BajaNomad

watch out for this scam at Pemex in Sta.Rosalia

shari - 2-11-2007 at 05:48 PM

Some visitors here yesterday told us about how they got scammed at the Pemex in Sta.Rosalia and I thought I should pass on this one so you can avoid it. The gas was 500 pesos and they paid the attendant with 5 one hundred bills, all of a sudden 3 guys swarmed him trying to distract him...asking about his necklace, want your winshield washed and someone selling something...then the attendat holds up 4 hundreds and says our pal owes him another one...what he did was stash one and insist he was short a hundred. Hard to argue with the guy and seeing they didn't have their tourist card (couldn't get it as they didn't have passports) so they just left. So it would be smart to get the attendant to count the money after you give it to him to make sure it's right. It was the curly haired attendant..so watch out for this one.

thebajarunner - 2-11-2007 at 05:56 PM

yeah, the best and oldest Pemex scam is the "whoa, you folks are the most interesting people to enter the station today" game.

some years ago I pulled into the downtown Ensenada station and a couple of the guys immediately started admiring the 'blue ballena' inscribed on the back of my van.... and I fell for it- started to answer their queries about the painting, then realized that their cohort had already started the pumps and we were well into the numbers at that point.

best rule to follow.... if anyone in a Pemex is nice to you - watch out. (Baja Cactus is often an exception to this rule, but the only exception)

DianaT - 2-11-2007 at 06:09 PM

We really avoid that station---guess nothing has changed.

Crusoe - 2-11-2007 at 06:26 PM

To Bad!!........The kids at the Santa Rosilia Pemex have been doing this for at least 20 years I know of, because I was the recieptient of it twice, until I wised up. And if that wasn't enough they had me on the other end to......You pull up and he immediately has 200 pesos in your tank before you are barely out of your vehicle. Then you get into your rig and leave and you think your tank is full and your fuel gauge reads only 3/4 full. Then you go back to the station and the kid somehow has completely vanished? The solution is a gas cap lock-- and use it at all times. Its funny to be confronted by the young boys later when they know you know. Heck, if they were more up front you just want to give some pesos anyhow and everyone would feel better. Oh well, if thats the worse thing that happens you can't complain to much.:D

abreojos - 2-11-2007 at 07:30 PM

That has always been a no good gas stop. Always plan your trip to fill up just south of Mulege, Visciano or San Ignacio. Jesus Maria has always been good. I avoid Guerro Negro too, just because it is so far from the highway, the town is not that great and I want to get as far away as I can get from those inspection guys who rip you off spraying your tires for imaginary bugs.

Bob and Susan - 2-11-2007 at 07:46 PM

hey...
when i get sprayed i feel CLEAN!!!
they add perfume now too...

also the spray is so powerful you don't need to be sprayed on the way back into the north where the veggies are grown:lol:

woody with a view - 2-11-2007 at 07:47 PM

once at jesus maria i filled up and paid $600 pesos. from the ground level the display looked like 600. when it finally registered in my mind that my tank wouldn't take that much gas i stepped up onto the curb that the pump sits on and the display said $500. it took a few minutes of "explaining" to the pump jockey that his tip was 10 pesos, not 100. he reluctanly agreed.....

abreojos - 2-11-2007 at 07:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
hey...
when i get sprayed i feel CLEAN!!!
they add perfume now too...

also the spray is so powerful you don't need to be sprayed on the way back into the north where the veggies are grown:lol:


It's been 5 years since I have been north of Abreojos and it looks like some things haven't changed, just more suckers to sucker!

bajabound2005 - 2-11-2007 at 08:58 PM

One must wonder why anyone would pay for 500 pesos worth of gas with 5 $100 bills???

Bob and Susan - 2-11-2007 at 09:08 PM

bajabound2005

good catch:biggrin::biggrin:

BajaDanD - 2-11-2007 at 09:34 PM

I was kind a wondering the same thing
Plus I never used a $100 bill in Baja
Maybe they ment 5 $100peso's
They got me once at Sta. Rosalia but only for a few bucks dont stop there anymore :fire:

bajabound2005 - 2-11-2007 at 09:46 PM

Well, if it were pesos than the 5 $100 peso bills would have covered the charge; hay no problema...since they bought 500 pesos worth of gas...something isn't right with this story; though with all the other nomads chiming in that there's a problem with this station I'd steer clear or be ever vigilant!

