BajaNomad - Declaration at San Ysidro?

Declaration at San Ysidro?

Fred-o - 2-17-2010 at 10:17 AM

I need some info. I have read that you cannot declare duty required items at the SY crossing anymore, and you must go through Otay or Tecate. It this true? Does anyone have any "first hand" experience with this, or any sort of verifieable info source regarding it.

I am asking a friend to bring down a new 200 lb generator and two 25 galon propane tanks to run it. I don't want to cause him anymore grief at the border than is necessary. He will be driving a pickup so there is little chance it won't be noticed. I don't have a problem with paying the duty, I just don't want him turned around and have to go back into the states then over to Otay, If I can avoid it. (He could always go through Otay if necessary and skip SY)

I've read things here about this situation recently, but the "border" crossing is constantly changing as evidenced by: You need a passport to enter Mexico...Then: No! You don't need a passport to enter Mexico.

Thanks mi amigos,

fred-o

Pacifico - 2-17-2010 at 10:32 AM

Just go through Otay and avoid the worry and possible hassle. Why even chance being turned around? I have done it and it was super easy. Then take Blvd. 2000 to Rosarito. Good luck!!!

David K - 2-17-2010 at 11:04 AM

Well, if you need a passport to get back into the U.S., then isn't it a sure bet you will have it when you go to Mexico?

Otay is easy, after crossing the border continue ahead to Blvd. Industrial turn left (signed for Tecate Toll Road/ Cuota/ 2-D) go about 5 miles to the Blvd. 2000 (before the first toll booth to Tecate) signed for Popotla/ Ensenada/ Rosarito/ BC#201.

Fred-o - 2-17-2010 at 11:40 AM

Thank you both very much for making the decision for me. I also posted it on the Punta Banda Newsletter, and all the responses said go with "Otay". Thanks for the directions David, I'll pass them along to my amigo.

fred

BLVD. 2000

David K - 2-17-2010 at 11:53 AM

Here's the map and satellite GPS trace showing BLVD. 2000

David K - 2-17-2010 at 12:00 PM

Fred, go see the thread on the Nomad Baja Road Conditions forum for more photos and updates...

Here is the road log I made a couple years ago:
========================================================

MEXICO at Otay Border: Mile 0.0, Time 0:0

Head straight south, staying in left lanes. Follow signs for TECATE.

LEFT TURN at signal, slight curve to left just before signal: Mile 1.1, Time 0:03

Heading east on Blvd. Industrial... soon becomes divided highway!

Take new highway south, signed for Rosarito, Popotla, Ensenada (toll highway 2-D to Tecate curves to left, see toll gate, Big Horn Sheep monument almost unseen heading south): Mile 6.0, Time 0:13

Free Hwy. 2 (TECATE) interchange, continue south then southwest: Mile 13.0, Time 0:22

Cross the Rodriguez/ Tijuana reservoir and head into the hills...

Pass under the toll highway (Mex. 1-D) and come to the free highway (Mex. 1)... Mile 31.3, Time 0:38.

They will have it connected to the toll highway, but that work seems stalled. Too bad, but until then go a few miles on the free road to CANTAMAR where you can hop on the toll road.

Fox Baja Studio entrance is just to your right, Puerto Nuevo is about 6 miles to your left.

BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 2-17-2010 at 12:39 PM

Hola, thank you d
david k and Bajaguy.

I will also be taking quite a few things across including a 100 pound generator. With the explicit directions from the both of you, and as navigationally impaired as i am, i will also cross at otay with receipts for all.

As i am familiar with crossing at tecate, would it be adviseable to give it a try or do you think i'll be directed to otay ?

DAVID K...i have no idea how you library all the pictures and references that you post but i, for one, really appreciate your informative postings.

can anyone advise as to what the importation fees are per dollar value ?

Thank you in advance.

BIEN SALUD, DA RAT

David K - 2-17-2010 at 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BAJA.DESERT.RAT
Hola, thank you d
david k and Bajaguy.

I will also be taking quite a few things across including a 100 pound generator. With the explicit directions from the both of you, and as navigationally impaired as i am, i will also cross at otay with receipts for all.

As i am familiar with crossing at tecate, would it be adviseable to give it a try or do you think i'll be directed to otay ?

DAVID K...i have no idea how you library all the pictures and references that you post but i, for one, really appreciate your informative postings.

can anyone advise as to what the importation fees are per dollar value ?

Thank you in advance.

BIEN SALUD, DA RAT

Baja California has been a major part of my life... first trip in 1965... I am fascinated with the intense volume of natural and human history and geology in such a confined area... a peninsula with nearly every climate... sea level to over 10,000 feet... How so many were drawn to it from pre-historic Indians to the Europeans, missionaries, prospectors and todays adventure seekers. I think it is a magic peninsula!

My 'payback' for appreciation of this wonderful place is to let others know the gem that is so near to the southern California border... to appreciate what is there, to value the uniqueness, and to preserve it for future generations... if not physical preservation, then at least with photographs.

I am happy to help anyone who loves the outdoors find adventure and enjoyment in outback Baja!

BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 2-18-2010 at 12:28 PM

Hola, can anyone advise as to what the importation fees are per dollar value ?

BIEN SALUD, DA RAT