BajaNomad

Tourist card

K7BVT - 10-12-2014 at 11:34 PM

We plan on being in the Loreto area for the Baja 1000 so think we better get tourist/FMT card. Any difference in getting card in either Tijuana or Tecate? How long does it normally take?
Chuck in Portland

FMM

bajaguy - 10-13-2014 at 06:29 AM

Been to both places. Parking is easier at Tijuana, less traffic in Tecate. 15 minutes, tops

bajabuddha - 10-13-2014 at 08:56 AM

If you cross at TKT, there are a half dozen or so parking lots before you get to the border gates on your right. If you're towing anything (RV, cargo trailer) pull in the very first one; more room for rigs there, a little farther walk (not much). Cross the border at the turnstile gate, and the first big building on the right is where you take your passport in and get the paperwork. Then exit, walk back towards the border less than 100 feet is a small kiosk set up to pay the bank fee (about $26 mas o meno), then back in to the original office for the bap!boom! rubber stamp routine, and you're all set. Like BG says, 15-20 minutes tops, and a good short stroll to limber up the legs from driving; you're all set. Tell the customs guy you want 180 days worth; doesn't cost any more, and that way you're set if you decide to go back into Mexico any time in the near future. Happy trails.

Oh yeah, there are two casas de cambio at the border on the U.S. side, one gives a little better rate than the other... get your pesos at the same time and you don't have to worry about exchanging money at the Pemex stations, you're good to go. I usually get $200-300 worth for the trip down (if not a little more) and then hit bank ATMs from then on with my debit card.

[Edited on 10-13-2014 by bajabuddha]

Tecate

bajaguy - 10-13-2014 at 09:34 AM

If you are crossing with a car/truck, come south through the red/green light gates. The INM office and the bank will be to your right. As you pass INM, there will be a small alley on your right.

Pass the alley and turn right at the first street intersection. go to the next intersection and turn right again, then go a 1/2 block to the small alley.

Turn right into the alley and there will be parking spaces on your left. There may be a guy directing you where to park..........go in to INM, get your FMM, pay at the bank, return to INM get the FMM stamped and you will be on your way......15 minutes tops.

Alm - 10-13-2014 at 10:42 AM

I've only been twice after they build new Tijuana crossing at El Chapparal. Very fast, and very easy. A lot of parking before the gates, as noted, so you can go inside and get tourist card. Then you have to pay, and pay, and pay - for a toll road to Ensenada, about 6 toll booths on 100km stretch. Unless you choose the "libre" road running parallel to highway, with traffic lights, potholes, children and chicken jaywalking etc etc. Not too bad, just slower.

PS: I didn't notice that you asked about "how long" for tourist card. Depends on the line. You have to get the blank from INM window, fill the blank, then pay at the cashiers window, then stamp it at the INM window. Even with no line at all - doesn't normally happen - it would still take 5 minutes. With a group of tourists or a group of Baja1000 fans ;) unloading from minivan just before you, it can take 30-40 minutes.

[Edited on 10-13-2014 by Alm]

David K - 10-13-2014 at 11:07 AM

There are only three toll booths on the Ensenada highway, and only two since the landslide closed the La Misión/San Miguel Village section.

Toll Booths

bajaguy - 10-13-2014 at 11:16 AM

Don't confuse the issues with facts
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
There are only three toll booths on the Ensenada highway, and only two since the landslide closed the La Misión/San Miguel Village section.

Alm - 10-13-2014 at 12:57 PM

It felt like 10 toll booths to me :) ... When you're towing, it can get painful...

David K - 10-13-2014 at 01:38 PM

:biggrin: Just keeping it real! :cool:

Alm - 10-13-2014 at 04:10 PM

It has just crossed my mind - with all those road repairs on the toll road - why not going through the other crossing, at Otay? Then taking that "kinda highway" Corredor 2000 to Ensenada, rather than toll road. Though there is short section of toll highway on the US side. Never tried getting a tourist card at Otay, but this place is so small, it can't be too far to walk to INM or cashier's window.

