General Reports

[QUOTE=WombatEd2;2686247]I've done a bit of comparing the rates at different moneychangers, and one of the best can usually be had at the one on the south side of Coahuila, just east of Constitution.

That's if I'm driving. If I'm walking, the changers right next to Ped East, on the USA side, are usually better. But not so much so that it's worth getting off the freeway if I'm driving in. (I haven't figured out how to get to Ped East when I'm driving down the I-5.).

Beware of ATMs. They try to trap you into an unfavorable exchange rate. Some allow you to reject their first offer, and take the rate offered by your debit card company, and some don't.[/QUOTE]Thanks. I'm not concerned about getting a killer exchange rate, just reasonable. Plus, I'm not going to be exchanging vast sums. My main concerns are convenience and safety. If I walk over the border I assume I'll want to have pesos immediately to pay for Uber / Van / Lyft / Taxi, etc? If I drive I'll park at a lot close or in the Zone. Where can I go to exchange money there?

Have any of you noticed any plain clothes police officers patrolling the zona?

I grabbed some tacos around the corner from Hong Kong Sunday night a little past midnight and noticed a cop in regular clothes with cuffs, a gun, badge and a radio standing on the corner with his head on a swivel. First time seeing this. Of course I thought maybe this is not a cop at all and maybe cartel affiliated. Don't know if he was on a particular assignment or if this will become more of the norm. Maybe they have always been there and I never noticed?

Anyways, while I was eating my tacos a group of early to mid twenties Mexican-American guys were also grabbing something to eat and they were talking in English amongst each other. I acted like I couldn't hear what they were talking about. One of them starts talking to another about how his girlfriend might get mad at him because he told her he would be back home before midnight. His friend said he might come home to his clothes and the rest of his stuff on the front lawn. He laughed and said maybe but she can't get too mad because a couple months ago he had a buddy of his over and I guess his girlfriend got horny and asked if both of them could bang her at the same time. The boyfriend didn't seem fazed at all and told his buddy and his buddy was all for it. He said they took turns hitting her doggy style while the other got some head. I was kind of in awe he was willing to share this info with his fellow monger friends seeing as how they now all know what kind of girl she is. Seems like something I would keep to myself but get this. He goes on to say they just found out his girlfriend recently got pregnant! Oh boy, I would get a paternity test ASAP!

Hi All.

Was planning my trek down to the Zona this coming Sunday afternoon. But then realized that Sunday is May 1, Labor Day holiday in Mexico.

So the question, is the holiday going to affect the number or quality of the options down in the Zona? Or Actually might be better?

Granted it is not Christmas, or Easter, but not sure how it will impact things.

Thoughts?

Thanks and stay safe!

AHT169.

Is a good pussy day in Tijuana.

May 1 - Labor day?

[QUOTE=Aht169;2690360]Hi All.

Was planning my trek down to the Zona this coming Sunday afternoon. But then realized that Sunday is May 1, Labor Day holiday in Mexico.

So the question, is the holiday going to affect the number or quality of the options down in the Zona? Or Actually might be better?

Granted it is not Christmas, or Easter, but not sure how it will impact things.

Thoughts?.[/QUOTE]May 1st isn't a huge day in Tijuana. They have a parade but it's mostly for the union workers like some taxis the fire department and some other groups. Most people and businesses will be open and working as normal. I think they actually make a bigger deal out of the 30th of April (Día de los ninos) because the kids get a little toy and families try to do stuff for the kids like go to the park or movie. Especially since it falls on a Saturday.

Hey everyone,

I'm planning to sextour the Zona for a day trip Mid may from and back to San Diego. Correct me if I am wrong, but are there any hotels by the hour? Not planning on staying the night in the Zona but if I have to shell out a nights pay for half a stay so be it.

[QUOTE=Hargow20;2689935]Visa will actually pay for a global entry application fee once every four years. I was really amazed to hear this. One downside to the trolley is that the last trolley leaves San Ysidro at 12:45 am. Street parking is not a issue. I always park on Border village drive.[/QUOTE]Thanks, Good to know now that I am moving there and need to find ways to avoid that expensive parking lot.

[QUOTE=Dogers69;2689709]For majority of guys walking across is much better idea. Who wants to worry about their car while trying to drink, explore, bang chicks, evade robbery, evade kidnapping. You park the car at the trolley station if your cheap and don't have money for border parking, and make sure you have insurance for catalytic converter theft. For either parking lot free or paid. Keep one key in the car incase you lose your other one. Or take a door key with you hide in the car the driving key. I've parked at the trolley 200 nights in 3 years with no problems. The night I got choked out on side of Hong Kong, I walked back to border bleeding with nothing but most of my clothes, (they took my sweater off me while I was passed out), and I still had my car rental key because it was chained to my pants. So even though I had a bad night, I still had my car. Nobody talks about the line to get into Mexico which most nights is long from what I can see and I have read. Driving back without sentri can usually be 3 hours that's 3 hours of moving one foot a minute so you can't just look at your phone unshaven pay attention. Plus its a good idea to take the mexicanb75 cent bus from border to revolucion street. I believe it is a waste to go all the way to Mexico and not take in the culture. The crowded bus, buy a 1 dollar beer on calle revulcion, figure out your plan for the night. Watch the Mexican woman walking around.[/QUOTE]The mexicanb75 cent bus from border to revolucion street. Is that the Crema and verde van off to the left side after getting through the revolving gate? Where does it drop you off exactly, not to Revolution itself, they only have the red van which I take. I know it's close because a a hotel worker told me around 4th street or something? Maybe you can detail. Thanks.

