Hong Kong Club Reports

[QUOTE=MarksOfMagic;2475238]Thursday once again I experienced the classic shake down...[/QUOTE]Thank you for posting your experiences and alerting the board as to the perils of falling victim to the corrupt Tijuana LE establishment. I do feel though, that you posted in the wrong subforum. It would have been better served if you would have posted in "Crime, Safety, and the Police" rather than "Hong Kong Club Reports. " Hopefully, the moderator will move your post and my reply to the proper subforum.

Anyhow, this is for those newbie and intermediate mongers who aren't quite sure how to deal with the cops. This is long, detailed, and advanced, written by the hand of a monger who's been stationed on the front lines for over a dozen years.

Just about every one of you know, or should know, that Tijuana cops are corrupt as hell. Their only concern is to rob the public. Any other duties they happen to perform are just inconveniences that get in the way of their real purpose which is stealing. It makes me laugh when mongers report that they were stopped and searched for no reason, then let go and the cops were "just doing their job. " How idiotic can you be? The cops weren't doing their job. They were committing a crime. The one and only reason they stopped you is because they wanted to rob you. Whether they actually steal from you or not depends on a variety of factors including you, your attitude, witnesses, how desperate for money they are, etc. The corruption is widespread, nonetheless the cops are quite careful when robbing people and take care to avoid the eyes of potential witnesses. This leads me to believe that there is some sort of accountability and they are indeed afraid of potential retributions if caught.

Before you leave the house:

1. If you have to carry lots of cash, hide most of it in your shoe. Cops rarely search shoes.

2. Write on the back of a business card "Sindicatura 664-973-7273" and "si te robaron marca 911" and place it in a prominent spot in your wallet, such as the transparent ID compartment. Or place it along with your cash. Make sure you put it where the cops will find it. In most cases, this will be all you need to scare the shit out of the cops and be let go immediately.

Sindicatura is the anti-corruption internal affairs department of Tijuana P. The. They actually do almost nothing against police corruption, but somehow cops are still afraid of them. And the emergency number in Tijuana is 911 just like in the USA They take the calls seriously here for some reason. I can't figure it out, because the corruption is rampant here, from top to bottom, but they still take 911 calls seriously. If you get robbed by the cops, call 911 immediately and report it. Make sure you provide the police vehicle number which is displayed on it. It usually starts with a "P" such as P-5051. A police supervisor will be sent to the scene and chances are decent you'll get your money back.

Now there are two basic scenarios in which you will be stopped and searched for no reason:

1. While walking or as a passenger in a vehicle that you do not own, such as Uber or Taxi.

2. While driving in your vehicle or vehicle of someone known to you.

I suspect most mongers will fit within category #1. If you are walking or in an Uber / taxi, the cops obviously cannot threaten to tow your car. Also, they cannot fabricate traffic infractions and ask you to pay the fine on the spot, with the exception of seat belt violations. So they lose a tremendous amount of leverage. This scenario will result in a straight-up robbery rather than making you pay a bribe. When you get called over by the cops, immediately grab your cash and hold it in your hand. Do not let them touch it. You can let them see it, and show that you are not hiding contraband, but do not let them touch the money. Once they see that you know what to do with your money, they will identify you as a Tijuana veteran and much less likely a target for theft. If you forget to grab your cash, the chances of getting robbed increases dramatically. What they will do is make you put your hands on the trunk of their car. There will be one cop in front of you, questioning you and keeping you occupied. The second cop will search your pockets from behind. He'll remove items from your pockets then place them on the trunk. The first cop will then ask stupid questions hoping to distract you like "what is that" while pointing to your lighter. Well, it's a fucking lighter. Meanwhile, the second cop will be thumbing through and pocketing some of your cash. Then they'll let you go. By the time you compose yourself and count your cash, they are long gone.