[Edited on 2-12-2007 by bajabound2005]

Iflyfish - 2-11-2007 at 09:54 PM

I got fast changed just east of Cancun by a guy who took my twenty US and gave me change for a twenty Peso. I watched him do it to another guy also. I could not believe how good he was at it. Really fast!
I felt really stupid for using US currency and have learned to never use US if possible in Mexico.

Gotta have eyes like an eagle at the pumps.

Iflyfish

BajaDanD - 2-11-2007 at 10:25 PM

I think they claimed they gave 5 but the guy pocketed one and said they only gave him 4
If so they were only out 10 bucks a small price to pay for a lesson learned especially if they can pass that lesson on to others so they dont have to pay $$$ to learn it. :?:

Mike Supino - 2-11-2007 at 10:52 PM

The scams are still happening in El Rosario!

Bob and Susan - 2-12-2007 at 06:11 AM

i count money ALL the time...
remember i still WORK!!!

you cannot belive how many times...
let's say, someone has counted 9 $20's and i count 10...

then by "magic" the next count is 9
where did the extra $20 go???:O

or they count 10 and i count 9
then by magic the missing $20 shows up:O
happens ALL the time...i'm amazed :wow:

i'd still watch out at gas stations...

try that camalu station...they have the qualis (sp) sign and girls pump the fuel...at least sometimes:lol:

they're going to replace the pumps soon so it may be closed all summer
the buses go there

Capt. George - 2-12-2007 at 06:37 AM

locking gas cap....

I like to play also....wait till they're just about to put the nozzle in without zeroing out....sometimes, depending on my frame of mind, I'll kick the tank cover shut....then smile and say "no propino bandito...zero, zero" Once is enough........I also always count out, very deliberately, payment and change...Usually have it exact...

a couple station attendants now realize that el Vikingo es loco!

abreojos - 2-12-2007 at 07:22 AM

You definatly belong in Abreojos, George!

Don Alley - 2-12-2007 at 08:01 AM

They may not give correct change, but at least they have change.:lol:

You can use your credit cards in Loreto now, at least at the 800ml-per-liter stations. If you don't have a problem handing your credit card to someone you know is ripping you off.:o:lol:

David K - 2-12-2007 at 08:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mike Supino
The scams are still happening in El Rosario!


What scams, and did you report them so you can help Antonio and get any money owed you refunded?

Antonio is at info@bajacactus.com

tripledigitken - 2-12-2007 at 09:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mike Supino
The scams are still happening in El Rosario!


That's surprizing to me. The last time I fueled at El Rosario the attendent even came over to me to show that the pump was cleared before he started it.

Ken Bondy - 2-12-2007 at 09:15 AM

To my knowledge, I have yet to be scammed at any Pemex, including Santa Rosalia. I'm sure it happens, it just hasn't happened to me. I use diesel and my tanks have locked caps, that may help. I do have a positive story. Several years ago I crossed the border southbound at Mexicali for the first time. It was kind of hectic, and I guess I was a little flustered when I pulled into a Pemex station just north of the turnoff to San Felipe (Mexico 5). I filled up the Hummer, about 35 gallons of diesel. I don't remember the price but I counted out what I thought was the right amount of bills in pesos and handed them to the attendant. He counted them, then shook his head in a "jeez, what a dumb gringo...." mode, looked at me, and handed me back a fairly substantial amount that I had overpaid. He then proceeded to chew me out in pretty good English, warning me to "watch my money" in Mexico. I promised to be more careful, asked him to go with us on the trip to watch out for us, he respectfully declined. It was a good experience.

Hook - 2-12-2007 at 09:17 AM

Just pay at the window, people. It's an insidious pump attendant scheme, perpetuated at many Pemex.

I have no doubt that Shari was referring to 100 peso notes.

