General Reports

[Cocr Brotheler]

Hello,

Wanted to post this here also since a lot of why'all travel downstate.

I'm planning an 8-10 day romp focused on CDMX why Puebla and looking for any input on optimal travel time and effort. Would be better to fly into CDMX first from San Antonio or Austin and spend the night in CDMX or go directly from the CDMX airport via bus to Puebla city? Or if the flight prices the same or not too much more to fly into Puebla via MTY (I live in Centex) then go to CDMX after my horns have been trimmed in Puebla?

For CDMX I could use a few pointers on S. A. Please as I not can afford that in the USA.

Thank you.

[Captain Solo]

Claudia Sheinbaum bowed to Trump's demand to interrupt drugs flow across border, ordered LE at all levels to step up drugs interdiction effort.

For lazy and corrupt Policia Municipal, it's easier and safer to harass mongers in La Zona than chasing real cartel guys in colonias.

[Sol12]

I am not sure what is the caused the shift but the environment has definitely changed in Tijuana.

All in 2025.

Been stopped in taxi and searched. Been stopped on sidewalk next to HK and had money stolen from me. Pretty sure these police were on cocaine. Been stopped at other end of SW Ally block by parking structure. These two were also drugged up imo. I was stopped in my car driving in the Zona by a couple more cops on cocaine.

I never had drugs on me or any reason to be harassed. I seen this a lot in the 90's and early 2000's. Someone told me there was a big clean up in Tijuana and things got better. 2025 is the worst I have seen.

I still say it has to do with the new administration that took over in October. They have concentrated their efforts in the problem neighborhoods and the Zona Norte is one of the worst. Last month they began taking private cameras that were set up by the cartels in different neighborhoods to keep an eye on what is going on and would give them a heads up if police were coming. If I remember correctly the Zona Norte had the most removed which was close to 100.

The only thing that has changed in the last couple of weeks is that the security chief of the city left and the mayor also replaced the police chief. Both new officials that replaced them seem to be doing the same things since they were working and I haven't read about any new tactics they have implemented.

[Phordphan]

3) HK now has a $4 beers on Wednesdays special. Never seen that before. Also noticed HK had their exchange rate that whole weekend at 18:1, while the going exchange rate at the nearby currency exchange stores was around 19.5:1. Had never noticed that wide of a discrepancy before, all other bars and restaurants I went to in Tijuana that weekend were doing either 19:1 or 20:1. So was certainly advantageous to use the dollar (instead of pesos) at the time.

HK sets their prices in dollars, and then converts the price to pesos based on their posted exchange rate, which is bass-ackwards from the way a normal business would do it. So, if they want $4, and their rate is 18:1, they will charge 72 pesos for a beer. However, if you exchange dollars for pesos at 19.5 pesos to the dollar, you're effectively paying $3.69 for that same beer, and at 20:1 you're paying $3.60. So, when their exchange rate is so lopsided it's cheaper to pay in pesos. It's just another way to chisel the customers for a little bit extra.

[BrotherMouzone]

Some random notes from my most recent trip to Tijuana a couple of weekends ago:

1) So coming up on around 15 years of visiting Tijuana (on and off an average of 2 or 3 times a year visiting Tijuana throughout those years so not too frequently) I finally got stopped by policia for the first time. On a Friday night had literally just walked out the front door of Cascadas (where I was staying) and was about to walk up to Revolucion to one of the breweries to grab a few drinks before hitting the clubs. Only made it a few steps on Coahuila (maybe a little bit past the church approaching Adelitas) when a police truck pulls up beside me and gestures for me to come over to the truck. They ask me at least a couple of times where I'm headed (basically explain I'm headed up to Revolucion to get a few drinks) and then ask if I have drugs on me (I say no as I've never been a drug user or dealer LOL). They don't get out of the truck but the officer on the passenger's side asks me to empty my pockets so they can search the contents. I pull out everything in my pockets including my wallet, cellphone, and the case I store my eyeglasses (which were in the case at the time) in. I tried to take my cash (only around $40 to $50) out of my wallet before handing it over but the officer grabbed the wallet out of my hand before I could do that and told me not to worry, he wasn't going to steal anything while he searched the contents (which he searched in my view). While searching they kept asking me if I had any drugs, asked again where I was headed, and why I "looked so nervous".

After a minute or two of searching what I had, they gave me all my stuff back and let me go. They never got out of the truck to search me more thoroughly. Checked my wallet after they left and they didn't take any cash or any of my credit cards. I'll say that other than the accusatory line of questioning and kind of grabbing my wallet out of my hands they were generally cordial. Proceeded with my walk to Revolucion. One of the dudes who tries to get people walking by to come into the massage spot across the street ran over to me after the police left asking what happened and if I was OK. I told him I was fine, got searched and asked if I had drugs on me but that they didn't take any cash or any of my stuff so I was good. He told me to just "be careful" and then walked away.

