BajaNomad - pasport,insurance,rentals...

pasport,insurance,rentals...

surferchick - 2-25-2011 at 08:47 AM

hi baja nomads! im planning on going down to baja on a surf trip and have some questions that im sure all the experts have answered 100 times ,yet i have searched the net and get conflicting answeres! i appreciate all the help ahead of time and please be kind for i have not had the opportunity to travel to baja and learn the ropes like those here on the forum!

1) can i still get into baja with just my birth certificate and drivers license?

2) what happens if i over stay the 72 hours without an fmm? do i need an fmm?

3) is it easy to rent an apartment?

4) how far is the "free zone"?

5) is it safe for travelers in baja?

well thats about it guys! im really grateful for all your expertise and advice! i am really excited about my adventure and just need some good advice on the basics! thank you for your time!

sarah

burnrope - 2-25-2011 at 09:30 AM

Troll Alert

surferchick - 2-25-2011 at 09:35 AM

so thats the kind of help i get from the experts huh?... thanx for that! is it so bad not to be as knowledgeable on things baja?

mcfez - 2-25-2011 at 11:34 AM

) can i still get into baja with just my birth certificate and drivers license?
Getting in requires no papers, unless you are flying or cruising into Mexico...getting out does however require paperwork. Driving out ...all you need is you DL or BC. Passport is not enforced. I have many friends go in and out without passports.

2) what happens if i over stay the 72 hours without an fmm? do i need an fmm?
Many of us stay for weeks without paper work....including me.

3) is it easy to rent an apartment?
Too easy :-) You'll have no issues there.

4) how far is the "free zone"?
That's a debate here. I go to San Felipe free zone....150 + miles south. others say it's only the immediate border town.

5) is it safe for travelers in baja?
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=51286

surferchick - 2-25-2011 at 11:40 AM

thank you mcfez!! at least there are still gentlemen in the world!! i look forward to my trip, and now i wont stress so much on the basics!! cheers!!!

Bob H - 2-25-2011 at 11:47 AM

You will have a lifetime experience on your trip, for sure. You will never forget your first time venturing into Baja! Just go with the flow and be aware of your surroundings. Don't drive at night. Where is your destination?
Bob H

mcfez - 2-25-2011 at 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by surferchick
thank you mcfez!! at least there are still gentlemen in the world!! i look forward to my trip, and now i wont stress so much on the basics!! cheers!!!

You are welcomed.
Check this post later tonight...you will see many more of us submitting their advice to you. Dont stress....Baja is really a cool place. Just dont hang out in the bigger cities, have insurance on your car....you be just fine then. Happy Trails.

We expect a trip report from you :-)

surferchick - 2-25-2011 at 12:04 PM

@bob h, well im thinking of going to rosarito first to surf k38 and other spots i may find , then trip south to ensenada and mabe hang out there , and i heard san quinten(sp) is really cool also with some awsome breaks! @mcfez , oh i plan on posting as i go , i will ofcourse have my laptop so i will keep you guys updated on my adventure! no driving at night for me , and i will forsure have mex ins.!! thank you guys!!!!!!!!

mtgoat666 - 2-25-2011 at 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surferchick

1) can i still get into baja with just my birth certificate and drivers license?

2) what happens if i over stay the 72 hours without an fmm? do i need an fmm?

i don't think you can get a tourist visa without passport or passport card, but i could be wrong...
the US requires passport to reenter US, but apparently does not enforce such requirement, yet.
the rules have changed, the enforcement has not kept up.
you might as well get a passport, there will be a day you can't leave home without it.

mcfez - 2-25-2011 at 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by surferchick

1) can i still get into baja with just my birth certificate and drivers license?

2) what happens if i over stay the 72 hours without an fmm? do i need an fmm?

Should you get a passport surferchick....
http://www.usps.com/passport/
You may request the Department of State's Expedited Passport Processing Service for an additional $60. For current passport processing times, please visit www.travel.state.gov.