David K - 10-13-2014 at 04:18 PM

You don't have to use the toll road from Tijuana either... It is called Mexico 1 (Libre). The toll highway is Mexico 1-D (Cuota) and named the 'Scenic Highway'.

The free (Libre) highway is not much longer a drive, but it does have many signals to stop at. You pay for speed.

The Corredor 2000 is an excellent concrete 4 lane highway, and free. It takes you to the free Ensenada road, just south of Rosarito (by Popotla). The free road is 4 lanes wide from there to Cantamar and then 2 lanes on to San Miguel Village (where the toll road ends), and is 4 lanes the rest of the way to Ensenada.

Alm - 10-13-2014 at 05:59 PM

You "don't have" to take a toll road from TJ El Chapparal, but it's smoother, faster, less stressful than old "libre". Not too many gringos choose libre to Ensenada these days. Only if they need something in Rosarito, or to bypass repairs like those now.

Corredor 2000 would be my choice if crossing at Otay. Very easy to get there from Otay.

Bajaboy - 10-13-2014 at 06:14 PM

I've gotten my card at all three points of entry. My vote is for San Ysidro for ease of parking, payment convenience, and 24 hours a day. If you can't afford to pay the tolls then maybe you should stay home...just saying....

rts551 - 10-13-2014 at 06:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by K7BVT
We plan on being in the Loreto area for the Baja 1000 so think we better get tourist/FMT card. Any difference in getting card in either Tijuana or Tecate? How long does it normally take?
Chuck in Portland


sorry for all the distractions. happens a lot around here. Biggest difference is parking.

TJ has parking right next to immigration. Tecate does not but you do not have to drive through a large city. We prefer Tecate.

Alm - 10-13-2014 at 07:52 PM

"If you can't afford to pay the tolls"? You can afford pay tolls. And gas. This year more than the last year, next year more than this year and so on. And mechanic. $500 with labor to replace a piece that fits in a palm of your hand, doesn't matter... And hotels approaching (sometimes exceeding) NOB prices, this is with personnel getting paid 50 bucks a week... And mordidas if somebody stops you, why paying fine when you can afford giving several times more... Spend it all, guys from a church told me yesterday the end of the world is coming. :yawn:

bajaguy - 10-13-2014 at 08:08 PM

You can't take Corridor 2000 from Otay to Ensenada (it's a connector road from Mex 2 to Mex 1)

You don't need to take the California toll road (CA 125) to get to the Otay crossing

Otay FMM is doable but more trouble than San Ysidro or Tecate
Quote:
Originally posted by Alm
It has just crossed my mind - with all those road repairs on the toll road - why not going through the other crossing, at Otay? Then taking that "kinda highway" Corredor 2000 to Ensenada, rather than toll road. Though there is short section of toll highway on the US side. Never tried getting a tourist card at Otay, but this place is so small, it can't be too far to walk to INM or cashier's window.

liknbaja127 - 10-13-2014 at 08:09 PM

Go TJ, very easy and fast. If you are towing it is easy also. just did it 3 weeks ago.

Alm - 10-13-2014 at 10:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
You can't take Corridor 2000 from Otay to Ensenada (it's a connector road from Mex 2 to Mex 1)

You don't need to take the California toll road (CA 125) to get to the Otay crossing

Otay FMM is doable but more trouble than San Ysidro or Tecate


Corredor doesn't begin at the border crossing. Didn't think anybody needed these explanations :), but here you go:

Mex 2 begins few blocks from Otay, you go about 7 miles down Mex 2 and you're in the Corredor, and it ends on Mex 1 after the last toll booth and before Ensenada. It's an unmarked brown line on the map by David K that begins close to the border, and if you look closer, there are small letters close to the North end of that road - "Otay". Googlemaps show this better. I didn't try FMM at Otay, don't know what can be a trouble there.

You can't take tool road CA 125 right to the border because it ends 2 miles before the border, duh. Depending where you coming from, you may still need it. Took it once, was very little traffic, nice.

Tecate - in some other post - yes, you don't have to drive "through a large city" there, and neither you have to in SY El Chap or Otay. Either Otay or SY will take you to highway that bypasses Tijuana.

