***UPDATED VERSION***

TOP 10 RIP-OFF’s /SCAM’s /DANGER’S OF TIJUANA’S ZONA & REVO CLUBS WRITTTEN FOR THE NEWBEE.

So you’ve heard about all the kewl sex that can be had legally in TJ for a reasonable amount of $$- but you have also heard of the scams and are concerned. Also, you don’t want to read 236 pages of text for the bottom line - okay, so here it is - in my opinion here are the top 10 things you need to know in order to

* SAVE MONEY BY NOT BEING TRICKED:
* BE SAFER THAN THE AVERAGE FIRST-TIME TOURIST.

Again, I am writing this for the first time, or first few times TJ adventurer, I am not going to deep in this- just going to help you out. I am assuming you are not driving your vehicle in TJ, and are not using ATM’s in TJ (hint, hint, use a Taxi and grab your cash before hand).
Also, the “how to get there” has been asked and answered thousands of times, if you need help on this go here: The Tijuana FAQ by Brockton O'Toole https://www.clubhombre.com/discus/messages/1364/128.html

Travel with a friend if at all possible for your first trip. Having two sets of eyes can only help. If you want to meet up with one of us, Use this site’s “Trip Buddies” to post your first trip and ask for someone to hook up with.

There are two main types of TJ bars and clubs. Revolution or "Revo" clubs and "Zona" bars/clubs. On Revolution avenue there are TONS of loud dance clubs that can excite any male with a pulse. Madonnas, Lord Black, Amnesia, Obsession and Peanuts and Beer are a few of them.

The Zona clubs/bars are Adilitas, Chicago Club, Hong Kong Bar, Tropical and Las Chavellas. (AB/CC/HK/Trop/LC). My guide will focus on the Zona clubs as they are where most of the legal sex occurs.

Okay, here we go:

1) Strategically place your cash in many different areas. Do not leave all your money in your wallet. Have your $20’s in one spot, $1.00’s in another. This will aid you if you are slipping’ dollars up dancers panties or buying a small item with everyone LOOKING at how much you have. You Don’t want to have to flip threw the 8 $100.00 bills looking for that $1.00 bill to give out to a dancer. Also, I suggest that you DO NOT bring $100, or $50 bills with you. (See rule 4).

2) When you get a Taxi [Yellow/Green-] be assertive and agree on the amount BEFORE you jump in the Taxi. For instance, it is very common for the person who asked you if you want a Taxi to “hand you off,” to another Taxi driver you never talked to . Make sure your actual driver knows you’ll only pay $5.00. Stand still before opening the door and establish the price (I always say Adilitas $5.00) - then after he says okay- I will get in. Get in the front seat if possible- this will establish you as a non-new bee (it is customary for locals to be in the front not back seat - it shows respect). For Taxi Libre demand the meter be started - this will get you a less than $5.00 rate from the Zona to the border. Also, many Taxi drivers will say “Lord Blacks is better, I know a good massage parlor, Adilitas is Closed, Chicago Club was shut down, etc.” Be assertive and say No! Adilitas or wherever you are going is where you ARE MEETING YOUR FRIENDS. The Taxi guys get a commission for each customer they drop off- so do not let them dictate your destination.

3) Do not drink beer on the streets. Do not drink your beer on the sidewalk, some locals may get away with it- but it is only asking for a Policia to search you and possibly a bribe attempt.

4) Do not fall for the “You only gave me a $1.00 scam.” here’s how it works: You order a drink from a Revo club - you pay with a $20.00 bill. In lightning speed, the messero switches your $20.00 into a $1.00 bill. You can avoid this by referring to rule # 1 and making eye contact to the messero and SAY TWENTY. (they know what Twenty means, no need to say “Vente’) Usually this scam involves trying to divert your attention and or a hot chica rubbing your cock while you are paying- so please make sure you are 100% confidant that you know that he knows that you indeed gave him a $20.00. Note: This scam has happened to myself and a few others at Revo's Peanuts and Beer Club.

5) DO NOT LET THE STREET PEOPLE RUIN YOUR ADVENTURE. You will probably be surprised as to the sheer number of people who will use every trick in the book to extort money from you. Remember - if you choose to “give a hand out.” Make absolutely sure you reach into the right pocket- as in your change pocket or $1.00 pocket - the last thing you need is a street person high on meth to see you have a pocket full of $20.00’s.

STREET PEOPLE 101:

Shoe Shine Boys - Actually a good value, lower risk around $3.00 but a $1.00 teep is customary. Again, establish the total price - don’t let them shine your shoes until the price is established.