Also surferchick...since you are one of us now....
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=50988
Lets give some of the old guys here a heart attack :-)

surferchick - 2-25-2011 at 01:26 PM

yea i have been procrastinating on getting the passport mainly due to finances , and now i got enough to take my little trip and will make it a priority when i get back! i will post a picture real soon , im looking through my digi camera now to find a decent picture! they all are soooooo terrible of me! ugh! how embarrassing! :wow:

Bajahowodd - 2-25-2011 at 05:24 PM

So, the dirty little secret is that there are many folks who, in effect, are illegal aliens in Baja. The goat was absolutely correct in that you cannot obtain a FMM tourist permit without presenting a valid passport to the IMM at the border.

Yet, as was noted earlier, there is no strict enforcement of the passport requirement when coming back North.

I guess it kinda boils down to how fast and loose people feel like playing.

Good chance that not having a valid FMM will not matter. While I don't want to make it sound like a boast, and I do currently comply, We have, in the past, traveled all the way to Cabo and back without obtaining the tourist permit. But, there is always a chance that the need will arise and you will be charged a fine. Although you aren't looking to travel the length of Baja, one recent occurrence would make it even less likely that someone traveling without the permit would be caught. They took away the IMM office at the state line by Guerrero Negro.

woody with a view - 2-25-2011 at 05:39 PM

just go. san quintin is no big deal. the big deal presents itself if you have a wreck and the insurance adjuster or police officer (you did buy insurance, right?) asks you for your papers......

or you could surf la fonda, 38's, san miguel, turistas, calafia, rosarito powerplant jetty, baja malibu. each spot every day for a week and not need a passport.

thebajarunner - 2-25-2011 at 05:48 PM

Woody is right.
Likely no one is going to enforce your lack of fmt, fmm, tourist card, etc.
But get in a wreck and when the gendarmes show up you will likely get a very lengthy and unwelcome extension to your visit,
in quarters that you will not want to recommend on Nomad or anywhere else.
Why take the risk???

Keri - 2-25-2011 at 06:03 PM

You don't have to get a passpot either. If you just want it for mex you can get a passport card. $40.00 I think. If you are looking for a hotel in between Rosarito and Ensenada Check us out at www.pyramidresort.com You can walk to La Fonda surf spot from here, Good luck, have a safe trip.k

mojo_norte - 2-25-2011 at 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view

or you could surf la fonda, 38's, san miguel, turistas, calafia, rosarito powerplant jetty, baja malibu. each spot every day for a week and not need a passport.

ask woody to guide you to the 'secret' spots ..

woody with a view - 2-25-2011 at 06:09 PM

sorry, i'm married.

but Keri's place is EPIC! centrally located and a stunning atmosphere.

mojo_norte - 2-25-2011 at 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
sorry, i'm married.

but Keri's place is EPIC! centrally located and a stunning atmosphere.

past the 'Free Zone' marital status goes out the window..

Is Ken's place off the San Felipe right hand point ?

David K - 2-25-2011 at 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surferchick
hi baja nomads! im planning on going down to baja on a surf trip and have some questions that im sure all the experts have answered 100 times ,yet i have searched the net and get conflicting answeres! i appreciate all the help ahead of time and please be kind for i have not had the opportunity to travel to baja and learn the ropes like those here on the forum!

1) can i still get into baja with just my birth certificate and drivers license?

YES, You just drive in... nothing is checked unless you get a red light or are flagged over.. and then it is just to see what you are bringing in, no 'papers' question.

2a) what happens if i over stay the 72 hours without an fmm?

NOTHING, it will be on your conscious that you are illegal. A free FMM for a week is available at the border, but they now ask for a passport as proof of citizenship.

2b) do i need an fmm?

To be legal if over 72 hours in Mexico or south of the border zone for anytime.

3) is it easy to rent an apartment?

DO you have money to give a landloard?