Was disappointed in the experience as I've always been of the belief that you usually have to be doing something stupid to get accosted by the Tijuana policia; I was simply walking by myself from Cascadas to Revolucion as I've done dozens of times for many years with no issue. My few previous experiences with Tijuana policia have actually all been positive. With that said, it was only a 2-3 minute experience and they didn't take anything so I guess it wasn't that bad relative to experiences many others have had. But I guess it must be true they're stopping people in Zona Norte more often than they have in the past as I've never had that happen to me before. Feel like I'm good at keeping a low profile and not drawing attention to myself.

2) Was at Bar Topical a little after 10 pm on Sunday night. On the first floor in the main dancing area they had a full-on sex show with a male, two chicas, and a bunch of soap. The male was completely naked and there was full vaginal penetration and a BJ with both chicas, with a used condom held up at the end to show for it LOL. Obviously the female soap shows are common but never seen a dude involved like that in all my years going to Zona Norte. I assume the dude was a customer but don't know, didn't get any of the details on that LOL. Was borderline shocking, though was hilarious to watch.

3) HK now has a $4 beers on Wednesdays special. Never seen that before. Also noticed HK had their exchange rate that whole weekend at 18:1, while the going exchange rate at the nearby currency exchange stores was around 19.5:1. Had never noticed that wide of a discrepancy before, all other bars and restaurants I went to in Tijuana that weekend were doing either 19:1 or 20:1. So was certainly advantageous to use the dollar (instead of pesos) at the time.

4) If you're staying at Hotel Cascadas (HK) the wifi password is actually on those orange bracelets they give hotel guests. Didn't realize that until one of the HK employees pointed it out to me this past trip. That was useful as I couldn't remember what it was and didn't have it saved in my phone.

5) There's no more construction on Coahuila (as there had been for several months the last time I was in Tijuana). I also noticed what appears to be a new hotel in the alley (on the Ave Constitucion side) though I don't remember the name.

6) Found a new steak spot called Mochomos that I've added to my list of favorite food spots in TJ. In the Chapultepec area off Agua Caliente. Will look to write a review about it on the Food board later when I have some time. Cool spot.

[Hadez]

I would respectfully disagree. I was in Tijuana a couple of months ago and the police were stopping all traffic on the bridge heading into town from the border. They checked all the taxis and had the passengers get out so they could get searched. Fortunately for me, the police didn't take anything from me, but I have heard that some of my friends who've been to Zona Norte since have had some money taken, and they've told me they won't go back until tensions calm down.

However, I hear that if you utilize the Hong Kong shuttle at the border, the police will not stop the limo (or SUV, they have two vehicles).

I am not sure what is the caused the shift but the environment has definitely changed in Tijuana.

All in 2025.

Been stopped in taxi and searched. Been stopped on sidewalk next to HK and had money stolen from me. Pretty sure these police were on cocaine. Been stopped at other end of SW Ally block by parking structure. These two were also drugged up imo. I was stopped in my car driving in the Zona by a couple more cops on cocaine.

I never had drugs on me or any reason to be harassed. I seen this a lot in the 90's and early 2000's. Someone told me there was a big clean up in Tijuana and things got better. 2025 is the worst I have seen.

[Sol12]

I would respectfully disagree. I was in Tijuana a couple of months ago and the police were stopping all traffic on the bridge heading into town from the border. They checked all the taxis and had the passengers get out so they could get searched. Fortunately for me, the police didn't take anything from me, but I have heard that some of my friends who've been to Zona Norte since have had some money taken, and they've told me they won't go back until tensions calm down.

However, I hear that if you utilize the Hong Kong shuttle at the border, the police will not stop the limo (or SUV, they have two vehicles).

The checkpoints have nothing to do with political tensions and have been around since before Trump. I was stopped before Trump was in office and asked to get out of the car. The cops just asked a few questions and let me go. Never looked in the car for anything and didn't search me.

The checkpoint by the Zona I'm sure they are looking for more because the area is know for drugs. If you don't have anything you have nothing to worry about. I was in Tijuana recently and it was very late so since my car was already parked I decided to just walk over to take the HK shuttle. This was the first time I have done so, well I noticed the checkpoint at the bottom of the bridge and yes the shuttle just went right by without being searched.

If people are getting taken advantage of by police and not reporting it the city can't weed out the bad cops. Everyone thinks that the city doesn't care what the cops do but it's not true and this administration has been doing things to help the people but it's not going to happen overnight.

Here's an article about what they are trying to do for the Easter week to help people report bad cops.

https://www.elimparcial.com/tij/tiju...es-de-tijuana/

[OPIllini]

It sounds like the political stuff has had zero impact on entering Mexico.

Despite the reports of long lines elsewhere.

I would respectfully disagree. I was in Tijuana a couple of months ago and the police were stopping all traffic on the bridge heading into town from the border. They checked all the taxis and had the passengers get out so they could get searched. Fortunately for me, the police didn't take anything from me, but I have heard that some of my friends who've been to Zona Norte since have had some money taken, and they've told me they won't go back until tensions calm down.

However, I hear that if you utilize the Hong Kong shuttle at the border, the police will not stop the limo (or SUV, they have two vehicles).

