Staying safe in Tijuana?

Question

my friends and I were in San Diego, and decided to make a quick trip to Tijuana's revolution blvd...Over there, we got pulled over by a Policia and our car was searched. The cop said he found some weed particles. He said we were all going to go to jail unless we paid him $500, and we did. Even when we asked to see the weed he found, he said it was "all over the car" and just showed us a pack of zig zags. We than asked why we got pulled over and he said because the windows were tinted. Than, as we pull away and turn the corner, another cop pulls us over for no apparent reason. We were searched again and the cop obviously found nothing and said the driver was drunk (which he wasn't, he was our DD) and put him in hand cuffs and in the police car. Than, he said the car was going to be towed and our friend was going to go to jail unless we paid $1000. We said he didn't have any money and just got pulled over a minute ago, so he let us go. SO, how do we stay safe in TJ?

Answer 1

been to TJ once and your best bet is to walk over..And then just don't act obnoxious when over there , it sends out a signal..Or you can drive farther down to rosarita or Ensenada ... Been down there a dozen or more times (its cleaner and safer)And by the way im 100 percent american.You can go with mexican friends and then you will definately be safe. But just don't act like an A hole and you will be ok

Answer 2

Don't go.once you cross that border all bets are off.Go farther south.

Answer 3

Classic story!!  It happens all the time.  

You have to stay in the tourist areas.  NEVER travel out of the tourist areas!!  Don't travel at night.  Never travel alone.

We used to go to Puerto Penasca (Rocky Point) alot.  One time, We were fortunate enough to have a native friend to that area (Legal Am. Citizen), but still ran into trouble when we went out of the highly traveled tourist area.  He was able to talk the "fee" down and we went on our way.

Answer 4

I hate to say it but, stop going over there.

I love Mexico, but the corruption is too rampant.

I was stopped by a motorcycle cop for "taking a red light."  He was making it all up. I could not believe it, I was being robbed by a police officer! Well, I only had $20 so that's all he took.

If us tourists stop going it will send a message (an economic message) so that the people who run the city will fix things.

I totally believe you even though i dont know you. solely because i know what they are capable of.

Answer 5

look local & when you're pulled over just say you dont have any money, they'll let you go..

Answer 6

Don't go..

Once my cousin (female) and 2 friends (male) went to Tijuana.  We hadn't gone far over the border when a big, huge guy stands in front of me speaking Spanish and then puts his arms out like he is going to grab me.  The only thing i could do is scream. My friends ran over to me and he quickly left.  There is no telling what could have happened if he didn't go away.

Answer 7

I been to TJ many times. just dont give in to the cops there. if they say ur going to jail or something dont get scared. they wont take u. TJ is not that bad. El DF is way more corrupted and dangerous.

Answer 8

what u shoud do next time is travel by taxi, **** cops over there man, u got blond hair or blue eyes...be ready to get ripped off a hundred different ways..stay protceted if u know what i mean, people tend to get kidnapped...

Answer 9

Mexico is very different than America. The Mexican legal system works on a Napolianic system. In Mexico unlike the United States you guilty until you are proven innocent. When travelling in any foreign country use common sense, and you will avoid problems. In Mexico you can be arrested for:

    * Disturbing the peace or being a public nuisance.

    * Drinking in public.

    * Fighting.

    * Nudity or immoral conduct.

    * Use, production or sale of false documents.

    * Possession, introduction, or use of any weapon.

    * Possession, introduction or consumption of restricted drugs. (Note: Most drugs that are restricted in the U.S. are also restricted in Mexico.)

    * Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs.

    * Causing an auto accident or injuring someone. Alcohol and Drugs

Mexican Authorities Misconduct

If you feel that any public official or law enforcement authority has mistreated you, you can file a complaint. Make sure to get the persons name, agency, badge or patrol car number, as well as place and time of the incident and report it immediately to our Tourist Assistance Hotline 078.

Answer 10

First of all, don't drive! Park in San Diego and cross the border on foot.  Don't take anything expensive with you and don't carry a lot of cash. Get out before dark. Don't flash any credit cards or cash.

Answer 11

I refuse to drive in Tijuana.  I walk across, perferably in a group, and we all act polite and respectfully at all times.  I have never had a problem down there.  It helps if someone in your group speaks some Spanish.  

Crime is rampant there, and there are thugs posing as police officers who prey on tourists.  The real police are under pressure to clean up their act.  Insist on going to the station if you ever get pulled over, as you want a receipt for the fine.  The fine is small and an honest officer will do as you instruct.  He will hold your license and ask you to follow him there.  You may get by with a warning.  It worked for me once.

Answer 12

Don't hang out with the Kingston Trio!!

Answer 13

You should report this "story" to the San Diego Police Department. And, write a letter to the US Counsul General, Tijuana, the press, anyone who will listen to you. This kind of treatment is well known and must be stopped. The new president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon is taking the ill treament of tourists very seriously, as are local business people. Look for more armed troops in the Border cities. I have a notion this account may be just another tourist fantasy, I've heard a lot of them.