4) how far is the "free zone"?

If you mean 'Border Zone', it depends on whom you talk to... It is either just below Ensenada (Maneadero) or San Quintin or Guerrero Negro!

5) is it safe for travelers in baja?

As long as you dont get into the drug business or law enforcement or in the crossfire.

woody with a view - 2-25-2011 at 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
sorry, i'm married.

but Keri's place is EPIC! centrally located and a stunning atmosphere.

past the 'Free Zone' marital status goes out the window..

Is Ken's place off the San Felipe right hand point ?

i guess you read K e r i as Ken? as for right points, i have turned over a new leaf and won't bite at your weak attempt at trolling....

now, by the time summer is over, and the surf has been less than lame for 5 months, all bets are off! :mad:

opinions are like *ssholes, everyones got one

mtgoat666 - 2-25-2011 at 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
<lots of hot air>

if you don't get tourist permit, don't bother with insurance. insurance company will not pay claims if you have no legal visa status. the definition of border zone will de determined by claims adjustor, i'm sure.

mojo_norte - 2-25-2011 at 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
sorry, i'm married.

but Keri's place is EPIC! centrally located and a stunning atmosphere.

past the 'Free Zone' marital status goes out the window..

Is Ken's place off the San Felipe right hand point ?

woody with a view - 2-25-2011 at 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
sorry, i'm married.

but Keri's place is EPIC! centrally located and a stunning atmosphere.

past the 'Free Zone' marital status goes out the window..

Is Ken's place off the San Felipe right hand point ?

mojo, at a loss for words? :?:

David K - 2-25-2011 at 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
<lots of hot air>

Total BS

Just ask the insurance people here on Nomad if having a tourist card is required for their carrier to pay a claim for a paid client.

I have.

I also asked Discover Baja Travel Club a couple years ago if the lack of a tourist card was ever used as an excuse by GE Seguros to deny coverage. It wasn't.. Federal Migra Laws have nothing to do with driving laws and liability.

woody with a view - 2-25-2011 at 08:18 PM

Dave

when i used L&L for my needs, they had buried in the small print, "insurance MAY be invalid" if you (who?) didn't have required immigration documents.... or something VERY SIMILAR!

mojo_norte - 2-25-2011 at 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
sorry, i'm married.

but Keri's place is EPIC! centrally located and a stunning atmosphere.

past the 'Free Zone' marital status goes out the window..

Is Ken's place off the San Felipe right hand point ?

mojo, at a loss for words? :?:

woody - i'm a speechless troll - i do need glasses (Keri - Ken)

irenemm - 2-25-2011 at 09:58 PM

San Jacinto is good surfing It is North of San Quintin. Going south you will see a sign for surfing and camping. there is a good bed and breakfast there too. L
It is also know as the ship wreck. go and have fun.
drive careful and stay safe.
Welcome to Baja Nomads and Baja. enjoy the adventure.

woody with a view - 2-25-2011 at 10:06 PM

what Irene says!

she hosts a very good sunday brunch. the rest of the week their menu is also outstanding. look up the http://www.posadadondiego.com

mojo_norte - 2-25-2011 at 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by irenemm
San Jacinto is good surfing It is North of San Quintin. Going south you will see a sign for surfing and camping. there is a good bed and breakfast there too. L
It is also know as the ship wreck. go and have fun.
drive careful and stay safe.
Welcome to Baja Nomads and Baja. enjoy the adventure.

Safe to camp?

Passport to get into Mexico÷

akshadow - 2-25-2011 at 10:13 PM

Once in the last six months we were asked by the Mexican (Immigration person?) at the Mexicali old border "Do you have your passports? We showed them and were sent on our way. They did not look to see what was in the back of our pickup. Do not know what would have been the result if we had said no to having passport. Perhaps they would have just sent us on our way. PS we are both over sixty five so maybe different rules for differnet ages.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by surferchick

1) can i still get into baja with just my birth certificate and drivers license?

