New member first trip to Tijuana in 15 years

[KBee]

Hey everyone. New member and I wanted to introduce myself. I’ve been lurking here on the site the last week or so. Read some great reviews and tips. 
I’m going to be in TJ for 5 days or so and am looking forward to checking out what it has to offer. Any recommendations on walking across the border with a duffel bag for my week of traveling would be appreciated. Get a taxi ASAP? Just a little nervous traveling with cash.  Not sure where I’ll be staying yet but Tiucan or Lucerne or Alou Boutique are on the list. Favorites?
look forward to getting a trip report out to you guys as soon as I can. And hopefully a bunch

[Reuben]

Welcome aboard!

From the SD airport, you'll grab either an Uber or taxi or bus to trolley down to the border. From there, after going through customs, you'll come down a long sidewalk where you will see a bunch of taxis. Tell them 7 dollars to the Ticuan. If they counter with a higher price, wave them off and ask the one right behind.

For a first trip, I suggest staying at Ticuan. It's got a great location to be able to walk down to the clubs and it's chica friendly.

There are quite a few guides to read here on the board and reading trip reports on here will also give you a good feel for things.

You're welcome to ask about anything that you can't find an answer for.

[TJ Flyer]

Yes, take a taxi or Uber when you cross. Uber easier as no negotiation, arguing over taxi fare to your hotel....

If not familiar with Pesos, just use your dollars $. Lock up all your shit in your hotel safe, and just carry what you need for the day when you leave the hotel (cash, ID). Leave your credit, debit card, passport, etc. locked in the hotel safe. Don't carry anything you can't afford to lose.

If you are cool using pesos, best exchange rate is via a Mexican bank ATM. Don't use the private ATM's in the Zona at the clubs. Always decline the conversion when asked during the ATM transaction. Banorte, HBSC, Sandander have screens with the conversion request. If getting $$ at night, go to a supermarket and use the bank ATM inside. Safer.

Ticuan is well located in the Centro, and actually not a bad walk into the Zona. And some restaurants nearby on Revo - Caesars, Crema y Verde, Estascion Central, Praga, Justina's. Hotel Lucerna may less chica friendly if having escorts come. May need to see them out front and walk them in. Villa Marina across the street good for seafood.

If you want to pay the max and get non-stop pressure from mesaros, etc. for more and more $, go to Hong Kong. Shitload of hot chicas, but more $$$. Try Adelitas, Chicago Club or some of the bars more for locals like La Gloria if you want low-hanging fruit.

[torocaliente]

For the maximum bang for your buck in terms of comfort,security, and proximity to restaurants and the zona I recommend Caesars Hotel.  Recently renovated, it has very comfortable beds with awesome AC (if that's important to you, I'm a true northerner so I'm like chilly Willie down here) for $55, cheaper than most anywhere else.  Only real downside is that the rooms tend to be small.  Not sure about escorts because I don't do them but I would guess yes.

[Reuben]

I agree almost entirely with @TJ Flyerother than the Uber part for getting from the border as it's difficult to sometimes catch a signal for a phone right there and then being able to know where to go to catch it (they're not allowed up pick up in the taxi area) can be hard for a first timer.

 

[KBee]

Ok great. Yeah I have no problem using pesos I go to CDMX regularly. Am happy yo get in a Taxi and deal with the hustle.  And am decently savy with not bringing CC’s etc just what I need. 
Do you guys get burner phones? I’d hate to have my IPhone taken and have way to much financial stuff on it. I was thinking of a burner phone  with Uber, WhatsApp, Telegram the basics that way if it disappears so be it. 
Anyone stayed at Lucerna or Alou Boutique Hotel? I’ve been researching the escort scene, Tinder and Seeking and seem to have a few things potentially lined up. 

[TJ Flyer]

2 hours ago, KBee said:

Ok great. Yeah I have no problem using pesos I go to CDMX regularly. Am happy yo get in a Taxi and deal with the hustle.  And am decently savy with not bringing CC’s etc just what I need. 
Do you guys get burner phones? I’d hate to have my IPhone taken and have way to much financial stuff on it. I was thinking of a burner phone  with Uber, WhatsApp, Telegram the basics that way if it disappears so be it. 
Anyone stayed at Lucerna or Alou Boutique Hotel? I’ve been researching the escort scene, Tinder and Seeking and seem to have a few things potentially lined up. 

Hotel Lucerna is nice, but their boutique hotel, the K Tower, located at the Hotel Lucerna in one of the towers there, is the best hotel in Tijuana. But, as recommended, the Hotel Ticuan is fine and in the heart of the Centro. If you want to get a bit away from the Centro and stay in a nice hotel with US standards and amenities, then the Hyatt Place or Fairfield Inn & Suites are good choices. And, if you want your hotel a short walk - like 2-3 blocks from the border, it's the Hotel Pueblo Amigo (decent, casinos onsite) or Quartz Hotel & Spa (one of the top hotels in town, pool, spa, nice food park)....

