beezus3 - 1-4-2008 at 10:26 AM
I have read through many pages posts but still have a few questions. Per several posters advice we will travel from Colorado via the Tecate border
crossing. We will have FM3 visas . What can we expect at the border? We will be towing a trailer with minimal personal possessions, just three small
pets who will have vet paperwork and shots. I don't understand all this talk of going to the bank at the border and worrying about parking? Is each
car stopped and searched, or is it like TJ with a light? Do we have to have an itemized list of our possessions is Spanish? I have also read about a
two pet max - I have tried calling the Mexican Consulate in Denver to ask permission with no success getting anyone to answer the phone.
Many people have also suggested getting to San Quintin for safety's sake - but any suggestions on where to stay the night before crossing the border?
Is the US border area "safe"...I realize the need to be alert, but any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you!
beezus3 - 1-4-2008 at 03:24 PM
Hi - I know my questions are really boring, but any help would be very appreciated...beez
mtgoat666 - 1-4-2008 at 03:28 PM
Give it a day or 2 to dredge up a reply. You are asking for a lot of info.
Reading your Qs, you seem to have decided to take up residence without having ever driven in the country, is that correct?
beezus3 - 1-4-2008 at 03:35 PM
Thanks, no we have been there a few times and moving for work. Just never driven there, and always have just been on vacation. It is a bit
overwhelming figuring everything out and we just recently agreed to move - leaving March1.
bajaretreat - 1-4-2008 at 03:40 PM
Check your U2U
Pescador - 1-4-2008 at 04:32 PM
When they talk about stopping and going to the bank, they are talking about getting an FMT which is the tourist VISA and must be paid for at a bank as
the Immigration does not accept money. Since you are crossing at Tecate with an FM3, you will not need to stop and buy an FMT. You probably will
have no problem with the dogs and I doubt that anyone will even go so far as to check. They may ask you to show them the contents of the trailer but
I usually cross early in the morning and the most I have ever had to do is to open my cargo trailer for them to see. You will encounter military
checkpoints as you go south but most will wave you through as you head south, saving the throurough exams for Northern travelers. Be sure to report
to Immigration within 30 days and change your address on your FM3.
[Edited on 1-4-2008 by Pescador]
bajadedom - 1-4-2008 at 05:19 PM
RV spots overnight on the US side are fine and safe...as you are crossing at the Tecate station, use the Portrero RV park, just east of the border
turnoff on HWY 94 - it will be adequate and as close as possible for an early AM getaway!..and don't pay for a third dog...It's the MINIMUM in Baja!!(
I don't even know if the above Mexico City airport form applies to crossing by car, but have never been asked or seen anyone having problems with
their dogs- but check deeper if you don't want to be slowed down).....someone here will have that answer in a day...
[Edited on 1-5-2008 by bajadedom]
Al G - 1-4-2008 at 06:28 PM
Travel in Baja norte in the daytime is 95% safe only take pee and water breaks until Santo Tomas...never leave your car unattended until then. You can
make Baja Cactus hotel in El Rosario easy. I don't know what size of tank, but that is where I and most Nomads gas up. Guerrero Negro is the next gas
and overnight...some push to San Ignacio. From G.N. I stop in Mulege for thr night at Serenadad, but you can make Loreto... From Mulege next overnight
is Ciudad Constitucion then Todos Santos...I drive a large MotorHome and I am so lazy...I tend to stop more.
When you get to TS go to Shutup Frank's and ask for Albert...if not there ask where is El Litro Park...I will help you unpack...if you need no help,
that is OK...I will drink a Pacifico and watch you unpack
Good Luck and I will see you there.
Bajabus - 1-4-2008 at 06:32 PM
I have never heard of anyone being hassled for having more than 2 pets.
I second the motion to use the portero RV park
regarding the "safety issue" Cross the border at first daylight and just use common sense. be more wary up north but do not let your guard down
anywhere, avoid camping in desolate areas by yourself, especially in the Catavinia area. I would try not to dilly dawdle above GN and below there
take your time, go easy, stay safe, don't drive at night, don't carry a lot of cash or wear flashy jewelry.
At the check points one partner should keep a close eye on the front cab of the vehicle and the other at the back. Anything you do value put in your
pockets or purse and take out of the vehicle.
Scan all your documents at home and e-mail them to a trusted relative just in case you need them e-mailed back to you quickly.
On long downgrades don't ride your brakes, shift down and pump frequently.
Make sure your spare is in good shape and carry a can or two of fix a flat. if you find yourself with a flat in a bad spot like a blind curve do your
best to get out of there fast and make a more permanent repair in a safer pull out. Have someone move up the road to warn oncoming traffic while you
do your temp repair.
Carry extra water. Do a search of threads that have titles like " most important things to bring on a drive" "essential items for your road trip" and
such
Have fun and enjoy the scenery.....it's beautiful
beezus3 - 1-4-2008 at 08:47 PM
Thanks everyone for your great tips. We're looking at a map right now to figure it out!
Marie-Rose - 1-4-2008 at 10:23 PM
Bajabus said it all very well.
The last two times we crossed the border we had to pull over to the right as we had one passenger who had to get their FMT, so we got our FM3's
stamped while they went to the bank. This worked very well for us and we think we will try it again. There is no one there to "man" the light, so
we drove right thru both times!!
On the US side... (other than the fabulous accommodations of a nameless nomad
) we have stayed in several motels within 30 min of border... (LaQuinta seems to be very pet friendly). Our first stop is El Rosario...
Bajacactus!!
.
Marie-Rose - 1-4-2008 at 10:25 PM
Oh ya... will be back in Todos in March!!! Hopefully will meet then!
amir - 1-5-2008 at 10:07 PM
And when you get to Todos Santos, you will probably need your spine adjusted. Give me a call: 612-158-1895. Or drop by: Chiropractic Clinic of Todos
Santos.
Safe travels!