Tijuana in Mexico

Tijuana has a reputation for crime. While Tijuana does have a high crime rate, its murder rate is lower than some American cities such as Baltimore, St. Louis, Detroit, and Washington D.C. As with any large city with a bustling downtown, use common-sense and street smarts when walking the street; especially in the red light district of the Zona Norte (North Zone). Avenida Revolucion is generally safe, and Tijuana/Playas | Playas de Tijuana is also relatively safe. The biggest problem you might experience is trouble-making American men who stumble out of bars and brothels (so-called massage parlors). Avoid alcohol and intoxication.

It is advisable to be very careful of buying anything that would alert suspicion from Mexican police, this would include any type of prescription medicine (with potential for abuse, or perhaps low overdose/extreme side effects), pornography and weapons of any type. The police will use anything against you if they do stop you, so the less they have to go on the better. Laws may differ from those in the USA.

Park in well marked parking lots with security guards. Police prey on foreigners who commit crimes such as pedophilia or buying illegal drugs. They will also attempt to scare foreign gay tourists by telling them homosexuality is a crime; it is not (in fact, the gay scene is bustling and growing at a rapid pace). But drinking from an open container (alcohol) in the street is. For this and other crimes, they may suggest an ATM and force you to withdraw money with threats of imprisonment. The standard fine is about 3000 pesos but may be higher depending on severity. Drinking in the streets usually carries a bribe of $100-200 (US).

Corruption still exists among the Tijuana Police Department (the Mexican Federal Police on the other hand is trustworthy), so beware. But this is usually done when you are alone after a night on the town, are slightly intoxicated, and your actions make you a potential victim. When speaking to an officer, stay calm and respectful. Never offend or belittle the officer or the country of Mexico. The word is, if you have done nothing wrong, stand your ground and they will eventually let you go. You can insist on seeing a judge, and explain what happened. Most likely the officer will just give a warning and send on your way. In fact, you are entitled to a written ticket, and you can pay the fine by mail. In any case, these made up charges are usually only a small fine, most likely less than the bribe you would offer; you do not go to jail. Remember that you are not immune from Mexican laws, if an officer pulls you over for speeding because you were speeding, it's not corruption. Illegal drugs and drunk driving are taken seriously in Mexico, as they are elsewhere.

Theft-Pickpockets can be found in certain heavy tourist areas. You are generally safe in areas such as the Zona Rio, Playas de Tijuana, El Hipodromo, and many others, just make sure to always be cautious when visiting alone. The best targets for theft are those who speak no Spanish, wander alone (specially at night), are intoxicated, and travel to the Avenida Revolucion. If you find yourself being swarmed by small children who want to sell you something, be aware that they could be trying to pick your pockets.

Drug-dealer informants-In many bars and on the street, it is common to be offered illegal narcotic drugs for sale. Some of these peddlers work with the police. They sell someone the drugs, then tell the police that person is carrying. The police shake the person down for cash, and confiscate the drugs, which they presumably return to the original peddler, who goes looking for another victim.

The $20 switch-very common scam. You buy a beer and give the waiter $20, he brings you back change for a $10, hoping you are too drunk or it is too dark to notice. Sometimes the waiter will palm the $20 and show you a $1, claiming that's what you gave him.

Donkey shows-There are very few clubs on Revolucion that offer anything of the kind. As you walk down the street barkers try to entice you to come in; smile and walk on.

Prescription drugs-Though your prescription drugs may be much cheaper here, carrying large quantities or carrying them without your prescription can land you many years in a Mexican prison. Some foreign prescriptions may not be valid in Mexico. If you break the law, you will be dealt with accordingly. However, this does not include medications which often change in status in the USA from prescription to over-the-counter (e.g. Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, Pepcid AC, etc.) Such medications are readily available without a prescription in Mexico. Police are mainly concerned about prescription drugs which have the potential to be abused.

Food and Alcohol Imports-Note when stopped at the border, U.S.Customs will confiscate any fruits, vegetables, and live or raw meat products in an effort to combat certain diseases or bugs from entering the U.S. food supply. Meat products confiscated can include pork rinds. Alcohol can be brought across the border if for 'personal use' with a limit of 1L duty and tax free.http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/paying_duty.xml More than 1L for personal use can be brought if duty and relevant taxes are paid. Dairy products can be confiscated too. Another note is the importation of abalone or conch meat, which are endangered species and not for sale in the US.

Contraband items-Can be confiscated by U.S. Customs, they include weapons, drugs (illegal or without prescription), Cuban cigars, and live animals.

A few words of advice: many American tourists visit Tijuana only to experience the lewd and shady aspects of the city. The vast majority of such tourists confine their visit to the Avenida Revolucion and experience a very limited view of Tijuana and Mexico. If you are savvy, you will expand your horizons by going to areas where you might actually run into locals, not just the horde of tourists who wander the streets. Also, it is advisable to learn even a couple phrases in Spanish so you are not completely rude and oblivious to everyone around you.

As stated above many Americans have moved to Tijuana to avoid high rental and mortgage increases in San Diego (this has reversed since the bursting of the California/ United States housing bubble starting in 2006, and is continuing at a rapid pace, leaving many new luxury communities virtual ghost towns with no residents at all). There are many beautiful residential areas with full ammenities and the lower cost of living allow you to afford a full time maid, cook, security without having to be a millionare. American financing is available on most properties and American vehicles are very common. A great place to start is http://www.ez-car-credit.com

Tijuana history and culture, In spanish, Para mi Tijuana, Promoting a safe Tijuana

Most tourists enter Tijuana through the border crossing at San Ysidro, which is reportedly the busiest border crossing in the world. The crossing can be made by car, bus, bicycle, or on foot.

By plane

Tijuana International is served by the major Mexican airlines. San Diego International Airport http://www.san.org is only a few miles north of the international border and can be used as a transit point for travellers wishing to visit Tijuana.

By train

The last stop on the southbound San Diego Trolley will deposit you at the border. However, you must still cross the freeway on the pedestrian bridge by going up, across and back down. Then there are a couple of one-way gates you cross through.

By car

Take I-5 or I-805 to south. Either park at the border and continue on foot or you drive into Mexico. Driving from the US to Mexico usually requires no stopping. Driving across the border from Mexico to the US may involve a long wait, especially during evening rush hour or on holiday weekends. Mexican insurance is required, which can be bought immediately before crossing the border, or even online before your trip. Many times, the Otay Mesa and Tecate border crossings, also nearby, are much less congested gettng back into the US.

By foot

Many people drive to the border, park on the US side, and walk across. There are many lots available for this, which charge $4-$9 a day. While there are many taxis waiting to take you to Avenida Revolucion, it's only about a fifteen minute walk; follow the other tourists.

By bus

Mexicoach buses leave from the parking lots on the US side, cross into Mexico, and drop you off at the bus station on Revolucion Avenue in the middle of the downtown tourist district. These buses run during the day, every day, and costs $5 one way or $8 roundtrip. The parking lot at Mexicoach is about $7/day.

Cabs are abundant throughout the city. If you are walking into Tijuana via the San Ysidro border crossing, you will be immediately confronted with a massive array of yellow cabs waiting to take you into downtown. This group of cab drivers are conveniently located, but be sure to negotiate a price before jumping into a cab.

Throughout the city, cab drivers stand on the sidewalks and solicit customers. It is almost impossible to avoid them, so finding a cab should never be a problem. Yellow cabs do not have meters, so agree with your driver in advance what the cost will be. Taxi Libre, white with red stripe, cabs have meters and are cheaper than yellow cabs, though you might have to remind the driver to use the meter.