On El Rosario, I have found that,for some time now, they make sure that I SEE the pump has been zeroed.

It isn't fair to besmirch the El Rosairo station's good name in such a drive-by fashion, Mike. Let's hear the details. Antonio deserves that much (at least) for all his attempts at running an honest business in a dishonest system. If he had a bad employee, let's let him know.

surfer jim - 2-12-2007 at 09:28 AM

Wasn't going to bring this up as I didn't want to get that involved but the last two times in El Rosario (december) I asked the pump attendent what the exchange rate was and was told "10.7"....fine....filled up and paid attendent first time and paid window next time....but only got ten peso rate both times.....

PAY FOR FUEL IN PESO'S

tripledigitken - 2-12-2007 at 09:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by surfer jim
Wasn't going to bring this up as I didn't want to get that involved but the last two times in El Rosario (december) I asked the pump attendent what the exchange rate was and was told "10.7"....fine....filled up and paid attendent first time and paid window next time....but only got ten peso rate both times.....


Not excusing the exchange rate shortfall.

Everyone traveling in Baja should know that if you pay for anything in Peso's its fuel.

Jeez. That's Baja 101!

roundtuit - 2-12-2007 at 11:00 AM

In Loreto the other day attendant made special attention to the pump being on zeros. Never had a problem in pemex south fo mulege, get gas every other week since Oct

comitan - 2-12-2007 at 11:44 AM

The way to eliminate all the problems at the gas pump is to have a Mexican plated car, Never have any problems!!!!!!!

Capt. George - 2-12-2007 at 02:59 PM

si senor! I've noticed in San Ignacio many times one set of pumps only (or trying only) to serve Mexicanos...while gringos directed toward other set of pumps...

Is it just my paranoia or ???? Only had troulble once in S.I. did the gas cap kick, they've never forgotten...still watch the new guys!

shari - 2-12-2007 at 05:36 PM

Sorry for the confusion but yes, here in Mexico $100 is a hundred pesos...now, not true about having mexican plates...rip offs are rip offs for everyone...in Guerrero Negro an amigo of mine who works at the little pemex told me to always pull up to a certain pump as it was the only one that was accurate...tons of mexicans fuel at the other pumps too...only the amigos know the score! And for those of you who haven't been to baja in awhile there is a new Pemex just north of the immigration stop near Guerrero Negro so you don't have to go into town to fuel up now. Make sure to say Hi from Shari to Celia who works the till in the little store there...she's awesome, and old amiga.

woody with a view - 2-12-2007 at 07:06 PM

Quote:

And for those of you who haven't been to baja in awhile there is a new Pemex just north of the immigration stop near Guerrero Negro so you don't have to go into town to fuel up now. Make sure to say Hi from Shari to Celia who works the till in the little store there...she's awesome



Muchas......

bajabound2005 - 2-12-2007 at 08:01 PM

We ALWAYS pay in pesos; got ripped off by the propane guy once by paying in dollars; no mas; siempre pesos. For gas (for the car) we've learned to get over the fill it up (in any language) and now specify, in pesos, how much we want. $300 is a fill on a nearly empty tank. When ask them to fill it; they overfill it trying to hit some round number on the tank which never happens anyway but some, none-the-less, ends up on the ground, or all down the side of our car. In many years, I think we only got ripped off once at a Pemex.

Capt. George - 2-13-2007 at 02:25 AM

I love stopping for fuel...it's almost like a little game!

Minnow - 2-13-2007 at 04:33 AM

You want to have some real fun? I usually bring along a 5 gallon gas can to fill up first. Then when they get 22 liters in it make a big deal about it and check the look on their faces.:O The only fair pumps in baja are in El Rosario. Thank you Antonio.:biggrin:

oldhippie - 2-13-2007 at 06:47 AM

I just drove over 2000 miles down baja and back. Pump was zeroed each time and I wrote down the number of liters, peso amount, and odometer reading each time. Always paid in pesos. I don't think I got scammed anywhere. Everything seems to add up. Of course, maybe I got scammed everywhere. The gas I bought in Cd. Constitucion did cause more pinging than any other fill-up. If I did the arithmetic correctly (long hand, I forgot the calculator) it's about $2.30 per gallon for regular.