K7BVT - 10-14-2014 at 01:23 AM

Thanks for all of the suggestions. We have crossed at TJ in the past so will probably use it this time even though I pucker up going through TJ. I will be pulling utility trailer with a couple of bikes and gear. The second part of our party are coming in from Arizona so they will probably use Tecate.

Around 97 I traded a handful of Honda pins for tourist cards at immigration office in Ensenada. The next time they held our passports while we made payments in bank. The cop with chrome plated pistol and arm full of wristwatches at Guerra Negro used to seem disappointed when we had our cards.

Bajaboy - 10-14-2014 at 06:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by K7BVT
Thanks for all of the suggestions. We have crossed at TJ in the past so will probably use it this time even though I pucker up going through TJ. I will be pulling utility trailer with a couple of bikes and gear. The second part of our party are coming in from Arizona so they will probably use Tecate.

Around 97 I traded a handful of Honda pins for tourist cards at immigration office in Ensenada. The next time they held our passports while we made payments in bank. The cop with chrome plated pistol and arm full of wristwatches at Guerra Negro used to seem disappointed when we had our cards.


Just a reminder about Tecate and Otay, the hours are limited. Not 100%, but I believe M-F, 9 to 5.

Have a great trip.

soylent_green - 10-14-2014 at 08:45 AM

I recently got a tourist card at the Ensenada office on Blvd. Teniente Azueta north side of the harbor.

Real convenient. Not sure of the hours though.

willardguy - 10-14-2014 at 09:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by soylent_green
I recently got a tourist card at the Ensenada office on Blvd. Teniente Azueta north side of the harbor.

Real convenient. Not sure of the hours though.


recently? that office has been closed for months.:?:

David K - 10-14-2014 at 12:09 PM

The INM officer there (Ensenada) used to be reported here as being real hostile to land travelers bothering him for tourist cards (it is there for boaters arriving). Nice to hear things have changed.

However, do you really want to drive 70 miles BACK to the border IF it is closed or the guy wants to add $100 'fee'?

The ONLY sure way is to get the thing at the border... they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller next door is closed.

If they won't, keep the unpaid forms until you can pop into a bank to pay it later, during your trip... at least that's the routine back when they couldn't take the payment at the INM office (Tecate) and the bank nearby was closed when you crossed.

soylent_green - 10-14-2014 at 12:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Quote:
Originally posted by soylent_green
I recently got a tourist card at the Ensenada office on Blvd. Teniente Azueta north side of the harbor.

Real convenient. Not sure of the hours though.


recently? that office has been closed for months.:?:

August 29, 2014
At the "Centro Integral De Servicios". Inside the door to left.
Across the street from Agencia Arjona

Not hostile at all.

willardguy - 10-14-2014 at 01:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soylent_green
Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Quote:
Originally posted by soylent_green
I recently got a tourist card at the Ensenada office on Blvd. Teniente Azueta north side of the harbor.

Real convenient. Not sure of the hours though.


recently? that office has been closed for months.:?:

August 29, 2014
At the "Centro Integral De Servicios". Inside the door to left.
Across the street from Agencia Arjona

Not hostile at all.

well thats great news! an easy spot to get a tourist card in ensenada! :yes:

Alan - 10-14-2014 at 04:21 PM

With the new crossing at SY why hassle anything else. I just crossed last Wed. Stay in the right lane as you approach the border. The road now takes a 90 turn to the right. Instead of turning left to cross just pull straight ahead to the declaracion area. Plenty of parking even with towing a 24' boat. Park your rig and walk into the big blue building to INM. If you have something to declare this is also the time to do it. I stopped at the Aduana and showed them what I was bringing down and they said not enough to worry about so on to INM. This time he accepted my money without sending me to the bank two doors over (and only charged me $25 instead of the $26 something that is usual) Probably stuffed it in his own pocket but not my concern, I got my documents stamped and was on my way in 5 min. Probably because I had a shell on my truck they stopped me briefly in secondary and asked to take a look. I explained I already stopped at the Aduana so they called on the radio and had that confirmed and I was on my way. Someone mentioned they don't like driving through downtown TJ so I wasn't sure what route they took. As you leave the border just follow the signs for Cuota and it takes you right to the border road and on up the hill. Take a right at the bottom of the hill and you are on the Cuota. With the toll road under construction still it drops you on to the libre after the second toll then runs you inland through farmland for a while before dropping you into Ensenada.