[Phordphan]

Rosarito, Tijuana, and Mexicali are the only cities in Baja California offering Uber service.

Ensenada would like a word with the author.

[StRobert]

(BTW In my opinion this is good news because the ABC bus Tijuana - Ensenada did not stop in Rosarito. Taxi expensive, and private car means long lines at the border to return to the US.) It's Official! Uber Begins Operations in Playas de Rosarito.

Rosarito, Tijuana, and Mexicali are the only cities in Baja California offering Uber service.

(Copy from newspaper San Diego Red Eric Sanchez April 11,2025).

Mayor Roco Adame Muoz of Playas de Rosarito, together with state officials and Uber representatives, presided over the press conference announcing the platform's official launch in the city.

"Playas de Rosarito has long been recognized nationally and internationally for the wonders it offers visitors. Uber's arrival comes at a strategic time, ensuring attendees of Tianguis Turstico 2025 and seasonal tourists can enjoy faster and more convenient transportation," the mayor said.

Uber to Offer Full Safety Features, Including C5 Integration.

Mayor Roco Adame of Rosarito noted that this launch aims to boost the local economy by creating flexible earning opportunities for residents who join as driver-partners.

The expansion of UberX to Playas de Rosarito will provide locals and tourists with an additional mobility option, allowing them to request rides via the app and connect efficiently with drivers for daily commutes.

The mayor reiterated her administration's and Uber's commitment to community safety. Users and drivers in Rosarito will have access to all national-level safety features, including: integration with C5 for emergency response, RideCheck technology to detect route anomalies, direct 911 calling from the app, encrypted audio recording during trips, random PIN verification for rides, and over 50 additional safety tools.

Uber Mexico's Operations Manager, Mauricio Iturralde, thanked the Baja California government led by Governor Marina del Pilar vila Olmeda, the Institute for Sustainable Mobility (IMOS) and Mayor Roco Adame Muoz of Rosarito for their support in advancing accessible, safe, and efficient mobility solutions.

"We're thrilled to join the daily lives of Rosarito residents. This community is vital to Baja California, attracting thousands of tourists yearly. Uber's technology will provide diverse mobility options tailored not just to local needs but also to enhance hospitality for visitors," Uber Mexico's Operations Manager said.

Over 3,000 Baja California Families Benefited.

The head of the IMOS, Jorge Alberto Gutirrez Topete, highlighted that Uber, with 12 years in Mexico, has invested in solutions for millions while creating income opportunities for 1. 7 million delivery drivers and ride-hailing partners nationwide.

He explained that, in Baja California alone, Uber has provided flexible income streams for retirees, single mothers, and students. Up until 2023, more than 3,000 local families had benefited from the platform.

[StRobert]

Shakira Coming to Tijuana in 2025 with Las Mujeres No Lloran World Tour.

This concert marks the singer's return to Tijuana, as her last visit was in July 2011.

(Eric Sanchez April 7 - Copy from "San Diego Red" newspaper).

Shakira keeps rocking Mexico! After selling out 7 shows last March, the Colombian superstar surprised fans by announcing new tour dates in the country, including stops in Torreand, Chihuahua, Hermosillo, and Tijuana.

These concerts are part of her global Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, celebrating her latest album and showcasing her musical journey spanning over three deca.

When and Where Will Shakira's Tijuana Concert Take Place?

The date is confirmed: Shakira will perform in Tijuana on August 11,2025. The concert will be held at Estadio Caliente, marking her return to the city after her last visit in July.

How Much Will Tickets Cost and When Is the Presale?

While official prices haven't been announced yet, tickets are expected to be in a similar range as other cities, starting at around $1,217 pesos ($59 USD), depending on the seating section.

For now, it's confirmed that tickets will be sold through eticket.mx on the following dates:

Banamex Presale: April 9, 2025.

General Sale: April 10,2025.

[LuvMexicanas]

It sounds like the political stuff has had zero impact on entering Mexico.

Despite the reports of long lines elsewhere.

Pay no mind to what they say and instead watch what they do.

[Zenduka1]

Has anyone done Hair Transplant in, preferably in Tijuana or surrounding areas, if not, in Mexico. If so, what is the verdict, satisfaction rate of work done, price, service, difficulty, etc.

I hear a lot about Turkey also.

Thanks in advance.

[Explorer8939]

It sounds like the political stuff has had zero impact on entering Mexico.

Despite the reports of long lines elsewhere.

[Sol12]

Good advice, I think I will grab the HK shuttle I Assume it's fine for Rizo customers as I understand they are sister companies. I was planning on being to the border by 430-5 am would you consider that safe to get to The airport by 8 am? And thanks for the happy bday almost 5-0 so this is the last birthday in this decade of my life.

Not sure how you plan to get to the airport so that will determine how long it takes you from the border. But as far as the time to cross by foot for the time you are looking at expect it to be at most 30 minutes.

Remember the those crossing start to begin more around 6 am which is why they open PedWest at that time. The thing that might help you next week is if kids are still on Spring Break which makes the border wait less.

If you go on CBP website it can also give you the average wait time by hour.