  Tijuana
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 668 Tijuana Tips.817 Tijuana Photos.0 Tijuana Videos. Tijuana Pages by lmkluque
| Page Views: 19,526 Last Visit to Tijuana: June, 2006 I Visit Here Frequently | Tijuana--South Of The Border! by lmkluque - last update: Apr 12, 2007 |
TIJUANA, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO Welcome to my Tijuana page,
There is so much I could say about Tijuana that it's difficult deciding what to include.
The Border between San Diego, California, USA and Tijuana, (Baja California,) Mexico is open 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week and there is no border charge to enter TiJuana or for that matter to re-enter into the USA.
For USA citizens:
If you plan to stay seventy-two hours or less and travel no farther south than Ensenada, you will need no passport, visa or tourist card to stay in the northern part of Baja California .
Update:
Changes are in the wind! So far it seems that the requirements to enter Tijuana has stayed the same, but the requirements for RETURNING to the USA are about to change.
Whether you are a citizen of the USA or not a citizen take a look at the TRAVEL page of the U.S. Customs & Border Protection which is connected to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. There you will find the exact information you'll need.
However, if you want to go further or stay longer, you'll need a "Tourist Card" which is free and can be obtained from Mexican Customs at the border as you cross.
For Any non-USA citizens who plans to travel to Tijuana from the USA:
Those with passports that contain USA "multiple entry" status should have no problem making the trip across the border and back.
All my friends and students who held "single entry" status in their passports had no problem crossing to Tijuana and back either, but it would be wise, since security is heightened these days, to stop at the US Customs station in San Ysidro to make sure you will be allowed back into the USA if that is your plan.
I've traveled across the San Ysidro border into Tijuana, Mexico for more than forty years, to visit friends, shop, do lunch--or dinner and spend an evening dancing--without the slightest bit of trouble.
Yet, there are many people--usually US American--who express fear of going into Tijuana, and there are those who are so shocked by the poverty they feel uncomfortable spending any time in Baja at all.
Well, for those of you who may want to know what it is that attracts me to this lively border town, I'll continue....
The WELCOME sign above a curio shop does more than welcome you. It is a call for your attention, "PLEASE VISIT MY SHOP AND SPEND HERE."
Most of these shops are owned by an industrious individual who simply want to feed his/her family and have a little extra to buy more goods to sell. The competition is high, so each seller tries his/her best to get your attention.
It may be a little annoying for those not used to it, but keep in mind that these people are not hanging out waiting for their welfare checks, they are working to support themselves the best way they know how.
That's enough, in my book, and I admire them for it.
Dining and Dancing in Tijuana is so much fun. The atmosphere is relaxed, festive and gracious. I can honestly say that the service in Tijuana is very accommodating and they do aim to please and will show you a great time, so sit back and enjoy your visit to TJ.
Enjoy Your Visit,
Linda |
| Impromptu Concerts on a tour bus! |
|  | The Limited View In response to questions on the VT Tijuana Forum, asking for advice on the ways and means of getting to Tijuana from San Diego for a day trip, I ventured out, on foot, to see what options there were.
Actually, I hadn't realized how long ago it was that I last walked across the border to see or do anything in TJ. Most of my travels to and around Tijuana have been by car, which allowed me to by-pass the tourist sections and go directly to the place of my choice.
Taking this walking trip gave me a better understanding why some people rage against the idea of visiting Tijuana at all.
As soon as the photos are developed I will add tips focusing on my discoveries and will try to give an objective view, so you will be able to decide for yourself if it is worth your time.
My advice in the meantime, is to sit back relax, and look beyond poverty to see the heart of the people. |
UNDER CONSTRUCTION AGAIN! Throughout the downtown areas of Tijuana beautiful architecture, such as the Jai Alai Palace on Avenida Revolucion between Calle 7 & 8, can be seen and is a reminder of the historical development of the city.
Every few years Tijuana re-invents itself. The changes seem to be historically influenced by the cravings of it's tourists and by Mexican pride. Like no other city in the world, that I know of, Tijuana has been in the unique position of being able to offer that which couldn't be got, by the citizens of it's northern neighbor, at home.
Whether it be Horse Racing, Bullfights or Boxing Matches in the late 1890's, Gambling Casinos and Bars during the US Prohibition in the 1920's or the Jai Alai Games in the late 1940's, Tijuana was there with the offer and we crossed the border to accept.
Today in Tijuana you will see many pharmacies--medicine is less expensive in Mexico---nightclubs and bars geared to the interests of the 18 to 20 year old--18 is the legal drinking age in Tijuana and 21 is the legal drinking age in California. Many of the newer restaurants offer terraced dining--popular with tourists and the curio shop inventory is being replenished with items that seem to appeal to the present day shopper.
One of the most intriguing developments in recent years is the focus of more cultural sites, especially relating to contributions made by Mexicans, and the history of Mexico. However, to seek out the cultural and historical offerings in Tijuana, more than a day trip walking across the border is necessary. | | | Steps to the Jai Lai Palace |
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| Pros: | "Warm Friendly People. Festive Atmosphere. Great Prices!" | | Cons: | "The Face Of Poverty easily seen." | | In A Nutshell: | "A Third World Country Border Town With Friendly People." |
lmkluque's Tijuana Travel Tips
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 Comments for lmkluque about Tijuana | | | | |
RafaelTheSecond Thu May 29, 2008 17:53 UTC
WOW MEXICO IS VERY INTERESTING EVEN CLOSE TO THE STATES!!! :) I love borderlines! :))) | SLLiew Sat Dec 15, 2007 04:26 UTC
Wow...incredible page of Tijuana. We walked there. It was surreal with the poverty contrast with San Diego. Enjoyed reading your detailed tips. Great job. | lmkluque Wed Oct 31, 2007 15:16 UTC
ronhh, if you had worn your seat belt you'd be $60.00 richer. Every country has it's laws and it's method of punishment. | ronhh Wed Oct 31, 2007 15:00 UTC
i was squeezed by police for not having a seat belt. said i had to go with him to police station, very serious crime he said.scared me to paying him 60 bucks |
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