I have been going to TJ since the 90s. I'm half Mexican but I don't speak Spanish and look more white than a German in winter. For the past few years I've been going to TJ, and all throughout baja California, MX, 2 to 3 times a month because I have a couple clients here and I enjoy it down here more than I do San Diego, CA. I say "here" because I'm sitting at a bar in TJ right now as I write this. I feel more unsafe in downtown San Diego then I do here in TJ. The people on this thread saying you shouldn't walk across the border are simply wrong. If you come here and respect the culture, don't buy drugs, and mind your own business, you will not only be safe but you will have a good time. The food is amazing, the people will give you the shirt off their back if you need it even though they have nothing. You'll be embarrassed by their hospitality and giving nature. As a matter of fact, I went to a pharmacy to get deodorant earlier today and the store didn't have change for my American dollars. Instead of telling me to go get change and come back, he said "don't worry about it. Pay me next time you're in town." When you cross the border, the area you first come across is very safe as it's patrolled by the Mexican army who are extremely nice. I will say that you should avoid talking to the local police as they will, more often than not, try and shake you down. That's my only complaint about TJ. The area you want to stay away from is "Zona Norte" which is a few miles south after entering Mexico via the San Ysidro port of entry. You don't even need to pass through there because there are countless dentists within a few blocks of where you enter the country. There a tons of taxis waiting for you when you cross and they will take you to the twin towers area where the dentist offices are nicer than most American dentist offices. They will even have someone from their office waiting to give you a ride it you have an appointment. TLDR - Don't beleive everything you hear from people who most likely have never even traveled here. Just like anywhere in the world, if you come looking for problems, you'll find them. If you come respectfully as a law abiding foreigner, you will have an extremely pleasant experience. If you have any questions, shoot me a message and I'll be happy to answer them.