Cyclops_II - 10-16-2006 at 10:29 AM
We are taking off for Mag Bay next Sunday a friend told us the Immigration Office was closed when he crossed a couple weeks back... they told him it
was permanent and told him he would need to cross at the other border to buy them... anyone crossed at San Ysidro recently and stopped as usual to
pick your tourist visas up? How is the parking now getting harder and harder every year with the boat to park and get the darn things? Can you
purchase them in Ensenada if so where? Also anyone have a line on the best place to exchange $$$ we have been going to the place behind the
immigration building for the last couple years but that is getting harder with the parking?
Thanks Guys!
Steve
EngineerMike - 10-16-2006 at 12:17 PM
As to tourist cards, see link on "unusual requirement for prepaid FMTs" for more info. Prepaid FMts are available from Vagabundos del Mar
(vagabundos.com), Discover Baja Travel Club (discoverbaja.com), Mexican consulate in SD (I think), and probably some other places.
As to changing money, I now go to a Mexican bank w/an ATM, put in my card, and make a w/drawal. It makes me feel good to see my balance so high (they
show it in pesos :lol
. The fee for this was about $7.50 (that's pesos too), and
you get the current exchange rate. Also, my stateside bank informs me I can order pesos for next day delivery at my local branch at the current
exchange rate for no charge (they think I'm a nice guy 
).
Open?
Cyclops_II - 10-16-2006 at 12:21 PM
pre-pay makes no sense if you need to stop anyway... I guess my question was to clarify that the bank and imagration office are still open?
Thanks
Steve
bajaguy - 10-16-2006 at 01:13 PM
Several weeks ago in Ensenada, withdrew $2000 pesos at a bank ATM. My US statement showed $187.00 US withdrawn....great exchange rate!!! Use either
the ATM's INSIDE the bank, or the ATM's in a market, such as Commercial Mexicano (various bank ATM's). Check with your US bank, as they may have a
"partnership" with a Mexican bank, and may not charge ATM fees.
Hook - 10-16-2006 at 01:17 PM
There are two reports of people who crossed within the last 8 days and got everything taken care of at SY.
I cant imagine they would close the immigration office at TJ, probably the busiest port of entry along the entire border. Besides, they just built all
those permanent structures for doing this.
At times, especially late at night, the guy can be hard to find. But just be patient and he will show up.
Prepaying USED to be a big advantage when the banco and the migra office werent so convenient, especially if you were intent on getting stamped at GN.
But now that SY is so convenient, I dont do it anymore.
vgabndo - 10-16-2006 at 05:12 PM
I'm with Mike... If you do on-line banking, you can log on to your B of A site, and order pesos. The amount is deducted from your account, and the
bills come to your door by Fed-X.
A much better rate than at a casita.
Hook - 10-16-2006 at 05:19 PM
On the whole exchange rate thing, you guys need to join a credit union.
My ATM works just fine down there and I get the exchange rate at the days close. Sure, I gotta pay the Bank fee (what is it about 1.50?) but I aint
being nickel and dimed to death by one of the big boys (Citibandit, B of A, Wellls Fargo, Chase, etc.).
Credit unions......working WITH your money instead of FOR it!.
Damn, the NCUA should use that one..........
[Edited on 10-17-2006 by Hook]