bajalearner - 10-14-2014 at 04:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by K7BVT
We plan on being in the Loreto area for the Baja 1000 so think we better get tourist/FMT card. Any difference in getting card in either Tijuana or Tecate? How long does it normally take?
Chuck in Portland


K7BVT??? Is that a ham license? If it is, it is an old one?

K7BVT - 10-15-2014 at 12:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajalearner
Quote:
Originally posted by K7BVT
We plan on being in the Loreto area for the Baja 1000 so think we better get tourist/FMT card. Any difference in getting card in either Tijuana or Tecate? How long does it normally take?
Chuck in Portland


K7BVT??? Is that a ham license? If it is, it is an old one?


First licensed in 1957. Have operated XE2/K7BVT but recently limit operation to helping with VHF race radio. -73-

Alm - 10-16-2014 at 12:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alan
With the new crossing at SY why hassle anything else. I just crossed last Wed. Stay in the right lane as you approach the border. The road now takes a 90 turn to the right. Instead of turning left to cross just pull straight ahead to the declaracion area. Plenty of parking even with towing a 24' boat. Park your rig and walk into the big blue building to INM. If you have something to declare this is also the time to do it. I stopped at the Aduana and showed them what I was bringing down and they said not enough to worry about so on to INM. This time he accepted my money without sending me to the bank two doors over (and only charged me $25 instead of the $26 something that is usual) Probably stuffed it in his own pocket but not my concern, I got my documents stamped and was on my way in 5 min. Probably because I had a shell on my truck they stopped me briefly in secondary and asked to take a look. I explained I already stopped at the Aduana so they called on the radio and had that confirmed and I was on my way. Someone mentioned they don't like driving through downtown TJ so I wasn't sure what route they took. As you leave the border just follow the signs for Cuota and it takes you right to the border road and on up the hill...

All correct. SY (El Chapparal) now is the best crossing, particularly for tourist card. And they open 24/7, unlike some other places. Park in Declaration yard before the gates, go inside, do your thing, use a washroom, drive out from the yard and go through the red/green gates. After the gates simply follow signs to Quota (toll road).

Yes, you might get FMM in Ensenada, I did, on a holiday Sunday, no hostility and no people - though it was a young rookie left there for holidays, senior officers were happily drinking in their homes. And it's on the direct route to Mex1. But why stopping here, paying for parking, and taking chances that they will be closed or in a bad mood and/or send you back to the border because (often debated) regulations say to get FMM if going beyond Rosarito.

grichg - 10-18-2014 at 07:22 PM

Quote:
Tell the customs guy you want 180 days worth; doesn't cost any more, and that way you're set if you decide to go back into Mexico any time in the near future. Happy trails.

[Edited on 10-13-2014 by bajabuddha]


A TC is for one visit only and cannot be used for multiple visits. Many little rules with that piece of paper including fines, etc.

Alm - 10-18-2014 at 08:51 PM

grichg, one thing I've learned about Mexico in general and this forum in particular, is that "rules" here are only considered rules when they are enforced.

Bajaboy - 10-18-2014 at 08:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
The INM officer there (Ensenada) used to be reported here as being real hostile to land travelers bothering him for tourist cards (it is there for boaters arriving). Nice to hear things have changed.

However, do you really want to drive 70 miles BACK to the border IF it is closed or the guy wants to add $100 'fee'?

The ONLY sure way is to get the thing at the border... they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller next door is closed.

If they won't, keep the unpaid forms until you can pop into a bank to pay it later, during your trip... at least that's the routine back when they couldn't take the payment at the INM office (Tecate) and the bank nearby was closed when you crossed.


