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| Juarez, Mexico |  Review on April 16, 2018: |
battsher
Rating:  | Review Topic: Other Experience
Some general info on visiting the US consulate in Cuidad Juarez:
On safety:
- Juarez has a well earned bad reputation as a dangerous city. I don't doubt that it was a few years ago during the last cartel turf war. My experience was that it is a city like any other. Malls and stores are busy. People of all sorts out on the streets. I'm sure you could find trouble, but you'd have to go looking for it.
On getting to Juarez:
- I flew into El Paso International. An Uber to the the Cordova Bridge Of The Americas was about $12. From there I walked across the bridge to the Mexican side. Easy-peasy. With a smile I said "Buenos tardes" to the soldier posted outside the customs office as I walked by. No stopping, no questions, no inspection, no problem.
On getting around:
- The area surrounding the consulate is not pedestrian friendly. Luckily the medical clinics, hotels restaurants, a mall, and a convienence store are right nearby. The only trouble is that there's a busy divided four-lane road in the middle of it all. There's a pedestrian bridge over, but there are entrances/exits all along the highway. We got along just fine, but it's not great.
- For excursions beyond the immediate surrounding area, we found that Uber was cheap and easy. Much much cheaper to use than in the US (just don't expect them to speak much English).
On the consulate:
- I wasn't the one going inside, so I don't have a whole lot to offer. When you show up, go straight up to the front of the line to talk to one of the consulate workers. There will be lots of people standing around, maybe even something resembling a line. Just go to the front and they will direct you (the person being interviewed) to the right place and when.
- The security folks there are tasked with keeping the area in from of the consulate clear. If you are waiting for you spouse/fiance/friend/family member, you have to stand clear of the area in front of the building, extending all the way up the street to the next plaza. Everyone congregates in one area of the sidewalk.
- My best advice is to get an appointment early in the morning, to maximize the available shade/minimize the heat of the sun. Bring a hat.
On crossing to the US:
- The hotel shuttle took me to the border, back to the Cordova Bridge Of The Americas. Another hike up over the bridge. Saturday morning there was plenty of truck and car traffic, but only a few other pedestrians.
- I had a large backpack and a big suitcase with me. Handed the agent my passport card, "Where are you going today?, What are you bringing back?" He smiled when I told him I had a bottle of tequila and some snacks and cookies with me, then sent me on my way. For reference, I'm a tall white guy, as Gringo as they come. I'm used to crossing Tijuana/San Diego, where even given my entitlement, there's often much more scrutiny. This was much more laid back.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #23633