BajaNomad - Border Parking

Border Parking

Al G - 12-10-2006 at 09:18 AM

I have searched several times, but have not found the place to park a 33' motorhome and towing a 15' trailer. I will hopefully cross early am weekend of the 16th.
On google earth there seems to be a paid parking on Camiones Way. It also appears to have a bus drop off and walking path across the border on the westside of the freeway.
Is the best way?
Is the first building across the place to get your permit?
If I cross say 5:30 am Sat/Sunday, what are the chances there will be room (looks like some parking) for my RV?
Parking? lot @ 32, 32' 35.21 N 117 02' 00.86 W

DianaT - 12-10-2006 at 09:28 AM

Good morning---
Are you going to spend a day in San Diego? Since we live here, and really prefer to just cross the border and keep on going, here is what we do. And, that is one long rig you will have in tow.

We go to the Baja Discover Club in San Diego to obtain our tourist permits. You can even pay for them there, but they still need to be stamped by immigration. (It is also where we purchase our insurance ---usually online-but others like other places)

Thus, before we are headed to Mexico, we either take the trolley to the border, or drive and park there, walk across, have our visa's stamped, and walk back.

It works for us. Lot of people think it is crazy, but we live here, have the time, and once we are head south, we don't like to stop until we have breakfast.

Have a great trip.
Diane

mtgoat666 - 12-10-2006 at 09:31 AM

I always use the lots east of the big mall in San Ysidro, i.e. lots you reach by using the last US exit on southbound I-5. If you get off that last exit and go right at the light, and then right into the first lot, you should be able to park a truck/trailer rig. I always see big rigs parked in this lot that take up multiple parking spots.
If you go early AM as you say, I imagine you can park in any of the lots at the last US exit, as they should be least used that time of day. They only fill up during the day when people are about. Most of the lots are big, and you will probably be able to find lots of room to turn around that time of day.

Al G - 12-10-2006 at 10:17 AM

mtgoat666 ...I see the lot and the big Riggs and the lot I am referring to is straight across the street. I will use your lot, unless someone knows the one closer to the border. The only interest is less time away from my rig.
I still would like to know if the first building across on west side is where you get stamped.

Diane...Yes I will stay the night before in an RV park in Chula Vista. I can get my permit at Vagabundos, but have been told they may give you a hard time at the border. Just want to make it the friendliest crossing possible and buy it there. (maybe they want job security???

DianaT - 12-10-2006 at 10:29 AM

Quote:

Diane...Yes I will stay the night before in an RV park in Chula Vista. I can get my permit at Vagabundos, but have been told they may give you a hard time at the border. Just want to make it the friendliest crossing possible and buy it there. (maybe they want job security???

Hi Al,
We have never had a problem with the pre-paid visa either in Baja or on the mainland----but maybe someone else has.

If you are concerned about leaving your rig, have you thought about making a connection the day before you cross with either a bus or a taxi from the RV park to the trolley which goes right to the border? That way you can walk across and your rig will be in the RV park.

Diane

mtgoat666 - 12-10-2006 at 10:36 AM

i must have misunderstood your original question. diane's answer sounds better, if you are really worried about poarking. if you are going to park, walk across and buy a permit, and return to US to get the vehicle,... well sounds like a lot of hassle. walking back to US can take a long time if you go at rush hour, and if you can buy permits remotely, sounds like remote is the way to go.

also, when i go across border and buy a torurist visa, i always cross at san ysidro in the right lane and park wherever i can at the point of entry. there is usually sufficient room for trucks and busses to park and it only takes a few minutes to go into immigration to get tourist visa (and pay fee at bank next to immigration office).

Poarking ?

MrBillM - 12-10-2006 at 10:45 AM

From Cabron:

"if you are really worried about poarking.............."

The best opportunities for "poarking" are in the bars on Ave Revolucion.

oladulce - 12-10-2006 at 01:27 PM

Our crewcab and cargo trailer make us about 36' long Al, so we take up a few of the parking spots at the San Ysidro Declare area. If there are no other cars there, it's no problem at all. If there's a little bit of traffic, we look for the Aduana guys at the card table and with some hand signals, get a preliminary "ok" to park.

We've always got things to declare and pay import duty on nowadays, so we go to the Aduana table first. When we're finished, we tell them that we need to get our FMT's also, and they tell us if it's ok to say where we are, or if it's starting to get busy, they have asked us to move a little farther forward.

At 5:30am, you should be fine to pull right in. We usually aim for the parking spaces on the left, rather than take up the right-side curb area that's meant for buses. Maybe someone else has input on that.

Al G - 12-10-2006 at 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oladulce
Our crewcab and cargo trailer make us about 36' long Al, so we take up a few of the parking spots at the San Ysidro Declare area. If there are no other cars there, it's no problem at all. If there's a little bit of traffic, we look for the Aduana guys at the card table and with some hand signals, get a preliminary "ok" to park.

