Medellin Reports

[MiamiSammy]

Some additional tips that I use with taxis. Like Villainy said, pick a landmark that gets you close. For Laureles, La Setenta con Avenida San Juan puts you about in the middle of the strip, by the Exito. One phrase to remember is "cerca de" or close to. "Es cerca de Plaza Botero", it's close to Plaza Botero.

Always check the meter when you get in the taxi. I believe the current starting point is 3300. I've gotten in taxis and seen the meter at as high as 14,000. Just say "Senor, el metro" and point to it. He should reset it. If you don't notice it, you'll end up being overcharged.

If you know where you're going, such as back to your hotel and you've made 10 trips, don't be afraid to give directions. You'll only need to learn a few phrases.

En la proxima esquina, gira a la. At the next corner, turn to the.

Derecha. Right.

Izquierda. Left.

Continua derecho. Continue straight.

Don't try to use the taxi to get small bills, like trying to pay for a 14 k taxi with a 50 k bill. Most won't have the change, or want to give it to you. Some will use the opportunity to pawn off a counterfeit 10 k or 20 k bill.

I almost never get a taxi that's waiting in Parque Lleras. Instead I'll take the short walk down Calle 9 to Avenida Poblado and grab the first taxi waiting in front of Parque Poblado. You're getting a random taxi that way. I've also walked out to Calle 10 to flag one down. This avoids dealing with the traffic around the park which can take 15 minutes to get through.

Last bit of advice that applies to taxis, Uber and DiDi: Close the door gently. Most of us are used to bigger cars with heavier doors. The quickest way to get on the bad side of a driver is to slam his door.

Good info, great report!

[Surfer500]

As I pointed out the risks and issues for my self personally, as they say everything is cool until, you're dead laid out on the sidewalk.

I can get complacent, I've been in some of the worst slums of Tijuana that I do not recommend for anyone, even at noon YMMV.

Studying Colombia shows a big difference to me at least, I have never seen gringos targeted in Tijuana not even those that look like me blonde hair blue eyes in flip flops shorts and Hawaiian shirts jajajaj.

I see the stories of muggings in Colombia with sex tourists and others being targeted.

I don't think this has ever happened in Tijuana.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lIunFoBzHM

Statistically I believe Tijuana has the most homicides in the world, but I believe it is safer than Colombia.

Because gringos are not the target..

Actually about 10 years ago it was very dangerous not only for gringos but locals in Zona Norte. There had been so many killings for a period of time by the drug cartels, that they completely pulled the police from the Zona Norte meaning Nino Hero's, Constitution, first street, and the alley. So what would happen is groups of guys would assault people on the sidewalk by giving them a chokehold with the victim passing out. They would also have look outs on first street opposite Hotel Enva alerting their partners of potential targets. I still went down on the weekends, always staying in Hotel Leyva, and would actually walk in the street versus the sidewalk. I remember once being by Hotel Enva, and across the street in front a barbershop the thugs knocked out an older Mexican guy, took his stuff in front of everyone, and slowly walked away versus running. With no police presence it was very dangerous during this time.

I was down there about four months ago and besides the corrupt police and the army in trucks, nowadays the worst that can happen to you is the cops will jack you up, but getting slashed with a knife, well I've never heard of a gringo getting slashed up. I know Colombia is much more dangerous than in Tijuana, yet I feel more comfortable in Medellin than in Tijuana. Albeit if you have a problem in Tijuana it's easy to get back across the border.

[JjBee62]

I think that is a great advantage to have that info as you said. I would think that any cabbie using it will also have GPS or be a little smarter and know the route and not go for a round the world tour.

Good info, Thanks! Got my first vaccination and second in a few weeks. Waiting for COPA to resume flights at my airport and for a decent price. They have become more like US Airlines in last couple years. Seating, baggage etc. But at least when I get back, I'll be trying out Cabify and DiDi among other things.

Some additional tips that I use with taxis. Like Villainy said, pick a landmark that gets you close. For Laureles, La Setenta con Avenida San Juan puts you about in the middle of the strip, by the Exito. One phrase to remember is "cerca de" or close to. "Es cerca de Plaza Botero", it's close to Plaza Botero.