If you're driving a vehicle, this makes the situation much more complicated. The cops will threaten to tow and impound your car for any minor infraction, soliciting a bribe on the spot. Unfortunately, most mongers fear dealing with the headache of retrieving an impounded vehicle so they just pay an agreed amount, usually around $50 usd. Cops will usually quote an exaggerated amount of the fine, but they almost always are willing to negotiate. Your best defense is to know the law, and let them know you're not a scared tourist. If they threaten to tow your car, tell them legally they cannot, and ask them to write you a ticket and that you know that Tijuana P. The. Has a P. O. Box in San Ysidro where you can mail the fine. Many times the cop will insist that you follow him to the police station to pay the fine. Agree to this. The cop will be surprised and keep giving you the option of ending the ordeal by paying a fine on the spot. Insist that it is okay to go to the station. This has happened to me a dozen times and not once has the cop actually arrived at station. After a block or two, he'll stop, approach your vehicle and give you another chance to pay the fine. Politely refuse. He will then let you go because the last thing he wants is some gringo at the station complaining about being harassed to pay a bribe. When they suggest that you pay a fine on the spot, tell them you have a friend that works at Sindicatura and he advised you that paying cash to a police officer is a crime, and that you cannot pay him because you do not wish to commit a crime. You'll likely be let go with mere mention of the word "Sindicatura."

Other tips:

1. When you get pulled over or stopped by the cops, try to stop in a well-lighted location with lots of witnesses. A place that is sure to have security cameras, such as a bank, is ideal.

2. They will ask where you live or where you are going. Tell them you're headed to your apartment in Tijuana. Just make up a location. I can speak from personal experience, cops are far more likely to back down when they think you live there. The last three times I was stopped, I actually heard the cop say to his partner "he lives here" then they both proceeded to get in their car and leave.

3. If you are stopped for actually committing a crime, or if they do find contraband on you, then you're going to have to pay. You might be taken for a ride handcuffed to the back of a police pickup, or in a squad car if you're lucky. If you did indeed commit a crime, then just offer to pay a reasonable fine on the spot and skip the handcuffed tour.

4. Do not use taxi's when leaving the Zona. There have been multiple reports of taxistas in cahoots with cops to rob passengers. Uber / Didi is a far safer and lower cost option.

5. Tijuana has an English-speaking tourist assistance hotline that can be accessed by dialing 078. I'm not sure if you can access it from an American phone roaming in Mexico. Anyhow, if you get stopped, immediately dial 078 and advise the officers that since your Spanish is terrible, you need the assistance of the tourist hotline to help facilitate the encounter. Knowing that the entire detainment is being reported and recorded in real time, they will likely just let you go rather than deal with the hassle.

Despite the deep level of corruption, the cops are surprisingly civil when they rob you. They rarely will rob you for everything you have. They usually take about $50 usd or so. I have not heard reports of them stealing jewelry, watches, wedding rings, cell phones or other valuables. Likely because those type of items are identifiable and traceable. I'll end this with one last tip. When actually handing a bribe to an officer, he will discretely take it and quickly put the money in his pocket without counting it. If you agree on a $500 mx fine, you can get away with handing over $250 because by the time the cop finds a private spot to count the cash, you'll be long gone.

[QUOTE=MarksOfMagic;2475238]By no way is this a way to discourage any guys from going down south, but Thursday once again I experienced the classic shake down steps from johnny tortas. Consider it part of the "taxes" you pay for cheap women and beers.

After a quick Wednesday trip from 730 to930 pm touring the streets, hk and tropical bar I decided to call it a night. Usually I would take Hks vehicles, which none of this would have happened had they been there or an uber, but taxi was right there in front of hk so why not. Orange marked corolla.

This taxi was driving slow, took me ciricles to end up on a freeway exit only to end up back by colorful parking garage. Weird way given he" is" a taxi driver. He Ask many questions about my job, work and how much girls cost, how many I banged, which I stayed mum and said very little. Trying to start a conversation of some sort. Then he calls on his phone and said something which translated to "yes I am on the turn".

Next thing you know, flashing lights. Wtf. I am. Looking at johnny tortas. Cops asks me to empty my pockets, wallet cell phone. Etc ask for any drugs and weapons. Etc I told him to please wear a mask for your saftey because I am from California. This has happened to me in the past near chapparral as I was going to hk rather than leaving but I pulled out my HK VIP card and flagged down the HK limo and they saved me. Circa 2019 precovid. Such an ancient memory.

