General Reports

[QUOTE=Tomjackin]You do not have to surrender your passport book if you do not want to. I called the US Department of State office and explained that I still had 4 years remaining before my passport book expired and I was still using my passport book throughout August, but still wanted the card. I was told to use the DS-11 form and I would need a note to accompany the DS-11 that explained my situation. In the end, I did not even need the note.[/QUOTE]Thanks for the feedback. I believe I'm eligible to use the renewal application (DS 82) because it's been less than 15 years since my passport book was issued and I was at least 16 when it was issued. In my case, I think I'm required to surrender the passport book since it has expired but I'm not certain.

I am only interested in obtaining a passport card and not renewing my passport book at this time.

My questions are: Are there any special requirements for on site passport cards? [I. E. Proof that I'll be traveling within 2 weeks] And if I meet the requirements, which application do I use?

If I'm required to use DS-11, I believe I'll need some additional documents as DS-11 is designated for 1st time applicants (which I'm not). This is key for me because it'll take a bit of work to get my hands on my birth certificate. If they just require my expired passport for documentation, I'll make an appointment with the passport agency ASAP to get the card.

It's strange that these details aren't addressed on the government site.

If any one has had similar experiences with the passport card, please chime in. I would really appreciate it.

[QUOTE=Time4aSpliff]
I am only interested in obtaining a passport card and not renewing my passport book at this time.[/QUOTE]

If you get both, you will save money. I wish I could answer your questions. My best advice is to do what I did; call them directly.

There is a toll free number, plus a e-mail link:
[url]http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/npic_898.html[/url]

[QUOTE=Time4aSpliff]Thanks for the feedback. I believe I'm eligible to use the renewal application (DS 82) because it's been less than 15 years since my passport book was issued and I was at least 16 when it was issued. In my case, I think I'm required to surrender the passport book since it has expired but I'm not certain.

I am only interested in obtaining a passport card and not renewing my passport book at this time.

My questions are: Are there any special requirements for on site passport cards? [I. E. Proof that I'll be traveling within 2 weeks] And if I meet the requirements, which application do I use?

If I'm required to use DS-11, I believe I'll need some additional documents as DS-11 is designated for 1st time applicants (which I'm not). This is key for me because it'll take a bit of work to get my hands on my birth certificate. If they just require my expired passport for documentation, I'll make an appointment with the passport agency ASAP to get the card.

It's strange that these details aren't addressed on the government site.

If any one has had similar experiences with the passport card, please chime in. I would really appreciate it.[/QUOTE]

If I understand the gov't's "Logic" (and I use the term loosely), the card is basically just a "copy" of the "real" passport, but can only be used in certain locales, like MX, CA and the Carribean. I believe that to obtain one you must have a valid, current, passport.

Back in the day they used to renew your passport and give you the old one with some holes punched in it. It was a cool souvenir if you had stamps, visas, etc. But now they keep the old passport. I had to renew mine, and got my card at the same time.

If your PP is expired, I think you're gonna have to pony up for both...

[QUOTE]Next time I'd just stay in San Diego and only go to TJ at night because besides the zone and the few bars which really get going late afternoons there ain't much else. . . . Ticuan was good for the price ($55).[/QUOTE]Plus one on this sentiment. For me, Tijuana during the day is a depressing scene and I get absolutely nothing out of hanging out there. Obviously, other gents on this forum may disagree. But for my money the best bet is lodging on the U.S. side and "commuting" to the Zona Norte in the evenings. For $55 per night you can rent a nice room within walking distance of the Chula Vista trolley stop at the Best Western South Bay and spend your days in an area that's not quite as sad as Tijuana.

Regards,

Bunky

[QUOTE=Bunky]Plus one on this sentiment. For me, Tijuana during the day is a depressing scene and I get absolutely nothing out of hanging out there. Obviously, other gents on this forum may disagree. But for my money the best bet is lodging on the U.S. side and "commuting" to the Zona Norte in the evenings. For $55 per night you can rent a nice room within walking distance of the Chula Vista trolley stop at the Best Western South Bay and spend your days in an area that's not quite as sad as Tijuana.