Always check the meter when you get in the taxi. I believe the current starting point is 3300. I've gotten in taxis and seen the meter at as high as 14,000. Just say "Senor, el metro" and point to it. He should reset it. If you don't notice it, you'll end up being overcharged.

If you know where you're going, such as back to your hotel and you've made 10 trips, don't be afraid to give directions. You'll only need to learn a few phrases.

En la proxima esquina, gira a la. At the next corner, turn to the.

Derecha. Right.

Izquierda. Left.

Continua derecho. Continue straight.

Don't try to use the taxi to get small bills, like trying to pay for a 14 k taxi with a 50 k bill. Most won't have the change, or want to give it to you. Some will use the opportunity to pawn off a counterfeit 10 k or 20 k bill.

I almost never get a taxi that's waiting in Parque Lleras. Instead I'll take the short walk down Calle 9 to Avenida Poblado and grab the first taxi waiting in front of Parque Poblado. You're getting a random taxi that way. I've also walked out to Calle 10 to flag one down. This avoids dealing with the traffic around the park which can take 15 minutes to get through.

Last bit of advice that applies to taxis, Uber and DiDi: Close the door gently. Most of us are used to bigger cars with heavier doors. The quickest way to get on the bad side of a driver is to slam his door.

[Uttert2003]

Everything you do is "too dangerous" to someone.

I'd rather take my chances than end up spending the last 30 years of my life wondering what I missed.

Mongers by nature thrive in environments that are not for the weak at heart. I've spent a lot of time, effort, money and worry in dark alleys and doorways. It's part of the thrill in my opinion.

My first trip to Colombia is in three weeks and I intend to get to know El Centro very well.

[MarquisdeSade1]

Not to squabble over details as I too called Tijuana my home away from home from about 1998 through 2010 (before I moved to Medellin) as I was there just about every week during the summer months then winter was about once a month, so I know it well, all of it well, have great memories and experiences along with some close calls, so listen up:

Tijuana is arguably the most dangerous place in the world. They average close to 6 murders each day, every day. I just read a report from the San Diego Union-Tribune dated February 12,2021 and on that day Tijuana had recorded 223 murders, so about 40 days into the new year and 223 murders urrrrrrr.

Like you I too was never stabbed nor shot but being in the wrong place at the wrong time is a real possibility especially for persons like us that spend considerable time in any place. I have seen shoot-outs happen from the balcony of my hotel in the zone of tolerance, about one block north of Adelitas and also have happened upon a number of murders shortly after they happened.

There is a saying that nothing happens until it happens. I thank my lucky stars that I survived decades of visits and stays in Tijuana..

These guys roll thru the alley every few minutes with their mounted 60 Cal 24/7, so 1 day my buddy asks WTF is that really necessary.

I say hell yeah or they wouldn't be doing it jajajaja.

[JjBee62]

All around the world locals say you better not go downtown; it is too dangerous. I was in San Diego on my way to Tijuana and some Mexican ladies got freaked out when I told them I was going there. They said it is much too dangerous. I have been going there for 31 years and have never had a problem. Meanwhile Tijuana is one of the biggest threads on ISG. But of course it was these ladies' honest opinion as well.

Everything you do is "too dangerous" to someone.

I'd rather take my chances than end up spending the last 30 years of my life wondering what I missed.

[ChuchoLoco]

Cabify is an app to get a yellow taxi. It used to be called Easy Taxi, but they changed the name. One of the advantages of using an app is you have the name of the driver and the number of the taxi, just in case something goes wrong. A shortfall of the app is it doesn't show the route once you have started the trip.

I think that is a great advantage to have that info as you said. I would think that any cabbie using it will also have GPS or be a little smarter and know the route and not go for a round the world tour.

Good info, Thanks! Got my first vaccination and second in a few weeks. Waiting for COPA to resume flights at my airport and for a decent price. They have become more like US Airlines in last couple years. Seating, baggage etc. But at least when I get back, I'll be trying out Cabify and DiDi among other things.

[Fun Luvr]

... Anyway, thanks again to all for your input. I think an App is the way to go no matter which service. Metro and bus are fine during the day but taxi is for nights.