The reason he pulled me over was for a seat belt violent and its on camera. Total bullshit. Saying its a 1,500 P fine. Or $100. Exchange rate way off. And I would need to go down to the station to pay the ticket. I say ok lets go but he then proceeds to look in the taxi supposedly to look for drugs according to the taxi driver. Now I said crap, how do I minimize the damage.

1. I offer the cop $20 cause that's what I had showing with a couple $1's. Thought about it for a sec and took it and let me go. Same cost as a paraditas which makes him a puta.

I walk away towards johnny tortas, and flick off the taxi as he passes by. Total waste of 10 minutes. I hadn't paid the taxi which is obvious he was in on it.

Always keep $100 in your sock or extra change maybe a $20 in your pocket. Be patient. I guess don't sit in the back of the cars. It seemed that I was literally the only one leaving the block that Wednesday night at 930 so I was eaay pickings. Don't try to jump out of the taxi which I considered.

I was once in a paddy wagon again by johnny tortas with a co worker who threw up after we got dropped off. Was in there from 3 am all the way to 7 am. The sun was up when we were free. Initially the cop asked for $400 each. Opened the door maybe 50 times each time lowering his price eqch ti. E. he Had our cells phones and us hostage only to eventually release us at $40 for the both of us. A couple hours later.

Its what comes with the beautiful woman at the fraction of american prices. I'm considering it taxes and small risk. Compared to US law enforment risks and prices. Welcome to Tijuana.[/QUOTE]I was in the zona Wednesday night hitting Chicago's and Tropical. I caught an uber leaving the zona around 2 am, luckily with no mishaps (even though I actually did have contraband on me, a couple joints LOL). Do you happen to remember the taxi driver, like some details about how he looked, his car? Just so maybe guys can try to avoid the dirty rat. I never take taxis but one idea could be if you catch a taxi in the zona norte take a photo of the plates and car, and even a photo of the taxi driver if you can. If he asks why you want to take pictures just say for security purposes and if he doesn't want to allow photos then just find another taxi. Maybe if he knows you have a photo of him and or his car and license plates he would decide not to scam you.

Random memory: I remember years ago I was in Medellin Colombia, half drunk, leaving Parque Lleras in a taxi around 2 am. I asked the taxista if he could score me some reefer and he took me to some sketchy looking alley and slowed down where this dealer came out of some dark hiding place and sold me a joint. Then the taxista drove me around cruising around downtown Medellin while I smoked the joint in his car for a little night cap before dropping me off at my hotel. I took care of him with a decent tip. I was young and dumb at the time.

Very interesting and insightful report for a quick visit.

Defintiely recommend taking bus 998 to American Plaza and cross over to the trolley station, quick, cheap, convenient and you can see a little bit of San Diego's water front and downtown district. The trolley lines also take you to some of the best tourist spots, Balboa Park, Old Town, Little Italy with the lively weekend street market, woth exploring.

Azul's is ptretty good and convenient; steaks are good and cheap, about $10 for a ribeye over 1 lbs with trimmings. You can also take a little walk to the trinket alley next to hotel Nelson and Ave. Revo, where there are many authentic Mexican restaurants. Good Brazilain steakhouses, Churrascaria do Brasil and Sr. Pampas, are on Ave LOS Heroes about 1 to 2 miles from La Zona, a quick UBER ride.

In the bars the bros have to be asserive, not let meseros dictate to them and rip them off. Find a good place to sit and take the time to scope out the talents. Approach the girls and talk to them. If you find them nice, sweet, pretty and pleasant, invite the best prospects to sit and drink with you and try touchies feelies to figure out how intimate and sexy she will be with you in bed. Girls in the new HK are all new and look ordinary in street clothes. I could not find model-quality beauties like before. I miss some of the prettiest and sweetest girls and want to repat with them.

