BajaNomad - Southbound San Ysidro / Toll Road

Southbound San Ysidro / Toll Road

C205Driver - 4-10-2011 at 08:39 PM

. . .Good evening all (good morning if you went to bed early). . .Headed down to Bahia Asuncion & #1. We do not have Pe$o$. #2. Never DROVE down before & unfamiliar with the immigration dance & getting to the toll road headed South. #3. We Plan on getting to border @ 5AM to head South on Thursday. . . .Sooooo, any Tips & Tricks on doing the Dance & Drive / Where for Pe$o$. . .Familiar with not :?:

driving in the dark, fuel stops, caution on roads etc. etc. Have flown down on numerous occasions tho. . .Thanks to all in advance. . .

Bajaboy - 4-10-2011 at 08:53 PM

Do a search for the Immigration routine...very easy and pleasant. Basically, pull into the right hand lane and wait for gait to open. Park and ask for Immigration office. 5am is our usual crossing time.

We get our pesos just after the third toll booth. Just after paying, pull over to the right and park. There are clean bathrooms to the right and an ATM as well.

Have a good trip.

24baja - 4-10-2011 at 11:13 PM

THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.

David K - 4-10-2011 at 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.

That being said, what does Mexico expect us to do... It wouldn't be the first time anyone traveled in Baja without a tourist card... and with the immigration checkpoint closed at the Baja Sur border, nobody really cares it seems. If they did, they would be sure to man the 24/7 office and teller window for payment

As for the OP's question... 1) before entering Mexico be in the far right lane and go into the Something to Declare line (with electric gate arm that opens per BajaBoy's statement).

Park in the big covered area in front of the row of offices.

The far right office is INM (immigration) for your tourist card (passports needed now). If closed... walk through the hallway to the backside of those offices and find INM there (facing the pedestrian crossing). Take form to bank teller a few windows down from INM to pay and then back to INM for the validating stamp.

Leaving the covered parking area, you will press a button and if a red light flashes, you will be searched... otherwise drive out and follow sighns for PLAYAS/ ROSARITO/ ENSENADA/ SCENIC ROAD/ Mex. 1-D... Just after the third toll gate pull over for restrooms and there is an ATM there to get pesos (per BajaBoy above).

You can use dollars EVERYWHERE in Baja, so don't panic if you don't have pesos. A calculator will help... and whatever the peso figure is, just divide it by the exchange rate the business is offering. $258.50 pesos is $21.91 dollars if the exchange rate is 11.80 pesos per dollar.

Top off fuel tank 225 miles south at El Rosario. Honest station run by Baja Nomad member Baja Cactus... excellent motel next door 'Baja Cactus Motel'.

[Edited on 4-11-2011 by David K]

24baja - 4-11-2011 at 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.

Sir David K,

My response was only to advise that maybe 5:00 was a bit early if you want to be legal in Mexico and as to the rest of the questions, I had no elaborate or knowledgable answer, I can only attest to what we experienced. That being said....thank you for your ever present knowledge and once again setting me straight. Connie

David K - 4-11-2011 at 09:26 AM

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Originally posted by 24baja

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

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Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.

Connie,

I was noting your findings to all the Nomads as a general statement of how low the importance of a tourist card must be to not have at least one person they can hire for the night shift at the border.

I thank you for reporting what you found, and I don't know what was wrong with your post, I didn't see anything wrong, and I didn't attempt to set anything straight. Sorry if it came across that way!

Have a great day!

24baja - 4-11-2011 at 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

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Originally posted by 24baja

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Originally posted by David K

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Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.

Thanks David, I guess I am a little hormonal today! :lol:

Bajaboy - 4-11-2011 at 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.

Not questioning your findings but each time we cross, there are usually two people working in the old office near the pedestrian crossing. Maybe they stepped out for some reason.

DK-I'm guessing the immigration guys are not just working for the tourists....They often are processing those who are being returned to Mexico. I think you are pretty quick to judge. Any ideas what the hours are to get a US passport?

David K - 4-11-2011 at 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.

If they want Americans to have tourist cards (and collect money for them), then it would seem logical to have the process set up to do it. They have before, as only recently have there been reports like Connie's. She did say the other (night time) office was also closed... the one you describe facing the pedestrian entrance.

There are no signs educating tourists about needing an FMM anywhere in Baja... So, as a non-Internet, non-guidebook reader just casually deciding to drive down Baja for a few days would NEVER KNOW that at some unspecific point (Maneadero, San Quintin, Guerrero Negro???) one is 'required' of them.