Was thinking about writing a trip report, but.............I'm lazy. I will say that the gringofication of Todos Santos/Pescadero bummed me out but on the other hand the San Pedrito trailer park has gone back to nature and the camping is free. Spent a few pleasant days there.

Thanks for the hospitality Shari.

GAS SCAM VARIATION

BCSTech - 2-15-2007 at 05:43 AM

We had heard about the crooks working the gas stations in Santa Rosalia but I had never seen them in action until our last trip. Here's how one variation of the scam works;

Your friendly attendant zeros out the pump, then "looks" like he starts the pump but really doesn't. All he does is punch in some numbers but does not press the "go" button. Even if you're standing there watching, he'll put his arm up to lean against the pump and engage you in conversation and casually block the pump display with his arm so you can't see that the numbers are not changing, as no gas is being pumped.

He may also try to distract you by asking if you want your windshield washed and points to his partner in crime behind you who has already started washing your windows.

When he finally pulls his arm away and removes the pump nozzle like he's finished, there is 50 or 100 pesos showing on the pump display, regardless of what amount you had asked for. When you point this out, he acts surprised like he didn't understand your request and offers to restart the pump, but mentioning that he will add the amount for the phantom gas he's already "pumped." This time he'll start the pump correctly and walk away.

Don't let these criminals get away with this. Anytime they attempt to restart a pump on you, know that you are being scammed. Offer to call the police if they insist.

Finally, he may even try to short change you if you do not pay with exact change. Always know in advance how much change you're supposed to get, smile and keep your hand out until they fork it over.

Wiles - 2-15-2007 at 06:38 AM

Remember when the exchange rate was 4,000 pesos? Now that was some entertainment down at the ole Pemex.

beachbum1A - 2-15-2007 at 06:54 AM

Speaking of fueling up; Let's say I do not want to fill my tank-is it more "common" to order by litres or by $$pesos?
Recently I asked the attendant for $200 pesos of 87 (and held out a $200 peso bill). He looked confused and I had to repeat myself. Made me wonder if I should have ordered an approximate number of litres instead of by pesos... :?:

abreojos - 2-15-2007 at 07:21 AM

Doscientos de la verde por favor. Will get you 200 pesos of Magna.
Always tip.

[Edited on 2-15-2007 by abreojos]

beachbum1A - 2-15-2007 at 07:52 AM

Gotcha! Thanks.........

bajalou - 2-15-2007 at 08:17 AM

Just a note that some of the pumps have to be restarted if they automatically shut off and remain off for more than 45 seconds. If you're standing there, you'll know if this is the situation. (usually when the attendant walks away for other customers) And usually when filling more than one tank.

Alan - 2-15-2007 at 08:25 AM

Maybe I've just been hitting the newer stations by sheer chance but in the last few years every pump I have gone to have had LCD displays that zero automatically when the pump is turned on. Not zeroing the pump has been a reported scam for the last forty years so I have always been on the lookout for it and after nearly 40 years of traveling to Baja I can honestly say no one has ever tried it on me. Judging by the other posts I obviously live a charmed life.

new scam?

torinoso1 - 2-27-2007 at 08:07 AM

We stopped and fueled at the first pemex entering santa rosalia from the north last wednesday. 3 people came out to the pump asking about our load of boats ,poles ,dive gear and camping stuff and were also handing out t- shirts celebrating there grand openinig. First the pump jockey supposedly put in a small amount of fuel-about 145 pesos and hung up the nozzle. Kurt told him we wanted it filled up so he started the pump again after writing down the first amount-I guess an old trick.Then when we were done fueling he took out his calculator and added the two together.Kurt noticed that the total seemed high so he asked the attendant to add them up again-same total . Kurt had noticed the guy pressing what we believe was a memory button while he was adding .Kurt took out a piece of paper and added the two with the attendant and came out with a total of about 85 pesos less. The attendant acted like the calculator was bad and laughed it off. I think we got scammed on the first amount that was supposedly pumped but not on the second try . He was a large, outgoing individual .At least we got 4 "free" t-shirts.
Heads up! Eric

BCSTech - 2-27-2007 at 08:15 AM

I'll say it again: ANYTIME they restart the pump, you are being scammed.