Interesting some girls would work the street then the bars same day. That's direct competition. In the past, girls would switch back and forth but never do both on the same day. Bar managers may get pissed off and banish them to the street permanently. Street girls can also be hired as GFs for the night. They are glad to get off their feet and lay down in bed all night, getting pleasured by guys. If you frequent La Zona and get to know some of them, they can deliver long GFEs for a fraction of the costs of bar girls.

The pedestrian and car lines to cross back into the US are unpredictable and most time insanely long. The bros should apply for Global Entry or SENTRI which usually take 5 to 10 minutes to cross, or plan to walk back after midnight. My wingmen have been able to walk back in 5, 10 minutes late at night, never in the day time, especially after 3 PM on Sat and Sunday.

[QUOTE=Jinxx;2475487]I was in the zona Wednesday night hitting Chicago's and Tropical. I caught an uber leaving the zona around 2 am, luckily with no mishaps (even though I actually did have contraband on me, a couple joints LOL). Do you happen to remember the taxi driver, like some details about how he looked, his car? Just so maybe guys can try to avoid the dirty rat. I never take taxis but one idea could be if you catch a taxi in the zona norte take a photo of the plates and car, and even a photo of the taxi driver if you can. If he asks why you want to take pictures just say for security purposes and if he doesn't want to allow photos then just find another taxi. Maybe if he knows you have a photo of him and or his car and license plates he would decide not to scam you.

Random memory: I remember years ago I was in Medellin Colombia, half drunk, leaving Parque Lleras in a taxi around 2 am. I asked the taxista if he could score me some reefer and he took me to some sketchy looking alley and slowed down where this dealer came out of some dark hiding place and sold me a joint. Then the taxista drove me around cruising around downtown Medellin while I smoked the joint in his car for a little night cap before dropping me off at my hotel. I took care of him with a decent tip. I was young and dumb at the time.[/QUOTE]Another reason to stick to uber. I gave up on thebtaxisb in mexico when he took me to playas and demanded more money to my street or drop me off in darknstreet. I chose the dark street. Spent maybe 300 on uber over the years since. Taxis didn't want my money. I'm not rich gringo who can help their poverty life. Luke on utube always says pay the cab 10 bucks if he asks, cause they are hard workers etc. Get the f out of here. These cab drivers are a pain in the ass. You know whose been cool over 100 times? The bus drivers. Never a single problem. Those guys I pay a dollar for and usually tip a dollar. But no tip is normal. Much better.

Where is the pick-up location outside of land entry for Uber? If it's the same spot at the cabs, no problem at all. Was just worried about looking like a lost gringo trying to find an Uber if I have to walk somewhere.

[QUOTE=CaptainSolo;2475557]Very interesting and insightful report for a quick visit.

The bros should apply for Global Entry or SENTRI which usually take 5 to 10 minutes to cross, or plan to walk back after midnight. My wingmen have been able to walk back in 5, 10 minutes late at night, never in the day time, especially after 3 PM on Sat and Sunday.[/QUOTE]I just applied for SENTRI. Once I get it, do you just walk your ass up to the front of the line? The line that I saw (that I skipped ultimatley with the bus) was like 2 hours. Do you still need to wait in that, or just walk up to the front and tell them SENTRI if they slow you down?

Just bypass the line and walk ahead, looking for any sign of SENTRI lane, or walk straight to the SENTRI booths.

Hold your SENTRI card out and tell the people in the long line "SENTRI, SENTRI" so they don't think you are cutting their line and get pissed off.

[QUOTE=YyzTravel;2475564]Where is the pick-up location outside of land entry for Uber? If it's the same spot at the cabs, no problem at all. Was just worried about looking like a lost gringo trying to find an Uber if I have to walk somewhere.[/QUOTE]Walk across street. Its a pain to get your phone to work or deal with the traffic etc. I find it easier to pay 50 cents in pesos take the bus to revolucion then get a uber if I want one.

[QUOTE=YyzTravel;2475596]I just applied for SENTRI. Once I get it, do you just walk your ass up to the front of the line? The line that I saw (that I skipped ultimatley with the bus) was like 2 hours. Do you still need to wait in that, or just walk up to the front and tell them SENTRI if they slow you down?[/QUOTE]You just walk straight past the regular line until you see the Sentri line, which is almost always very short. Just flash your Sentri card if you are questioned.

