Carlos Fiesta - 11-23-2009 at 10:07 PM
I have just returned from a quick trip to Baja delivering toys, clothing and food to the poorer areas just south of the border. Because we have made
this trip several times a year for about 20 years, we are very aware of the hit and miss aspect of the enforcement of Mexican import rules. It seems
however, that there has been a significant shift in border enforcement over the last 90 days at the San Ysidro border, so I wanted to pass on this
information.
When we entered Mexico yesterday we were pulled over to the secondary inspection area because our vehicle was full of items to be donated. The customs
officer informed us that, while the previous Mexican customs agents had been more flexible regarding donated items being taken across the border, all
of those people have been replaced in the last three months. The new agents have been instructed not to let anyone bring any toys or clothing into
Baja...no exceptions. After escorting us through the large iron fence seperating the Mexican southbound traffic to the United States northbound
traffic, we were told by a very sympathetic Mexican customs agent that we might want to try our luck at the Otay Mesa border crossing, which we did.
Otay Mesa proved to be more flexible. They examined the items in our vehicle, charged us a $22 US fee and let us in. It was a great day in Baja and we
delivered all of the items with no problems. The sunset from Puerto Nuevo was spectacular.
This is the time of the year that many gringos take items to Baja to help those in need. I would suggest that if someone is driving down with a lot of
items that the Otay Mesa border is probably a better place to cross than San Ysidro. It also helps if the person driving has a letter that states that
the items are being donated (not sold), and to state the souce of the collection group (school name / church name / etc).
The economy in the US is not good, but it is much worse in the Baja border communites. Our neighbors to the south really need our help, so try not to
get discouraged by the legals hassels of bringing things down. The local people are very appreciative of our efforts!
Carlos Fiesta
Udo - 11-23-2009 at 10:12 PM
Don't forget to save some toys for Fernando's Dia De Los Reyes toy drive. It's after Christmas.
Put them in a bag just like the ones you use to bring your clothes you plan on using for your stay in Baja. No one will look in there.
Sneaking Items South
Carlos Fiesta - 11-23-2009 at 10:19 PM
Udo;
You are right...it's all in the packaging as you cross the border. Keeping items low and out of sight is a good plan.
...but it seems like a bit of a bummer that we have to "sneak" stuff to those in need...eh?
Carlos
BajaNuts - 11-23-2009 at 10:36 PM
and as we have a couple of days before the 'biggest shopping day of the year"...
are there items that we should be shopping for on that biggest day or should we just plan on sending $$$ to those on the front lines who can purchase
what is needed and get it across?
BajaNuts - 11-24-2009 at 09:48 PM
bump for the shopping or $$ question?