There used to be... In the 1980's and earlier there was a big sign, and an immigration stop at Maneadero to check or issue tourist cards (they were FREE too). Once, the official did ask for a tip! :lol:

toneart - 4-11-2011 at 10:29 AM

Just because the immigration office was not open at a particular time does NOT mean that Mexico doesn't care about you being legal, as DK opines. (DavidK-How many lessons have you experienced, when using "logic" hasn't served you in Mexico?...and you haven't learned yet?) Mexico has always been a country of inconsistencies when it comes to interpreting/enforcing its laws. If you don't wait for the office to open you are subject to trouble if caught without proper documents.

The indicator and driver of my above paragraph: think revenue. They do care when there is a buck to be made in fines.

Mexico has a drive on now to set up roadblocks to check vehicle documents. It is happening everywhere. Many Mexicans I know are getting busted for not having current (or any) registrations for their vehicles. The result is big fines, causing many of them to have their vehicles confiscated. They cannot afford to redeem them.

The reason I am pointing this out is because, if you don't have your proper immigration documents, as well as current vehicle registration and stickers, you are subject to potential big trouble.

For years Mexicans and U.S./Canadian citizens have been used to a fairly lax system while in Mexico. This appears to be coming to a rapid halt. There's money to be made! This has always been the case in The U.S.A. and yet, now it is intensifying because States and Municipalities need to make up for deficit shortfalls.

Bajaboy - 4-11-2011 at 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

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Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.

How ethnocentric of you.....

Where are the tourist visa offices for people traveling to the US? And the signs that you suggest? Here are the requirements: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html

Seems like if the US wanted to promote tourism....it would follow DK's advice :lol:

DENNIS - 4-11-2011 at 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
If they want Americans to have tourist cards (and collect money for them), then it would seem logical to have the process set up to do it.

Not that it matters to this little chat, but I don't think revenue is their main motivation. They're just making a halfassed attempt to control entry into their country and if our efforts were to become more aggressive, their's would as well.

David K - 4-11-2011 at 03:39 PM

Mexican tourism is not a MAJOR revenue source for the U.S.

U.S and Canadian tourism IS for Mexico.

If you value the welfair of our friends in Baja, why wouldn't you want it to be EASIER to travel south? The easier it is, the more dollars go south, the better the life is for Baja Californians.

Because the U.S. has different standards for operating our border or permitting entry has nothing to do with the issue of getting tourist cards.

There are people in hopes of entering the U.S. to bring us harm or introduce drugs/ crime, work illegally, use our free (to them) health care.

People hope to go to Baja to spend money with the locals and enjoy the country... apples and oranges!

Bajahowodd - 4-11-2011 at 03:54 PM

"That being said, what does Mexico expect us to do... It wouldn't be the first time anyone traveled in Baja without a tourist card... and with the immigration checkpoint closed at the Baja Sur border, nobody really cares it seems. If they did, they would be sure to man the 24/7 office and teller window for payment"
-DK

I have had similar thoughts, especially given the closure of the office at the state border. There remains, however, a certain sense of right and wrong as it applies to conforming with the laws of a foreign country. Lord knows there's a constant kefuffle NOB about illegals. Fact is that anyone SOB beyond Maneadero is an illegal.

But I still have to wonder at the seeming lack of interest by the Mexican authorities.

But DK lost me with this:

"There are people in hopes of entering the U.S. to bring us harm or introduce drugs/ crime, work illegally, use our free (to them) health care."

If one took a survey of US ex-pats living in Mexico, one would find that they are there primarily for financial reasons, including inexpensive healthcare.

mtgoat666 - 4-11-2011 at 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Mexican tourism is not a MAJOR revenue source for the U.S.

U.S and Canadian tourism IS for Mexico.

tell that to the city and county of san diego!!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
People hope to go to Baja to spend money with the locals and enjoy the country... apples and oranges!

"apples and oranges!" and you remind me of a turnip!

David K - 4-11-2011 at 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Mexican tourism is not a MAJOR revenue source for the U.S.

U.S and Canadian tourism IS for Mexico.

tell that to the city and county of san diego!!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
People hope to go to Baja to spend money with the locals and enjoy the country... apples and oranges!

"apples and oranges!" and you remind me of a turnip!

That is exactly WHY I said U.S. (not just San Diego County).