[QUOTE=YyzTravel;2475596]I just applied for SENTRI. Once I get it, do you just walk your ass up to the front of the line? The line that I saw (that I skipped ultimatley with the bus) was like 2 hours. Do you still need to wait in that, or just walk up to the front and tell them SENTRI if they slow you down?[/QUOTE]I think you just walk up to the front and there are separate lines only for sentri people. The wait should be like almost nothing. I don't think there is any wait at all for sentri holders.

[QUOTE=YyzTravel;2475596]I just applied for SENTRI. Once I get it, do you just walk your ass up to the front of the line? The line that I saw (that I skipped ultimatley with the bus) was like 2 hours. Do you still need to wait in that, or just walk up to the front and tell them SENTRI if they slow you down?[/QUOTE]Prepare yourself for a long ass wait.

[QUOTE=YyzTravel;2475596]I just applied for SENTRI. Once I get it, do you just walk your ass up to the front of the line? The line that I saw (that I skipped ultimatley with the bus) was like 2 hours. Do you still need to wait in that, or just walk up to the front and tell them SENTRI if they slow you down?[/QUOTE]Put your SENTRI card in your hand and walk past everybody. I haven't had to use it to cross by foot in a long time. But, if there is a US guard at the gate, show him the SENTRI and he'll let you in. There will be a separate line for SENTRI / Global Entry holders. Rarely more than a couple people in line.

I only cross by car now. Before Covid, anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes in the SENTRI lanes, depending on time of day and whether crossing at San Ysidro or Otay. These days it's 2 or 3 minutes. But Otay closes at 10 pm every night now.

[QUOTE=YyzTravel;2475564]Where is the pick-up location outside of land entry for Uber? If it's the same spot at the cabs, no problem at all. Was just worried about looking like a lost gringo trying to find an Uber if I have to walk somewhere.[/QUOTE]I haven't crossed on foot through PedEast since February, but AFAIK there is no designated area for Ubers like there is at PedWest. After you clear Customs and walk to where the taxi's wait, cross the street. Most Ubers seem to pick up there, in the vicinity of Farmacia Milenia. If you're feeling adventurous and are traveling light, for $15 pesos you can hop on one of the small buses. They all drop off at the Dax on Constitucion and 3 ra, which is exactly 2.5 blocks directly south of the Zona.

[QUOTE=Phordphan;2475662]Put your SENTRI card in your hand and walk past everybody. I haven't had to use it to cross by foot in a long time. But, if there is a US guard at the gate, show him the SENTRI and he'll let you in. There will be a separate line for SENTRI / Global Entry holders. Rarely more than a couple people in line.

I only cross by car now. Before Covid, anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes in the SENTRI lanes, depending on time of day and whether crossing at San Ysidro or Otay. These days it's 2 or 3 minutes. But Otay closes at 10 pm every night now.[/QUOTE]At san ysidro the last time I crossed they let us passport holders go in front as if they were sentri holders. The border is a whole game, in many ways. I'm going to take a guess, that that, is the result of the medical pass scam where Mexico now requires anyone to pay 7 dollars to cut the line, AR which point a individual wouldn't wait an extra hour from all the line cutting if they refused to pay 7 bdollars.

More problems in "HK" again. Definitely seeing problems I had never seen before in over 150 visits to HK before covid. There's just to oversight its everyone for themselves. A girl asked me to buy her a drink. The waiter opens 2 beers for her. I explain why 2? He said I gave permission. I said no. That's ridiculous. After I said It the 3rd time the girl starts putting her shirt on. He handed me my money back so I could give him more. In Hong Kong that never happens. Never seen a girl ordered drinks. At once. Before I even spend a minute with her. I walked out so they got zero from me. Spent my 80 on drinks elsewhere. 95% of the dudes wpulda just paid it I guess so I can't blame them. Another waiter kept my 3 dollars change at another club. That's never happened in 150 trips to Tijuana. I told the next waiterbi can't tip him. If you just bend over they will keep giving it to you.