YES, You just drive in... nothing is checked unless you get a red light or are flagged over.. and then it is just to see what you are bringing in, no 'papers' question."

mcfez - 2-25-2011 at 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by akshadow
They did not look to see what was in the back of our pickup.

Just what WAS in the back of that pick up Ron? Had no idea that you and Val were some sort of smugglers or ? :lol:

BornFisher - 2-25-2011 at 10:35 PM

K-38--- Great surf , cheap rent and great T-shirts!! It`s all about location, so contact me if you`re serious about K-38. Here`s a link for a fish report from Wed (surf no good!)---

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/inshore-islands-fishing-re...

mtgoat666 - 2-25-2011 at 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
<lots of hot air>

Total BS

Just ask the insurance people here on Nomad if having a tourist card is required for their carrier to pay a claim for a paid client.

I have.

post the policies, dk. read them.
the fine print is the contract. the words of sales agents are only meaningless words unless written into contract.

i eagerly await the sales people to PROVE me wrong.

surferchick - 2-26-2011 at 07:45 AM

WOW!!!... thank you to everyone who has replied to my post!... all the info,tips,and suggestions are taken in and will be applied! this is gonna be a great adventure , and its really nice to know there are people in the world who care enough to keep it real with those who are learning to carve there own path in a land they never have carved in before! THANX NOMADS!!!!!!

David K - 2-26-2011 at 08:36 AM

Yes, indeed.. you should follow the rules and have everything you are supposed to... but in the end, you will find Baja a friendly, easy going place and if you don't have everything your're supposed to, life doesn't come to a stop. Hope your trip is great and please tell us about it when you come back... take photos and show them to us!

Terry28 - 2-26-2011 at 01:54 PM

Surferchick, check your u2u, it's the box on the top of the page when you sign on....

bajaguy - 2-26-2011 at 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Yes, indeed.. you should follow the rules and have everything you are supposed to... but............

There are no "buts".............

You are in a foreign country. You need to follow their rules....we would expect/demand no less from visitors to the United States

(not busting your chops, DK, just a general statement)

woody with a view - 2-26-2011 at 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Yes, indeed.. you should follow the rules and have everything you are supposed to... but............

o, contrare.... just ask the millions of citizens from EVERYWHERE how much we frown on immigrant scofflaws. why does AZ have a 30% prison inmate population of illegals? the feds have us where they want us! $4 gas anyone. the screws are being turned.....

sancho - 2-26-2011 at 02:47 PM

Quote:

DK, You may know about lost Mission ruins, but don't hand
WRONG LEGAL INFO, my last lewis and Lewis policy stated
that a tourist card required for over 72 hrs. for the policy to be valid. Others state
'In the Country legally' for the Policy to be valid. If you don't
think the Mex ins Co's will try to look for a way out of paying a claim, you need to rethink your position. In the event of an
incident, you are dealing with the Mex Ins Co. directly, not
the US Broker in san diego, Hugh K is not going to be holding
your hand, you are going to be dealing with a Mex ins Adjuster and a Mex Policeman of some sort who doesn't
care how many times you have been to baja

[Edited on 2-26-2011 by sancho]

mcfez - 2-26-2011 at 03:12 PM

Quote:

Irene..
Love the Web page! Simple and clear as a bell. Creative. Is that a Wix software? Sorry folks...not trying to hijack this thread.

chippy - 2-26-2011 at 04:56 PM

Be sure and check out the 7 sisters super secret spots! Just google it there is a ton of info out there.

Bajahowodd - 2-26-2011 at 05:10 PM

This thread has wandered a bit. But, the bottom line is that it is most likely that anyone from El Norte that is traveling Baja, will not even encounter a situation that will require them to produce a valid tourist pass (FMM).

