San Ysidro Travel Guide

Today there are fewer Casas de Cambio than there were years ago, but still all along San Ysidro Boulevard you will see them with their gaudy signs advertising the rates each place offers. As a cultural point it is interesting to see what other services they offer and they all do offer some other product or service.

This sign for RP International shows (2005) a better selling (Venta) than the place I've put under Tourist Traps, but the buying (Compra) rate is not as good. However, you can register your car here and get personalized license plates too. Also, you can buy here and sell at another place to get a better deal.

So shop around before making the deal. Remember, you won't need to change your money if it is in U.S. dollars.

All along San Ysidro Boulevard you will see Money Houses. Usually the rates of buying and selling Mexican pesos are predominately posted, but the "trap" comes in the fact that it is not necessary to change U.S. dollars with Mexican pesos. Every business in Tijuana's tourist areas will accept U.S. dollars and give change back in that currency. It is rare, but some shops will accept other currencies, but I wouldn't count on that being the case.

If you only have money from your country--not the U.S.A.--it might be a good idea to change at one of these Casas de Cambio.

Unique Suggestions: If you must change your money before entering Tijuana get the best selling rate for the peso. Then when you return find the best buying rate for the dollar--Not necessarily at the same place.

Fun Alternatives: It's not necessary to search around for a bank that will change your money, these Casas de Combio have been regulated since 1988 (that is why so many has closed since then.) so they are safe enough to do business with. Another truth is that the U.S. dollar is accepted by most businesses in Tijuana.

Luggage and bags: San Ysidro Village mall, across the street from Las Americas, was once the big outlet shopping center of the South Bay area. It lasted several years but eventually began to die out. What remains is a shadow of itself.

One of the surviving stores was Kmart, a discount department store. If you are on a budget and aren't into Name Brands, this is a great place to go for inexpensive items/replacements. Need another bag to carry all your purchases home? They have it.

4330 Camino de la Plaza
San Ysidro, CA - 92173
(619) 428-0303

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: At San Ysidro Village another store that weathered the storm of departing businesses was Marshalls. Though they have a sampling of items, it is mainly a clothing store with an eclectic mix of brand names. Not everything is high quality, but at times a rare find will surprise you.

4472 Camino de la Plaza
San Ysidro, CA 92173
Phone: 619-428-4121.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Need sun screen, aspirin, or shampoo?
Kmart. has them.

4330 Camino de la Plaza
San Ysidro, CA - 92173
(619) 428-0303

Photo Equipment: Kmart has most things for your photo needs.

4330 Camino de la Plaza
San Ysidro, CA - 92173
(619) 428-0303

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Need an ice-chest, Coleman stove or a bathing suit? You can find it all at Kmart.

4330 Camino de la Plaza
San Ysidro, CA - 92173
(619) 428-0303

Miscellaneous: Looking for jewelry, snacks, sunglasses, slippers, a toy for the kids? All of these and much more can be found at Kmart and the prices are very reasonable.

4330 Camino de la Plaza
San Ysidro, CA - 92173
(619) 428-0303

Disclaimer:

If all this sounds like an advertisement, don't be misled, these stores are not usually suggested to tourists who want to shop. However, there are times while traveling I've needed something I forgot to bring, like extra film and it would have been nice to know where I could find the everyday items at reasonable prices.

So, I add San Ysidro Village under packing tip to let you know where we shop for those products without having to pay tourist mark-ups.

Boondocks is just the word to describe this County Park. The roads bordering the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park are rarely used and at times it seems the drive is too isolated for comfort.

However, the traffic--what little there is--in this area west of San Ysidro is mainly horse related. There are quite a few horse ranches out here as well as an equine staging area. The US Border Patrol car is a common site along these roads and that adds to the sense of security while driving through the wild and dense brush--unless, of course, you are a terrorist, drug-smuggler or are illegally in this country.

This part of San Diego is a wild life perserve and in sections it is quite marshy. That would be at the far west end, where the Tijuana River flows into the Pacific Ocean. This is called the Tijuana Estuaray and walking off the path here will get you fined. At least a thousand dollars.

There are riding trails, hiking trails, picnic tables and plenty of birdwatching. There are over three hundred species, some of which are endangered.

A community garden is located here for all those who haven't a plot of land for themselves and this is not to mention the feel and smell of horse-country surrounding it all.

Shopping! Or is it shopping the Sales? Which ever it is the Las Americas Premium Outlets mall fits both categories and has something for everyone.

Even if you don't care for shopping, this is an interesting place to see and walking through all the nooks and crannies you will have had a great deal of exercise. Maybe that's why I don't like to shop. Ya think?

Equipment: A plastic shovel, a pocket full of money and a good pair of shoes.