Bajatripper - 11-25-2011 at 07:35 PM
My Compadre (Bajalerita's Padrino) and his family recently stopped by for a quick visit while on their way to vacation at the ranch of his youth, in
Guanajuato, Mexico. Although he has lived in Washington State for over two decades, my Compadre still retains the cultural markers in speech and dress
that identify him as a Mexican.
After visiting us, the family planned to take the ferry over to Mazatlan on their way to Guanajuato. We went out to Pichilingue to get the temporary
import certificate for their vehicle (which now requires up to a $400 US cash deposit or hit against your US credit card, depending on year of
vehicle).
They got the sticker without issues and decided to get their tickets for the ferry while we were out there. The young lady behind the window rung up
tickets for four people and the vehicle before discovering that my Compadre intended to pay for them with a credit card. While that ordinarily isn't a
problem, since the credit card was in my Compadre's name but their vehicle was in my Comadre's name (she hadn't brought her credit card), they
couldn't pay for the tickets with it. My Compadre offered to pay with US currency, but the employee refused to take it. We had no choice but to return
to La Paz so he could change some money.
On the way back, I suggested we save a trip out to Pichilingue by going to Baja Ferry's offices in town. After lunch, we went over to the offices on
Allende Street. When the young lady rang up tickets for three people plus the vehicle, my Compadre said there was a mistake, that there were four of
them. She said, yes, but the driver is included in the vehicle's ticket. The difference was 900 pesos.
If this is going on with Mexicans, just imagine the possibilities with some poor, clueless American who speaks no Spanish.
In other words, watch your tickets at Pichilingue.
tiotomasbcs - 11-26-2011 at 06:53 AM
Amazing. Maybe later, after your family leaves, you could inform them of this transgression? It could help save others a good amount of dinero$$.
You were lucky. Tio
mcfez - 11-26-2011 at 07:23 AM
Wow!
What a great BN story here. That's what BN is about! I am sure that Bajatripper has saved a bunch of $$$$ for the future visitor. Thanks for the post.
Guanajuato is a fantastic colonial city that looks like old Europe ...loved it there.
[Edited on 11-26-2011 by mcfez]
Marc - 11-26-2011 at 08:17 AM
Thanks! This absolutely answers a question I was going to post. Only difference I am going from Mazatlan to LP in February.
Bajafun777 - 11-26-2011 at 09:31 AM
I have found that not wanting to ask when not sure of things by the workers in Mexico results in so many different pricing costs to Americans and
others. The workers use their guessing game to which most of the time results in extra charges as you noted here. However, we enjoyed taking the
ferry from La Paz over to Topolobampo on our journey to Los Mochis. The drive to Mazatlan from Los Mochis is about 5 hours on toll road, note only 10
minutes or so from Topolobampo to Los Mochis. The 6 hour ferry ride was enough time at sea for my wife but I must say the ride was pleasant, very
clean rooms, and all locations on ferry very clean also. My wife did not get sea sick but the room and being able to rest I think helped a lot.
You did not say what the trip costs were on the ferry from La Paz to Mazatlan but since it cost me a little over $300 dollars including the room
would think the longer 12 hour or so ferry ride to Mazatlan would be a little over $600, again just guessing on their ferry costs. There is a website
under bajaferries.com to get the real time costs and times unless something happened to it. Take Care & Travel Safe--- "No Hurry, No
Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777
BajaBlanca - 11-26-2011 at 12:12 PM
wow...............very interesting post and THANKS.