RE: Visiting for the First time.
[QUOTE=Cadillac31;2529953]Visiting for the first time:
1) can you rent a car in San Diego (US) and drive it across the border for a stay down there?
2) Are you able to rent a car when in Mexico?
3) Do you recommend renting a car, or just uber to the street scene, and bring the girls back?
4) Is it safe to walk late at night in the zone, to and from hotel?[/QUOTE]1. You can rent a car in San Diego and Drive it across the Border only from certain Rental Car agencies that offer Auto Insurance in Mexico for an increased fee. I have never done this myself so I cannot tell you exactly how much it is, nor which Rental Companies offer this.
2. Yes, you are able to rent a car in Mexico but unless you speak Fluent Spanish I would not recommend it. Also, there are stories of Rental Car Agencies trying to claim damage on their rental vehicles that you may not have been responsible for.
3. If you are a first timer and do not speak fluent Spanish, I would recommend using Uber as it will significantly cut back on potential headaches, stress and problems.
4. As far as your safety while walking, it depends on which area of the zone and also depends on your hotel location. My first choice would be to take an uber. The currency exchange rate make the uber trips very affordable. 2nd Choice, take a taxi, but make sure you negotiate the price with the driver before you enter the taxi.
Also note, Vehicles with California / US License plates with Non-Hispanic drivers are targets of opportunity for the Police to allege various violations such as Illegal window tint, Failure to Stop at a sign, etc. And subsequently search for a Bribe aka "mordida."