BajaNomad

Importation Process through Otay Mesa

Pacifico - 9-10-2009 at 07:53 AM

Recently I have read a lot about the issues people are having with importing stuff at the San Ysidro crossing and being directed over to the Otay Mesa crossing because their value is above $1000. I am thinking of just going through Otay Mesa in the 1st place to avoid the possible hassle. Can anyone who has been through the process at the Otay Mesa crossing run me through the process and give me some landmarks? I am aware of the approx. 15% tax. Any special forms to fill out ahead of time? Any help is appreciated! Thanks...

FMT also

Dianamo - 9-10-2009 at 10:18 AM

Since I still haven't obtained my FM3, where can I get an FMT at Otay Mesa?

Thanks for all the great advice on the site!:yes:

Bob and Susan - 9-10-2009 at 10:43 AM

the immrigation office is right as you enter secondary

you need to walk back 1000 yards from the parking to the office

then the bank is in the import area where you park
walk beck up to the parking area

then you have to walk back to immrigation

bajaguy - 9-10-2009 at 11:00 AM

As you enter the Otay crossing, stay to the right and enter the "declare" lane. Drive slowly past the office buildings to a parking area just south of the office buildings and park.

There is a small customs shack and an inspector will come to you. Have your receipts. I imported a patio set valused at $300usd and was charged $27usd duty..

After you are inspected, walk back toward the office buildings.....on your right is the Customs office and the bank. Go to the bank, pay the duty and get your receipt stamped. Take the stamped receipts to the Customs desk (about 3 feet away) and get your copy stamped.......

Go back to your vehicle and show the customs inspector the stamped receipt......it will be initialed.......drive south to the exit and stop at the last customs shack. Show them the receipt and push the button for the red/green light lottery

Just as you pull into the secondary lane at the Otay crossing, the Immigration office will be on your right side for your FM-T.
Park and get your FM-T, go to the bank, pay the fee, go back to Immigration....get in your car and head south through the parking area to the Customs shack and play the red/green light game

Pacifico - 9-10-2009 at 12:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
As you enter the Otay crossing, stay to the right and enter the "declare" lane. Drive slowly past the office buildings to a parking area just south of the office buildings and park.

There is a small customs shack and an inspector will come to you. Have your receipts. I imported a patio set valused at $300usd and was charged $27usd duty..

After you are inspected, walk back toward the office buildings.....on your right is the Customs office and the bank. Go to the bank, pay the duty and get your receipt stamped. Take the stamped receipts to the Customs desk (about 3 feet away) and get your copy stamped.......

Go back to your vehicle and show the customs inspector the stamped receipt......it will be initialed.......drive south to the exit and stop at the last customs shack. Show them the receipt and push the button for the red/green light lottery

Just as you pull into the secondary lane at the Otay crossing, the Immigration office will be on your right side for your FM-T.
Park and get your FM-T, go to the bank, pay the fee, go back to Immigration....get in your car and head south through the parking area to the Customs shack and play the red/green light game


So the layout is very similar to the San Ysidro crossing? Thanks Bajaguy!!!

DENNIS - 9-10-2009 at 01:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pacifico
So the layout is very similar to the San Ysidro crossing? Thanks Bajaguy!!!



Same club....Same rules. Don't forget what you can do with a receipt, computer and a printer. Consider it an art project.

pascuale - 9-10-2009 at 02:30 PM

go through Tecate, never a problem.

Pacifico - 9-10-2009 at 04:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by pascuale
go through Tecate, never a problem.


Have you gone recently since the changing of the guard? Thanks...

fuelpusher2 - 9-12-2009 at 04:38 PM

Also here is a good website for Mexico Customs Info.........
http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/pasajeros/1...

The limit per person is still only $300.00 if anyone exceeds $1000.00 you need a broker. Anything less you pay there at the border - 15%.

The above link is still current.

A friend crossed @ TJ at 6:30am Wed Sept 9th headed south to Loreto.

He said, "Inspector stopped most cars, looked in one tub in our truck asked where we where going & said go ahead."

Not importing, just use for a week?

wessongroup - 9-19-2009 at 07:43 AM

Looking for input on taking a Celestron telescope down to Baja... not importing, just want to use the dark skies to take a good look...

Is this something that would prove to be an "issue" at the border, either way?

Would one have to go though a "process" to go down and come back with the unit?

Thanks in advance for your help :):):)

[Edited on 9-19-2009 by wessongroup]

bajaguy - 9-19-2009 at 08:39 AM

Pack it in a suitcase or duffle bag and put lots of clothes around it for protection...........no worries

DENNIS - 9-19-2009 at 09:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wessongroup
Looking for input on taking a Celestron telescope down to Baja... not importing, just want to use the dark skies to take a good look...



No problem. No more so than a camera lens. These people know the difference between a toy and a tool.

DianaT - 9-19-2009 at 09:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Pacifico
So the layout is very similar to the San Ysidro crossing? Thanks Bajaguy!!!



Same club....Same rules. Don't forget what you can do with a receipt, computer and a printer. Consider it an art project.


I like that---art, yes it is art. :lol::lol:

[Edited on 9-19-2009 by jdtrotter]