David, your information is not 100% accurate. You can't just walk into a bank and pay a fee. Also, I do not believe they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller is closed. Where did you get this info?

grichg - 10-18-2014 at 08:59 PM

I think that goes for everywhere....

Was just pointing out that its a misconception about that part of the Card.

David K - 10-19-2014 at 07:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
The INM officer there (Ensenada) used to be reported here as being real hostile to land travelers bothering him for tourist cards (it is there for boaters arriving). Nice to hear things have changed.

However, do you really want to drive 70 miles BACK to the border IF it is closed or the guy wants to add $100 'fee'?

The ONLY sure way is to get the thing at the border... they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller next door is closed.

If they won't, keep the unpaid forms until you can pop into a bank to pay it later, during your trip... at least that's the routine back when they couldn't take the payment at the INM office (Tecate) and the bank nearby was closed when you crossed.


David, your information is not 100% accurate. You can't just walk into a bank and pay a fee. Also, I do not believe they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller is closed. Where did you get this info?


This was the deal TOLD to people by INM in Tecate (and other places) if the nearby bank was closed that day or when they crossed the border. It was posted here hundreds of times it seems.

Here is what I posted you missed: "The ONLY sure way is to get the thing at the border... they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller next door is closed."

What do you do IF the INM people won't take any money... give up and go back into the United States?

What I posted above: "If they won't, keep the unpaid forms until you can pop into a bank to pay it later, during your trip... at least that's the routine back when they couldn't take the payment at the INM office (Tecate) and the bank nearby was closed when you crossed."

Not sure how any of that was bad advice? Surprised you don't rememeber all the posts that explained that method of being 'honest' in Mexico.

bajaguy - 10-19-2014 at 08:02 AM

This was the deal TOLD to people by INM in Tecate (and other places) if the nearby bank was closed that day or when they crossed the border.
********and you can get different advice from any other border crossing and INM employee...what are the correct rules and regulations???...nobody has posted them

It was posted here hundreds of times it seems.
.......really????...Hundreds???

Here is what I posted you missed: "The ONLY sure way is to get the thing at the border...
******Correct

they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller next door is closed."
********supposed???...what are are the official regulations????...does anybody know....not what was "told" to somebody

What do you do IF the INM people won't take any money... give up and go back into the United States?
***********that is a possibility......why the confrontational response???

What I posted above: "If they won't, keep the unpaid forms until you can pop into a bank to pay it later, during your trip... at least that's the routine back when they couldn't take the payment at the INM office (Tecate) and the bank nearby was closed when you crossed."

Not sure how any of that was bad advice?
********NOBODY said that was bad advice

Surprised you don't rememeber all the posts that explained that method of being 'honest' in Mexico.
****another confrontational response
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
The INM officer there (Ensenada) used to be reported here as being real hostile to land travelers bothering him for tourist cards (it is there for boaters arriving). Nice to hear things have changed.

However, do you really want to drive 70 miles BACK to the border IF it is closed or the guy wants to add $100 'fee'?

The ONLY sure way is to get the thing at the border... they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller next door is closed.

If they won't, keep the unpaid forms until you can pop into a bank to pay it later, during your trip... at least that's the routine back when they couldn't take the payment at the INM office (Tecate) and the bank nearby was closed when you crossed.


David, your information is not 100% accurate. You can't just walk into a bank and pay a fee. Also, I do not believe they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller is closed. Where did you get this info?


This was the deal TOLD to people by INM in Tecate (and other places) if the nearby bank was closed that day or when they crossed the border. It was posted here hundreds of times it seems.

Here is what I posted you missed: "The ONLY sure way is to get the thing at the border... they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller next door is closed."

What do you do IF the INM people won't take any money... give up and go back into the United States?

What I posted above: "If they won't, keep the unpaid forms until you can pop into a bank to pay it later, during your trip... at least that's the routine back when they couldn't take the payment at the INM office (Tecate) and the bank nearby was closed when you crossed."

Not sure how any of that was bad advice? Surprised you don't rememeber all the posts that explained that method of being 'honest' in Mexico.

