BajaNomad

Tecate Crossing: how early in the morning for FMM?

dmiller72 - 11-13-2017 at 07:18 AM

Can't find recent information: anyone know how early one can cross at Tecate AND get FMM forms squared away?

I think last year we crossed around 0630 and the bank wasn't open yet, so the INM representative accepted our money and stamped our forms for us.
However, the details in my memory are a little fuzzy. We'd like to cross even earlier this year if possible.

bajaguy - 11-13-2017 at 08:11 AM

US side (northbound) opens at 5am, would think the Mexican side (southbound) would also....YMMV

Timo1 - 11-13-2017 at 08:39 AM

We get ours the day before we cross, do the bank thing, and crash for the night on the US side.
Next morning we cross when the gates open and we're on our way

carlosg - 11-13-2017 at 09:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by dmiller72  
Can't find recent information: anyone know how early one can cross at Tecate AND get FMM forms squared away?...


We went to the INM office in Tecate last Saturday noon to get our FMM permits and while paying at the Banjercito window next door (on the sidewalk) I noticed a sign on the window that stated that business hours for Bajercito ARE from 8am thru 10pm ONLY...

Or... you could also get you FMM ONLINE:

https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html
Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
US side (northbound) opens at 5am, would think the Mexican side (southbound) would also....YMMV


...GATES going south also open at 5am.

[Edited on 11-13-2017 by carlosg]

bajaguy - 11-13-2017 at 09:55 AM

You can get the FMM on line, but it still needs to be stamped at the border, and at Tecate there is very seldom a wait. if the bank is not open, just pay the INM agent. As long as you get it stamped, you are good to go

[Edited on 11-13-2017 by bajaguy]

David K - 11-13-2017 at 10:01 AM

Correct, a bank teller is no longer mandatory. The INM officer has had the authority to collect the tax since 2012, if the bank is not open or even if it is.

carlosg - 11-13-2017 at 10:34 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
You can get the FMM on line, but it still needs to be stamped at the border, and at Tecate there is very seldom a wait. if the bank is not open, just pay the INM agent. As long as you get it stamped, you are good to go

[Edited on 11-13-2017 by bajaguy]


It costs $500.00 pesos per person, so if possible have exact amount, preferably in pesos with you to avoid ANY misunderstandings, last Saturday the officer had honey and salsa on his desk that he was peddling to each one that was getting their FMM... I told him I didn't have any more money because I was counting on paying the same as I did during easter this year (it was cheaper) so I got off without "buying"....

dmiller72 - 11-13-2017 at 05:28 PM

LOL Carlos last year we bought the honey AND the hot sauce--they were actually pretty good!
:spingrin:

vandy - 11-13-2017 at 07:48 PM

Hajaja! I also buy $2 worth of stuff.
I saw a nice girl behind me still be there
when I got back from the bank.
Nothing special about the hot sauce,
but the price was the same I paid
in 1985 for expedited service...

That said, I put a 200 peso note in my passport
when applying for another 6- month fmm in two weeks after the last one.
He gave it back.
That was just a couple of years ago when they
said only one 180-day fmm per year.

Mexico is all about your people skills, luck-of-the-draw, and
Hey, how did I get so far off track?

I think Tecate opens 6am, and they'll let you go through if you pay at a bank later.