BajaNomad

Border crossing at Tecate

bajarickster - 11-19-2007 at 09:36 AM

We're driving 2 cars down from Colorado next Monday and will cross at Tecate Nov 27th around 1PM. We'll have a lot of personal items in trunk and backseat and on the roof rack of the jeep, plus 2 cats. Hoping to get waved thru , but if we get stopped, what's the procedeure? We have receipts and an itemized list.

Where do we get our FMT and pay in Tecate? Any info from those who have crossed at Tecate will be helpful.

Also we will staying at La Pinta/Desert inn's in Catavina, San Ignacio and Loreto. Is the parking secure. I sure can't unload all the stuff from 2 cars every night!! Can we pay someone to watch our cars at night? Thanks

805gregg - 11-19-2007 at 11:22 AM

I have a friend that got his camper broken in to at Catavina Desert inn. You might be safer at Rancho Santa Ines, a couple of miles so.

osoflojo - 11-19-2007 at 11:34 AM

At Tecate you get your FMT's in the building on your southbound right. The problem is that if you do not get the red light there will be little or no parking. I personally have had no problems at any of the La Pintas even leaving the vehicle unlocked (accidently).

Fred - 11-19-2007 at 12:46 PM

I park in the bank lot 3 blocks down and then walk back. There is a guard in that lot. Then I get a few pesos and tip the guy when leaving the first time.

BigWooo - 11-19-2007 at 01:42 PM

There used to be 20 minute parking along the curb on the U.S. side just before the gate. We'd walk across and get the cards, then walk back. Did the recent construction eliminate that parking?

toneart - 11-19-2007 at 02:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BigWooo
There used to be 20 minute parking along the curb on the U.S. side just before the gate. We'd walk across and get the cards, then walk back. Did the recent construction eliminate that parking?


I need to know this too. I will be pulling a 16' trailer.

toneart - 11-20-2007 at 11:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by toneart
Quote:
Originally posted by BigWooo
There used to be 20 minute parking along the curb on the U.S. side just before the gate. We'd walk across and get the cards, then walk back. Did the recent construction eliminate that parking?


I need to know this too. I will be pulling a 16' trailer.


Doesn't anybody have the answer to this question? Things have changed and surely someone has been through since. With a trailer, going into Tecate and finding parking isn't very practical.

BUMP

Diver - 11-20-2007 at 12:20 PM

We look for road-side parking about 3-4 blocks before the border - near the bank parking lot. At last resort, we have parked in the middle of the road about 200' before the gates. One of us always stays with the rig and 1 or 2 of us go for the FMT's for all.

This year, we got our FMT's in advance to avoid the hassle.
Next year with FM3's, I think we have to stop ??

Another thought is to leave the trailer at the Potrero campground or in town and go to the border for the FMT's then return for the trailer before crossing. Many folks plan to get to Potrero mid afternoon so they can get their visas that day and cross early the next morning.

.

BigWooo - 11-20-2007 at 01:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Diver
This year, we got our FMT's in advance to avoid the hassle.
.


Where? Don't you still have to stop to pay and get them stamped?

jgoofylizzard - 11-20-2007 at 02:20 PM

You can order FMT's before you head south from Discover Baja...but YES you still have to stop at the border to have them stamped.

Pescador - 11-20-2007 at 02:40 PM

Yes, you can park before you cross the border as there is some truck parking on either side of the road. The worst is about 1/4 mile but the rest is closer.. You can get an FMT and then go the the bank and pay or go into immigration to get stamped.
The night watchman at Catavina is great and you can give him a few pesos and he will take extra care of your vehicle, we stayed in the camper there last time through and they were all great. Santa Inez is beautiful, but I think it is a little far off of the road unless I was traveling with another vehicle I would not feel as safe as in Catavina itself.

Hours?

twogringos - 11-21-2007 at 07:32 AM

Anyone know what hours the Tecate Immigration office is open?

Skipjack Joe - 11-21-2007 at 08:03 AM

Santa Inez is your safest option around Catavina. The accomodations, however, are very rustic and not nearly as comfortable as La Pinta. A good choice if you're in a camper but not so good if you need a room ($35/night).