Planning a Trip

The Tijuana Convention & Visitors Bureau has a website that will get you started: www.seetijuana.com. You can request a free visitors' guide by mail via the site; in Tijuana, the main office is across the street from the Centro Cultural, Paseo de los Héroes 9365, Ste. 201 (tel. 664/684-0537), and is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm. If you are thinking about a longer trip to Baja, the Discover Baja Travel Club (tel. 800/727-2252 or 619/275-4225; www.discoverbaja.com) might be a worthwhile investment. For a $39 membership fee you can get discounted insurance; special offers from restaurants, hotels, and shops; and deals on an extensive inventory of books, maps, and other Baja-related goods. Nonmembers can purchase items at the normal price, including online insurance. Discover Baja is at 3264 Governor Dr.; it's open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

If you run into problems in Tijuana, you can get English-speaking tourist assistance by dialing tel. 078; it operates 24/7. For information on events or attractions, you can call tel. 664/683-1405. Mexico's "911" is tel. 066. The Convention & Visitors office can also help with legal assistance for visitors who encounter trouble while in Tijuana. The following countries have consulate offices in Tijuana: the United States, Av. Tapachula No. 96 (tel. 664/622-7400; http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov); Canada, Germán Gedovius 10411-101 (tel. 664/684-0461; www.mexico.gc.ca); and the United Kingdom, Blvd. Salinas No. 1500 (tel. 664/681-7323; www.ukinmexico.fco.gov.uk). If you need to find an MD or dentist, contact MexDoctors (tel. 664/634-3744, or 619/378-0104 in San Diego; www.mexdoctors.com). More than a few San Diegans have medical procedures done in Tijuana to avoid the high cost of U.S. healthcare. Note: When calling from the U.S., dial 011-52 then the 10-digit number.

Some Helpful Tips -- The city does not take time for an afternoon siesta; you'll always find shops and restaurants open, as well as people in the streets. Most streets are safe for walking; observe the same precautions you would in any large city. Most people who deal with the traveling public speak English, often very well.

In 2009, the Mexican government quietly decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and LSD. This does not mean that as a visitor you can't end up in a world of trouble if you're caught holding drugs; decriminalization is not legalization. Do yourself a favor and stay away from narcotics and those who deal them while in Mexico.

Currency -- The Mexican currency is the peso, but you can easily visit Tijuana (and Rosarito and Ensenada) without changing money; dollars are accepted just about everywhere. Many prices are posted in American (indicated with the abbreviation "dlls.") and Mexican ("m.n.," moneda nacional) currencies -- both use the "$" sign. Bring a supply of smaller-denomination ($1, $5, and $10) bills. Although change is readily given in American dollars, many merchants are reluctant to break a $20 bill for small purchases. Visa and MasterCard are accepted in many places, but never assume they will be; ask before dining or purchasing. When using credit cards at restaurants, it's a nice gesture to leave the tip in cash. As of this writing, the dollar is worth about 12 pesos.

Taxes & Tipping -- A sales tax of 11%, called an IVA, is added to most bills, including those in restaurants. This does not represent the tip; the bill will read IVA incluído, but you should add about 10% for the tip if the service warrants. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.