I'm finally making my drive to La Paz next month. I'll be stopping at migracion across the border at TJ. I want to get pesos for gas and food at
the most convenient stop after getting FMTs. Any suggestions?Bajaboy - 9-27-2007 at 09:37 PM
We normally get ours in Ensenada. You will need some money for the tolls but should be okay on gas until San Quintin or El Rosario.
ZacDiver - 9-27-2007 at 09:42 PM
Or stop at the Costco in south Chula Vista and get some money exchanged.danaeb - 9-27-2007 at 09:44 PM
Thanks Zac. I'd be happy to wait till Ensenada - I know the area fairly well - I just don't want to be driving around looking for the cajera if
there's one easy to get in and out of.
Danagreybaby - 9-27-2007 at 09:50 PM
Highly recommend getting pesos at the Costco in Chula Vista - often a better exchange rate and it just feels safe. We used to use the atm in
Maneadero which is just as you enter on the right hand side of the road. Almost always in service but it's often busy with a line. It's probably the
most convenient as far as "in and out" on that route through that area.Bajaboy - 9-27-2007 at 09:52 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by danaeb
Thanks Zac. I'd be happy to wait till Ensenada - I know the area fairly well - I just don't want to be driving around looking for the cajera if
there's one easy to get in and out of.
Dana
Okay, if you go through Ensenada via the Port and turn at the Navy base going south. When you come to the light after the hospital and turn right,
there will be a grocery store on your right. I'm pretty certain it's Gigante but not positive. There is an ATM right next to it. We've never had an
issue getting pesos there. There are a number of places south of there as well. Some times we'll wait until San Quintin but only in a pinch.
Zacdanaeb - 9-27-2007 at 09:54 PM
I was thinking Maneadero too because we'll be crossing early am. Is the money exchange inside Costco? Will they be open around 7am on a weekday?tjvagabundo - 9-27-2007 at 10:17 PM
I would recommend stopping at one of the two Costco's in CV or one of the many exchange places in San Ysidro on San Ysidro Blvd.
If you are intent on exchanging in Mexico the closest casas de cambio with the best exchange rates are located in Centro. If you are not familiar with
the area then I would not suggest driving there.
An alternative to Centro, if you are taking the toll road, would be to stop in Playas which is the last turnoff before the first toll booth going
South. There's a place to exchange right next to the grocery store comercial mexicana on your left as you enter playas. You can't miss it and unlike
venturing into centro it's a very quick trip in and out of playas.danaeb - 9-27-2007 at 10:24 PM
Thanks all for your input. I'm so keen to get on the road, I don't want to waste a minute!
DanaRoberto - 9-27-2007 at 10:57 PM
There's an ATM right past the OLD toll booths on the toll road. Very convenient, that's what I use all the time. I believe there's another just past
the last tool booth at Ensenada as well.toneart - 9-28-2007 at 11:02 AM
I always go into a bank in Ensenada. It feels safer. When you first reach the centro, there is a stopllight. This is the main shopping area with lots
of restaurants and motels too. You make a diagonal turn to the left and go up two (maybe three) blocks. There is a Banamex on the left. It is big and
modern. Lines never very long. They have a parking lot and there is always parking curbside, near the bank. I tow a trailer and always find parking I
can get in and out of easily. This is a neighborhood; mixed commercial and residential.Hook - 9-28-2007 at 11:14 AM
We just hit the ATM inside the large Calimax just south of Ensenada on the right. But we use good old dollars inside Calimax because the exchange
rates are always so good in there.
For large vehicles or trailers, go to the signal just past the Calimax and turn left and park along that street. Easy return to Mex 1 via a quiet
traffic circle only a few hundred yards ahead. Simpatico!!!! or facil, whichever it is..........oldhippie - 9-28-2007 at 11:23 AM
There's a large new plaza just after you take the TJ playas exit right before the toll road. Make a left at the first light. It's right there.
