BajaNomad

Leaving tonight for baja, have a few ?'s

pacside - 6-30-2009 at 08:39 AM

We are packing up the truck (94 Ford F150) and are leaving around 10pm tonight from Northern California to cross TJ border at daybreak. Our destination is Todos Santos.

Couple questions:

1. Will be stopping and getting FMT and FM3 renewal application page stamped for hubby and me at the Tijuana border crossing. We obviously will be in the declare parking lot with a truckload of stuff. So for receipt purposes do we have to have a receipt from each vendor/supplier separately or can I make one single receipt listing all the contents of the truck with the associated costs? Also, is duty owed on new goods only or on new and used stuff?

2. I was going to take our dog to get a Certificate of Health from my vet but I just read in another post when driving across you only need proof of current vaccinations. So my question is can someone verify this as I wouldn't mind saving the $75 usd my vet charges me. Also, can anyone recommend a vet in todos santos/cabo/la paz area where I can get a cert of health for the return flight he will be on in August?

3. Does anyone have any advice on whether solar panels (we will have 8) should be placed horizontal (flat) or vertical (on the sides). We obviously want to pack them in the best manner so they don't break when going over rough spots during those construction zones.

4. We will need secure parking...I think we'll try to make it to Guerrero Negro..what is best place to spend the night that offers the most secure parking?

5. What is driving time from GN to TS?

Thanks so much for all your help. So if you see a white pickup with two sit atop yaks on top that is us...say hello and introduce yourself please.

pacside

[Edited on 6-30-2009 by pacside]

k-rico - 6-30-2009 at 09:49 AM

Northern CA to Guerrero Negro in one shot (I think that's your plan) in a 15 year old loaded pickup is ambitious. It would ambitious in a new Mercedes sedan for that matter. Sounds dangerous too.

FM3 renewal at the border where you buy FMTs? That's news to me. It takes me a bunch of papers, two trips to the migration office and about two/three weeks to get my FM-3 renewed. If you're travelling with an expired FM-3, you may have a problem. Not sure tho, perhaps other Nomads will chime in.

Never heard of needing good health papers to bring a dog into Mex. A dog's heath is not a big concern in most of Mex. I've crossed the border, both directions, dozens of times with dogs and never been asked for health papers although I know the US border guards might ask.

Secure parking? Maybe.

Good luck.

mtgoat666 - 6-30-2009 at 09:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by pacside
We are packing up the truck (94 Ford F150) and are leaving around 10pm tonight from Northern California to cross TJ border at daybreak. Our destination is Todos Santos.



I hope you sleep a bit on way down instead of killing someone when you get in an accident after driving 20+ hours without a proper break.

BajaSerg - 6-30-2009 at 09:57 AM

I cross my dog all the time and all they ask for is proof of current vaccination in the 12 years they only asked 2 times.

Paulclark - 6-30-2009 at 10:02 AM

Hi --You need a receipt from each vendor for the goods you are importing -- over $50US duty is payable -- new and used, over $1,000 then you must use a broker and use the truck crossing. If you get a green light you could go directly to Ensenada and get your FMT/FM3 there. Immigration is on the frontage road on the north side of the harbour.
I would pack my panels on edge like you would windows.
Good Luck

pacside - 6-30-2009 at 10:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by k-rico
Northern CA to Guerrero Negro in one shot (I think that's your plan) in a 15 year old loaded pickup is ambitious. It would ambitious in a new Mercedes sedan for that matter. Sounds dangerous too.

FM3 renewal at the border where you buy FMTs? That's news to me. It takes me a bunch of papers, two trips to the migration office and about two/three weeks to get my FM-3 renewed. If you're travelling with an expired FM-3, you may have a problem. Not sure tho, perhaps other Nomads will chime in.

Never heard of needing good health papers to bring a dog into Mex. A dog's heath is not a big concern in most of Mex. I've crossed the border, both directions, dozens of times with dogs and never been asked for health papers although I know the US border guards might ask.

Secure parking? Maybe.

Good luck.


So far I've made it this far in life without managing to kill myself. If'n we feel we should stop sooner we will. But thanks for your concern.

Sorry, a bit nebulous on the FM3 thing. I just had it renewed in La Paz (so it is in La Paz and not on my body) and on a recent Nomad post I learned I could cross border with a copy of the stamped renewal application so I had my guy in La Paz email me a stamped copy.

Yea me too re dog...

pacside

pacside - 6-30-2009 at 10:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by pacside
We are packing up the truck (94 Ford F150) and are leaving around 10pm tonight from Northern California to cross TJ border at daybreak. Our destination is Todos Santos.



I hope you sleep a bit on way down instead of killing someone when you get in an accident after driving 20+ hours without a proper break.


Hey at least I'm not on a bike. See post above. We will stop prior to causing anyone harm. Probably our truck will breakdown before we do :wow:

David K - 6-30-2009 at 10:09 AM

Please don't tell folks they can use Ensenada untill things change there... Have they changed?

You got to stop at Tijuana, period. Get the FM-Ts there and pay at the special 24 hour teller located about 6 windows from the INM office (on the far right). IF nobody is in their places facing the secondary parking, then walk through the hallway to the pedestrian crossing entrance where the same offices face.

Finally, FM-Ts are for TOURISTS... on a vacation (also called Tourist Cards)... Tourists cannot leave any personal property in Mexico when they return to the US after a max. of 180 days.

Keeping property in Mexico requires an FM-3 visa 'rentista' or other catagory... means you are a PART TIME resident with property in Mexico.

pacside - 6-30-2009 at 10:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Please don't tell folks they can use Ensenada untill things change there... Have they changed?