Cabify is an app to get a yellow taxi. It used to be called Easy Taxi, but they changed the name. One of the advantages of using an app is you have the name of the driver and the number of the taxi, just in case something goes wrong. A shortfall of the app is it doesn't show the route once you have started the trip.

[MarquisdeSade1]

Not to squabble over details as I too called Tijuana my home away from home from about 1998 through 2010 (before I moved to Medellin) as I was there just about every week during the summer months then winter was about once a month, so I know it well, all of it well, have great memories and experiences along with some close calls, so listen up:

Tijuana is arguably the most dangerous place in the world. They average close to 6 murders each day, every day. I just read a report from the San Diego Union-Tribune dated February 12,2021 and on that day Tijuana had recorded 223 murders, so about 40 days into the new year and 223 murders urrrrrrr.

Like you I too was never stabbed nor shot but being in the wrong place at the wrong time is a real possibility especially for persons like us that spend considerable time in any place. I have seen shoot-outs happen from the balcony of my hotel in the zone of tolerance, about one block north of Adelitas and also have happened upon a number of murders shortly after they happened..

As I pointed out the risks and issues for my self personally, as they say everything is cool until, you're dead laid out on the sidewalk.

I can get complacent, I've been in some of the worst slums of Tijuana that I do not recommend for anyone, even at noon YMMV.

Studying Colombia shows a big difference to me at least, I have never seen gringos targeted in Tijuana not even those that look like me blonde hair blue eyes in flip flops shorts and Hawaiian shirts jajajaj.

I see the stories of muggings in Colombia with sex tourists and others being targeted.

I don't think this has ever happened in Tijuana.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lIunFoBzHM

Statistically I believe Tijuana has the most homicides in the world, but I believe it is safer than Colombia.

Because gringos are not the target.

There was a shootout in the alley behind Hong Kong, were they targeting mongers? That alley usually has dozens, hell no.

It was the drug dealers.

Stay sober, stay alive.

[Paulie97]

One time I wanted to go to a hotel just of centro to meet my chica. He didn't understand so I pulled up the map with the hotel name and directions, even showed him street view. For whatever reason he just looks puzzled and starts making phone calls and and going on and on and on, on the phone about this place. The meter wasn't running so I didn't understand what was with this guy and why it was so difficult, just didn't make sense.

Maybe he was just stupid, or setting himself up for driving in circles when the meter was back on. This is a pretty common game in Medellin, though I've found it much more common in Costa Rica. They act all confused, stop and yell back and forth with other taxi drivers then go back to driving in circles. It usually stops when you tell them to drop you off so you can find another driver.

[Villainy]

Yellow Cab here is nothing like anywhere else you've been, good and bad. A third of the drivers are illiterate, 1/3 of the drivers will not be able to find your location without a bunch of false stops with the meter running. With that said the cabs are still a good deal about one-third the price of the USA. Be very wary of chicas or anybody who tries to steer you towards a pre-arranged private driver. You will probably end up paying more and at worse you could be getting set up for some nefarias criminal activity. Ostee Out.

I learned an important lesson from a super experienced expat a few years back. Don't bother remembering addresses when you take a Yellow Cab (unless you have to) best is to find a famous landmark that is close.

One he will know for certain.

So in one of the examples mentioned just tell him to drop you off at Hotel Botero in el centro. He will know that one. If you are going somewhere on la 70 en Laureles. Tell him the Estadio metro station or if you're closer to the other end tell him Mondongos. These are landmarks they know and have seen or driven by thousands of times. It makes it easy and avoids all the stress. And if they don't know the famous landmark, thank them and get a different cab, 'cause he is either lying to you or is too new to driving. Either way you are better off with someone else.

[Villainy]

A few guys you don't know get a dependable contact and the girl gets more customers. Win-win, right?

Nope. One of the guys is almost guaranteed to pull some dick move on her, which leads her to blow up your WhatsApp complaining. Or she's going to flake on some guy, or under perform, or just not be what he's looking for and now he's complaining.

I'll tell you how to find girls, I'll even give a few that I don't know to get you started, but unless we're close, I'm not handing out my favorites to just anyone.

Exactly right! Several months ago someone posted about a few FB girls he was interested in and asked for comments. I recommended one of his choices and made some general but favorable comments.