We've always got things to declare and pay import duty on nowadays, so we go to the Aduana table first. When we're finished, we tell them that we need to get our FMT's also, and they tell us if it's ok to say where we are, or if it's starting to get busy, they have asked us to move a little farther forward.

At 5:30am, you should be fine to pull right in. We usually aim for the parking spaces on the left, rather than take up the right-side curb area that's meant for buses. Maybe someone else has input on that.

oladulce...Thanks for that info and must be the best way for Sunday morning, but may be a little later as I do not want to travel that stretch before sunrise. Early is what I am after as I am hoping to stop in Unsent to speak to Hose A....Then make Baja Cactus Place before dark.
Are the Saturday night bad guys passed out by then :?:

comitan - 12-10-2006 at 03:59 PM

Mr. Bill

Gain a little loose a lot! :lol:

Bedman - 12-11-2006 at 03:16 AM

AL G,

Oladulce has some good info "so we take up a few of the parking spots at the San Ysidro Declare area."

AND " At 5:30am, you should be fine to pull right in. We usually aim for the parking spaces on the left, rather than take up the right-side curb area that's meant for buses."

We have had a problem finding parking for our 34' and the 15' Toad later on in the day but, at 5:30 or 6:00 am I would think you would'nt have any problems at all. Last time I crossed the The Aduana guys were more than obliging. As you enter the Declare area, the far right lane is reserved for busses, one lane to the Left is usually for Declare vehicles.....just park to the right side of that lane. After you park let the Aduana officers know that you are securing your FMT.

When you are parked, on your right hand side is the bus lane. Further to your right is a line of small offices. Walk to the South end of those offices and make a "U" turn around them. Now you are on the back side of the offices. Now walk back North along the offices, back towards the border. You'll see a Security Gate at the far end and people are crossing the border right there. Walk all the way down to the last small building on your Left. Go inside and hand them your Passport, fill out the form the officer hands you. Then walk back to the South where you just came from. About the 6th or 7th little office you come to is a Banco. Pay for your FMT there, then Walk back North to the office where you filled out the form and get your FMT stamped. Then back to your Motohome and your done (for 6 Months)

Bedman

Map....(sort of)

Bedman - 12-11-2006 at 03:21 AM

I'm no map maker and can barely draw unemployment... Hope this helps a little...if you follow the line from where you should park you'll kind of see what and where you have to go to comp-lete the task. GoodLuck.

Untitled-1 copy.jpg - 31kB

Bedman - 12-11-2006 at 03:23 AM

WOO HOO!!!!!! Four and half years posting and I finally hit 300 posts!!

BajaWarrior - 12-11-2006 at 11:44 AM

If you are indeed worried about your rig, park in Chula Vista and take the trolley. I'm perfectly comfortable in Baja, once I clear the border area, either side.

Al G - 12-11-2006 at 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bedman
I'm no map maker and can barely draw unemployment... Hope this helps a little...if you follow the line from where you should park you'll kind of see what and where you have to go to comp-lete the task. GoodLuck.

Thanks alot amigo, your the greatest...This thing should be pinned to a border crossing post. Everyone with big rigs would be interested and most likely every rookie like me.. :lol:

jerry - 12-11-2006 at 09:09 PM

i was in a 36 foot mh and pulling a jeep charkee i had things to declare so i pulled in the for right lane my passengers got out got there fmts and the guards there kept telling me to pull forward more more more till i was around the corner my passengers cought up and away we went couldnt get then to come look or even look at my papers when in dought act very respectfull and dumb

Bedman or???

Al G - 12-13-2006 at 08:19 AM

Hope people see this thread is old,but...
Another thread made me wonder if there is an ATM near where you get your FMT stamped? I carry some Pasos but would be great to have a ATM there.

Diver - 12-13-2006 at 08:27 AM

Don't know if there is an ATM there but you can go to Costco in Chula Vista and get money exchanged to pesos. It is not too far south of the Marina; they can give you directions.

DianaT - 12-13-2006 at 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
Don't know if there is an ATM there but you can go to Costco in Chula Vista and get money exchanged to pesos. It is not too far south of the Marina; they can give you directions.

We always get pesos at that Costco---fair exchange price, but I if you are going this time of the year, get there right when they open. Until after the holidays, it is mess. But since many of the people come from south of the border, it is not too bad right at opening. :yes:

Where in Baja are you going?

Diane

Al G - 12-13-2006 at 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Where in Baja are you going?

Diane

Diane...I am headed for Mulege, but now I must be in Todos Santos by 14th January for My friends 70th birthday. I will most likely go back to Los Barriles or La Vantana to fish until I have to house sit in T.S. My friends have developed a RV lot on the beach at El Cerritios south of T.S. so I will be there a lot. Please stop in if you are there. Any Nomad welcomed.
I will have my "GOT BAJA" stickers on front and rear.
I check my email almost everyday and you can come and stay at the Hacienda too. W/hook ups

Al G - 12-13-2006 at 09:02 AM

Quote:

Thanks Diver...This is great info for all Nomads.

