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Post by G Tiger on Mar 30, 2011 12:03:56 GMT -5
-bigbizo8-
LOL. Understandable. It takes years of foreign living and/or travel for one to become accustomed to such. Furthermore, some individuals have the ability to adapt much more quickly to situations. On this planet, there are far worse places of unpredictability.
Your biggest benefit is to speak the language. And if so, it should make one more comfortable. Familiarity of environment is as important. Focus on task that needs to be performed, which you performed well, and as needed.
Certainly, there is admiration for your courage to do what you did. From this point on, you know what to expect, and are more comfortable going into that zone for a 2nd round, should need be. Your cherry popped. You did it! Congrats!
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Post by gsxr7501941 on Mar 30, 2011 12:45:37 GMT -5
If you use a Passport Expediting service it takes about two weeks. I used one and it cost about 200 dollars total. I preferred staying in America, plus Wade and the Dr live in San Diego. Definately use the taxi provided, that way you know that you can trust them. Wouldnt want to have to get into a pickle with a taxi cab driver you didnt know or trust, especially after having any kind of procedure. And yes you need a Passport to get back to America. You dont need it to cross into Mexico.
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Post by G Tiger on Mar 30, 2011 13:20:43 GMT -5
And yes you need a Passport to get back to America. You dont need it to cross into Mexico. I respectfully disagree with your statement. Mexico, as with most countries, will require foreign nationals to have a gov. I.D. Crossing into Mexico, on foot or via transport, one can be luckily chosen for inspection. The first thing the MX Migra will ask for is an ID. Hopefully, one will have such. If not, the probabilty of a lenghty interview is high, and possibly a deport back to CONUS. As for re-entering USA, passport is required. HOWEVER, this does not mean you will not be able to reenter your own country. In fact, should you decide to go through U.S. Immigration and Customs on foot, there is a special immigration control line (to right-hand side) for US Nationals/Residents w/o a passport. What docs rec. are Birth Cert and gov. ID. I have seen Americans go through with no docs. Of course, there is an interview and background process performed. Should one be in transport, one would be removed from the vehicle, and placed in the special line mentioned previously. I DO ENCOURAGE people to bring their PP. It will efficiently allow you to get through the processes or returning home. Certainly, there are risks associated with foreign travel. Any person whom have travelled freq and/or resided abroad., in past decade, is aware that we are not the most popular on earth. In fairness, the taxi "pickle" situation can occur at any place on this planet. In fact, it is a rare occurrence...based on my visits to TJ over the past 30 years. Yes, I was born and raised in So Cal. Also, I freq. TJ bars 2X 3X, per month. Attachments:
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Post by bigbizo8 on Mar 30, 2011 15:31:53 GMT -5
G-Tiger some people are comfortable in TJ! I'm not it's a culture shock and intimidating to someone who lives on the eastcoast and read the papers and look at the news. Maybe ur right but I feel way way more comfortable in the US. They target people from the US (I got that from Dr C) I also don't trust no taxi driver who can easily try to shake u down, I heard the Cops will shake u down in a heart beat, but thanks for wishing me luck buddy and good luck to you also
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Post by G Tiger on Mar 30, 2011 15:35:15 GMT -5
Marriott TJ Boulevard Agua Caliente No. 11553 Tijuana, Baja California 22420 www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tijmc-tijuana-marriott-hotel/Approx. 3 blocks from Dr. C.'s office. The rate is $90+, per night, depending on room type. Internet is free in room (hard line), and in lobby (wifi). The hotel seems secure. I estimate a security force of 3, only two can be confirmed. One rover (armed), one posted in lobby (armed), and one+ in CP/Camera/Viewing Room. Hotel is to American standards. It is what to be expected at any Marriott. Purchasing power is very good considering the USD has tanked against most major currencies during the past decade. Food and service are very good. All personnel have good English language skills, considering ESL (English as Second Language). Along the corridor, South of Dr. C., there are two soldiers posted behind sandbags w/MG at a green building. The building appears to be gov. Also, there are two Fed units posted in front of Dr. C. building/Grand Hotel. The concierge will make