BajaNomad - Tourist Cards Available at Tecate Crossing?

Tourist Cards Available at Tecate Crossing?

DeMinimis - 1-7-2008 at 02:00 PM

Greetings all.

I'm sure its here somewhere, but no luck with the search feature. Does anyone know, for sure, if I can get a tourist card at the Tecate crossing? Would like to avoid the hassle of TJ, if possible. Thanks!

[Edited on 1-7-2008 by DeMinimis]

[Edited on 1-7-2008 by DeMinimis]

Fred - 1-7-2008 at 03:56 PM

The building to the right as you punch the red/green light.

DeMinimis - 1-7-2008 at 04:16 PM

Thank you very much. I can't believe I couldn't find the answer anywhere. I guess the boarder is only open from 6AM to Midnight, but that should work well for us. Sounds liek TJ would be too much of a hassle (given pulling a trailer and all). Thank you again.

Fred - 1-8-2008 at 09:38 AM

Tecate is always better than TJ. Pulling a trailer I would suggest to park it on the US side, walk over and get the paperwork as there is very little parking once you cross for a big rig.

DeMinimis - 1-8-2008 at 09:47 AM

Do you mean parking before crossing at Tecate and walking over or at San Yasidro/TJ? I assume the imigration office doesn't open until 8AM at Tecate. Do you know if that's correct? Thank you again.

David K - 1-8-2008 at 09:49 AM

Just FYI... If you want a tourist card that is valid for more than 7 days, then you need to take the forms to a bank and pay the fee and return it to the INM office (customs) for the final stamp that validates the card.

In Tijuana, there is a 24/7 bank teller just for taking that money. In Tecate, you must be there when the bank (across the street from the customs) is open.

Going south, Tijuana is not a big issue to get on the toll road and get out of town easily. It is returning north that makes Tecate more appealing, being a smaller city...

IF you only need a card for 7 days or less, than make sure to tell the officer that so you get one stamped and activated.

Bring your photo ID and birth certificate... or a passport.

Look at these photo directions for getting out of Tijuana: http://www.rosaritobeachhotel.com/directions_to_rosarito.php

[Edited on 1-8-2008 by David K]

DeMinimis - 1-8-2008 at 09:56 AM

Figures, looking at 8 days. Cross Friday, fly back the following Saturday. Thanks for the info. It does seem like parking at the big secure lot at San Yasidro, walking over early, walking back and crossing at around 6AM (unless you think that's too early) might make the most sense. Any other wisdom is appreciated mucho. I've never had a problem in Baja Sur, but the stories (some I suspect are exagerated) of shakedowns, robberies, etc. near TJ has me slightly concerned and thus wanting to limit my exposure. Given what we are pulling, we'll be sticking out like a sore thumb. Thanks again.

David K - 1-8-2008 at 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DeMinimis
Figures, looking at 8 days. Cross Friday, fly back the following Saturday. Thanks for the info. It does seem like parking at the big secure lot at San Yasidro, walking over early, walking back and crossing at around 6AM (unless you think that's too early) might make the most sense. Any other wisdom is appreciated mucho. I've never had a problem in Baja Sur, but the stories (some I suspect are exagerated) of shakedowns, robberies, etc. near TJ has me slightly concerned and thus wanting to limit my exposure. Given what we are pulling, we'll be sticking out like a sore thumb. Thanks again.

Flying is different tourist card than one for driving... not free, as well. How is it you are driving down? Riding with a friend? Bus?

It is illegal for you to leave your property (car) in Mexico with just a tourist card type visa. See: FM-3 posts here, if you are buying or renting in Mexico or leaving ANY personal property in Mexico.

DeMinimis - 1-8-2008 at 10:08 AM

We have a place down there. In-laws are bringing it back.

David K - 1-8-2008 at 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DeMinimis
We have a place down there. In-laws are bringing it back.

Then you are not 'tourists', but instead 'part time residents' of Mexico. If you haven't been warned before, you have no rights if you do not have the proper visa for maintaing property in Mexico.

Make sure you give your in-laws a NOTORIZED letter of permission for them to drive your vehicle in Mexico AND that your MEXICAN auto insurance policy has them included or allows anyone to drive your car in Mexico...

See FM-3 posts... there are maybe 10,000 on Nomad alone!

GOOD LUCK my friend!

DeMinimis - 1-8-2008 at 10:40 AM

Actually, its just the opposite. Its their rig. They are already down there. We've got the insurance (with our names, and the permission slip, notorized and all). That part of the trip is all covered, I believe.

DeMinimis - 1-22-2008 at 12:06 AM

Here's the follow-up:

If there's a more hassle-free trip out there, I'm guessing it includes a couch in your own living room. We decided to cross at TJ. Got to the parking lot at the border and grabbed a quick one-hour nap while waiting for the sun to come up (it took 24 hours of straight driving to get to the border due to snow/ice in Oregon). Crossed on foot. Got the tourist cards and caught the foot rush hour on the way back into the US. Grabbed the vehicles. Drove across. Got the green light then a buzzer went off. Seemed like they were waving us into the search area, but not clear. So, we waved back. Followed the clearly marked signs and were on the toll road in no time. Made Guerro Negro at nightfall. Slept in the rig at a RV park (nice place). Actually got a full night's sleep. Back on the road as it was starting to get light outside. Got a little lost in La Paz and made it to San Jose del Cabo a couple hours after dark (end of the third day of driving (one in the US and two in Baja)). Flew back the other day. A hassle-free trip and a blast to boot. Thinking I need to ride the Baja on my motorcycle in not so distant future.

David K - 1-22-2008 at 10:00 AM

Glad you made it back okay... I would have loved to watch the expressions on the customs officers as you waved back instead of pulling in!!! Guess they weren't motivated enough to chase you down!

Thanks for the wrap up report.

DeMinimis - 1-22-2008 at 10:07 AM

I understand they get a bit hinked up if you have something tarped. Had my buggy tarped. Again, wasn't clear if they wanted us to pull in or just happy to see us. Guessing the former. Hauling a buggy through Baja helps fire up some friendly discussions at the various Pemex stations. I think it worked like dipolmatic plates as well. Waved through at every check point. Didn't even have to show our tourist cards at Guerro Negro. Everyone just wanted to know if it was a racing buggy or prerunner, motor size and other off-road related discussions. Pretty cool.

DianaT - 1-22-2008 at 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DeMinimis
Got the green light then a buzzer went off. Seemed like they were waving us into the search area, but not clear. So, we waved back.

Good Job