David K - 4-11-2011 at 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
"That being said, what does Mexico expect us to do... It wouldn't be the first time anyone traveled in Baja without a tourist card... and with the immigration checkpoint closed at the Baja Sur border, nobody really cares it seems. If they did, they would be sure to man the 24/7 office and teller window for payment"
-DK

I have had similar thoughts, especially given the closure of the office at the state border. There remains, however, a certain sense of right and wrong as it applies to conforming with the laws of a foreign country. Lord knows there's a constant kefuffle NOB about illegals. Fact is that anyone SOB beyond Maneadero is an illegal.

But I still have to wonder at the seeming lack of interest by the Mexican authorities.

But DK lost me with this:

"There are people in hopes of entering the U.S. to bring us harm or introduce drugs/ crime, work illegally, use our free (to them) health care."

If one took a survey of US ex-pats living in Mexico, one would find that they are there primarily for financial reasons, including inexpensive healthcare.

You have to read the entire thread to see this set of comments is about getting TOURIST CARDS... So, I am talking about the ease (or lack of) getting legal papers for TOURISTS on a vaction... to spend MONEY in Mexico. Not ex-pats, who are NOT tourists and are illegal, or legal ones who have an FM-2 or 3 or other.

mtgoat666 - 4-11-2011 at 04:15 PM

dk:
tourists are advised to not drive at night in mexico.
that must the reason the immigration office at auto crossing is often closed at night -- they are thinking of our safety!
or perhaps they have found that almost no one visits immigration office at night and there is little reason to keep it open at night!

Bajahowodd - 4-11-2011 at 04:22 PM

I kinda think you missed my point. That's OK.

I was also wondering about a post Tony made-

"Mexico has a drive on now to set up roadblocks to check vehicle documents. It is happening everywhere. Many Mexicans I know are getting busted for not having current (or any) registrations for their vehicles. The result is big fines, causing many of them to have their vehicles confiscated."

In all the trips we've made, we were asked once for the vehicle registration at an army checkpoint. And, it has always been clear to me that the army has been much more diligent in inspecting vehicles being operated by Mexican nationals.

So, are you referring to checkpoints other than those run by the military? Or, is it a different LE such as the federal or state police? I ask only because it would raise hades if something like that was to occur in the US- the military checking for vehicle registration.

David K - 4-11-2011 at 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
dk:
tourists are advised to not drive at night in mexico.
that must the reason the immigration office at auto crossing is often closed at night -- they are thinking of our safety!
or perhaps they have found that almost no one visits immigration office at night and there is little reason to keep it open at night!

Advised by folks here on Nomad, not the government of Mexico... Do you really think they would publish it is dangerous to visit their country? That would be a real boost to tourism... NOT! :lol:

A border officer to stamp passports or issue tourist cards is always on duty when the border is open... if they want to document travelers... apparently they don't? Maybe they need to close the border at dark, by your logic?

I personally have never seen that office closed when I stop in Tijuana for a card. This is all based on what was reported by the OP.

David K - 4-11-2011 at 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I kinda think you missed my point. That's OK.

I was also wondering about a post Tony made-

"Mexico has a drive on now to set up roadblocks to check vehicle documents. It is happening everywhere. Many Mexicans I know are getting busted for not having current (or any) registrations for their vehicles. The result is big fines, causing many of them to have their vehicles confiscated."

In all the trips we've made, we were asked once for the vehicle registration at an army checkpoint. And, it has always been clear to me that the army has been much more diligent in inspecting vehicles being operated by Mexican nationals.

So, are you referring to checkpoints other than those run by the military? Or, is it a different LE such as the federal or state police? I ask only because it would raise hades if something like that was to occur in the US- the military checking for vehicle registration.

Of course I think everyone should have papers that need them... I am trying to rationalize the inaction by the government of Mexico.

I was talking about immigration checkpoints... there used to be one in Maneadero... and then the past dozen years there was one at the Eagle Monument... but no more.

Military checkpoints are a new thing, and they are looking for drugs, guns, ammo. They have NOTHING to do with immigration.

Jack Swords - 4-11-2011 at 04:34 PM

Probably should stay out of this, but after crossing early (5:30 AM) December with all the folks taking goods home for Christmas, I plan on a better way. Every spot in the Declaration area was used, goods for inspection were scattered all over the pavement awaiting inspectors. Folks were in line up front waiting their turn, then they and the inspector would return to their car for the inspection. We couldn't park (no places) so we drove right up to the exit gate (therefore blocking the exit). We quickly ran back to immigration, got visas, got back to the car. Still nothing was moving. One inspector saw us, gave a quick look, and we passed on. We have done this routine for the past 15 years, this was the worst, mainly due to our crossing around Christmas time a week later than normal. Next year we'll get a prepaid visa from Vagabundos and not stop in the Declaration lane. By the way, the bank guy was asleep on the floor of the office, the immigration guy wasn't there. The guys in the immigration office by the turnstile were.

