General Reports

[QUOTE=JohnClayton;2943160]Charles Schwab is a bank, although I don't think they have many (or any) storefronts. They issue a debit card that you can use to withdraw money from ATM's. As a perk / courtesy they refund foreign ATM fees. Bank of America is affiliated with Santander. Citibank is affiliated with Banamex. I think if you have a debit card from one of those and use an affiliated bank, the fees are less. There are also credit cards that remit foreign fees, but I think they're the higher end cards that you have to pay an annual fee for.[/QUOTE]The Charles Schwab card is free and I've used it all over the world, including at the ATM in the lobby of Cascadas. No issue with them rebating the fees automatically at the end of the month even when they're high. Which makes sense from their perspective; after all, they don't have any storefronts or maintain any of their own ATM's, imagine the savings to them. Rebating ATM fees is relative peanuts. From an end user perspective, there's no reason to actually be paying ATM fees.

I noticed that some of the smaller bars like La Caretta have not so attractive girls that don't seem to drum up any business. How do they earn there keep to afford a place to stay, Are they given room and board at the bar?

[QUOTE=Zenduka1;2943091]Yep, that is the idea. For big expenses makes sense. For smaller ones the savings are minimal.

Someone said it is $1 USD for 18 MXN now, on the other hand official email I received from Hotel Rizo de Oro Yesterday says $1 USD for 17 MXN.[/QUOTE]A popular place to exchange money is in San Ysidro (USA) trolley station open 24/7 (right next to McDonald's). I have an exchange receipt from September 4, 2024 "Buy" 1 US $ = 18,679 Pesos. Generally in Mexico and abroad, e.g. In Europe, when you exchange money, according to the regulations, the sum of "Buy" and "Sell" must be shown. You are only interested in "Buy" (you are not interested in "Sell" or "No Commission") If "Buy" is 1 US $ = 18,679 Pesos, then for exchanging e.g. 100 US $ you get 1867 Pesos. There can be no fraud here and check the receipt.

[QUOTE=Scbb1;2943427]I noticed that some of the smaller bars like La Caretta have not so attractive girls that don't seem to drum up any business. How do they earn there keep to afford a place to stay, Are they given room and board at the bar?[/QUOTE]No, the bars don't provide room and board.

You would be surprised at how little money you need to live in Mexico if you live like a poor local. Up until recently many people could make it on income we'd find lightyears below poverty level. The problem everybody at the lower end has is the rent inflation in Tijuana. Gringos working in SD, but living in Tijuana, have pushed the rents to record levels and have priced many out of the market. Now many have to commute from far flung shithole areas.

So, one does wonder how the girls can make a living. My guess is by having roommates and living in conditions that make a sardine can look roomy.

[QUOTE=JohnClayton;2943160]There are also credit cards that remit foreign fees, but I think they're the higher end cards that you have to pay an annual fee for.[/QUOTE]There are several no annual fee credit cards that remit foreign fees. Those can be easily found through some quick internet research. The card I use most frequently to bypass foreign fees does have an annual fee but the annual fee is more than covered with the travel-related cashback and other benefits I receive. But I also have multiple other cards with no annual fees that also waive foreign transaction fees.

I suppose the concern for some here with credit cards are the ID requirements that come with using your credit card at the hotels (they've always photocopied my ID when I use a credit card) and having your Tijuana activities on paper (ie, credit card statement) for those who have a significant other. I don't have a significant other and don't have a problem with the hotels having a copy of my ID so those are things that've never concerned me.

[QUOTE=Sol12;2942825]Just wondering if you have talked to her recently. She might have some new information for you.[/QUOTE]No I haven't, though I did read about the most recent shooting at La Cueva that happened within the past few days or so. May or may not still go up there when I'm in Tijuana later this week, though that's much more dependent on the rest of my schedule down in Tijuana and how busy I get with other activities, not so much the shootings. Looking like less than 50/50 I go up there at this point, will maybe save going up there for the next time I'm in Tijuana in November.

[QUOTE=BrotherMouzone;2943465]No I haven't, though I did read about the most recent shooting at La Cueva that happened within the past few days or so. May or may not still go up there when I'm in Tijuana later this week, though that's much more dependent on the rest of my schedule down in Tijuana and how busy I get with other activities, not so much the shootings. Looking like less than 50/50 I go up there at this point, will maybe save going up there for the next time I'm in Tijuana in November.[/QUOTE]Yes the recent shooting is what I was referring to in that post because it would be hard for her to claim not knowing anything about it. They actually had another shooting after I made that post. I'm not sure which one you read about. The second one didn't get as much press.