Crusoe - 2-27-2007 at 08:49 AM

Locking Gas Cap.........Then look the attendent squarely in the eye and call him your friend and ask if he will be a good amigo!! Tip him 10 pesos when transaction is completed.:D

Pappy Jon - 2-27-2007 at 11:36 AM

Buying fuel is one of the things I hate doing in Baja, and I always pay in Pesos for that reason. I prefer the self serve stations for obvious reasons. But, even then I've had pumps not right. One of the stations in San Felipe, next to the immigration office, is that way. I put in more fuel than my tanks holds there ... but only once. Never been back.

I do pay attention to where the locals are fueling. I've noticed in BOLA there is a prefered pump so I just hang back and observe for awhile.

My truck has a locking gas cover, and I've used locking caps before too. At least it slows them down. Pulling the 20L can off the bumper first is also a great idea I've used before, and I don't let them reset before hitting the truck neck.

marla - 2-27-2007 at 12:16 PM

Last time I was in Loreto and refueled, the guy shortchanged me by 100 pesos. I told him I needed another 100 pesos but he just kept shrugging. Then, he suddenly seemed to get religion and gave me my 100 pesos. I looked up and there was a cop car pulling up to the pump. At least I know now thanks to you guys to make sure the pump is zeroed out before pumping. I always watch carefully now and they see I'm watching.

Pappy Jon - 2-27-2007 at 01:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajalou
Just a note that some of the pumps have to be restarted if they automatically shut off and remain off for more than 45 seconds.


So, I should sit in my truck for 45 seconds before getting out?

Pescador - 2-27-2007 at 01:58 PM

I live in San Lucas Cove and have to fuel in Santa Rosalia and admit that it is a constant struggle to make sure that everything works out correctly. But, I can't believe that it is some kind of new information to pay in pesos and watch your change. Egads, this is Mexico, and the monetary system is in Pesos. Can you imagine what would happen if you went to a station in
San Diego and tried to pay with Pesos and spoke only Spanish. I suspect you might get taken advantage of there too. Guess what, they will not take pesos across the border and expect you to trade your pesos for dollars when you go north, but we continue to want to pay things in Dollars when we come to MEXICO.
I also have gotten to the point that I am careful but I have a lot more important things to focus on like the sunshine, the beauty of the desert, how good fishing was yesterday, how happy I am to be around my friends, so I sometimes forget to get really upset when I get scammed for 10 pesos or maybe even 50. It sure isn' enough to wreck my day.

tripledigitken - 2-27-2007 at 02:47 PM

Larry,

What a refreshing point of view. So many of us have this victim mentality, where in fact we share the responsibility for our actions and interactions.

Thanks for the enlightened post.

Ken

Dave - 2-27-2007 at 02:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
Can you imagine what would happen if you went to a station in San Diego and tried to pay with Pesos and spoke only Spanish. I suspect you might get taken advantage of there too. Guess what, they will not take pesos across the border and expect you to trade your pesos for dollars when you go north, but we continue to want to pay things in Dollars when we come to MEXICO.


Accepting dollars and/or pesos is smart business practice. Thousands of SBO's on both sides of the border now accept either currency. No laws against it.