If you go the escort route, Ticuan, Hotel Caesar in the Centro better choices for guests....

Burner phone is  a great idea. You can get a decent reconditioned phone on EBay or Amazon cheap....

Edited October 17, 2022 by TJ Flyer

[KBee]

10 minutes ago, TJ Flyer said:

Hotel Lucerna is nice, but their boutique hotel, the K Tower, located at the Hotel Lucerna in one of the towers there, is the best hotel in Tijuana. But, as recommended, the Hotel Ticuan is fine and in the heart of the Centro. If you want to get a bit away from the Centro and stay in a nice hotel with US standards and amenities, then the Hyatt Place or Fairfield Inn & Suites are good choices. And, if you want your hotel a short walk - like 2-3 blocks from the border, it's the Hotel Pueblo Amigo (decent, casinos onsite) or Quartz Hotel & Spa (one of the top hotels in town, pool, spa, nice food park)....

If you go the escort route, Ticuan, Hotel Caesar in the Centro better choices for guests....

Burner phone is  a great idea. You can get a decent reconditioned phone on EBay or Amazon cheap....

Ok great thanks. Ticuan sounds like it might be the best option for what I’m looking for 

[TJ Flyer]

1 hour ago, KBee said:

Ok great thanks. Ticuan sounds like it might be the best option for what I’m looking for 

Exactly. Central. Nice rooms. Good security. Decent bar, restaurant onsite. No issue bringing chicas to your room. Room costs reasonable. If you want a quieter room, ask for one of the interior rooms.

[Jefffffrey]

When are you going? I'm hoping to go the last weekend of October and into the first week of November.

[chinaboy1]

I have to agree with the others.  Take the taxi to the hotel and stay at Hotel Ticuan.   The hotel is girl friendly, has breakfast and it's clean.  It's a short walk to the Zona.  There's a OXXO next door so you can pick up drinks (water), beer etc. for the night.  There are different rooms from basic to deluxe suites (with jacuzzi).  

Take what you need and walk cautiously.  

I don't know about Tinder or Seeking.. I would read up the posts on Escorts.  Go to the ones that very common (ex. Mexico Lindo Bar).  You can also read Greeman's post who has some great photos.  I have been using Telegram lately and love it.  Before i see anybody, I read the reviews to make sure there are no issues.

Have a great time

[KBee]

Hey guys another one. 
Suggestions for how to deal with the ficha scene for someone is sober. I can order soda, bottled water and get the girl single beers? Are they going to try to bring a bucket over for her? Thanks

[soulcal]

45 minutes ago, KBee said:

Hey guys another one. 
Suggestions for how to deal with the ficha scene for someone is sober. I can order soda, bottled water and get the girl single beers? Are they going to try to bring a bucket over for her? Thanks

Yes soda, water, and various juices are available.  Last time I ordered juice I ordered pineapple.  It was very good and the container was huge!

On the bucket issue YOU control that.  Don't allow yourself to get caught up in such nonsense unless you want to.  Sometimes they may bring a bucket over without your permission.  None of the beers will opened simply simply refuse.  Don't be afraid to say "I didn't order that" and politely but sternly wave them away.

If the chica complains then she is a shark and that's your que to get up and leave.  Nothing needs to be said and she will know why you're leaving.

[thaikhan]

Never be afraid to say no.  Some agencies may not go to smaller hotels or boutique hotels.  Always make sure that ladies have ID and confirm it with them that they will need to bring it along.  Never pay at the beginning and only at the end.  

[TJ Flyer]

2 hours ago, soulcal said:

Yes soda, water, and various juices are available.  Last time I ordered juice I ordered pineapple.  It was very good and the container was huge!

On the bucket issue YOU control that.  Don't allow yourself to get caught up in such nonsense unless you want to.  Sometimes they may bring a bucket over without your permission.  None of the beers will opened simply simply refuse.  Don't be afraid to say "I didn't order that" and politely but sternly wave them away.

If the chica complains then she is a shark and that's your que to get up and leave.  Nothing needs to be said and she will know why you're leaving.

Speaking of bucket shenanigans.... I have seen bar chicas and the meseros fucking around with the bucket.... chica pouring beers out into the bucket, passing full ficha beers behind her back to the mesero, etc. But, the one benefit of a bucket of ficha is tipping the mesero once, and ideally being left along with the chica (hard for that to happen in HK)....