Also wanted to give you an update on the Independence celebration that happens on the 15th. Last year you were caught off guard when they had it on Revolucióand and you didn't know what was going on. Well if you were looking to check out the celebration this year it's not going to be on Revolucióand but back over at the Palacio Municipal. It's not far from the Zona and if you know where Plaza Rio is it's on the other side of the river canal. Supposed to start at 6 with a well known music group going on probably around 8 and "La Grita" will be at 10.

[QUOTE=Phordphan;2943439]So, one does wonder how the girls can make a living. My guess is by having roommates and living in conditions that make a sardine can look roomy.[/QUOTE]Many years ago I used to be on very good terms with a musas girl and we would hang out quite a bit. I eventually ended up going to where she was staying a few times and she lived in the hilly part of the city next to Instituto Tecnológico. It was a converted house with a kitchen and living room on the bottom floor with a few bedrooms. The second floor was converted into all bedrooms with two shared bathrooms. It had about 10 people living there. It was clean and the kitchen / living room was nice, but the rooms basically just fit a small bed with small desk and just enough space to walk around the bed. I remember asking what she paid, but I no longer remember.

[QUOTE=Sol12;2943493]Yes the recent shooting is what I was referring to in that post because it would be hard for her to claim not knowing anything about it. They actually had another shooting after I made that post. I'm not sure which one you read about. The second one didn't get as much press.

Also wanted to give you an update on the Independence celebration that happens on the 15th. Last year you were caught off guard when they had it on Revoluciand and you didn't know what was going on. Well if you were looking to check out the celebration this year it's not going to be on Revoluciand but back over at the Palacio Municipal. It's not far from the Zona and if you know where Plaza Rio is it's on the other side of the river canal. Supposed to start at 6 with a well known music group going on probably around 8 and "La Grita" will be at 10.[/QUOTE]I was referring to the most recent one, though my understanding is there's maybe even been another shooting at that club since then (within the past couple of days, maybe yesterday)? I wonder what's going on there. I'll probably ask her about it if I see her later this week, though I'm thinking she won't want to talk too much about it. And I know she really does mostly live in Guadalajara, only coming up to Tijuana occasionally, so maybe isn't quite as in tune with the gossip as the other chicas. But I'm curious enough at this point where I might start asking some of my other regular chicas at HK if they know what's going on over there.

Thanks for the update on the Independence celebration. Would've greatly preferred that it be back on Revolucion since I know that street inside out, whereas I've never been to Palacio Municipal (though am generally familiar with the area around it). I anticipate being in Rosarito for something else earlier that day but will look to make it back in time to check some of that out, thanks.

I'm still trying to figure out which taxi de ruta takes you from Revolucion / Zona Norte to that Zona Rio area.

I understand that most festivities happen the day prior to Mexican Independence Day, but are there events that would be worth checking out on the actual day (Monday, September 16)? Do a lot of restaurants and bars close that day?

[QUOTE=BrotherMouzone;2944171]I was referring to the most recent one, though my understanding is there's maybe even been another shooting at that club since then (within the past couple of days, maybe yesterday)? I wonder what's going on there. I'll probably ask her about it if I see her later this week, though I'm thinking she won't want to talk too much about it. And I know she really does mostly live in Guadalajara, only coming up to Tijuana occasionally, so maybe isn't quite as in tune with the gossip as the other chicas. But I'm curious enough at this point where I might start asking some of my other regular chicas at HK if they know what's going on over there.

Thanks for the update on the Independence celebration. Would've greatly preferred that it be back on Revolucion since I know that street inside out, whereas I've never been to Palacio Municipal (though am generally familiar with the area around it). I anticipate being in Rosarito for something else earlier that day but will look to make it back in time to check some of that out, thanks.

I'm still trying to figure out which taxi de ruta takes you from Revolucion / Zona Norte to that Zona Rio area.

I understand that most festivities happen the day prior to Mexican Independence Day, but are there events that would be worth checking out on the actual day (Monday, September 16)? Do a lot of restaurants and bars close that day?[/QUOTE]Yes you heard correctly that they had another shooting early Tuesday morning. This was another security employee that works out front, so it is being reported by one of the papers that most of the shootings are drug dealers fighting to sell in the club. This is the same hypothesis that the Zeta came up with when HK had a manager killed. Might also be what happened with Chato at TB and why he wasn't around for awhile. Not sure why La Cueva is having a problem if the issue has been resolved with the other bars. The are now having a special investigation into it by the authorities so I wouldn't be surprised if they have police or GN out in front of the place for awhile but it's definitely not a good situation.