“Tour Guides,” “Massage Parlor Guys,” etc. are there to make $$$. If you really want a “Tour Guide” I would recommend contacting Sampson who can discuss this with you further - but I would arrange it before you go to TJ, not while in TJ with someone who does not have an established history of helping fellow mongers out.

American Scammers who will say “I just need $4.00 to get my car out of Parking Lot,” or “I was locked up in TJ Jail, and I just need $6.00 to get home.” Or “I was mugged at AB, blah blah.” Do not fall prey to these guys! [note to reader, I have fallen for this scam as their stories are well crafted] Do Not Give Any American Guy $$$ - it’s a rip-off! If they come over to your table at CC and sing a story about being a deep see under-water welder tell them to take a hike!

On Drug Ghosts’ - Don’t even talk to the street people who are obviously huffing the spray paint or look like Death - it’s not worth it. They have nothing to say that can help you - trust me, stay away. Also beware of the people on the street who peddle drugs. You may hear someone say “cocaine, yo lo, XTC, etc.” Please RUN AWAY. I usually tell these bastards to go to hell or worse, but for you the new bee, just ignore them. Prostitution may be legal, but drugs are very illegal in TJ.

Barkers - street people who will lie to get you into their clubs. Notice how many barkers there are for Adilitas and Chicago Club. None - because they do not need them. If you are a New bee- I would only suggest Adilitas, Chicago Club, Hong Kong Bar, Tropical or Las Chavelas. I would stay away from any other Zona club as a new bee. The barkers will say anything to get you into their club - and the coupons they have are worth-less. The 2*1 beer deals can be had without their so called coupons.

6) Be Safe On The Streets by NOT venturing off the path much. When you get to Adilitas and Chicago Club, you may be tempted to walk around and venture out. Keep in mind that right out front of these two main clubs is very safe. By venturing outside the clubs and wandering around is a potentially dangerous area. BE ALERT. Many older FAQ’s went really deep into this by recommending to only walk in the streets and not the sidewalks. The advice was also to continuously look behind you and maintain a safe distance between yourself and others. I think being safe is better than worrying about looking like a nerd, but to reduce the chance of a mugging attempt the best advice I can give is do not leave the obvious well lit zone. The Alley where Street Girls /Hong Kong bar are located have a past history of being more dangerous - especially the west side past Hong Kong - you may want to avoid the road where Kinkle Bar is - along with the Transvestites and Meth Ghosts hang out. - Flip around and stay on the Cascades, Hong Kong Bar side of the Alley. Again, not to scare you - I actually like Hong Kong Bar the best right now, but IMO it is surrounded by riskier low-lifes and rip-off clubs. Again, in front of Adilitas /Chicago Club you are in the safest areas of the Zona- and at night you will see a good police presence.

7) Bring ID - As of this writing 7/23/05 you DO NOT need a passport. A Drivers License is all you need, however, if you are “stopped” by a TJ Police Man, you better have ID to show him. Also, if in the rare event you are asked for ID from a Policia - DON’T TRIP OUT! Be calm, cool and assertive. They will from time to time ask to see your ID, to “test the waters.” Some say this is a scare tactic, others say it’s just customary in TJ - either way, have ID on you while in TJ.

8] Do not bring any thing that resembles a weapon. No knifes, ammunition, pepper spray, darts, etc. I do not know the “law” on pocket knifes, but a recent monger story would make you cry - just leave all that stuff at home.

9) Do not go for the Hottest Looking Girl in the club. Do not go with the first few chicas who proposition you. To each his own, but history has shown that many first timers to TJ get over-blown with the almost insanity of so many beautiful ladies saying “ lets go to the room baby,” “I give you fucki, sucki baby.” This whole site addresses the strategies used to find the right woman- but trust me, take a breather, familiarize your self with the club, maybe buy a drink for the lady ($7-12) but do not let the first one grab you. Also, make sure the price is negotiated before you go upstairs to do the deed. Generally $60.00 is good for 30 mins of BJ/Sex - but YMMV.

10) Do not let the chicas boss you around. This will cost you money. Some of the tricks they do are: A) Buy my fiend a drink too, B) Buy me a dress at the clothing store [they sell clothes on premises, and the chicas are not bashful to ask you to buy them a new dress!] C) Loan me money for my baby, mom dying of cancer, etc. D) Buy Me Flowers, Candy, Stuffed Animal, etc. Now, if you WANT to buy them all these things, that’s up to you, but realize every chica’s request is BUY ME, or GIVE ME, so do not let them boss you around - if your tired of her, don’t be intimidated -just say bye and leave- it’s all a business transaction, do not get eaten alive by the fantasy that you are paying for. One strategy used by user Rodney is to walk into the club and not take a seat. In other words, roam around the bar and if you are approached by a lady who is hustling you for a drink or sex, you can simply smile and walk off. It is harder to "brush off" the ladies if you are seated at a table.