Bajaboy - 10-19-2014 at 09:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
The INM officer there (Ensenada) used to be reported here as being real hostile to land travelers bothering him for tourist cards (it is there for boaters arriving). Nice to hear things have changed.

However, do you really want to drive 70 miles BACK to the border IF it is closed or the guy wants to add $100 'fee'?

The ONLY sure way is to get the thing at the border... they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller next door is closed.

If they won't, keep the unpaid forms until you can pop into a bank to pay it later, during your trip... at least that's the routine back when they couldn't take the payment at the INM office (Tecate) and the bank nearby was closed when you crossed.


David, your information is not 100% accurate. You can't just walk into a bank and pay a fee. Also, I do not believe they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller is closed. Where did you get this info?


This was the deal TOLD to people by INM in Tecate (and other places) if the nearby bank was closed that day or when they crossed the border. It was posted here hundreds of times it seems.

Here is what I posted you missed: "The ONLY sure way is to get the thing at the border... they are supposed to accept payment if the bank teller next door is closed."

What do you do IF the INM people won't take any money... give up and go back into the United States?

What I posted above: "If they won't, keep the unpaid forms until you can pop into a bank to pay it later, during your trip... at least that's the routine back when they couldn't take the payment at the INM office (Tecate) and the bank nearby was closed when you crossed."

Not sure how any of that was bad advice? Surprised you don't rememeber all the posts that explained that method of being 'honest' in Mexico.


David, one time, many years ago, we were told that we could pay at any bank. We went to Bancomer in Vizcaino. They said they could not accept the payment. In addition, the Immigration officer did not provide us with the correct form for the bank.

Another time, more recently, we went to Otay Mesa to get our tourist cards on a Saturday. He said he could not give us the tourist cards because the bank was closed. He said we could get them at the airport though. What did we do? Cross back to the US.

Just because you read something here David does not make it true. It's no different than when you regurgitate some BS that Hannity said on TV.

If you have first hand experience, share it. Otherwise, let someone else who has recent experience share their info.

David K - 10-19-2014 at 02:17 PM

Nothing like making something simple into a complicated mess. I refuse to let bureaucracy at the border rob me of my vacation or deprive Mexican business of the income tourism supplies. Before you jump to more conclusions about me, know I have never not been able to pay for my INM at the border. I document my trips here with nausiating detail! I do that to provide the best data for my friends here.

rts551 - 10-19-2014 at 03:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Nothing like making something simple into a complicated mess. I refuse to let bureaucracy at the border rob me of my vacation or deprive Mexican business of the income tourism supplies. Before you jump to more conclusions about me, know I have never not been able to pay for my INM at the border. I document my trips here with nausiating detail! I do that to provide the best data for my friends here.


Nauseating..yes.....why can't you just admit you were wrong. Folks. The immigration folks can not accept your money, unless of course it was under the table and then you would not have the banks stamped receipt. You are supposed to go to the bank the first chance you get and most of the time that is right at the border.

Alm - 10-19-2014 at 03:12 PM

INM can and does accept payment when cashier is closed. This has been my experience in Ensenada during holiday Sunday.

rts551 - 10-19-2014 at 03:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alm
INM can and does accept payment when cashier is closed. This has been my experience in Ensenada during holiday Sunday.


How did they give you a stamped receipt? only the banks have the stamp. This from the immigration folks in Santa Rosalia and Guerrero Negro, Reaffirmed at Tecate least time my son got his there 6 months ago.

Just got an email back from a friend at immigration. receipt is special from Banjercito. Titled Recibo Bancario de Pago de Contribuciones, Productos, y Aprovechamientos Federales. Not available to them. Government wants all payment at the Banks because of allegations of problems in the past with immigration officers.

[Edited on 10-19-2014 by rts551]

Alm - 10-19-2014 at 04:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by Alm
INM can and does accept payment when cashier is closed. This has been my experience in Ensenada during holiday Sunday.


How did they give you a stamped receipt? only the banks have the stamp.