Not sure how informed the girls at HK will be besides what's in the papers unless they know guys that are into that scene. Usually what the girls say is just gossip but I would be interested if you hear anything and letting us know.

Well if your going to Rosarito during the day but plan on checking out the festivities that night you will probably be better off walking if your not obese it's not that far from the Zona. The traffic is going to be terrible so the ruta taxis might be avoiding the area or it will take you forever. I had a friend that lived by there and was at his place for the party and the ex was supposed to be at his place at 5 pm but was a few hours late because of the traffic to get there from Centro. My friend would usually walk to the Zona from his place and was only about 30 minutes I think. It's a very safe walk especially if you go the way that brings you but Costco and up Niños Heros. If you need better directions I will provide them.

All the festivities happen on the 15th. Like I said the party starts at 6 pm but I doubt anything will really happen till about 8 pm and the Grita is always at 10 because they go by Mexico City time. After the Grita everyone will leave to go home or to the bars to party more and drive around the city honking horns and waving the flag. The Zona should be fun as well this night as HK has a big party planned from what they post on X and Tropical will have a big party with live music.

So don't expect anything going on the 16th. Everyone just sleeps in for the most part recovering from the night before except the people that get up to watch the parade that happens around 8 am. I think it starts around Centro and ends back at the Palacio Municipal. At least that has always been the route when I lived there. As far as restaurants and bars will still be open. I don't recall many businesses closing that day. Mostly just schools are out and regular businesses like in the US.

If you have anymore questions just let me know.

[QUOTE=Sol12;2944195]

Well if your going to Rosarito during the day but plan on checking out the festivities that night you will probably be better off walking if your not obese it's not that far from the Zona. The traffic is going to be terrible so the ruta taxis might be avoiding the area or it will take you forever. I had a friend that lived by there and was at his place for the party and the ex was supposed to be at his place at 5 pm but was a few hours late because of the traffic to get there from Centro. My friend would usually walk to the Zona from his place and was only about 30 minutes I think. It's a very safe walk especially if you go the way that brings you but Costco and up Nios Heros. If you need better directions I will provide them.
[/QUOTE]OK, thanks for all the info. Yes, I've walked from Revolucion to that Costco which was a surprisingly easy walk, though it seems the Palacio Municipal is another mile on top of that, which I might not feel like doing that time of day after coming back from Rosarito but I guess we'll see. Think I'll probably head up to check it out. The Costco membership that I use in the US is actually from that Costco in Tijuana and I'm needing to renew this trip since my card either has or is almost about to expire soon, LOL.

There were a couple back to back incidents at La cueva pelodo. First the doorman / security was shot. The next day a car was abondoned in front with a human head in it along with a narco message. Yes the place seems a bit dangerous to hangout there these days.

[QUOTE=Sol12;2944195] Well if your going to Rosarito during the day but plan on checking out the festivities that night you will probably be better off walking if your not obese it's not that far from the Zona. .[/QUOTE]The Rosarito beach is 18 miles from the Zona Norte, even if your not obese it is still a long hump and way more then 30 minutes. I think you meant Playas the Tijuana which is more doable of a walk and is diffinately within 30 minutes unless you like Superman.

[QUOTE=SeaBeeJoe;2945096]The Rosarito beach is 18 miles from the Zona Norte, even if your not obese it is still a long hump and way more then 30 minutes. I think you meant Playas the Tijuana which is more doable of a walk and is diffinately within 30 minutes unless you like Superman.[/QUOTE]I think your the only one that read what I wrote and think I was talking about walking from Rosarito to Tijuana. On top of it you think I meant from Playas? Have you been to Playas and the hills you have to deal with? And you can do it 30 minutes? LOL.

BM responded to my post knowing exactly what I was talking about because he has made the walk to the Costco. Hes going to Rosarito for the day but was planning to be back in the Zona in time for the festivities. He wasn't sure of what ruta taxi to take to go from the Zona to Plaza Rio. I've never taken a ruta in Tijuana so couldn't help but suggested he just walk because the traffic will be very bad and the taxis might have to take different routes due to the crowds and streets being shut down. The walk from the Zona to Plaza Rio is easy and shouldn't be more than 30 minutes.

On Friday it was reported on social media and one paper that the Mexican government was charging tourists to enter Tijuana again. 575 pesos and asking for and ID not just passport.

Not much reporting on this in the news with no official explanation. Just a heads up if any of you come across this going down in the next few days.