You got to stop at Tijuana, period. Get the FM-Ts there and pay at the special 24 hour teller located about 6 windows from the INM office (on the far right). IF nobody is in their places facing the secondary parking, then walk through the hallway to the pedestrian crossing entrance where the same offices face.

Finally, FM-Ts are for TOURISTS... on a vacation (also called Tourist Cards)... Tourists cannot leave any personal property in Mexico when they return to the US after a max. of 180 days.

Keeping property in Mexico requires an FM-3 visa 'rentista' or other catagory... means you are a PART TIME resident with property in Mexico.


Thanks DavidK. I learned from previous posts that if the immigration office is closed facing the parking lot then there is another one around the corner through the pathway. That info really helped on our last drive down.

I have an FM3. Husband does not. Actually, you can get an FMT in La Paz...20USD. But we will get his at the crossing.

pacside

edit to correct charge from $40 to $20 to obtain an FMT in La Paz.

[Edited on 6-30-2009 by pacside]

pacside - 6-30-2009 at 10:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paulclark
Hi --You need a receipt from each vendor for the goods you are importing -- over $50US duty is payable -- new and used, over $1,000 then you must use a broker and use the truck crossing. If you get a green light you could go directly to Ensenada and get your FMT/FM3 there. Immigration is on the frontage road on the north side of the harbour.
I would pack my panels on edge like you would windows.
Good Luck


Thanks Paulclark for your helpful info.

Has anyone ever had a customs official disagree with the amounts listed on the receipt?

pacside

David K - 6-30-2009 at 10:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by pacside


I have an FM3. Husband does not. Actually, you can get an FMT in La Paz...40USD. But we will get his at the crossing.

pacside


Good idea, as you don't want to be an illegal in Mexico should anything happen between Maneadero and La Paz (for newbies: Maneadero is the point where an FM-T is required to go south of ...or if north of there, after 72 hours in Mexico)

pwrslider - 6-30-2009 at 01:00 PM

Sorry to pop in..but this is all good read for my soon to be trip to Cabo....

So....for a Dog transport to and from...all I need is a current Vac. proof....?? Or will I need a Health Cert. to get back into US?

pwrslider - 6-30-2009 at 01:02 PM

Sorry to pop in..but this is all good read for my soon to be trip to Cabo....

So....for a Dog transport to and from...all I need is a current Vac. proof....?? Or will I need a Health Cert. to get back into US?

pacside - 6-30-2009 at 03:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
here is my 2 cents...

1. FMT and FM3
get the fmt and forget about even showing the fm3 renewal
you'll get that fixed up in la paz on the way down

2.Certificate of Health
just have the rabbie vac info and tags available
no one really cares about family dogs
up OR down

3.solar panels
8 panels...so thats 4 boxes
they ship them flat

IMHO i would just park
get the fmt
then
walk over to the border aduana (sp) guys
and let them do the estimate
DO NOT show receipts

you'll be turned around and redirected to otay mesa if you have $$$ to import

4. secure parking Guerrero Negro
malimarro...you can eat there too
its a little extra for the dogs but not impossible


5. GN to Mulege 4 hours
Mulege to La Paz 6 hours


Bob and Susan, once again you come through. Good idea on FM3...never thought of that.

Have latest vaccine and tags. Vet just faxed to me so we're all good on the drive down. My 75lb Goldendoodle is flying back up on Alaskaair which requires a Cert of Health which I'll get down there as I'll be there for over a month.

Solar panels...I said flat too but husband packed vertical and trust me it is too late to suggest him to change it :dudette: . He did pack them in pretty snug though.

So when we walk over to the aduana guys I ask them to look at my stuff and say OK how much? I think I get what you are saying here...if they think it is too much $$$ worth of goods they will send me off to Otay Mesa. Where is that and what should I expect there? Should I have receipts at the ready in case that happens to show at Otay Mesa? Is Otay Mesa another border crossing?

Thanks for suggestion on Malimarro. Is that easy to find once in GN?

Again, thanks for the info.

pacside

Bob and Susan - 6-30-2009 at 04:19 PM

they wont send you to otay mesa with only a pick up

just say "i think i need to declare and i'm willing to pay whatever i need to"
they will take care of you

do this after the fmt so you can "get out of town FAST!" after

mallimario (sp) is right on the main drag about 1/3 of the way down on the right hand side
lots of parking and security staff
restruant is good too

danaeb - 6-30-2009 at 04:30 PM

pacside - check U2U re FM3

oxxo - 6-30-2009 at 04:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by pacside
5. What is driving time from GN to TS?


It takes us about 10 hours going South. Add about an hour to that time when going North because of the additional time required at the military stops going North.

Marie-Rose - 6-30-2009 at 09:58 PM

Also, can anyone recommend a vet in todos santos/cabo/la paz area where I can get a cert of health for the return flight he will be on in August?



If Dr. Franzoni is in the veterinary office in TS(he is based in La Paz and visits certain days), he will give you a health certificate. Not sure if Dr. David... who is usually there, is able to. Ask Janey Howey at Tecalote Book Store in TS. She can give you the directions and Dr. Franzoni's schedule.
We also use Dr.Tomas frequently... in La Paz. Directions also available from the book store:bounce::bounce:

David K - 7-1-2009 at 07:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
they wont send you to otay mesa with only a pick up

just say "i think i need to declare and i'm willing to pay whatever i need to"
they will take care of you

do this after the fmt so you can "get out of town FAST!" after

mallimario (sp) is right on the main drag about 1/3 of the way down on the right hand side
lots of parking and security staff
restruant is good too


MALARRIMO ;)

meme - 7-1-2009 at 09:56 AM

Do not when applying for an FMT tell them you have or have had an FM-3 or they will not give you the FMT.

Malarrimo

tripledigitken - 7-1-2009 at 10:07 AM

Pacside,

Here is a picture FYI.

Ken