Bajahowodd - 4-11-2011 at 04:46 PM

The point made is that if Mexico really wants to beef up enforcement, they currently have no infrastructure at the border to do that. Perhaps given the new and future yet to be built border crossing, they will be able to. Can't even tell you how many times parking has been a challeng at the SY crossing.

And, DK, we are basically in agreement with the thought that Mexico appears to pay little attention to the immigration issue. Think I mentioned it on another thread, but seemingly, the only real immigration checkpoint there is entering Mexico is if you are flying in on a commercial flight. In that case, the whole immigration thing is outsourced to the airlines. Nobody boards a flight w/o a passport, and the fee fro the FMM is already included in the ticket price.

DENNIS - 4-11-2011 at 05:07 PM

You guys are becoming more hilarious by the post, trying to apply US logic to Mexicans. Hasn't anyone told you, we think and operate differently? You're trying to imagine them being guided by our brand of efficiency. By now, you should know that's not the way it'll be.
But...carry on with the fantasy.

Bajaboy - 4-11-2011 at 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
You guys are becoming more hilarious by the post, trying to apply US logic to Mexicans. Hasn't anyone told you, we think and operate differently? You're trying to imagine them being guided by our brand of efficiency. By now, you should know that's not the way it'll be.
But...carry on with the fantasy.

Exactly

Marc - 4-11-2011 at 07:16 PM

I always stop in SY for pesos. At the border crossing getting the visa is no big deal. The whole thing takes ten minutes.

mtgoat666 - 4-11-2011 at 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
what does Mexico expect us to do... It wouldn't be the first time anyone traveled in Baja without a tourist card... and with the immigration checkpoint closed at the Baja Sur border, nobody really cares it seems. If they did, they would be sure to man the 24/7 office and teller window for payment

dk: your logic about border immigration office is that any law govt agency that closes at night is basically sending the signal that they don't care if you obey their laws and regulations.
using your observation of logic about immigration ckeckpoint at BCS, if the policeman is not looking, he is giving approval, eh?
did i get that right?

toneart - 4-11-2011 at 08:01 PM

Quote:

I should have been clearer. It is true that the Military is not particularly concerned with our immigration status, although on rare occasion I have been asked. That was just north of Loreto. They have a clipboard and write down your immigration data. It is my impression that they are just gathering information as to who is passing through.

What I was referring to in my earlier post are the very new roadblocks by the Federal and Municipal Police. They are checking. The Federal Police are also stepping up speed law enforcement. From what I have heard from people who were busted for improper vehicle documents is that it is legitimate. The funds will go to The State and the Municipalities. They are not out for a mordita. Also, immigration status is not their primary goal, but it greatly increases you chances of getting caught if you are illegal.

David K - 4-11-2011 at 10:09 PM

Have a nice night boys... and be warned that if anyone gets a pre-paid tourist card before their trip YOU STILL MUST STOP AT THE BORDER TO HAVE IT VALIDATED!!! No stamp, no activation... call Discover Baja or Vagabundos to confirm this if you don't believe me.

The logic (at Tijuana anyway) is if you got to stop there anyway, whty not just pay the 24/7 bank teller for one then?

Naturally the no longer consistant open status sort of makes this an unknown!?

Jack Swords - 4-12-2011 at 07:56 AM

Actually, if one is crossing close to Christmas time with the large number of Mexican crossers with all their furniture, boxes, and other "gifts" and it is very early in the morning, you cannot rely on the bank nor the satellite immigration office to be open. At 5-6 AM it is more likely than not that they will be closed. Then, ALL parking places are filled in the Declaration area. We have also experienced the entrance to the Declaration area closed with a police vehicle blocking the entrance, due to the area being filled with cars. Getting a prepaid tourist card ahead of time and walking to the immigration office by the turnstile (always open) from the US side makes sense. It can be stamped the day before, then passage through the garita is quite fast without the bedlam at the Declaration area. If we cross at times other than Christmastime, in the early hours the bank and sometimes the satellite immigration office are closed. Our goal the first day of driving is Guerrero Negro (on these short winter days) and we always cross between 5 and 6 AM. Certainly it is a different situation for those who cross later. As others have said, it is Mexico and certainty is improbable.