[QUOTE=Routine;2690190]If I walk over the border I assume I'll want to have pesos immediately to pay for Uber / Van / Lyft / Taxi, etc? If I drive I'll park at a lot close or in the Zone.[/QUOTE]Tijuana is a border town so they'll readily accept USD so there isn't the absolute need to have pesos. If anything, USD preferred as it's more stable compared to the Mexican peso. You know how last year inflation was 8%? From talking locals, that's the norm when earning / living in MXN pesos.

[QUOTE=BrotherMouzone;2688965]The taxi van I took Wednesday night from the border was white and yellow. It dropped me off at the intersection of Revolucion and Carillo Puerto, which is right across the street from Mamut Brewery on Revolucion. From there a 5-7 minute walk to Zona Norte. Would confirm the van is going to Revolucion before getting in.[/QUOTE]

Ok I mapped it out, that's near the Dominos and Burger King. It's also two blocks from the Carls Jr that has the Red vans to go to the Grand. I used to stay at Tiquan before staying at the Grand and walked to HK often so I'm familiar with this area This is gonna save me a fortune. Thanks this helps a lot.

Each putas bars in La Zona Norte has its own captive hotel which rents half hour sessions for bar girls and clients; HK's Cascada and Tropical's Rizo $30, Adelita's Coahuila $22, Chicago's Jalo $18. You can pay double for 1 hour sessions.

Cascada and Coahuila also rent 20-minute sessions to street girls and clients for $7 and $6 respectively. It's their segmented market for Mexicans but lots of Gringos also take advantage of this lower price market.

[QUOTE=Artisttyp;2690000]I renewed my passport last month. I paid for expedited service. It took maybe 3 weeks.[/QUOTE]I renewed my passport and passport card in January. Only took three weeks. That was not expedited service.

[QUOTE=MmaufcFan;2690515]Ok I mapped it out, that's near the Dominos and Burger King. It's also two blocks from the Carls Jr that has the Red vans to go to the Grand. I used to stay at Tiquan before staying at the Grand and walked to HK often so I'm familiar with this area This is gonna save me a fortune. Thanks this helps a lot.[/QUOTE]The 10 peso or 75 cent bus which somw drivers will ask for full dollar is generally white. And there's a guy letting people on saying where it is going. Its a sprinter sized van. Just make sure its Centro. You pay when you get off. Your stop will be called Madero. Thats a block before revilucion. If you miss the stop it doesn't matter because sometimes they stop on revolucion anyway, and most or all people get off on the block after revolucion. Thats even quicker walk to Hong Kong probably but maybe more dangerous in the area closer to the alley. If your surrounded by Mexicans doing their routine you won't get robbed. You can catch this van to border until evenings too. But he seems not allowed to stop in street to pick people up from Hong Kong area. So you have to walk up which is walking south maybe 3 blocks. When going to the border the stop is at a corner with a 711. When he drops you off for the border you still need to walk about 800 to 1000 feet to see the border line. He won't announce he's at the border.

[QUOTE=Dogers69;2690782]The 10 peso or 75 cent bus which somw drivers will ask for full dollar is generally white. And there's a guy letting people on saying where it is going. Its a sprinter sized van. Just make sure its Centro. You pay when you get off. Your stop will be called Madero. Thats a block before revilucion. If you miss the stop it doesn't matter because sometimes they stop on revolucion anyway, and most or all people get off on the block after revolucion. Thats even quicker walk to Hong Kong probably but maybe more dangerous in the area closer to the alley. If your surrounded by Mexicans doing their routine you won't get robbed. You can catch this van to border until evenings too. But he seems not allowed to stop in street to pick people up from Hong Kong area. So you have to walk up which is walking south maybe 3 blocks. When going to the border the stop is at a corner with a 711. When he drops you off for the border you still need to walk about 800 to 1000 feet to see the border line. He won't announce he's at the border.[/QUOTE]

Ok the white sprinter van to the left after getting out of the revolving gate by the vendors- over Puente El Chaparral - south on Av. Francisco I. Madero - west on Carrillo Puerto why O Tercera. I'll use Revolution where the cops and people are and cut down Primera at the arch instead unless it's daylight out. Some areas of COnstitution are sketchy like you said. Or be left off at Primera and walk to the arch at least during the day.

ok for the return the 7-11 near the Policia at the arch got it

Thanks this will save lots of travel expense now that I will be there weekly.

I printed out the my FMM form today. I took it with me and Mexican immigration did not stop and ask me to show. I am wornding if anyone has any problems with the Printed FMM form and Mexican immigration. I am wondering if they will simply say it is not valid make me pay the $35 fee.