I would question the post about Lewis&Lewis, a broker, stating that you must have a valid FMM. That's because their site doesn't specifically state that in the absence of the FMM, your insurance would be invalid. It merely reflects that they are making a responsible point that according to the laws of Mexico, you must have the FMM, for various situations. Would anyone consider that a licensed broker would not post the law?

That said, There is the reality and there is what is right. Mexican law requires the FMM for a myriad of circumstances.

Anyone posting on this site who encourages flouting the Mexican law, when there is such a hub bub NOB about illegals is simply a hypocrite.

Just reminds me of how condescending Gringos can be about Mexico. And don't think for a minute that Mexicans don't get that.

[Edited on 2-27-2011 by Bajahowodd]

mtgoat666 - 2-26-2011 at 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I would question the post about Lewis&Lewis, a broker, stating that you must have a valid FMM. That's because their site doesn't specifically state that in the absence of the FMM, your insurance would be invalid. It merely reflects that they are making a responsible point that according to the laws of Mexico, you must have the FMM, for various situations. Would anyone consider that a licensed broker would not post the law?

insurance companies have 2 goals: collect money, and avoid paying claims. they put 'gotchas" in the contract to avoid paying.
you are wasting your money if you buy insurance and then invalidate coverage by not getting a travel visa.

just because dk and bajawood say so does not make it so.

Interesting reading - same subject

bajaguy - 2-26-2011 at 08:12 PM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=44018#pid4927...

David K - 2-27-2011 at 08:38 AM

Well, I don't use Lewis and Lewis...

Bercause another Nomad researched the many companies in detail and gave them top marks (back in 2001 or so), I included a link to them in my web site...

The other two links are to companies I have used: Discover Baja and Baja Bound... BOTH told me they do not withhold payment or coverage if you do not have a tourist card. IF that has changed, then all the more reason you SHOULD have the proper documentation... Which I have always said... It was just the blanket statement my Mt.Goat666 that they won't pay if you don't have an FMM I was countering.

David K - 2-27-2011 at 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=44018#pid4927...

Thank you for the link showing where Baja Bound confirms what I have said in this thread. :light:

Marc - 2-27-2011 at 08:53 AM

At the BC southern border at G Negro they will ask to see your visa.
Well, sometimes.

mcfez - 2-27-2011 at 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc
At the BC southern border at G Negro they will ask to see your visa.
Well, sometimes.

This topic has gotten so confusing with all this in house fighting....

Hey Marc....
Why does BC southern border at G Negro want to see a Visa card? it's none of their business if I have credit cards or not

sancho - 2-27-2011 at 10:53 AM

I spoke on the phone to L&L Ins Co a couple yrs. back,
inquiring about living in Baja full time. and having their
annual policy. They said yes, AS LONG AS I HAD PROPER
IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS, don't know if they were
referring to an fm3 or not. I don't see were any debate
is needed. If one is ANYWHERE in Mex for more than 72 hrs.,
border zone or not,
they need an fmm, free for 6 nts/7days, or the 180 day.
Sitting on the side, of the road after an incident
and having an Adjuster/Cop ask for your
immigration papers and not being able to give them
doesn't sound like good advice to me. It's irresponsible
It makes no difference who the Mex Ins is, these adjusters
are independent, they work for several Mex Ins Co's,
they are not going to have different standards for each
mex Ins Co. Agree tatally with the above post,
Insurance Co's are not your friends, they don't have your
best interest in mind. Why in the world would one give a Mex
Co.,an opportunity to invalidate a policy?
Pure lunacy

[Edited on 2-27-2011 by sancho]

[Edited on 2-27-2011 by sancho]

[Edited on 2-27-2011 by sancho]

Marc - 2-27-2011 at 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc
At the BC southern border at G Negro they will ask to see your visa.
Well, sometimes.

They don't accept American Express :lol:

Martyman - 2-28-2011 at 09:36 AM

Surferchick;
Look for signs that say "surffing". Sometimes they'll have "fihs tacos" too.