Don't know about "receipt". The stub that INM separated from the card and gave me - the one that I'm supposed to carry as a proof of my tourist status - to my best memory, it had a stamp on it. Sorry, I don't have it now, didn't keep it as a souvenir :). It looked not much different from stamp that INM applies to passports in airports upon landing.

rts551 - 10-19-2014 at 04:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alm
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by Alm
INM can and does accept payment when cashier is closed. This has been my experience in Ensenada during holiday Sunday.


How did they give you a stamped receipt? only the banks have the stamp.

Don't know about "receipt". The stub that INM separated from the card and gave me - the one that I'm supposed to carry as a proof of my tourist status - to my best memory, it had a stamp on it. Sorry, I don't have it now, didn't keep it as a souvenir :). It looked not much different from stamp that INM applies to passports in airports upon landing.


don't doubt it. wonder where the money went?:lol:

David K - 10-19-2014 at 06:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alm
INM can and does accept payment when cashier is closed. This has been my experience in Ensenada during holiday Sunday.


The Tijuana INM officer also took my money for the FMM and when I asked about using the bank teller in the same building I was told it doesn't matter, whatever I wanted to do. This was a Sunday afternoon. They had cash box in a drawer. This was new policy to make this easier for tourists. Keep in mind different government employees might not want to do their job and send you to the bank teller.
At Tecate I asked INM the same and was told if the bank teller in their building was closed they would take payment. I posted all this about 2 years ago. Come prepared for the worst and be flexible.

Alan - 10-19-2014 at 06:56 PM

I like to think that most of my fellow Nomads do travel to Baja and realize that arguing about what is the absolute correct legal procedure is just downright silliness when it comes to Baja. It simply depends on which government official you talk to on any given day. They may even change the answer to the very same question to the person right behind you in line! It's Baja, those of us that love her just accept it. Certainly nothing to argue over. I've paid my fees at the bank, I've paid my fees to INM, I have had INM keep my bank receipt and I've had INM return my receipt. The only thing that matters, because it is the only thing I have to show, is that they stamp my visa (FMM). Who keeps the money is between the INM official and his government.

As I posted earlier why jump through all the hoops of finding parking, wondering if the bank is open or any other what-ifs now that the SY crossing has become as convenient as it now is?

Alm - 10-19-2014 at 08:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
wonder where the money went?

Don't know, and don't really care. I got my FMM, this all that matters. From how he did it, the chances of it getting to the government looked pretty good. He checked it twice, made me fill one more line and put a signature that I forgot, and entered FMM in the computer. How the government will spend this money - don't ask me :)

mtgoat666 - 10-19-2014 at 10:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alan
I like to think that most of my fellow Nomads do travel to Baja and realize that arguing about what is the absolute correct legal procedure is just downright silliness when it comes to Baja.


Sometimes the arguing is just to pass the time,... In other cases, arguing is the way people are wired,... Nothing wrong with silliness, is more fun that dour seriousness, eh?

willardguy - 10-20-2014 at 08:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alm
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
wonder where the money went?

Don't know, and don't really care. I got my FMM, this all that matters. From how he did it, the chances of it getting to the government looked pretty good. He checked it twice, made me fill one more line and put a signature that I forgot, and entered FMM in the computer. How the government will spend this money - don't ask me :)

yep, when I hand the girl at OXXO 150 peso's for a 12 pack I could care less where it goes;) but I did find it a bit curious that the friendly helpful agent at SY a couple weeks ago was happy to round off the bill for two tourist cards rather than make change! this was noon on monday and a number of folks buying cards. who do you gotta know to get THAT job?:lol:

Alan - 10-20-2014 at 08:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
but I did find it a bit curious that the friendly helpful agent at SY a couple weeks ago was happy to round off the bill for two tourist cards rather than make change! this was noon on monday and a number of folks buying cards. who do you gotta know to get THAT job?:lol:
I GOT THE SAME GUY LAST WED! 25 USD each:lol:

Alm - 10-20-2014 at 06:47 PM

Quote:
Actually went into the computer? Are others seeing this step?

Hm... Computer screens are - normally - facing the officer, you can't see what's in there. But he looked at my FMM and typed something in. It might as well be something like "one blank incorrectly filled and destroyed, no tourists for the day, no money collected, nada" :)