Just a few steps can take you from the bustling city of San Diego to the serene and quiet landscapes of Tijuana. Tijuana is a great place to escape the noise and busyness of the city and enjoy some peace and relaxation. Crossing into Mexico from the United States, one will find a stark contrast. All of a sudden, honking car horns vanish, replaced by the smells of sizzling tacos emanating from roadside stands. The Spanish language drifts through the air.
You will be warmly greeted with an exuberant “Bienvenido a Mexico!” when you arrive in this vibrant country – welcome to Mexico!
What to Bring to Tijuana
Documentation
As a United States citizen, you will need to bring proof of citizenship in order to cross the border into Tijuana, Mexico. To prove your citizenship, you will need to present a birth certificate or government-issued ID. If you do not have a birth certificate, a passport can be used as an acceptable form of proof. Make sure you have one of these documents ready before attempting to cross the border.
Permanent US residents can bring their green card and passport when they visit Tijuana BC. Citizens of other countries need to have a valid passport and an I-94 form in order to enter. It is important to check and see if there are any other requirements that need to be met before planning a trip to Tijuana BC.
You don’t need a visa if you’re from the US, Canada, Japan, the UK, or the Schengen Area and you’re only visiting for less than 180 days.
Phone With International Plan
If you’re going to use any apps that require internet while in Tijuana, you’ll want to make sure you have a phone with an international plan. This includes Uber, Google Maps, social media, and making calls. Taking a Tijuana taxi is also an option and doesn’t require data. You have the option to add a Verizon TravelPass for Mexico to your phone plan for a daily rate of five dollars. This allows you to use your phone in Mexico with the same coverage you have in the U.S. T-Mobile plans include free coverage in Mexico, so you can use your phone there without paying any extra fees.
One way to avoid using up all your data while abroad is to simply put your phone in airplane mode. This will disable all outgoing and incoming connections, meaning you can’t accidentally rack up a huge bill. Of course, this also means you can’t use any of your phone’s features either, so it’s not the perfect solution. However, if you’re only planning on using your phone for emergencies, this is a good way to keep yourself from accidentally racking up a huge bill.
Cash
If you’re thinking of going to Mercado Hildago Farmers Market, aiming for better bargains on memorabilia and other items, or intend to shop from small retailers, bring along some cash. Bringing cash can help you get better prices on souvenirs and other items at the market, and can also be helpful when frequenting small shops. Most places will accept US dollars as a form of currency. However, there are some places that do not accept US dollars and only accept other forms of currency. In these cases, you can get cash from an ATM in order to make a purchase.
When traveling, one way to avoid costly ATM and foreign transaction fees is to use the Charles Schwab debit card. This card can be used at any ATM around the world, and there are no fees associated with foreign transactions. Plus, you’ll always get the best exchange rate available.
What currency is used in Tijuana?
The Mexican peso, which is often prefixed with a “$” sign, is the currency of Mexico and Tijuana. Although most places will accept US dollars, you will get a better rate of exchange and cheaper deals if you use pesos. The majority of stores and eateries in Tijuana take credit cards, but having a supply of Mexican pesos is wise for entry costs at nightspots or bars plus trifling buys such as bottled water and goodies from street vendors. This way you will not be completely reliant on your credit card if it should happen to get declined for any reason. ATMs can be easily found in Tijuana, especially on and just off Revolución. For example, Av Constitución is running parallel one block west of Revolución.
Is Tijuana expensive?
You can easily visit Tijuana without spending a lot of money. Hotels are usually reasonably priced, and you can enter most museums for free or for a small fee. In addition, you can get a filling meal of street tacos for just a few dollars. This is a great way to save money and still enjoy a delicious meal.
Getting a pair of footwear that won’t tire your feet is essential.
When taking a stroll through the center of Tijuana, it is advisable to don footgear that is suitable for walking. Your feet will thank you for it later. I personally like these casual, comfy slip-on sneakers. Not having to deal with laces is an added bonus, as it means you don’t have to stop and tie your shoes every time they come undone.
How To Get To Tijuana
It’s only a 20-mile from San Diego to Tijuana, so it’s very easy to get there.
San Diego Trolley
One of the easiest ways to get to Tijuana from San Diego is by taking the San Diego Trolley. The UC San Diego Blue Line originates downtown and goes directly to the America Plaza – San Ysidro station, from which it is a brief stroll to the Tijuana boundary crossing.
Tickets for the trolley cost $2.50 and can be bought from any of the ticket machines using either cash or a credit card.
There are numerous methods to economize through exclusive deals, weekends, and festivities.
- One child age 12 and under can ride free with one paying adult on Saturdays and Sundays, for a maximum of two free child tickets.
- Buy-one-get-one complimentary tickets on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
If you’re looking to avoid a long wait for the trolley back to San Diego from San Ysidro, be sure to catch the last one leaving at 11:48 pm.
Drive
You can drive to Tijuana, which allows for more exploration and flexibility than other methods of transportation. However, you should plan to spend several hours waiting in line at the border crossing.
Before driving into Mexico, it is essential to make sure that your car insurance coverage extends to Mexico. Driving without insurance in Mexico can result in serious penalties, so it is important to be properly covered. The best way to ensure this is to drive to the border and park at one of the parking lots on the US side, and then walk across the border. This way, you can be sure that you are fully insured before entering Mexico.
A pro tip for those looking to do some shopping at the Las Americas Premium Outlets: be aware that the mall’s parking lot is not secure, and it closes at 8 pm. So if you’re planning on making a quick trip across the border to buy something from a pharmacy, it’s best to park here and come back immediately.
Bus
There are several tour operators that offer bus tours to Tijuana if driving or taking the trolley is inconvenient for you. However, if you prefer to have the greatest freedom and examine Tijuana without being tied to an itinerary, then this may not be the ideal choice for you.
When taking a bus tour is that you will be limited to the tour itinerary and times. This means that you won’t be able to make any changes or deviations from what is planned. It’s important to be aware of this before booking a tour so that you can make sure it will fit your needs.
Where should I stay in Tijuana?
If you’re planning a trip to Tijuana and it’s your first time visiting, you’ll want to focus on the “Zona Centro” area, which is anchored by Avenida Revolución. This is the city’s main tourist drag and it offers a more modern downtown feel, known as the Zona Río. However, keep in mind that this area generally has less character overall and fewer choices when it comes to hotels. The motels on the outskirts are not the best option if you’re driving a car. We propose lodging at the conveniently located Alou Hotel and Boutique Hotel Ticuán or going for the Lucerna hotel if you’re searching for something in the Zona Río vicinity.