Ok, if nothing else you’ll save some $$ and be prepared for the worse - and in 7 years I have only been in two sticky situations, so don’t let any of this info scare you. Take care and play it safe!

Metalboots

****UPDATE****

Thanks to Rodney (content incorporated) and the following users for their submissions.

Here are some comments and advice from other travelers who offer their perspectives on things and were willing to point out their experiences to make your first trip a safe success:

Submitted By Tontamonger:

11) After dark, take taxis from La Zona to Revo or the border. This is not the place to save money.

12) If you use an ATM, be extra alert. Take a taxi, unless it's normal business hours, and have him wait for you. Extra tip, but well worth it.

NOTE: I personally DO NOT recommend using an ATM in TJ. If you do, make sure it is a MAJOR FRANCHISE Bank or AM/PM Market that has a U.S. Business Repurtation, and do not let anyone “assist” you with an ATM Machine. Scams of card swithing and “broken” ATM’s that only steal your PIN number after you enter it on the keypad have been made thru the years.

13) When it's drilling time and the Viagra kicks in. I try to have only the money on me that I intend to spend on a chica; B.G. or S.G. with the room and a little extra. Can't spend more or get tricked; no upselling or pickpocket action;, no 5 dollar condoms or extra 'teeps'- simply because you have no more on you.

14) Try not to get so fucked up. When you are drunk, your discipline and all the best plans of mice and men ''se a cabo''. Plus your weenie doesn't work as well.


Submitted By newellsoldboys

If you have done nothing wrong, if you're absolutely sure you have done nothing illegal, do NOT, I repeat, NOT let TJ cops intimidate you.

They'll try to scare you with a threat of taking you to jail. They can't; first they have to present their case before a judge who will determine if you deserve to be put in jail or not.
Believe me when I tell you they rather keep looking for someone else to shake up for a quick $20 than going through the troubles of taking you to a judge and waste one or two "profitable" hours of their valuable time.


Submitted by user: socrates69

Since i almost exclusively do sgs and am out on the streets most of my time in TJ at very odd hours and on roads less traveled, i'd suggest not giving handouts to the street people at all unless you deem the situation to escalate into a physical confrontation (this occurs more in the a.m.).

from an outside perspective you look like:

1) To other TJ vets: a sucker who just got had...believing in someone's b.s. hard luck story,

2) To TJ policia: you're associating with a known drug addict/runner. If he has drugs on him at the time, you may find yourself in jail.

3) To other local street people: you look like a target, a newbie. This will cause other street folks to hit you up for some change, sell you shit you don't want, or rob you if you walk to the wrong places.

4) The person you just donate money to will be your shadow for a very very long time. sometimes your whole career as a tj monger. He will not relent and may become your enemy and someone you have to watch out for danger wise after you stop producing the donations.

better to just not make eye contact and either ignore them, or gesture with you hands by your waist "no" as you maintain your a brisk walk pace. once you make eye contact or exchange words, you've achieved a higher level of a connection, and they will be harder to get rid of.

-------
on another note, here's how to avoid muggings.
1) when walking on the sidewalk, walk towards the street end of it so guys can't sneak out of a crevice and give you love taps to your neck until you're found unconscious. when it's real late, i may even walk on the street and avoid the sidewalk altogether.

2) if you are in a sketchy area of the zona (no lights, no tourist), don't stand still....keep walking and act like you know where you're going.

if you are being followed, call them on it. make eye contact like you're on them, then cross the street to see if they follow. If he's seems relentless, direct yourself to the more touristy areas on LZ where other americans or policia will be.

3) if anyone calls you, ignore them unless you recognize the voice or if it's a cop (btw I try to ignore cops as well when given the chance.) street folks see and hear. some catch your name when you're talking with your friends and will use it to their advantage when the time comes.
soc

Good stuff Metalboots!

All of it is good solid advice (even for a vet).

re:8) Pepper spray is also considered a weapon

re:9) Avoiding the first aggressive chica to introduce herself to a monger.