DianaT - 12-13-2006 at 09:16 AM

Quote:

I have to house sit in T.S.

Al, I love the way you put that. Poor man. :spingrin:

Hope we make it down that far this year. Oh, Costco in Chula Vista is one place to be sure and lock your vehicle, and watch out for those happy Christmas Shoppers looking for a parking place.

Maybe see you in Baja---have a great time.

Diane

[Edited on 12-13-2006 by jdtrotter]

Diver - 12-13-2006 at 09:19 AM

We'll be in a red F350 with this boat on the roof and a trailer in tow.
Be will be EASY to spot !! :lol:

We'll be in Mulege by mid Jan; La Ventana by late Jan.
We get wifi in La Ventana campground for $25/mo.
We'll check in with Bruce in Mulege.
You can easily find us in the La Ventana campground.
We'll catch you somewhere along the way, Al.

I hear Nena and a few others will be down that same time so maybe we can all hook-up ? Any chance Saturday Jan 20 works for you guys to meet for dinner in Mulege ? Anyone else plan to be around ??

Boat says "BIRD SLAYER" on the side and is fashionably UGLY.

[Edited on 12-13-2006 by Diver]

Bird slayer 3.JPG - 25kB

Diver - 12-13-2006 at 09:23 AM

I'm pretty sure you can get a bus from the campground to Costco.
The HOT blond at the RV park desk will know !! :biggrin:

Bedman - 12-13-2006 at 07:50 PM

AL G,

Two ways to go on the Peso exchange.

#1 Costco. Ask the people in the Chula Vista RV park. Might find a ride with one of them there.

#2 Last Exit off the 5 befor you cross the border. Go to the bottom of the off ramp, make a left. Go to the first stop light make a right. Go to the next light and you will see 3 or 4 money exchange places. Two on your right. Lot is big enough for me to turn around my 34' with the 4X4 toad. Exchange rates are all the same. Pick the one with the shortest line.

Bedman

Al G - 12-13-2006 at 09:28 PM

A hot Blonde ya say...I would get in there and forget what I was going to Costco for :lol:

Maybe I will ask her to take me to.....Costco

[Edited on 12-14-2006 by Al G]

jack - 12-14-2006 at 02:34 AM

I will be heading for the Baja this Monday. I thought that I would skip all the trouble of finding a place to exchange Pesos in the States and would find an ATM once I pass Ensenada. When you go to pay for your Tourist Permit at the Tijuana boarder will they accept US cash or do you need Pesos?

Bob and Susan - 12-14-2006 at 06:21 AM

us cash is no problem....
so is it at the pemex stations until you can get to a bank

jack - 12-15-2006 at 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
us cash is no problem....
so is it at the pemex stations until you can get to a bank

Perfect, thats just what I wanted to hear.

DianaT - 12-15-2006 at 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jack

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
us cash is no problem....
so is it at the pemex stations until you can get to a bank

Perfect, thats just what I wanted to hear.

The only problem with paying US dollars at the Pemex is that they give you back change in Pesos and being the slow math person that I am, I don't convert in my mind very quickly.

That is why we always start off with some pesos and then get more in the ATMs later.

Diane

BajaWarrior - 12-15-2006 at 10:08 AM

The current peso rate to dollar is "about" 10 to 1 right now. Making conversion a lot simpler, just add a zero for pesos.

470 pesos = 47 dollars (about)

Change from $50 U.S. would be about 30 pesos (about)

Irregardless of what the current official rate is, the gas stations (and all stores) have their own equation (to round things off for them as well).

Watch the pump numbers, and tip for full service.

Maybe this will give you adequate time to get your pesos.

[Edited on 12-15-2006 by BajaWarrior]

Diver - 12-15-2006 at 10:15 AM

If you cross the border with most of a tank, you will easily find an ATM before you need a Pemex. They are in every little town south of Ensenada.
Look for the bank signs (Banamex etc) along the main road.
Pemex does not alway give the best rate and their spanish is faster than my math.

.

Bedman - 12-17-2006 at 11:48 PM

The major reason I get Peso's for use in Mex. Some Pemex stations don't use the exchange rate. If your bill comes to $500 peso's and you give them $50 U.S. they won't exchange to the current rate and take the whole $50. Two Pemex stations in particular do this. Santo Tomas, just south of Maneadero and Bahia de los Angeles. Also noteworthy All the Grocery stores in Bahia practice this habit. Last month the exchange rate was $1.00 U.S. = $10.47 N. Peso. I usually exchange $1,000 U.S. to Peso's and the exchange gives me an Extra 470 pesos, about $50 U.S. That's a lot of Tacos.

Bedman

Bob and Susan - 12-18-2006 at 06:48 AM

"thats a lot of" FISH "tacos" :biggrin:

Al G - 12-18-2006 at 07:13 AM

Bedman where is this exchange...I can use a extra 50 tacos. :light: