BajaNomad

Another tourist permit question

fishingmako - 6-9-2009 at 07:31 PM

YOU STILL HAVE TO HAVE THEM STAMPED AT THE BORDER, SO YOU WOULD BE WASTING YOUR TIME.

BajaWarrior - 6-9-2009 at 07:42 PM

I know that you can purchase them at Discover Baja on Clairemont drive, but you still have to stop and get them validated...

The consulate on India street has pretty limited hours if they offer the FM-T, I think 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but you still have to stop and validate at the border...

bajagrouper - 6-9-2009 at 10:22 PM

can't you have them stamped at Guerrero Negro?

gnukid - 6-9-2009 at 10:27 PM

Yes but for some reason if you pass TJ with the intention of going south, the INM offices further south will say that you should have done it before and likely ask you to pay a fine.

And, in practice they often do not stamp in GN. They can be closed or whatever then you will be further south with no visa which is certainly a finable offense.

It is so easy to stop at the border, just do it and your life will much easier.

David K - 6-9-2009 at 10:58 PM

He may not be going as far south as Guerrero Negro... You need them officially as soon as you are south of Ensenada (Maneadero) or anywhere if longer than 72 hours.

Frank, since you need to validate them at the border, no matter where you get them before your trip, it just takes another couple of minutes to just get them there.

Bajahowodd - 6-9-2009 at 11:31 PM

Geez. It takes like two minutes or less to complete the form. At San Ysidro, the bank is a couple of windows down, and is open 24/7. The Costco for pesos thing? So many ATMs all the way down. As DK pointed out, Soulpatch may not be headed as far South as Guerrero Negro. Even so, on the Southbound side, it's all about bug spray. They don't even always have someone in the shack that could help you. And I agree, there's a high likelihood that a fine could be levied since even though they have the free 7 day FMT, if it's not stamped before you venture South of Maneadero, you will not be in compliance.

sancho - 6-10-2009 at 07:54 AM

Was reading just recently off some Mex
Consulate site that fmt's are no longer
issued at Mex Consulates, this has
apparently been in effect for a few months
can't verify it though, you have get one
at the point of entry
7 day fmt's are free

DianaT - 6-10-2009 at 08:08 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Think I'll head down in a week or so and take care of it and then hit the CostCo for pesos.
I just want to haul butt when I am ready.


When we were getting FMTs, that is the way we did it---walked across a week or so before we went---like you, we did not want to stop once we were headed south.

We still get pesos at Costco in Chula Vista---maybe not always the absolute cheapest place to get them, but seldom a line and fair. Again, just easier and leaves us focused on getting south.

Now that we go back and forth so often, when we are in the states, we buy pesos everything we shop at costco---sort of a dollar cost averaging into pesos. :lol:

Have a great time!

Diane

David K - 6-10-2009 at 08:18 AM

Diane, the point is you still had to stop in Tijuana to get the FM-Ts validated (stamped)... and since that has to be done, just getting them at the same place takes no more time. If a paid one is needed, the bank teller window is a few steps to the left of the INM office... Maybe ads 2-5 minutes.

Because Frank lives in San Diego, maybe it is no big deal to spend a day before his trip to get that all done... but if doesn't want to stop at TJ on the way to L.A. Bay, then Tijuana is the only place to both get the tourist cards and have them validated.

DENNIS - 6-10-2009 at 08:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Think I'll head down in a week or so and take care of it and then hit the CostCo for pesos.


Costco probably is still the best rate of exchange in the Casas de Cambio and the convenience may be worth the extra 2% it'll cost over the ATMs down south.

k-rico - 6-10-2009 at 08:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaWarrior
I know that you can purchase them at Discover Baja on Clairemont drive, but you still have to stop and get them validated...


Discover Baja has moved:

http://www.discoverbaja.com/contact.html

Bajaboy - 6-10-2009 at 08:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Think I'll head down in a week or so and take care of it and then hit the CostCo for pesos.


Costco probably is still the best rate of exchange in the Casas de Cambio and the convenience may be worth the extra 2% it'll cost over the ATMs down south.


Convenience? I stop just after the 3rd toll booth (Ensenada). There is a clean bathroom as well as an ATM. I use both, fill my coffee cup, and am on my way. That is convenient!

wilderone - 6-10-2009 at 09:04 AM

"100 Mile Endurance run in June, 2010, and will be running for Karno Kids. Join me as I raise money to combat obesity in kids by getting them active and outdoors. "

Is this a joke? Why aren't the kids running? Why does it take donated money to get kids active and outdoors? Isn't the outdoors free? Isn't running free?

Yeah - a hijack fer shur.

DianaT - 6-10-2009 at 09:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Diane, the point is you still had to stop in Tijuana to get the FM-Ts validated (stamped)... and since that has to be done, just getting them at the same place takes no more time. If a paid one is needed, the bank teller window is a few steps to the left of the INM office... Maybe ads 2-5 minutes.


No, we didn't have to stop in TJ to have it validated---as I said, we walked across a week or so before our trips---so FMT was all validated.

It may not take much time at the border, but I understand that desire to just keep moving. Just a matter of preference.

Diane

Bajaboy - 6-10-2009 at 09:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
"100 Mile Endurance run in June, 2010, and will be running for Karno Kids. Join me as I raise money to combat obesity in kids by getting them active and outdoors. "

Is this a joke? Why aren't the kids running? Why does it take donated money to get kids active and outdoors? Isn't the outdoors free? Isn't running free?

Yeah - a hijack fer shur.


Ok genius, then why don't you figure out a way to cure childhood obesity:?: Sit on your couch and get back to me:coolup: i'm taking my son for a run...get back to me....:lol:

DENNIS - 6-10-2009 at 09:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Convenience? I stop just after the 3rd toll booth (Ensenada). There is a clean bathroom as well as an ATM. I use both, fill my coffee cup, and am on my way. That is convenient!


I didn't know there were ATMs at the toll plazas. Thanks.
By the way, Zac....Did you ever make a trip to an ATM relying on the outcome and find it out of order or money? Or being loaded with pesos by a squad of armed men who won't let you get within fifty feet of the operation for the thirty minutes it takes them to do their job?
That's inconvenient.

David K - 6-10-2009 at 09:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrotter
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Diane, the point is you still had to stop in Tijuana to get the FM-Ts validated (stamped)... and since that has to be done, just getting them at the same place takes no more time. If a paid one is needed, the bank teller window is a few steps to the left of the INM office... Maybe ads 2-5 minutes.


No, we didn't have to stop in TJ to have it validated---as I said, we walked across a week or so before our trips---so FMT was all validated. ...


Diane


By your own words you DID have it validated in Tijuana...

The point is why get one at Discover Baja or the consulate before your trip and still have to stop at the border. Going to the border and getting them on a free day before your trip is a fine idea if you live in San Diego.... as I said in another reply.

Bajaboy - 6-10-2009 at 09:25 AM

Dennis-

Not sure if there are ATMs at the other toll booths. I've stopped at a few when they were out of money. I like the toll booth in that if it is out of money, there are plenty more on my way south. So far, the toll booth ATM has always had money...

bajaguy - 6-10-2009 at 09:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS

I didn't know there were ATMs at the toll plazas. Thanks.
By the way, Zac....Did you ever make a trip to an ATM relying on the outcome and find it out of order or money? Or being loaded with pesos by a squad of armed men who won't let you get within fifty feet of the operation for the thirty minutes it takes them to do their job?
That's inconvenient.






That's why I use the ATM's at the Commercial Mexicana......several banks to choose from, and I like the added security of the shotgun toting guards!!!!!

[Edited on 6-10-2009 by bajaguy]

wilderone - 6-10-2009 at 09:29 AM

Cure childhood obesity by (1) stop taking them to McDonalds; (2) stop buying them sodas and stop buying potato chips and cookies; (3) take them to the beach; (4) join the Sierra Club and go for a hike with the other families; (5) walk in your neighborhood, beach, canyon; (6) don't sit in front of the TV eating calorie-laden snacks; (7) teach proper nutrition in school; (8) have school programs that encourage activity like keeping the courts and fields open at all times for community use (handball, running course, throwing a ball); join the YMCA and swim; go to the municipal pools and swim. Childhood obesity is the fault of the parents. Educate parents.
I'm glad you choose to try to do something about this generation of obese children. But really, shouldn't the children be running? What better education for the target class?

DianaT - 6-10-2009 at 09:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
The deal with the ATM's is that there is a limit on daily withdrawals and there are and have been the delays Dennis mentions.
I need more than the limit since we one-day it to BOLA and stay for awhile.....I have yet to see an ATM there.
As far as only taking a few minutes at the border......ever pull in right when one of those buses dumps all their passengers out to get permits? That's fun.
Besides, how many of you have young twins? Those few minutes here, few minutes there add up during the course of a day. My kids are GREAT travelers but it's like Dianne said, once we're southbound bureaucracy is not what we want to deal with.
Preferences.


Just one thing--we only get $900.00 worth of pesos at one time at Costco---we go back several days in a row if we need more. If you get $1000.00 worth or more, you have to fill out that stupid form because of the stupid, (IMHO) Patriot Act.

Hope you get the green light at the border, and just keep movin south.

Diane

Bajaboy - 6-10-2009 at 09:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
Cure childhood obesity by (1) stop taking them to McDonalds; (2) stop buying them sodas and stop buying potato chips and cookies; (3) take them to the beach; (4) join the Sierra Club and go for a hike with the other families; (5) walk in your neighborhood, beach, canyon; (6) don't sit in front of the TV eating calorie-laden snacks; (7) teach proper nutrition in school; (8) have school programs that encourage activity like keeping the courts and fields open at all times for community use (handball, running course, throwing a ball); join the YMCA and swim; go to the municipal pools and swim. Childhood obesity is the fault of the parents. Educate parents.
I'm glad you choose to try to do something about this generation of obese children. But really, shouldn't the children be running? What better education for the target class?


Yes, kids should be outdoors. Some of the programs that Karno Kids supports are Girls On The Run which that promotes non-competitive running to girls. Other programs include running programs for inner city youth. Wishful thinking only works in a perfect world:light:

[Edited on 6-10-2009 by Bajaboy]

gnukid - 6-10-2009 at 10:11 AM

BajaBoy, I expect you know this too, Deano Karnazes the founder of Karno Kids has been a life-long enthusiast of Baja. He has written many articles and is an amazing surfer and windsurfer too. He taught me a great deal about the inter-connectedness of the Californianos.

He has been a great influence on me to understand and respect each and every person of Baja and how our behavior there and away affects Baja and vice versa. Deano is an amazing person, a little obsessed with running and health, I respect your efforts with the Karno Kids events and I see the relevance to Baja and its people as well as the influence of inter-relationships we share.

Have fun!

DENNIS - 6-10-2009 at 10:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Dennis-

Not sure if there are ATMs at the other toll booths. I've stopped at a few when they were out of money. I like the toll booth in that if it is out of money, there are plenty more on my way south. So far, the toll booth ATM has always had money...


I understand. The only reason I brought it up is that it's a common occurance down here. They service the machines during business hours probably because Brink's style robberys were becoming epidemic. Maybe still are. It just makes sense to me to get it done with at the earliest possible moment rather than relying on consistancy in Mexico.
Anyway, for those in the Chula Vista area, Costco is an almost mandatory stop and the Cambio would, for them, be convenient.
The rule I've developed for myself here is, if there's an armored car in front of the store, don't bother stopping if the ATM is what you're after. You'll have to wait.
Thanks again.

DENNIS - 6-10-2009 at 10:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrotter
Just one thing--we only get $900.00 worth of pesos at one time at Costco---we



I didn't know you could get that much per day. Would it be because there's two of you on the account?

DianaT - 6-10-2009 at 10:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrotter
Just one thing--we only get $900.00 worth of pesos at one time at Costco---we



I didn't know you could get that much per day. Would it be because there's two of you on the account?


Some one said too much information. :lol:

[Edited on 6-13-2009 by jdtrotter]

DENNIS - 6-10-2009 at 10:31 AM

Thanks Diane. I thought you were talking 900 dollars to pesos at an ATM.

Again, on the $1500 amount....is that dollars or pesos?

I'm confused today. I need a Pacifico shower.

Bajaboy - 6-10-2009 at 10:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Thanks Diane. I thought you were talking 900 dollars to pesos at an ATM.

Again, on the $1500 amount....is that dollars or pesos?

I'm confused today. I need a Pacifico shower.


Dollars

DanO - 6-10-2009 at 10:53 AM

As an expert in thread hijacks, I have to say that that particular hijack started with Wilderone's attack on Zac's signature. Credit where credit is due.

DianaT - 6-10-2009 at 10:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
I have done two separate transactions at the Costco to avoid the paperwork. They didn't care.
Hey Gnukid, why don't you start another topic line you burro?
Besos


Interesting---we usually go back. Thanks for the tip.


Diane

[Edited on 6-13-2009 by jdtrotter]

Bajahowodd - 6-10-2009 at 04:35 PM

Unless someone is looking to buy a miniature pony, having wads of cash, pesos or dollars doesn't make sense to me. We usually stop at the bank just before the La Buf turnoff and get a bunch of pesos. We used to refresh our booty in GN, but since there is now a bank and ATM at Vizcaino, we usually stop there. Frankly, the small, although onerous fee charged for an ATM transaction seems amazingly small given the current exchange rate.

Bajaboy - 6-10-2009 at 04:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Unless someone is looking to buy a miniature pony, having wads of cash, pesos or dollars doesn't make sense to me. We usually stop at the bank just before the La Buf turnoff and get a bunch of pesos. We used to refresh our booty in GN, but since there is now a bank and ATM at Vizcaino, we usually stop there. Frankly, the small, although onerous fee charged for an ATM transaction seems amazingly small given the current exchange rate.


I couldn't agree more! I end up paying $2-3 per withdrawal. Not a big deal to me.

Bajahowodd - 6-10-2009 at 04:48 PM

:biggrin:

DianaT - 6-10-2009 at 05:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Unless someone is looking to buy a miniature pony, having wads of cash, pesos or dollars doesn't make sense to me. We usually stop at the bank just before the La Buf turnoff and get a bunch of pesos. We used to refresh our booty in GN, but since there is now a bank and ATM at Vizcaino, we usually stop there. Frankly, the small, although onerous fee charged for an ATM transaction seems amazingly small given the current exchange rate.



Suggested too much infomation :lol:

Diane

[Edited on 6-13-2009 by jdtrotter]

Bajaboy - 6-10-2009 at 05:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrotter
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Unless someone is looking to buy a miniature pony, having wads of cash, pesos or dollars doesn't make sense to me. We usually stop at the bank just before the La Buf turnoff and get a bunch of pesos. We used to refresh our booty in GN, but since there is now a bank and ATM at Vizcaino, we usually stop there. Frankly, the small, although onerous fee charged for an ATM transaction seems amazingly small given the current exchange rate.


But for us, we usually do take out more money than most would if they are on vacation. Living out in Bahia Asuncion, the closest ATM is in Vizcaino---70 long miles away. Especially when we are having work done at our house, we take out more pesos at one time than usual.

No pony, just living and construction money. :lol:

Diane


Diane-

One option is to open a free BofA account and then use Safe Send. You can have money wired to yourself in BA for free. You simply call an 800 number and the money is wired within 2 hours. The only drawback is there is a limit of $3000 per rolling 30 days and I think $1500 per transaction. I have used this a number of times with no problems to date. A good option for emergencies, too, as we can transfer money from our credit union into the BofA account.

Zac

DianaT - 6-10-2009 at 05:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrotter
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Unless someone is looking to buy a miniature pony, having wads of cash, pesos or dollars doesn't make sense to me. We usually stop at the bank just before the La Buf turnoff and get a bunch of pesos. We used to refresh our booty in GN, but since there is now a bank and ATM at Vizcaino, we usually stop there. Frankly, the small, although onerous fee charged for an ATM transaction seems amazingly small given the current exchange rate.


But for us, we usually do take out more money than most would if they are on vacation. Living out in Bahia Asuncion, the closest ATM is in Vizcaino---70 long miles away. Especially when we are having work done at our house, we take out more pesos at one time than usual.

No pony, just living and construction money. :lol:

Diane


Diane-

One option is to open a free BofA account and then use Safe Send. You can have money wired to yourself in BA for free. You simply call an 800 number and the money is wired within 2 hours. The only drawback is there is a limit of $3000 per rolling 30 days and I think $1500 per transaction. I have used this a number of times with no problems to date. A good option for emergencies, too, as we can transfer money from our credit union into the BofA account.

Zac


Yea, not a bad idea, but it sounds like the local Western Union is having more trouble with cash these days---besides, we have had such bad experiences with B of A in the past, I doubt we will ever do business with them again.

There is such a risk in a lot of ways with living in in BA---besides our ATM limits, we have credit cards with cash options, but eveything is so far away. It is one of the things we accept living there.

Glad we are finished with construction so we are back to just minimum living expenses and even the credit cards stay home

Diane

[Edited on 6-13-2009 by jdtrotter]

Bajaboy - 6-10-2009 at 08:48 PM

Diane-

I only use BofA for this service. Well, I have an Alaska Airlines credit card issued by BofA. Anyways, you can pick three people as recipients and can have the money sent anywhere in Mexico. As I said, it's good for me when I need to send money down and/or if we're down there and need to wire money to ourselves. Not a perfect solution just another option.

DianaT - 6-10-2009 at 09:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Diane-

I only use BofA for this service. Well, I have an Alaska Airlines credit card issued by BofA. Anyways, you can pick three people as recipients and can have the money sent anywhere in Mexico. As I said, it's good for me when I need to send money down and/or if we're down there and need to wire money to ourselves. Not a perfect solution just another option.


Zac,

There is talk about getting an ATM in Bahia Asuncion. Keep a positive thought and let's hope it happens.

Diane

DENNIS - 6-11-2009 at 06:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrotter


There is talk about getting an ATM in Bahia Asuncion. Keep a positive thought and let's hope it happens.

Diane


We're actually getting one in punta Banda. It's to be in the new OXXO store in the new gas station.
Things are lookin' up.

David K - 6-11-2009 at 07:14 AM

The folks at Bahia de los Angeles would sure be happy to have one there... Some day I guess, some day???

Bajahowodd - 6-11-2009 at 11:07 AM

An ATM in BOLA? Someday. It becomes a prohibitive cost factor trucking in money and servicing the machines. The more remote they are, the less likely they'll be working. Recalling that Mexico was a late entrant into the private banking industry, it is actually rather remarkable at how many actual bank branches and how many ATMs are available today. Just have to wonder what logic is used for their location. I've mentioned it before, how surprised I was to find one in Vizcaino, just shortly after having waited in a very long pre-holiday line at the bank in Guerrero Negro. So, you Asuncion folks, I'm pulling for you. But, IMHO, San Ignacio will come first.

shari - 6-11-2009 at 03:50 PM

I'll weigh into this highjack...problem here is that the telegraph office runs out of cash now that everyone is paid by direct deposit so all the fishermen want to withdraw lots to pay their bills...they havent been paid in nearly 3 months now so there was a bit of cash the last while...and more people are paying bills online so less cash too at the office...we really really need a bank and I bet we get one before san ignacio...our village is twice the size and has 2 cooperativas and handles alot of loot.
There has been rumours of a bank machine for several years...hmmm..maybe an OXXO?...at least the road will be paved all the wy soon so it will be a quicker trip to Vizcaino for pesos and vino. It's funny listening to lots of people planning to get different vehicles...cars instead of pick ups when the paving is done.

[Edited on 6-11-2009 by shari]

Bajahowodd - 6-11-2009 at 03:54 PM

Hijack? What Hijack? Wow! You're saying that Asuncion is twice the size of San Ignacio? I had no idea. Never been there. Been to Abreojos and kinda assumed it was similar. My bad. Me & Ms. Odd are headed South in a couple of weeks. Perhaps we should take a right at Vizcaino and see what it's all about.

shari - 6-11-2009 at 03:59 PM

dont forget to load up on pesos if ya do ....you'll want to buy a piece of dirt!:lol::lol:
People are always surprised it so big here...the only chain outfit is Modelorama so far though....stop in for a cold one Wodd!.