticuan I need to get a room with double beds. Is this true? Does this still apply if I have just one guest at a time but multiple throughout the day? They serve food at the Ticuan correct? I was planning to not leave the hotel.
4. Getting Back.
I simply have the Ticuan call a cab for me correct?
5. Is there anything not here that should be addressed?[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Hargow20;2509543]Unless you have a FMM / Visa it is unclear if you have problems crossing into Mexico. I have a FMM / Visa and they let me pass the other day. Another person told the Mexican customs that he had a medical or dental appointment and they demanded proof. So until more is known it is probably not worth taking a chance unless you live in the San Diego area.
Hiding the cash should not be a issue unless you are bringing a large amount. Personally I would cross at San Ysidro. Uber is great and have never had a problem. I have been taking the Taxi buses sometimes. Cabs are pletniful, but it is probably expensive to take one from Otay to the Zona. When in the Zona it is important to always keep your guard up. In my mind a lot of the Mexicans think of Americans as rich gringos that they can get money from. The Zona has been fairly safe for the past year or so. But I always look behind to see who is walking behind me. If I do see someone suspicious I will often stop and let them pass.[/QUOTE]Thanks for the tips. I know that crossing can be hit and miss due to Covid and with a two hour drive I definitely see your point. Could I not just make an appointment to see a dentist and just not go?
I highly recommend your money being in hidden places, multiple, so you don't lose it all. If in a shoe, it will dissolve both Mexican and USA dollars if you don't wrap it in ideally strong plastic like zip lock. I almost lost a 100 dollar bill this way. The police, have never checked my sneakers, even the muggers, who stripped clothing off me when I was knocked out, didn't check my sneakers. I would also wear thin shorts, under your jeans, to put the passport in. It needs to have secure pocket. Mine is on the side, which helps because my previous shorts had the pocket on my ass and it was ruining my passport. The reason this is a good idea, is, if you lose your passport, its expensive and a hassle for another one, the 2nd one becomes like walking around with a 100 k cash because if you lose that one, the 3rd one could be your final one. They say they can stop giving you new ones. Plus, if you lose it, when you get a new one, you will be questioned at the border at 30 times the intensity when you start using the new one. The pocket in your shorts for the passport and even a license, helps, for robbers, muggers, sticky finger girls, pick pocketers on the street, and most importantly so you don't drop it when drinking or when simply grabbing your wallet or cell from your pocket, it could come flying out and maybe you lose it.
[QUOTE=Hargow20;2509543]Unless you have a FMM / Visa it is unclear if you have problems crossing into Mexico. I have a FMM / Visa and they let me pass the other day. Another person told the Mexican customs that he had a medical or dental appointment and they demanded proof. So until more is known it is probably not worth taking a chance unless you live in the San Diego area.[/QUOTE]Although I haven't done it in the last week, I drive through San Ysidro. Stop my car and walk in (it's closed to pedestrians, but open people paying aduana and for visas) and tell them you need a 180 day FMM. The only question was Cash or Credit. If you don't want to drive, see if you can get Jinxx to take you. Not sure what reason to use if they ask you for one. I think if you could get a bro to share his address and say you have a place there, they would let you in. Once they asked and I mumbled something about business and the checked other on the form. Once you have the 180 day FMM you appear to be golden, at least until things change again.
I have seen people offering rides to Tijuana by the Jack ine box in San Ysidro. Not sure what they charge.
[QUOTE=DickusMaximus;2509559]Although I haven't done it in the last week, I drive through San Ysidro. Stop my car and walk in (it's closed to pedestrians, but open people paying aduana and for visas) and tell them you need a 180 day FMM. The only question was Cash or Credit. If you don't want to drive, see if you can get Jinxx to take you. Not sure what reason to use if they ask you for one. I think if you could get a bro to share his address and say you have a place there, they would let you in. Once they asked and I mumbled something about business and the checked other on the form. Once you have the 180 day FMM you appear to be golden, at least until things change again.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=ObviousAlias;2509512]So I finally got my passport and will soon make my way to Tijuana. I would like some clarification / pointers on getting in and out smoothly and safety. I would appreciate any input that any one is kind enough to offer.
1. What to bring and how to bring it.
I plan on bringing condoms, cash, and wearing clothes that aren't too flashy. Do I need to hide my cash on my person until I get to my hotel? Am I being to paranoid here? Is there anything else I should bring?
2. Otay Mesa Border Crossing.
I was planning on going through the Otay Mesa checkpoint. I was going to park on the US side then catch a cab to Hotel Ticuan. I park at Route 125 Parking correct? Is there anything I should be aware of when parking here and making my way through to the checkpoint? Are cabs readily available as soon as I cross or do I need to go to a specific area? Is there a specific type of cab I should use in preference over others? I am a little weary of using Uber. Is this feeling unfounded?
