makai - 12-18-2003 at 05:23 PM
Can I get pesos,insurance, and the duty free shop, at the same exit? Are the exits numbered(like Oregon)? Obviously it would be the last exit, but
will I know before it's too late? Somewhere around the I-5/805 junction?
What are your favorite bargains at the duty free shop?
I've heard ATMs are a better peso source, but are the ATMs only located at banks? Or is the cambio shack good enough for only $300-400 worth...
Thanks for any help.
Anonymous - 12-19-2003 at 10:25 AM
The last 2 exits on Int. 5 So. before the border will get you into downtown San Ysidro (such as it is) or 1/8 mi. from the border, with many, many
money exchange places, and insurance kiosks. It's Valle de San Ysidro I think. The duty free shop is located in TJ on Revolucion. You then pick up
your goods in a kiosk en route to the border crossing area before 6:00 pm). I haven't found that the stuff in the duty free shop is as well-priced as
some other stores though. Liquor is cheaper at the Gigante across the street on Revolucion, and perfumes are available in many stores at competitive
prices. There are a few other things available at the duty free shop, but there's so much more available at all the other shops. If you're going to
spend over the dollar limit, it may pay off, but the selection isn't that great. ATMs may get you a good exchange rate, but be very careful about
where the ATM is located and make sure nobody is around or have another person stand guard. ATM scams and thefts abound in TJ. Beware of someone
wanting to "help" you. If anyone approaches you, leave. Since parking and traffic is a bit of a problem in downtown TJ, I'd just exchange money in
San Ysidro and avoid TJ. I think the liquor, stained glass, t-shirts, tile, Talavera pottery and silver jewelry are all bargains. And of course, I
try to find a tortilleria on a side street and buy tortillas and bolillos.
Debra - 12-20-2003 at 10:01 AM
I never stop in TJ (unless I miss that dang hard to grab second lane in from the right) TJ is just too confusing for this old mind....once I ended up
in a parking lot at a shopping center and it cost me 2 bucks just to get out! I do love the Gigante store on the south side of Ensenada, prices are
good and they have EVERYTHING! I would say that would be you best bet.