BajaNomad

Tecate Crossing

Estrella - 1-7-2012 at 05:36 PM

Crossing Tecate heading south. Where do you get a visa and directions south to the Tecate-Ensenada hiway. Is there a place to camp north of the border?

DENNIS - 1-7-2012 at 05:59 PM

OK....I've got the campground part:

http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/picnic/potrero_map.html

http://www.bajaamigos.net/potrero-regional-park-california-u...


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[Edited on 1-8-2012 by DENNIS]

ncampion - 1-7-2012 at 08:07 PM

IMN office is on the right just after you cross the border. Only issue is that you have to walk a couple of blocks to the bank to pay the fees and sometimes the wait at the bank is fairly long. After you cross, just follow the green signs to the highway to Ensenada. Easy

baronvonbob - 1-7-2012 at 09:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ncampion
IMN office is on the right just after you cross the border. Only issue is that you have to walk a couple of blocks to the bank to pay the fees and sometimes the wait at the bank is fairly long. After you cross, just follow the green signs to the highway to Ensenada. Easy


i just went through tuesday and he gave me a form to pay later at the bank for 180 day fmm, it was all stamped, paid in san quintin next day,

Diver - 1-7-2012 at 10:29 PM

We like to camp at Potrero the night before.
Sometimes we hit the border for our visas the afternoon before we plan to cross.
Otherwise, look for a parking space on the right as you approach the border. You can walk across and get your visa.
In any case, after you cross the border, take the 3rd left and then the first right and you will be on the road to Ensenada.
Once you get closer to the coast, look for the over pass and follow the signs to Ensenada.

Estrella - 1-10-2012 at 10:56 AM

Thanks all. You folks are great

route to Ensenada

John M - 1-10-2012 at 01:10 PM

The route couldn't be simpler or better signed.

Crossing the border by auto you continue straight for several blocks until you see a nice park ahead on the left. At the intersection of the park there is a clearly visible sign to turn left to "Ensenada." - Several blocks (after you've turned) is another very visible sign "Ensenada" - and it points to the right. That's IT! Stay on that street as it winds around a little bit, eventually crossing the toll road and gradually gains a small hill. Soon enough Tecate is behind you, Ensenada ahead 70 or so miles. Be advised as you motor through Tecate there are numerous stop signs and traffic signals - maybe 12 to 15 in all. They are also quite easy to see if you pay attention.

John M

Map to follow.

Tecate Border Crossing to Ensenada Road


[Edited on 1-10-2012 by John M]

David K - 1-10-2012 at 03:36 PM

Rather than 'several blocks' for the right turn... it is at the far corner of the park where you turn right (one long block) as you can see on the satellite photo.

OOPS

John M - 1-10-2012 at 06:39 PM

Guess I was counting driveways on the left, or pretty senoritas, or just maybe, David K, I was checking to see if you were paying attention!

John

absinvestor - 1-10-2012 at 09:03 PM

We just got our papers today and the bank situation has changed. As always, we parked on the US side less than a block from the border. Walk to the border and immigration is on the right- you can't miss it. (We also stay at Potrero and get the papers the day before crossing.) What changed is you used to take the papers from immigration to Bancomer which is about 5 blocks south. Today the guy at immigration just told us to go 1 door north and pay. Sure enough we walked out the front door, went about 50 feet north and saw a sign to pay. You can pay by US, Pesos or credit card. Simple and quick. ($23.50US for 180 day visa.)

David K - 1-10-2012 at 10:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by absinvestor
We just got our papers today and the bank situation has changed. As always, we parked on the US side less than a block from the border. Walk to the border and immigration is on the right- you can't miss it. (We also stay at Potrero and get the papers the day before crossing.) What changed is you used to take the papers from immigration to Bancomer which is about 5 blocks south. Today the guy at immigration just told us to go 1 door north and pay. Sure enough we walked out the front door, went about 50 feet north and saw a sign to pay. You can pay by US, Pesos or credit card. Simple and quick. ($23.50US for 180 day visa.)


Good news! Did you happen to find out the days and hours the bank window was open?

absinvestor - 1-11-2012 at 01:36 PM

David K- I didn't but we are going into Tecate for lunch and I'll ask and advise. Ron

absinvestor - 1-11-2012 at 07:25 PM

The hours are 7 days a week 8am-4pm.

ncampion - 1-11-2012 at 08:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by absinvestor
We just got our papers today and the bank situation has changed. As always, we parked on the US side less than a block from the border. Walk to the border and immigration is on the right- you can't miss it. (We also stay at Potrero and get the papers the day before crossing.) What changed is you used to take the papers from immigration to Bancomer which is about 5 blocks south. Today the guy at immigration just told us to go 1 door north and pay. Sure enough we walked out the front door, went about 50 feet north and saw a sign to pay. You can pay by US, Pesos or credit card. Simple and quick. ($23.50US for 180 day visa.)


Great improvement! The bank part was what always took so long.