It is safe but be aware.  Go in the daytime and it is safer than at night.  Park on the US side and walk across and take a taxi and it is only $5.  Hong Kong is very good.  The best one out there.  Adelitas is 2nd place.  Chicagos is 3rd place but doesnt pick up until 8pm or so.  The others are good during daytime.  Bring passport.  Have fun !

1.  is it really safe?

Yes.  It's very safe. You're safer stumbling around drunk in TJ that you are cold sober going to an inner city ATM in the US.

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2.  why do people on the sd board say 'no' its not safe?

Lots of SD hookers (and their brown nosing clients) don't like the competition.  After all you get better sessions for less money in TJ.

Also most people don't know what they're talking about when discussing Tijuana.  (If you don't believe me then ask them how may times they've been to TJ, what are the names of five hooker bars, what are the names of five hooker hotels, where is Cinco y Diez, who is Tijuana's mayor, etc.)  Most people have only read something written by a reporter who also probably doesn't even speak Spanish and has no clue about what's happening in TJ. (I speak Spanish, maintain an apartment in TJ and for years have spent at least a couple of days each week in TJ.)

Here's the situation:  There is a "war" going on between rival cartels, much like Chicago during prohibition.  But only those involved in the drug trade are in getting hurt.  As far as tourists getting hurt the score is nada, zip, zero.

Remember 175,000 people cross the US-Mexican border at San Ysidro each day.  How many come home in body bags?  (Correct answer:  none.)

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3. whats the best way to get there? drive, walk across, both?

Most Americans aren't comfortable driving in TJ--locals have a different (aggressive) driving style.  Also parking is hard to find.  Until you know you're way around I suggest you walk across the border and take a cab.  (Ask to go to Adelitas--it's in the heart of the Zona and known to every cab driver.  Don't pay more than $5.00 each way.)

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4.  is the hong kong bar/brothel any good?

Yes.  

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5.  any other recommendations for bar/brothel places?

Adelitas Bar is a favorite destination for many mongers.  Especially those "learning the ropes."

There are better places than HK or Adelitas for those who've "got their feet wet" (and speak some Spanish) but for those who are new to TJ Adeliatas and Hong Kong are good places to start.  

Several years ago I wrote The Newbies Guide to Tijuana to answer these and other question about mongering in TJ.  (A copy was posted on this site.) A complete answer to what you're asking takes more space than this post allows.


-- Modified on 2/7/2009 10:36:30 AM

Let's see....

1.  is it really safe?


Depends on what you mean by safe.  Tijuana is a somewhat dangerous place.  There have been a lot of shootings at the night clubs within the past 6 months.  I would say it's about the same as other cities with dense populations.  I wouldn't let it discourage you though.  You could get hit by a bus on the on-ramp to the interstate.  Everything has a risk.


2.  why do people on the sd board say 'no' its not safe?


Because it's not as safe as San Diego.  Slightly more dangerous.  Depends on what your tolerance level is.


3. whats the best way to get there? drive, walk across, both?

I've always only driven here, so I can't comment on walking across the border.  I have taken cabs and buses before on rare occasions, but I think driving is better.


4.  is the hong kong bar/brothel any good?

I think it's cool.  They're nice to me in there.  Can't comment on the hooker activity, because I've never paid for sex in that place.


5.  any other recommendations for bar/brothel places?

For bars, I used to like Tres a lot, but it closed.  The Rock is still not bad.  Zokalo had some shootings in there late last year, so I would avoid it.  The staff isn't too nice anyways.  I haven't been to Tangaloo in a while, but it seemed like there was always stabbings in that place.  For some reason they always had stabbings and I don't remember any shootings.

As far as brothels go, Hong Kong is not bad.  I don't care for Adelitas because of the music they play.  Sorry I can't be much help for the brothel bars.  Not really my scene.

Also, what Burt says is not correct.  More Americans die in Mexico than any other country apart from the U.S. (besides the Middle East).  There is a war going on, but these guys aren't real good at target practice.  Shootings happen and there's innocent people that do get hurt.  I call bullshit on anyone who says otherwise, because I've lived here a long time and seen a lot of things.  Good luck to you.

EDIT:  Forgot to mention some other good places.  I've had a lot of one night stands out of La Cantina.  Lot of single women go there.  It's right next to Monte Picacho.  Went to a place called Plan B a few months back or so and it was not bad.  There's another place right by CECUT that gets pretty good on the weekends too.  Don't remember the name, but you can't miss it.  Usually a lot of people outside.  Haven't been there in a few months though.




-- Modified on 2/14/2009 3:34:06 AM