All the banks and stores you need to stock up. Easy entrance back to the toll road too.toneart - 9-28-2007 at 11:36 AM
I should add to my post above that I also always come through Tecate, so that's why I convert currency in Ensenada.DENNIS - 9-28-2007 at 12:04 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
We just hit the ATM inside the large Calimax just south of Ensenada on the right.
That's a good store, Hook, but parking is limited by todays standards. You may as well go another mile south to Wal Mart on your right or Costco /
Comercial Mexicana on your left. Huge parking lots, especially Costco. All of these places have a bunch of ATMs and Wal Mart is a complete grocery
store. There's even a Home Dpo if you forgot to bring nuts and bolts.Hook - 9-28-2007 at 12:26 PM
Last time I was through that area, Dennis, all that stuff was just about to open. I will check it out...........if I ever decide to run the gauntlet
again. DENNIS - 9-28-2007 at 12:33 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
if I ever decide to run the gauntlet again.
I have no doubt that you will.Hook - 9-28-2007 at 01:25 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
if I ever decide to run the gauntlet again.
I have no doubt that you will.
You might be surprised............just closed on property in Sonora in the last hour.DENNIS - 9-28-2007 at 01:45 PM
Wow.....What part?Hook - 9-28-2007 at 02:19 PM
I bought 4000 hectares along the coast from Kino to.....................
Just kidding!
A modest lot in San Carlos. About 1300 square meters.
But it is kind of a gringo enclave...............maybe the best combination of enclave and local scene I've come across.805gregg - 9-29-2007 at 07:56 AM
I get my FMT from Discover Baja Travel club through the mail also insurance. Stop at the Chula Vista Costo for Pesos, no conversion charge. Then you
don't have to stop at the seedie border towns at all, and of course cross at Tecate.Diver - 9-29-2007 at 08:13 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by toneart
I should add to my post above that I also always come through Tecate, so that's why I convert currency in Ensenada.
At Tecate there is a bank on the US side, just before the border on the left, that will change money.
Also, their ATM gives US or pesos.
.Bob H - 9-29-2007 at 09:11 AM
There are two Costco's in Chula Vista... I guess either one would exchange, right? ATM or what?
Bob HBaja&Back - 9-29-2007 at 09:36 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Bob H
There are two Costco's in Chula Vista... I guess either one would exchange, right? ATM or what?
Bob H
Only the Costco at Broadway & Oxford in SOUTH Chula Vista has the Currency exchange.Baja&Back - 9-29-2007 at 09:44 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by 805gregg
Then you don't have to stop at the seedie border towns at all, and of course cross at Tecate.
Gregg:
Why is it still better to go all the way over to Tecate anymore, with 1 hour waits, twisty, windy roads & border patrol roadblocks? IMHO, it's bad
enough putting up with all the Mario Andrettis between Maneadero & Sto. Tomas, without competing with them on the Tecate road.
Not trying to flame. Do want your thoughts. toneart - 9-29-2007 at 11:04 AM
I last came north through Tecate in late April. I use Tecate going and coming. Never experienced even a one hour wait. Never saw a military
checkpoint. Have never seen reports of violent holdups or any other kind. Never have had people try to pass me. It goes through the Guadalupe Valley
Wine Country.
I'm not saying that any of these negative things that were mentioned couldn't happen. I'm just saying that I never experienced them. Going as far
south as I do (Mulege) there are lots of narrow,twisty mountain roads. I'm just acclimating early going south.
I guess I and others had better stop touting Tecate or y'all will be cluttering the way. woody with a view - 9-29-2007 at 11:11 AM
Quote:
Never have had people try to pass me.
so YOU"RE that guy i can never catch!!!!!!DENNIS - 9-29-2007 at 12:32 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by toneart
.
I'm not saying that any of these negative things that were mentioned couldn't happen.
You're right. It's a pretty peaceful road. You have to watch out for the drunk drivers on non-work days. They're are a lot of them of all colors.
The working man on his day off and the bejeweled tourists coming from a wine tasting room.