[KBee]

13 minutes ago, TJ Flyer said:

Speaking of bucket shenanigans.... I have seen bar chicas and the meseros fucking around with the bucket.... chica pouring beers out into the bucket, passing full ficha beers behind her back to the mesero, etc. But, the one benefit of a bucket of ficha is tipping the mesero once, and ideally being left along with the chica (hard for that to happen in HK)....

Ahhh ok. Yeah it will be interesting to feel it out and see how annoyed I get…

[soulcal]

24 minutes ago, KBee said:

Ahhh ok. Yeah it will be interesting to feel it out and see how annoyed I get…

What we've been talking about is not an every 5 minute happening.  Just know that it does exist, so eyes wide open.  Just act normal is if you've been there 100 times and enjoy the place.  You can also order your soda, water, or juice right at the bar and not deal with the maseros.  Just remember to tip the bartender $1 and he'll be grateful.

[KBee]

Who do I tip and how much?

Sorry if this has been discussed in other threads, I’ve seen it mentioned but was looking for how you guys do it. I’ve worked in the service industry before so I have no problem tipping everyone. 

Do you guys generally all tip the door guy, bartender, waiter, towel guy, girls. And usually how much? 

thanks
 

 

[SPARKY]

1 hour ago, KBee said:

Who do I tip and how much?

Sorry if this has been discussed in other threads, I’ve seen it mentioned but was looking for how you guys do it. I’ve worked in the service industry before so I have no problem tipping everyone. 

Do you guys generally all tip the door guy, bartender, waiter, towel guy, girls. And usually how much? 

thanks
 

A buck a head should be just fine.

[Reuben]

If you're planning on primarily sticking to the club scene in TJ, dollars are easiest. Everything is priced in dollars in Zona Norte. 

You can get dollar bills directly from your waiter or at the bar.

[soulcal]

3 hours ago, KBee said:

Who do I tip and how much?

Sorry if this has been discussed in other threads, I’ve seen it mentioned but was looking for how you guys do it. I’ve worked in the service industry before so I have no problem tipping everyone. 

Do you guys generally all tip the door guy, bartender, waiter, towel guy, girls. And usually how much? 

thanks
 

 No reason to tip the doorman.

[elveterano]

18 hours ago, soulcal said:

 No reason to tip the doorman.

Actually I do tip one of the doormen. It has worked to my advantage many times. The last time I made a last minute trip on a Saturday from the East Coast. I neglected to make a hotel reservation. I had a layover in Houston which turned into a dash to make my connection. I whatsapped him and asked him to see if he could get me a room upstairs . When I landed in San Diego I had a message from him and the hotel confirming my room. He has come through for me numerous times.

[Erazrhed]

1 hour ago, elveterano said:

Actually I do tip one of the doormen. It has worked to my advantage many times. The last time I made a last minute trip on a Saturday from the East Coast. I neglected to make a hotel reservation. I had a layover in Houston which turned into a dash to make my connection. I whatsapped him and asked him to see if he could get me a room upstairs . When I landed in San Diego I had a message from him and the hotel confirming my room. He has come through for me numerous times.

In the grand scheme of things I think tipping a buck to various workers makes for a more pleasant experience.  I save money with the vip card on the hotel discount.  Not stiffing the working stiffs 😄

[Matiz]

Everybody wants a tip in TJ. Some are deserving, others not so much. I was taking a chica out of the bar many years ago when an employee I’d never seen before asked for a tip. I said, “What for?” He was at a loss, and finally said, “For nothing, I guess.” The chica cracked up. I almost gave him a tip just for being honest. Almost.

Tipping chicas is strategic. If they’ve given super service to earn it or if you expect to see her again and want to smooth the way for future sessions, tipping makes sense. I never tip a chica for just a “meh” session, or factor a tip into the negotiated price. Meseros make most of their money, if not all, in tips, so I almost always tip them something unless they are outright dishonest or extremely annoying. I tip generously if they are helpful or attentive in some way. Doormen, well, YMMV, but I generally don’t tip. Room cleaners will hound you for a tip. I only tip the first guy that asks.  Whatever they pay those guys to clean up after me, it isn’t enough.  At non-Zona hotels like Ticuan, I tip everyone, especially the chambermaids (is that still a word in 2022?).

As I said, everybody will ask you for a tip and you will have to exercise your common sense, unless you just don’t give a crap and are okay with tipping everyone, deserving or not. Certainly that’s the simplest approach, I’m just not wired that way.  Just my two cents’ worth.

Edited October 20, 2022 by Matiz

[PhordPhan]

8 hours ago, Matiz said:

Everybody wants a tip in TJ the Zona Norte.

Fixed it.