3. Hotel Specifics.
I may or may not go for a 3 some. I read that in order to have multiple guest at Hotel Ticuan I need to get a room with double beds. Is this true? Does this still apply if I have just one guest at a time but multiple throughout the day? They serve food at the Ticuan correct? I was planning to not leave the hotel.
4. Getting Back.
I simply have the Ticuan call a cab for me correct?
5. Is there anything not here that should be addressed?[/QUOTE]I cross constantly at Otay, so I'll give you as much information as I can.
1. How much cash do you want to bring? Frankly, the Mexican ATMs do work (just don't use one in or outside any of the bars), you just need to notify your bank that you'll be using your card outside the country. You may be different. I don't feel comfortable carrying around large amounts of cash. Regardless, just keep your cash in your pocket, and split it up so you don't pull out a giant wad all at once.
2. Parking on the Otay side is a lot easier to come by than on the SY side. Walking though the border is easy, although with the restrictions you may be asked to purchase a 180-day FMM. The "White and Gold" taxis have a stand right outside of the border station exit. DO NOT TAKE THESE unless you don't feel comfortable with the rest of this paragraph. The White / Gold are the airport taxis (a lot of Otay crossing by gringos is because they want to go to the airport) and they are probably the most expensive in all of Tijuana. Figure a minimum of $40 usd and probably closer to $60 usd to get from Otay to Ticuan. If you can follow the locals who are crossing you'll walk out of the building a bit, and then cross the traffic lanes entering mexico, go through a gap in the barrier, cross the lanes of traffic for the cars exiting Mexico, go through some shops, and emerge onto the SENTRI road which parallels a street called Josefina Rendon. This is where all the normal Taxi Libres drop off people who want to cross back into the USA at the pedestrian crossing. The Taxi Libres now have something of a taxi stand at the end of the street (to your left after you have crossed all the lanes). You can grab a Taxi Libre there and go to Ticuan for probably $10 and $20. I'm not sure exactly, as I always use pesos and I always drive my own car. You can also call an Uber from here. I never hesitate to use Uber in Tijuana. It's far preferable to any of the taxi services.
3. Ticuan will make you have double beds if you intend to have two girls AT THE SAME TIME. Otherwise one bed will do. Of course they serve food. The restaurant "Albahaca" has very good food. The hotel bar may or may not be open, due to the restrictions.
4. There are Yellow cabs who wait outside of the hotel. If you absolutely MUST take a taxi back to Otay, and don't want to walk into the street or down the the corner of Revolucion and catch a Libre, then they are a safe option. They will be quite a bit more than a Libre or an Uber, but will be less than the White / Gold. BTW, here's the way is works, "on paper. " Yellow taxis charge by zone. If you're in Zone 1, for example, and want to go to someplace in Zone 4, they charge a flat fee to go to that zone. The fees change by zone. A Taxi Libre (Libre meaning free to go wherever, no fixed route or zone) used to have a meter but no longer do. Now in reality, for a gringo, you must negotiate your fare before you get into the cab. If I were in your shoes, I'd just call an Uber from the lobby, and he'll pick you up at the curb. Easy Peasy.
5. Not leaving the hotel is a big mistake. There is plenty to see and do in Tijuana. You didn't say what day of the week you are visiting, or how long you plan to stay. Avenida Revolucion has lots of interesting things to see, although many of the bars on 6th street aren't open on weekdays. There are microbreweries, shops, restaurants, funky bars, you name it. There is one caveat. Tijuana has gone back into "red" so some of these places might be closed.
[QUOTE=ObviousAlias;2509512]So I finally got my passport and will soon make my way to Tijuana. I would like some clarification / pointers on getting in and out smoothly and safety. I would appreciate any input that any one is kind enough to offer.
1. What to bring and how to bring it.
I plan on bringing condoms, cash, and wearing clothes that aren't too flashy. Do I need to hide my cash on my person until I get to my hotel? Am I being to paranoid here? Is there anything else I should bring?
2. Otay Mesa Border Crossing.
I was planning on going through the Otay Mesa checkpoint. I was going to park on the US side then catch a cab to Hotel Ticuan. I park at Route 125 Parking correct? Is there anything I should be aware of when parking here and making my way through to the checkpoint? Are cabs readily available as soon as I cross or do I need to go to a specific area? Is there a specific type of cab I should use in preference over others? I am a little weary of using Uber. Is this feeling unfounded?[/QUOTE]1. The better question is what *don't* you bring. And the answer is anything illegal or very valuable. Just bring the things you need for a normal vacation. Clothes, toiletries, etc.
2. I've never crossed on foot at Otay but I can say this. Unless you are ardent in not leaving a paper / electronic trail of your exploits in Tijuana, take Uber. The taxi's are going to take advantage of you. The normal price for an Uber from Otay border to the Zona is around $96 mx so $5 usd. A taxi picking up a gringo from Otay border is going to quote $20 usd or more.
3. I haven't stayed in Ticuan in 7 years, but when I did, they never had a problem with multiple guests. Probably because my guests didn't look like obvious escorts. They have a decent restaurant and bar. There are also plentiful street food carts all around downtown, but the ones in Ticuan's immediate vicinity are substandard.
