BajaNomad

Two FM3 Questions....La Paz, Tecate?

Tod - 3-21-2009 at 12:17 AM

Hi All,
First post. The site has so much helpful information.

I will be renewing my FM3 for the first time in June in La Paz. I will be down for only two weeks. I would like to use a broker to help facilitate this process. I saw on one post a mention of Alonso. Can anyone send me contact information for him or any other recommended La Paz FM broker.

My second question has to do with driving out of the country with my FM3 after having flown in. I will be driving north at the end of April. I was thinking of crossing at Tecate to avoid TJ traffic. How to I go about getting my FM3 exit stamped? Since I am leaving MX how do I get to where I need to get my stamp?

Thanks for the help.

Paulclark - 3-21-2009 at 03:43 AM

You can use Olivia Montano Puppo --- cell 612-157-9569, email oliviamon524@hotmail.com , she is very helpfull.
Sorry can't help with Tecate.

CaboRon - 3-21-2009 at 05:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tod
Hi All,
First post. The site has so much helpful information.

I will be renewing my FM3 for the first time in June in La Paz. I will be down for only two weeks. I would like to use a broker to help facilitate this process. I saw on one post a mention of Alonso. Can anyone send me contact information for him or any other recommended La Paz FM broker.

My second question has to do with driving out of the country with my FM3 after having flown in. I will be driving north at the end of April. I was thinking of crossing at Tecate to avoid TJ traffic. How to I go about getting my FM3 exit stamped? Since I am leaving MX how do I get to where I need to get my stamp?

Thanks for the help.


It only becomes and issue if you either plan on returning by plane or if it expires while you are out of the country (Mexico).
Otherwise you can exit without getting it stamped.

rts551 - 3-21-2009 at 08:04 AM

You have to go to the immigration office which is located at the Mexico port of entry. Located in the building just inside the entry point into Mexico

longlegsinlapaz - 3-21-2009 at 08:50 AM

Tod, when you fly in, they'll do the entrance stamp where ever you clear immigration. If you fly in & out, you'll get entrance & exit stamp automatically as part of clearing immigration both directions. Typically driving out the guys at the border try to tell you the exit stamp isn't necessary. Problems do arise if your entrance & exit stamps don't balance....you have to have an exit stamp for each entrance stamp & visa versa. So having flown in, it is important that you do get it stamped when you drive out. So you're on the right track!

Few people who drive in & out bother getting stamps...in my experience it only becomes an issue when you fly one way & drive the other & the stamps aren't in balance.

You can easily renew your FM3 on your own & save $100-$150 if you know in advance what to take with you...all the exact same things you'll need to provide to the broker for them to do it for you!;) Typical turn around time is 7 days.

LB - 3-21-2009 at 09:29 AM

It IS so easy to renew your self!! Just did it. Forms need.
Copy of three months bank statements (take originals with you.)
Copy of electric bill (again take original with you)
Tax or rental bill copy
Copy of passport
Letter from organization if you have a volunteer stamp
A file cover to give to them to keep your paperwork in.
Again they seem to like to see the originals even though they
only take the copies.

The young Imm. Officers in La Paz are very helpful and nice
much different the years past.

You will fill out a form that also has english on it and be asked
to return in 10 days. Although it was posted that it may take
20 to 30 days now. You then pay the noted amount.

Tod - 3-21-2009 at 11:03 AM

Thanks for the helpful responses. Being the type who wants to avoid any possibility of difficulty with the FM3 exit/entry stamps I'll be doing whatever it takes to get the stamp. I've not driven north across the border since I obtained my FM3 last July. Lots of flying.

Do you agree that Tecate is easier to cross than TJ and will it be evident where I should park to get over to the Mexican immigration side?

Also, I've been reading some of your posts on the drive and recommended hotels and stops. I drove down in two days but I want to take 3 going back so I can cross the border earlier in the day. Maybe do TS to Loreto, Loreto to Ensenada and then across the next day?

jeffg - 3-24-2009 at 01:48 PM

We've done this a few times lately mixing the fly/drive. Getting the exit stamp driving out can be a PITA. In November we were able to get stamped out at the immigration office in La Paz. Tried it again in February, this time no go. (Nothing ever works the same way twice...) We did get stamped out no problem at the Guerrero Negro checkpoint, pull over to the immigration office on the west side. GN is probably your best bet, based on your plan to take 3 days. Their office hours are 8-3, Mon thru Sat. Earlier or later than that, or Sunday, and you're outa luck.

I cross at TJ and have never figured out how to get to the immigration office to get stamped out there. I've also tried to get the exit stamp at Ensenada, but they declined too. It's not easy to comply with the paperwork requirements, that's for sure!

Good luck...

bajalou - 3-24-2009 at 02:11 PM

I have found it difficult to get one stamped at Mexicali west and Los Algodones.