Pescador - 2-27-2007 at 08:50 PM

I'm not saying that it isn't good business practice, I am just saying that all things are not equal. When my Mexican friends go north they know that they will not be allowed to pay in pesos because we use USDollars in the US. It is only because so many people are used to using dollars in Mexico and then get upset when someone does not exchange them properly. My wife who is originally from Greece is an absolute whiz at exchange but one day was buying a blanket in Mulege and for some reason got turned around on the exchange and value transaction and tried to pay the guy 1,000 Pesos for a 100 peso blanket. I am just saying that it would be nice if we would honor the country and do exchanges in their currency which they are obviously trained to accept and make change.
I especially like Lencho's response how he likes to interact with the local guys at the gas stations and he watches the transaction as carefully as any other business transaction he would conduct in Mexico but he still manages to see these guys as people who are doing a job. I bring the guys in Santa Rosalia fish all the time and they always watch out for me and tell me which pumps to use and make sure that I get absolutely the best service and a smile. Maybe that is because I see them as people foremost and workers for a gas station that has the worst reputation in all of baja. Now when the new Qualli station opens in Santa Rosalia next month, of course I will shop there but I am sure that I will still find a few extra fish for my friends at the old station.

Crusoe - 2-27-2007 at 09:13 PM

Really great post Pescador........Very Compasionette......Be honest now... Have you everfelt personaly cheated at the Pemex in Santa Rosilla??:wow::wow:

Roberto - 2-27-2007 at 09:20 PM

Folks,

People have been posting about the various scams at the Santa Rosalia Pemex forever - yet three pages of posts discussing the intimate ins/outs of the latest variation. Is the interest merely scatological or are we really surprised?

[Edited on 2-28-2007 by Roberto]

roberto-------

Barry A. - 2-27-2007 at 10:26 PM

"scatological" ??????? that sent me to the ol dictionary!!! :lol:


Lots of "newby's" on this board that need to be brought up to speed-----------and lots of ancients that need to be constantly reminded of the crooks in our midst. I, for one, welcome the reminders. :yes:

David K - 2-28-2007 at 12:25 AM

Correct, the creator of this thread (shari) has been a Baja Nomad for less than a year, so she may not have realized that the subject of a cheating station in Santa Rosalia is not new to us (who have been here longer)... Also, there are new people here that appreciate the warning, I am sure.

As I said before, nobody makes you read posts here, nor takes away from others ability to post, why cry about a post that is intended to assist travelers?

Loreto Cuallis

Don Alley - 2-28-2007 at 08:36 AM

The Pemex on Calle Juarez was always busy; sometimes the lines of cars would constrict traffic in the streets. This was depite the persistent rumors that they pumped only 800 ml per liter. Their gas did seem expensive. But the other, larger Pemex was owned by the same people and was no different.

Then this new Pemex opened on Padre Kino. With a new owner, a local business man who pledged full liters. And it was a Cualli station. In no time the lines formed and the station appears to be thriving. It costs less to fill a tank there. And the station on Jaurez? Slow. Usually no cars, and for weeks I never saw more than one car at a time gassing up there.

The latest: The station on Calle Jaurez put up a big banner: Credit Cards are now accepted. And two new signs: Premium gasoline. And...a Cualli sign!


:biggrin:

[Edited on 3-1-2007 by Don Alley]

DENNIS - 2-28-2007 at 09:03 AM

Sometimes, people just like to vent. In many cases, it's all we can do so it makes us feel better.
Besides, helping to bring awareness of a scum-ball, thieving gas station to others is a powerful tool as Don pointed out above. I've often felt that the expat community would be well-served with a consumer protection network. With solidarity, it would be a deterrent.

marla - 2-28-2007 at 05:13 PM

Personally I somehow feel more hurt when I get ripped off in Mexico, because the mostly people I meet are generally so much kinder and warm and helpful than people here in So Cal that when someone isn't that way and tries to rip me off, it stings more than it would here. Though I have had many people try to shortchange me in Mexico, I also remember the store clerk who chased me down the street to give me the change I forgot from my $20 that I'm sure would have been more than she made in the entire day. And the mechanic who worked for five hours past his dinner to fix our car and then charged us $40.

oxxo - 2-28-2007 at 06:43 PM

I had a key made in Cabo San Lucas. I think it was 8 pesos. The teenage boy behind the counter was very diligent and conscientious while he cut the key. Evidently a 100 pesos bill fell out of my pocket when I pulled out the 10 and told him to keep the change. I was not aware of it. I was a blolck down the street when the young man came running after me with the 100 pesos in his hand. I was so taken aback, I could just say "gracias" and that's it. I felt bad afterward that I didn't tip him another 20 pesos. He is a quality young man and should be acknowledged.