arrangements take you to Dr. C.'s office in their official shuttle. Also, you can request to be picked up after surgery. Advise Dr. C's Assistant, Nicholas, to call the hotel in advance for pick up. There is n/c for this shuttel service. However, I rec. tipping the driver several USDs. Yes, they know who Dr. C. is. Getting to/from Marriott - Park at border, US side. Walk into MX. Go to Yellow Cab stand. Est. cost $7-8 to Marriott. Going back, catch a cab from hotel. Est. $7-8. MAKE SURE TO ASK HOW MUCH BEFORE GETTING INTO TAXI. Another option is to have the hotel shuttle take you back to border. The drop off point, going back into US, is often referred as "La Linea Sentri." This is the entrance back into US, where you will walk through ICE. Photo: Looking out of room from at Marriott TJ. Dr. C. is located in the building located in center of photo. Attachments:
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Post by G Tiger on Mar 30, 2011 16:28:26 GMT -5
G-Tiger some people are comfortable in TJ! I'm not it's a culture shock and intimidating to someone who lives on the eastcoast and read the papers and look at the news. Maybe ur right but I feel way way more comfortable in the US. They target people from the US (I got that from Dr C) I also don't trust no taxi driver who can easily try to shake u down, I heard the Cops will shake u down in a heart beat, but thanks for wishing me luck buddy and good luck to you also Certainly, I feel you. I felt that way in a very bad part of Detroit, once. It is human nature to feel such in a new and/or unknown environment. However, I believe this factor of fear is exaggerated in TJ, and often, the media is to blame. They gotta sell papers, right? From observations made (past several years), due to the Cartel's activities, the police have limited their presence on the streets because they have become targets. There is an increased presence of soldiers. What Americans that have run into serious trouble were involved in the drug rackets. Most often, they were associated in some way, some how, to a cartel and/or one of it's members. My suggestion to anyone headed south is to keep straight. Yes, MX is one country with high kidnappings. But I have yet to hear of any Americans being kidnapped while visiting for medical services in TJ. The kidnapped types are usually high profile and VIP, and that does not always mean of American nationality. I believe more Mexican nationals are kidnapped. "The murder rate for a city of Tijuana's size is not huge. Some U.S. cities have a larger murder rate, including Washington, D.C." - William M. Welch, USA TODAY "U.S. citizens aren’t usually targeted in Mexico’s drug-related crimes." -U.S. Dept. of State. "Ever since the January arrest of Teodoro Garcia Simental — a major drug trafficker and crime boss — the violence tainting Tijuana has waned significantly." -LA TIMES |
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Post by sheldon on Mar 30, 2011 21:09:21 GMT -5
Thanks guys for your continued input into this thread - much appreciated.
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Post by mikehok on Mar 31, 2011 2:36:11 GMT -5
I had a look at google maps street view. I see there are two tall towers on Blvd. Agua Caliente. Where is Dr C'c office in relation to that ?
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Post by G Tiger on Mar 31, 2011 9:56:03 GMT -5
I had a look at google maps street view. I see there are two tall towers on Blvd. Agua Caliente. Where is Dr C'c office in relation to that ? If you are looking at the photo I supplied, it is the tall modern building in center. It's twin sits behind it. The twin buildings are 3 blocks north of Marriott. |
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Post by bigbizo8 on Mar 31, 2011 14:30:00 GMT -5
G Tiger I agree with you on the media tries to blast every place with bad press, that's the world we live in, but thank you for your views
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Post by Skeptical One on Apr 20, 2011 15:44:34 GMT -5
@ep
I'm guessing the Passport Entry line is probably faster than the Non-Passport line?
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Post by Skeptical One on Apr 20, 2011 15:47:59 GMT -5
Disregard the above question, you've already answered it.
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Post by mikehok on Apr 20, 2011 15:50:58 GMT -5
Does anyone know if a UK citizen would require anything other than a passport to cross the border and back again ?
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Post by sheldon on Apr 20, 2011 18:59:52 GMT -5
@ EP - thanks for all the great information you posted in this thread!
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Post by bigwheels3535 on Apr 21, 2011 15:31:41 GMT -5
metal detectors?  |
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