BajaNomad - FMM at Tijuana

FMM at Tijuana

vandy - 10-31-2010 at 06:08 AM

Now the last time I crossed at TJ, I went through it twice to get my tourist card. So just a few green lights and US customs before I figured out to turn off to the right before the "green/red" light things.

Is it still the same? I am driving from Phoenix to Discover Baja Travel Club in San Diego to pick up my fishing license (for a change), FMM and auto insurance, so I want to head straight down 5 through TJ.

Just would like to know if I pull off to the right before the green/red kiosks for stamping the tourist card and getting some pesos at the bank window there.

THANKS, I usually give advice here, such as "there is no situation so bad that a cop can't make it worse" (which is 100 percent true, BTW).

JohnV

David K - 10-31-2010 at 07:20 AM

I haven't heard of anything changed since we last got our tourist cards there... I-805 south is easier, since you will need to be in the right lane... and I-5 is the left freeway where they come together.

Go to the 'Something to Declare' (Secondary) entrance on the right lane... an electric/ automatic gate will open when you get close to it. Park, and walk to the INM office (far right, north).

When you leave the parking area, you will need to step out and walk over to the button and push to see a red or green light in order to leave the parking area (with or without an inspection).

That was in July, 2009... Please report back any changes!

jeffg - 10-31-2010 at 08:18 AM

Yep what David describes will get you in the right place. The 805 is easier but the 5 works, just work over to the far right when the two freeways come together at the border.

One thing to note, I came south about 2 weeks ago with some stuff to declare. I paid the duty at the bank window, and they had a sign up that said "Pesos Only". I don't know if that's a new policy or if it was just a one day deal. Since you'll have a prepaid FMM it won't really matter, but you might not be able to exchange for pesos at that bank window.

vandy - 10-31-2010 at 08:30 AM

Thanks, guys. I will report in a couple of days...or maybe a few days from Tio Pablo's in Los Barriles. It's hard to pay attention to my internet while I'm on the road.

I just want to jump off a cliff into the river and lie on the rocks...

David K - 10-31-2010 at 08:31 AM

Have fun Vandy! :bounce:

Bajahowodd - 10-31-2010 at 02:19 PM

It was still the same earlier this month. Only thing I can add is that since the Mexican agents have stepped up the number of vehicles they direct into the inspection area, it can be very difficult to find a parking space.

On another note, not knowing if or where you may stop on your way down, there are quite a few places that offer free wi-fi. But, Tio Pablo's works for me!

vandy - 10-31-2010 at 03:27 PM

Let's see...clam ceviche at Cokteles California just past San Quintin, 4 PM happy hour at Cielito Lindo, night at Los Cirios, still no WiFi, but feeling no pain.

Then to Rattlesnake Beach, still no WiFi.

Then maybe stop in Los Barriles at Tio Pablo's, but I really want to reach the house near Agua Caliente, so who knows when I will respond?

Thanks again for the updated info and pics. I have been searched even though I got the green light in my little Corolla. Must be my ponytail and guilty look.

tj crossing

Nappo - 10-31-2010 at 09:33 PM

My 2 pesos thought - We have pulled over and paid for our tourist cards - go to the far right lanes and then you get the light coming out. Just a thought, last trip about 2 weeks ago we went to the far outside lines - 2 suv's in our entourage - one got pulled over, but I drove thru and the young ladies pulling you over couldn't handle all the traffic. So... for me to beat the green light system that pulls you over - go to the far left lanes and hit it...they are overwhelmed. I am not suggesting to do anything illegal - but if you have nothing to declare and are just heading south get in the far left lanes and go...the 20 something young ladies that are pulling you over after a green light can not keep up with the traffic flow of all the lines. Actually if you get pulled over by a green light and nothing to declare it is only about 10-20 minutes, but good grief heading into baja is all about get going!

David K - 10-31-2010 at 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nappo
My 2 pesos thought - We have pulled over and paid for our tourist cards - go to the far right lanes and then you get the light coming out. Just a thought, last trip about 2 weeks ago we went to the far outside lines - 2 suv's in our entourage - one got pulled over, but I drove thru and the young ladies pulling you over couldn't handle all the traffic. So... for me to beat the green light system that pulls you over - go to the far left lanes and hit it...they are overwhelmed. I am not suggesting to do anything illegal - but if you have nothing to declare and are just heading south get in the far left lanes and go...the 20 something young ladies that are pulling you over after a green light can not keep up with the traffic flow of all the lines. Actually if you get pulled over by a green light and nothing to declare it is only about 10-20 minutes, but good grief heading into baja is all about get going!

I guess you are talking about a return trip withing the 180 days of the FMM, or a trip of 3 days or less and no further than the border zone? Otherwise... how do you get your pre-paid FMM's validated (stamped)? I see no other way than to park either in the secondary area or just beyond.. but traffic and parking is miserable and impossible if you are towing.