I'll take most Mexicans any day over most Californians.

DENNIS - 2-28-2007 at 06:58 PM

Most Californians are Mexicans.

BCSTech - 2-28-2007 at 07:17 PM

THAT was funny, right there! :lol:

vandenberg - 2-28-2007 at 07:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Most Californians are Mexicans.



You mean not Skeet's Califruties:?::?::lol::lol:

Crusoe - 2-28-2007 at 08:48 PM

Dennis.......What you just wrote is so nice to here. ......Why is there no expat community energy focused in this way?? Maybe..... Just maybe .......David K could wrangle a deal with AARP. And there would never ever be any other worries in life as we know it.? And OXXO, What a great expierience. Life is never all that perfect.......But dont you just love all the small details.:D:D:D

Roberto - 2-28-2007 at 09:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Correct, the creator of this thread (shari) has been a Baja Nomad for less than a year, so she may not have realized that the subject of a cheating station in Santa Rosalia is not new to us (who have been here longer)... Also, there are new people here that appreciate the warning, I am sure.

As I said before, nobody makes you read posts here, nor takes away from others ability to post, why cry about a post that is intended to assist travelers?


"Crying" - don't complain about being attacked unless you can avoid doing so.

Look, if the goal is to educate "Newbies", there are better ways to accomplish that than repeating the same subjects over and over and over and ... it makes it harder to find information via search, due to the duplication.

Some examples:

1. Create a forum with that kind of information, and include "sticky" or read-only thread(s).
2. Create a knowledge base, organized by area.
3. Have a list of FAQ's.
4. Have a list of "critical info".

Crusoe - 2-28-2007 at 09:19 PM

Hey Lencho.....If all you have to offer young Mexican boys is milk bones......maybe you should stay out of Baja.They, the young boys, probably dont want to to see any more of us gringos anyhow. They probably never had the same oppurtunities as you! Your kind of energy and attitude is not what hungry and confused people with no education need ,that have no other people or recources or goverment resources to fill in the small gaps to get a square meal each day.Mostly,, they had a limited amount of natural resources until they sold alot of their ejido land and the Dept. of Fishereies sold out the rest of what was swimming around in the beautiful sea. Just think about it, and enjoy the ride.

DENNIS - 3-1-2007 at 08:58 AM

"Hungry and confused people with no education?"

Good goin', Crusoe. You have these folks all figured out, dontcha. I like the "confused" part most of all. I always thought it was a cultural difference I was seeing but, no. It was just simple confusion.
Thanks for pointing that out.

[Edited on 3-1-2007 by DENNIS]

David K - 3-1-2007 at 09:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Correct, the creator of this thread (shari) has been a Baja Nomad for less than a year, so she may not have realized that the subject of a cheating station in Santa Rosalia is not new to us (who have been here longer)... Also, there are new people here that appreciate the warning, I am sure.

As I said before, nobody makes you read posts here, nor takes away from others ability to post, why cry about a post that is intended to assist travelers?


"Crying" - don't complain about being attacked unless you can avoid doing so.

Look, if the goal is to educate "Newbies", there are better ways to accomplish that than repeating the same subjects over and over and over and ... it makes it harder to find information via search, due to the duplication.

Some examples:

1. Create a forum with that kind of information, and include "sticky" or read-only thread(s).
2. Create a knowledge base, organized by area.
3. Have a list of FAQ's.
4. Have a list of "critical info".


Good constructive criticism Roberto... How about emailing these ideas to Doug, or click on the Report button?

A repository of posts about certain areas in Baja... for quick and easy reference... Good idea...

I still think the newbies will continue to post their questions before taking the time to seek past posts about their subject of interest....

The Sculpin - 3-1-2007 at 10:37 AM

People who think they know everything are especially frustrating to those of us who do!

Victim-blaming?