Regards,

Bunky[/QUOTE]The Trolley doesnt run very late does it? There might be an issue in getting back to Chula Vista, Unless you can find a taxi have a car. Sorry Btw, im a novice here, but i'll be heading to chula vista to lodge for a TJ trip. How long does HK and Adelitas stay open at nite?

The last trolley leaving San Ysidro is at 12:59 AM according to their schedule. Depending upon your stop, another 10-15 minutes to get there. Google San Diego Trolley for schedules. I've never tried to cross at that hour, but you wouldn't want to miss it. For me, I would leave the Zona at about mid-night, although maybe someone who actually does this would have better information on what time to actually leave.

When I was there last week, they closed the doors (by the Policia that stands outside) of Adelita's at 3 AM, and it went on like usual, except you had to leave by the back door. We finally left at 4:30 AM.

While I have never stayed at the Chula Vista hotels, IMHO the Ticuan is a nicer hotel than what you will get from the Quality Inn, Best Western, etc. in Chula Vista. Actually for the cost, the Ticuan is one of the best deals I have seen in my world wide mongering. It is nicer than what I pay more for in MDE, or Costa Rica. I do not stay there usually since I pay less, due to only being in a room to sleep, but it is very, very nice. If I were pulling ladies for TLN's, or doing in-calls, I would definitely stay there. The added plus is that it is a 5 minute cab ride from the Zona.

I personally like the Hong Kong much better during the day. There are far fewer guys there, and plenty of women. During the night it can become very hot, and a sausage fest. To each there own......

Health & happiness to all.............

If you are staying in the US side and want to party late in TJ get a car, carrentals.com has cheap deals. Even paying one night for a taxi might not be worth it if you missed the train. I think leaving by midnight would be about right to get the last train.
I agree you wont find anything close to Ticuan for the price in Chula vista or surrounding area. I have stayed in about 5 or 6 motels around there and most of them are dumps. The knights Inn or Kings Inn you can see from highway 5 is by far the worst place I have ever stayed, had to leave within a couple of hours. The Vagabond Inn and La Quinta are decent but they would run you upto $85 or more.
On second thoughts you could stay at Ticuan and take day trips to San Diego on the trolley but the border crossing times during the day could be prohibitive.

Living in San Diego, I have the luxury of traveling back and forth from TJ to home. But I have stayed in both La Villa De Zaragoza ($42) and the Ticuan ($55) Hotels. And I would agree with Supersteve that the Ticuan is a great hotel for the money and within walking distance (or short cab ride) of the Zone. I walked during the day and took a cab for $3 bucks in the evening.

The Ticuan is also next to the La Pulgas nightclub for non-pro action, but knowing Spanish would help. I also agree with Supersteve that HK is better during the day and early evening hours. I've been going to HK about twice a week, and usually get there about 3pm and stay until I run out of pesos or dollar bills (whichever comes first), but about from 9-10 on, especially on the weekend, it does become a sausage festival.

The idea of staying in Chula Vista or San Ysidro does not appeal to me, especially when I could stay at one of the hotels I mentioned for the same or for a cheaper price. The Zone is active during the day. The street girls are out and the bars/clubs are open. I guess it is just a matter of comfort level.

[QUOTE=Phordphan]If I understand the gov't's "Logic" (and I use the term loosely), the card is basically just a "copy" of the "real" passport, but can only be used in certain locales, like MX, CA and the Carribean. I believe that to obtain one you must have a valid, current, passport.

Back in the day they used to renew your passport and give you the old one with some holes punched in it. It was a cool souvenir if you had stamps, visas, etc. But now they keep the old passport. I had to renew mine, and got my card at the same time.

If your PP is expired, I think you're gonna have to pony up for both...[/QUOTE]

That's not entirely true. The passport card is a completely separate document and not a copy of the real passport. It was designed as a low cost option for frequent land crossers who didn't need a full paper passport book for their trips back and forth. A passport book is $140+ whatever fees. A passport card is only $50 for non-passport book holders. If it cheaper to renew them both at the same time than to get a passport card now and then get the passport renewal later. For those of us that need a full blown passport book but travel to Mexico often, the passport card is great because it means less wear and tear carrying the passport book, and if your passport card is lost or stolen it has no impact on your ability to travel on your passport book.

You won't need to get a new passport in order to get a passport card. You may also need to pay a rush charge if you go to the passport office for the passport card (you must make an appointment and your travel date must be within two weeks to qualify). That might be worth it to you.

I know they quote a month for passport cards, but I got mine in less than 10 days by mail by applying by mail. YMMV, of course.

A phone call to the passport number at travel.state.gov will help answer all your questions.

[QUOTE=Super Gato]That's not entirely true. The passport card is a completely separate document and not a copy of the real passport. It was designed as a low cost option for frequent land crossers who didn't need a full paper passport book for their trips back and forth. A passport book is $140+ whatever fees. A passport card is only $50 for non-passport book holders. If it cheaper to renew them both at the same time than to get a passport card now and then get the passport renewal later. For those of us that need a full blown passport book but travel to Mexico often, the passport card is great because it means less wear and tear carrying the passport book, and if your passport card is lost or stolen it has no impact on your ability to travel on your passport book.

You won't need to get a new passport in order to get a passport card. You may also need to pay a rush charge if you go to the passport office for the passport card (you must make an appointment and your travel date must be within two weeks to qualify). That might be worth it to you.

I know they quote a month for passport cards, but I got mine in less than 10 days by mail by applying by mail. YMMV, of course.

A phone call to the passport number at travel.state.gov will help answer all your questions.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the clarification!!

[QUOTE=Hargow20]I always park by Border Village road which runs parallel to San Ysidro blvd. This is right near the Kentucky fried chicken. I have never had any problems parking there.[/QUOTE]

How much is that ?

Cheers

[QUOTE=Kman1]How is it on saturdays early afternoon like 11am? I am hoping to make my 3:15 flight, including the trolley and the bus time to get to the airport. Worse come worse i have to forgo my last morning pop and get there by 10am.[/QUOTE]

On a Saturday by noon, the line is often shorter since its hot and most have crossed the border in the morning. At 2 or later its typically a 10-15 minute wait.
I always plan 3 hours, which is generally good for anyday. The longest line I have been on was 90 minutes at the border on a weekday. You can take a taxi of you are late, versus the train.

I always have a rental and I have never missed a flight from SAN

I will be back Oct 18 until Nov 9. I got a great deal on jet blue for $350 from NYC. Considering I paid $600 + this summer I am thrilled.

I look forward to seeing the regulars.

[QUOTE=Captain Solo]Wow. You could be in Medellin having a great time for that kind of money. Why did you decide on Tijuana?

Are you hooked on big, fat, brown chicas? You have to stick your nose up where the sun never shines for some good aroma therapy? Give us some explanations here.

Will have to hook up with you this time. Have to buy a few drinks for a bro from the far-away land of New York...[/QUOTE]


Yes of course we will meet this time.

* You pose a good question that deserves a good response :

These days most of my trips come out to be the same price. The only difference would be cost of airfare and every now and then hotel costs.

TJ would be $5 a night more expensive for my hotel and between $5/10 more per chica session than medellin. The sex is far better in medellin but that's where it stops. I've posted several times that medellin is about drinking and fucking period....unless you know people can travel without a bathroom or have the money to hire a driver. TJ on the other hand is a fascinating city to me. I totally suck up the vibes. I love seeing the marineros with ski masks the chicas on the streets etc. I have a few other projects I can work on in TJ as well.

When I am in medellin I do my session then what ? I've stayed in the centro for a total of 7 weeks. The other areas are too expensive and don't offer anything different. Lima peru is a great city...not medellin. Eventually I will go back to medellin and combine it with an overdue trip to cali. Cartegena is too expensive and bogota is too high.

This time I really need to get over doing bbbj everytime. I see some really hot indian girls in TJ but I never take advantage due to no butt licking and bbjs. I will try (no promises) to get off without it. I can always get a pig to slurp on me now and then.

What are my chances of getting kisses tit sucking and feet smelling ?

[QUOTE=Artisttyp]I will be back Oct 18 until Nov 9. I got a great deal on jet blue for $350 from NYC. Considering I paid $600 + this summer I am thrilled.

I look forward to seeing the regulars.[/QUOTE]

Looking forward to a great ass monger reunion!