4. There is almost always a yellow cab or two waiting in front of Ticuan. And there will be several taxi's driving past. Tijuana taxi's have no meters. You tell the driver the destination and he tells you how much. You can accept, decline, or negotiate a lower fare. Despite what another clueless poster may say, all taxicabs (Libre and Yellow) in Tijuana operate in this same manner. There are no set flat rates for travel to other "zones" unless you are departing the airport. Any other pickup location the driver pays no regard to any supposed "zone. " At the border crossing there used to be an official sign posted for the official rates to different zones but not one driver ever honored those prices. Just make it easy on yourself and just order an Uber.
[QUOTE=Phordphan;2509565]I cross constantly at Otay, so I'll give you as much information as I can.[/QUOTE]All solid advice, but it would be nice to have a map for #2. As you exit the last gate from customs and see the taxis. Ignore them (ask them the price, then say "no mames wey, eres en pinche ladron", or maybe not, because it's the truth but you may start a fight) Turn left and cross the street to the strip mall. Find a passage through the strip mall to the other side. There you can find uber and "reasonably" priced taxis.
Second. Ignore all Phordphan's advice about taxis and only use Uber. All the taxis are a ripoff, some more than others. Uber is generally fairly priced. Except maybe at very high traffic times, but then it's hard to find a taxi either. Just make sure your phone has data in Mexico and use it to Uber everywhere.
Great post. Agree with everything. I've become more of a fan of Otay. The wait time can be significantly lower, offsetting the hassle.
Just wanted to add I took a yellow taxi from Ticuan to Otay about a week ago. It was $15. There are almost always 2 yellow taxis sitting outside Ticuan, even in the wee hours of the night. Taxi Libres can definitely save you a few dollars. To me, when I'm leaving Ticuan, I don't enjoy hauling a suitcase and backpack down Revolucion or Constitucion. Other than that, I used Taxi Libre exclusively. Uber is definitely cheaper than all.
Follow Phordfan's advice and you are golden. The walk to the Libres is accurate and it's really not as difficult as it seems.
And I would agree. Get out of the hotel. Revolucion is pretty safe. Constitucion (one block west) will give you more of a local feel. There are a few good taquerias on Constucion a few blocks north of Ticuan.
[QUOTE=Phordphan;2509565]I cross constantly at Otay, so I'll give you as much information as I can.
1. How much cash do you want to bring? Frankly, the Mexican ATMs do work (just don't use one in or outside any of the bars), you just need to notify your bank that you'll be using your card outside the country. You may be different. I don't feel comfortable carrying around large amounts of cash. Regardless, just keep your cash in your pocket, and split it up so you don't pull out a giant wad all at once.
2. Parking on the Otay side is a lot easier to come by than on the SY side. Walking though the border is easy, although with the restrictions you may be asked to purchase a 180-day FMM. The "White and Gold" taxis have a stand right outside of the border station exit. DO NOT TAKE THESE unless you don't feel comfortable with the rest of this paragraph. The White / Gold are the airport taxis (a lot of Otay crossing by gringos is because they want to go to the airport) and they are probably the most expensive in all of Tijuana. Figure a minimum of $40 usd and probably closer to $60 usd to get from Otay to Ticuan. If you can follow the locals who are crossing you'll walk out of the building a bit, and then cross the traffic lanes entering mexico, go through a gap in the barrier, cross the lanes of traffic for the cars exiting Mexico, go through some shops, and emerge onto the SENTRI road which parallels a street called Josefina Rendon..[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Dcrist0527;2509746]Great post. Agree with everything. I've become more of a fan of Otay. The wait time can be significantly lower, offsetting the hassle.
Just wanted to add I took a yellow taxi from Ticuan to Otay about a week ago. It was $15. There are almost always 2 yellow taxis sitting outside Ticuan, even in the wee hours of the night. Taxi Libres can definitely save you a few dollars. To me, when I'm leaving Ticuan, I don't enjoy hauling a suitcase and backpack down Revolucion or Constitucion. Other than that, I used Taxi Libre exclusively. Uber is definitely cheaper than all.
Follow Phordfan's advice and you are golden. The walk to the Libres is accurate and it's really not as difficult as it seems.
And I would agree. Get out of the hotel. Revolucion is pretty safe. Constitucion (one block west) will give you more of a local feel. There are a few good taquerias on Constucion a few blocks north of Ticuan.[/QUOTE]Good info on the Amarillos! Thanks! I developed an antipathy to the Yellows back in the day when they had the exclusive at the border, and were always chiseling people who wanted to leave the ZN and go back to the border. $15 was a bit less than I had figured, especially for those who hang around the hotel all night. One good thing about them is that the cars tend to be larger, which is nice if you're hauling suitcases or something. It's hard to fit much into a Libre Corolla, and getting an Uber XL is always a crapshoot.