It's been my experience if you remain standing (instead of parking yourself on a bar stool) if a chica makes you feel uncomfortable, just smile, say "luego" (spanish for "later") and walk elsewhere around the bar.

nice thread. I'll add some comments.

since i almost exclusively do sgs and am out on the streets most of my time in TJ at very odd hours and on roads less traveled, i'd suggest not giving handouts to the street people at all unless you deem the situation to escalate into a physical confrontation (this occurs more in the a.m.).

from an outside perspective you look like:

1) To other TJ vets: a sucker who just got had...believing in someone's b.s. hard luck story,

2) To TJ policia: you're associating with a known drug addict/runner. If he has drugs on him at the time, you may find yourself in jail.

3) To other local street people: you look like a target, a newbie. This will cause other street folks to hit you up for some change, sell you shit you don't want, or rob you if you walk to the wrong places.

4) The person you just donate money to will be your shadow for a very very long time. sometimes your whole career as a tj monger. He will not relent and may become your enemy and someone you have to watch out for danger wise after you stop producing the donations.

better to just not make eye contact and either ignore them, or gesture with you hands by your waist "no" as you maintain your a brisk walk pace. once you make eye contact or exchange words, you've achieved a higher level of a connection, and they will be harder to get rid of.

-------
on another note, here's how to avoid muggings.
1) when walking on the sidewalk, walk towards the street end of it so guys can't sneak out of a crevice and give you love taps to your neck until you're found unconscious. when it's real late, i may even walk on the street and avoid the sidewalk altogether.

2) if you are in a sketchy area of the zona (no lights, no tourist), don't stand still....keep walking and act like you know where you're going.

if you are being followed, call them on it. make eye contact like you're on them, then cross the street to see if they follow. If he's seems relentless, direct yourself to the more touristy areas on LZ where other americans or policia will be.

3) if anyone calls you, ignore them unless you recognize the voice or if it's a cop (btw I try to ignore cops as well when given the chance.) street folks see and hear. some catch your name when you're talking with your friends and will use it to their advantage when the time comes.
soc

(Message edited by socrates69 on July 24, 2005)

Metalboots,

I was in the US Navy stationed in San Diego back in the early 90's. Hung out in TJ many many times and you advice is right on. Is the Chicago Club still there? I remember going with my friends to a club called the Chicago Club and the women were of high quality. What is it like these days?

Jokerman

Admin: Message here copied over original post at the top of this thread

Nice MB

Jokerman
CC has turned into something of a JOKE of a bar.
Just above LC these days.

Long gone are the days when CC was packed with hotties. Now aside from Deyanira and Pamela and a couple of others, CC sucks and is packed with Asians who table the best lookers all night.

Jokerman,

Check out the Hong Kong Bar the next time you go to TJ. This is my new hot spot. (You can read my reports or the HK Thread for info). CC still has great music (rock, metal, hip hop), very Gringo friendly, but the best looking ones are there from 10PM - 1:00AM. I still like though... IMO you will see a decline with the quality of CC girls as far as age and miles. However, you will see a dramatic increase in the looks category of the Street Girls. Check it out... & Rock On!

(Message edited by metalboots on July 25, 2005)

PUSSYCATS IS A RIP OFF JOINT!!! STAY AWAY!!!

Last night I go in to try something different. There were only five or six girls working. The waiter sits me down and brings me a girl and two drinks. He tells me $14. No problem. I give him a $20. I am waiting for change. He shows me a $1 bill with his left hand. He insist I only gave him a $1. I watched him put the $20 in his right pocket. He keeps asking for the rest of the money. I told him to f*** off and I left leaving the girl and all of the beer and unfortunately my $20 bill that he stole. This is a typical rip-off posted in the scam section.

As I was leaving one of the employees follows me and asks me what was wrong. I told him nothing and I raced out the door. If I was in the U.S. and the same thing happend to me I would have complained to the manager and called the police, but I feared for my safety and left.

That was a big mistake they made doing that. They lost a lot of business that night. I was going to spend $100 + on lap dances and drinks. Also I am making sure that who ever reads this does not go there.

I can handle $20 loss. I hope they will lose a lot of business by me posting this.

GO TO HONG KONG FOR THE LAP DANCES AND DRINKS. When you go there go up stairs. The waiters are friendly, they help you get a HIGH MILAGE girl, and the girls are very photo friendly. There will be about five private lap dance boths for some VERY HIGH MILEAGE LAP DANCES AT $10 PER SONG. I like doing this warm up before going to ADELITAS where I eventualy end up getting laid.

Remember, STAY AWAY FROM PUSSYCATS!!!!!