Visa: Citizens of most countries, including the US, do not require Visas to visit Tijuana. If staying longer than 72 hours, Mexican law requires obtaining a government tourist card valid up to 180 days. Government tourist cards are available at embassies or border crossings for a fee of $20 US at a bank or border post. Those flying into Mexico will have the fee included in the ticket price.

Language: Mostly Spanish, but English is relatively common in major business establishments and especially in areas that have heavy tourist traffic. No knowledge of Spanish is required for the hobbyist.

Currency: Mexican Peso. US dollars should be universally accepted but maybe valued less depending on the exchange rate. Approximate rate as of 12/22/04 is 11.13 pesos to 1 US dollar. Check http://www.xe.com for the current exchange rate.

Electricity: 127V, 60 Hz. Outlets are standard US 2-pronged. No adaptors nor converters are necessary.

Transportation: White taxis with orange trim are called "Taxi Libres" and operate on a meter, although you occasionally might need to request that the driver use it. Other taxis need a negotiation of the fare up front to avoid unpleasant suprises. Collective taxis and other public transportation are not recommended for most hobbyists.

LODGING RECOMMENDATIONS

Tijuana visitors often stay in San Diego or may rent a room at the Hotel Coahuila adjacent to Adelita Bar or Hotel Jalos adjacent to Chicago Club when they are not too busy and have rooms available. Not quite "true" hotels, the rooms at the bar-associated semi-hotels are small, noisy, and in others ways are very low quality, but are in the center of the action and near the living quarters of many of the prostitutes.

Hotel Levyas: Next to Chicago Club, Hotel Leyvas is a slight step up from the AB/CC hotels, with larger rooms and free parking. Click here for Hotel Leyvas Discussion

Hotel Cascadas: In the "alley" behind Adelita Bar, Cascadas is one of the preferred hotels for the hobbyists that frequent the street girls. Cascadas has a policy of charging additional guest fees starting with the second prostitute brought to a room rented for the evening. Click here for Hotel Cascadas Discussion

La Villa Zaragoza: A few streets off the main tourist strip of "Revoluccion", La Villa Zaragoza is preferred among some TJ hobbyists for rooms nicer than those available in the prostitution zone and at an affordable price. Click here for La Villa Zaragoza Discussion

Hotel Pueblo Amigo: Close to the border crossing, Hotel Pueblo Amigo is usually the choice for hobbyists requiring full hotel services. Pueblo Amigo is much nicer than the others mentioned, but with corresponding higher room rates. Click here for Pueblo Amigo Discussion

Click here for the full list of Tijuana Hotels

P4P RECOMMENDATIONS

Adelita Bar: Open daily from late morning until approximately 6am. Closing time may vary. Recommended times to visit are from a few hours after opening to a few hours before closing, although Friday nights and Saturdays can be extremely busy. Quoted prices will be in US dollars and may range from $40-$70 with an average quote of $60. Prices and session length are usually negotiable. Prostitutes are for the most part free-lancers and may set their own prices or decide with whom they choose to do business with, although for the most part they will quote a standard price for everyone. An $11 fee per 30 minute interval will be required before the session. Rooms may be rented for the evening for $35 if available. Drink prices for male customers range from $2.75-$4 for most beers, mixed drinks and soft drinks. Drinks for prostitutues range from $7 for smaller sized beers to $13 for hard alcohol and will provide the prostitute with tickets called "fichas" which she may later exchange for cash. Click here for Adelita Reviews

Chicago Club: Same as Adelita Bar except closing time is often 3am on week nights and recommended hours are a shorter window of 9pm-2am on week nights. Earlier times may be acceptable on weekends. Click here for Chicago Reviews

Street Girls: A few streets adjacent to Adelita Bar and Chicago Club offer the highly visible alternative of street girls. Street Girl quotes usually range from $10-$25 per 15 minute interval, but may not include full nudity or blowjobs unless "add-ons" are purchased. All options and prices should be negotiated beforehand. Most short-time SG hotels are $5 per 15 minute interval and may or may not include running water. Some SG hotels may impose an additional fee per additional prostitute if a room is rented for the day. Click here for Street Girl Reviews

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Most get to the prostitution zone via a $5 taxi ride from the border crossing. Simply state "Adelitas" and confirm the price. A $4 fare may be accepted by taxis farther away or by negotiating.
• Money may be saved by exchanging dollars to pesos and negotiating in pesos, but this is usually not worth it for the non-regular visitor.
• Choke-hold muggings are not common, but have occured in broad daylight. Stay alert when walking.
• Police shakedowns of pedestrians for money are also less common, but may still occur. Click here for more Tijuana discussion
• Crooks posing as samaritans to help you with an ATM they have jammed is a common scam, NEVER let anyone assist at an ATM
• Kids with flowers and other pedestrians are often pickpockets, keep your wallet covered on the street

Hotel Information added 1/4/05

Anyone notice any other "Basic" information missing from the guide above?