Dave - 3-1-2007 at 12:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by lencho
Something of which I'm convinced and that I've not seen discussed here is a subtle difference of attitude in Mexico: almost as if when you aren't paying attention and get victimized in a minor way, YOU share the responsibility of your sloppiness. Material transactions in this culture are in great part personal interactions, I believe to a much greater level than in the U.S., and if we won't or can't interact on that level, well... we're just a scarcely animate object and may get treated like one.


It may be the case but that's certainly no excuse and should never be defended.

Regardless of disparity in wealth, personal behavior or cultural difference, no one deserves to be treated unethically.

Dave - 3-1-2007 at 12:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by marla
I also remember the store clerk who chased me down the street to give me the change I forgot from my $20 that I'm sure would have been more than she made in the entire day.


Why anyone would consider this unusual behavior is beyond me. To keep the change would be stealing.

vandenberg - 3-1-2007 at 12:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Quote:
Originally posted by marla
I also remember the store clerk who chased me down the street to give me the change I forgot from my $20 that I'm sure would have been more than she made in the entire day.


Why anyone would consider this unusual behavior is beyond me. To keep the change would be stealing.



Showing your good upbringing there partner:lol::lol::lol:

I would hope it would also extend toward the guilty

Dave - 3-1-2007 at 08:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by lencho
Since you're quoting me, does that mean you think I defend ripping off inocentes? Nah. :rolleyes:
--Larry


Sorry. I didn't realize that you were simply presenting the argument for the purpose of discussion.

My bad.

My intent wasn't to shoot the messenger but

Dave - 3-2-2007 at 11:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by lencho
Maybe not (your bad); I do believe what I wrote in the initial message, but the intent was to present a different attitude which I've observed in Mexico, not defend (or condemn) it.
--Larry


Wouldn't lack of condemnation support "ripping off inocentes"?

Maybe I should take it back. ;)

Dave - 3-2-2007 at 09:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by lencho

Does making that statement without an opinion, imply that I support killing noncombatant civilians? :)

--Larry


No, but you're comparing apples to oranges.

Add: "I neither support nor condemn" to your Iraqi war statement and I'll get back to you. ;D

Phil S - 3-3-2007 at 03:55 PM

I don't understand why anyone would stop at that station what with all the publicity on this forum for the past ten years????????????????????????????????

Crusoe - 3-3-2007 at 04:07 PM

Your out fo fuel-simple!:spingrin:

Pescador - 3-3-2007 at 05:45 PM

Yeah Phil, next time you come through from Loreto be sure to bring me a couple hundred gallons of fuel.:tumble:

Phil S - 3-4-2007 at 07:12 AM

We drive this route from Oregon 4 times a year. (round trip twice) We've only stopped at this station once maybe ten years ago. We plan our fuel trips both directions to pass up Santa Rosalia on our quests.
Pescador. Would have been glad to when I was driving the Dodge Diesel pickup. Now driving Chrysler T&C. Still didn't have to gas up there??????? In fact we haven't gassed at Mulege either. We fuel up at Loreto, and next fuel up is Viscaino or Guerro Negro or Villa Jesus Maria. I sort of see it as "planning" your fuel needs. Sometimes we'll "fillup" when at half a tank.
Pescador. Were you referring to auto "fuel", or the Tequila type for the "human" fuel????? Couple hundred gallons would be a good start for a Nomads party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pescador - 3-4-2007 at 09:22 AM

Good response, I am sure that if I started burning tequila in the "Moosea Boat" that I would no longer need to marinate those yellowtail.
It is easy for you guys passing through to miss our lovely "little station of corruption and vice" but for those of us who live here we are stuck. But we will get our revenge when the new Qualli station opens, which hopefully happens before we get back next year.

Scammed the same way in SJD

Canadiense - 3-4-2007 at 01:19 PM

I was scammed the same way in SJD, at the Pemex on the east end of the corridor.

Handed him two US twenties (included a tip), he truns around, then abck and show me a $20 and a $1. Thought i was confused and gave him another $20. /took me a while to realize what happened.

Now I get out of the car, look at the pump, and count the money into his hands.

Bob H - 3-4-2007 at 08:10 PM

Me, personally, I'm sick and tired about hearing about this subject. Just skip the station....... Jeeze.... :mad: