Planning my first trip to Cali. Read through the older threads but wanted to check if info is still current.
My main questions:
1. Best area to stay for easy access to the scene?
2. Realistic daily budget including accommodation?
3. Any areas to avoid?
4. How is the quality compared to Thailand?
5. Best time of day to go out?
Coming from the UK with experience in Latin America but first time in Cali.
Any recent reports or recommendations appreciated. Thanks!
Best areas in Cali? Planning my first trip
Started by PattayaDave · 14 Mar 2026 · 1328 views
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14 Mar 2026 at 00:24
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15 Mar 2026 at 04:24
Good info. Going during the week is much better — less crowded and better prices.
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17 Mar 2026 at 03:24
Spot on with the prices. Matches what I paid recently.
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18 Mar 2026 at 21:24
Quick question — how was the ATM situation?
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20 Mar 2026 at 21:24
+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Solid destination.
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22 Mar 2026 at 17:24
Can confirm. Was there recently and everything checks out.
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24 Mar 2026 at 06:24
Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.
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25 Mar 2026 at 08:02
Adding my experience: scene has stayed the same since pre-COVID. Biggest change: better quality.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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25 Mar 2026 at 08:02
Quick question — how was the wifi?
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25 Mar 2026 at 10:02
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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25 Mar 2026 at 15:02
Great report, thanks for sharing. Had a similar experience there last month.
Winnipeg, Canada | Member since 2024
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25 Mar 2026 at 17:02
Great report, thanks for sharing. Had a similar experience there last month.
Yorkshire Lad — Leeds, UK
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25 Mar 2026 at 21:02
Spot on with the prices. Matches what I paid recently.
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26 Mar 2026 at 03:02
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Sacramento Sal — Sacramento, CA
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26 Mar 2026 at 04:24
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
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26 Mar 2026 at 10:02
Saving this thread. Gold mine of information.
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26 Mar 2026 at 11:02
Agreed on all points. Make sure to book hotels in advance.
Montreal Max — Montreal, Canada
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26 Mar 2026 at 15:02
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
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26 Mar 2026 at 22:02
Good info. Going during the week is much better — less crowded and better prices.
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27 Mar 2026 at 02:02
Word of caution — some online profiles are fake. Other than that, great destination.
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