Sure as s* some dickhead reported my comments back to her but characterized them as unkind / unfavorable and the girl was pissed at me for most of a year. So I learned my lesson. I now follow.

The course JjBee62 just outlined. Unless I know you and can trust you I'm not sharing any contacts or information unless it is a girl I don't care to see again. Live and learn.

[The Tall Man]

Last time I was leaving Tijuana, I jump on the trolley to get to the aeropuerto, the ticket cops wanted to see my ticket on the train, so I dig in my pocket and pulled out a gordo wad of pesos.

After they walked away, two Latina women in their 50's asked why I had so many pesos, I said I have many novias in Tijuana jajajajaa.

They said OMG its too dangerous, we are from Mexico and we don't even go there jajajaaaaa.

Well I have been going to Tijuana since the 80's Mr E, and the only problems I've ever had were with the dirty policia and ruthless putas, (we won't even discuss STDs or food poisoning jajajaja).

Not to squabble over details as I too called Tijuana my home away from home from about 1998 through 2010 (before I moved to Medellin) as I was there just about every week during the summer months then winter was about once a month, so I know it well, all of it well, have great memories and experiences along with some close calls, so listen up:

Tijuana is arguably the most dangerous place in the world. They average close to 6 murders each day, every day. I just read a report from the San Diego Union-Tribune dated February 12,2021 and on that day Tijuana had recorded 223 murders, so about 40 days into the new year and 223 murders urrrrrrr.

Like you I too was never stabbed nor shot but being in the wrong place at the wrong time is a real possibility especially for persons like us that spend considerable time in any place. I have seen shoot-outs happen from the balcony of my hotel in the zone of tolerance, about one block north of Adelitas and also have happened upon a number of murders shortly after they happened.

There is a saying that nothing happens until it happens. I thank my lucky stars that I survived decades of visits and stays in Tijuana.

Despite all of this I have fond memories of the Mexican Latina's I have enjoyed, sometimes I wonder where they are and how they have done over the past decades.

Much love and respect to all.

The Tall Man.

[ChuchoLoco]

Yellow Cab here is nothing like anywhere else you've been, good and bad. A third of the drivers are illiterate, 1/3 of the drivers will not be able to find your location without a bunch of false stops with the meter running. With that said the cabs are still a good deal about one-third the price of the USA. Be very wary of chicas or anybody who tries to steer you towards a pre-arranged private driver. You will probably end up paying more and at worse you could be getting set up for some nefarias criminal activity. Ostee Out.

Thanks to all for valuable input. I've had a few bad yellow divers there too. One or 2 tred to ripoff late at night and one totally clueless guy from uni Centro to the Exito on La 70! He didn't know his way and it's only a mile or so.

But I have also had some very good ones and most were normal but a few outstanding. My experience has only been with yellow except for rides from the airport.

My Spanish is good enough to chat with them and tell where I'm going. I had seen a visitor use an app, I think Tappsi, so I thought to try my next visit.

But its been 2 years or so.

Anyway, thanks again to all for your input. I think an App is the way to go no matter which service. Metro and bus are fine during the day but taxi is for nights.

[Surfer500]

Last time I was leaving Tijuana, I jump on the trolley to get to the aeropuerto, the ticket cops wanted to see my ticket on the train, so I dig in my pocket and pulled out a gordo wad of pesos.

After they walked away, two Latina women in their 50's asked why I had so many pesos, I said I have many novias in Tijuana jajajajaa.

They said OMG its too dangerous, we are from Mexico and we don't even go there jajajaaaaa.

Well I have been going to Tijuana since the 80's Mr E, and the only problems I've ever had were with the dirty policia and ruthless putas, (we won't even discuss STDs or food poisoning jajajaja).

That said Tijuana is a great place.

Great food great pussy great people!

I'm sorry but I'm going to have to disagree with your assessment of Tijuana. Many years ago it was the bomb, and nowadays the only great thing about the place is the food. It's a shame as I used to be there every weekend living only two hours away, but it's just deplorable there now with the girls in the clubs wanting lots of money, and the street Chicas with their fucking menu pricing, and toilet paper wipe. And all the skanked out druggies walking the streets along with the corrupt asshole police. So different in the 90's versus now.