BajaNomad

What time to cross at Calexico/Mexicali

bonanza bucko - 10-23-2012 at 01:51 PM

I'm going to import some solar batteries and I will need to pay the duty on them. To avoid a long wait what is the best time to cross the border at Calexico?

BB:-)

mcfez - 10-23-2012 at 02:35 PM

East gate or.......?
Quote:
Originally posted by bonanza bucko
I'm going to import some solar batteries and I will need to pay the duty on them. To avoid a long wait what is the best time to cross the border at Calexico?

BB:-)

bonanza bucko - 10-23-2012 at 04:47 PM

Mcfez:

I usually go through the west gate but I'm open to suggestions.
BB

mcfez - 10-23-2012 at 05:51 PM

Old gate 10am thru 2 pm

New gate is bout the same 9am till 2pm

This excludes the week ends

bonanza bucko - 10-23-2012 at 07:23 PM

why are those hours better than earlier....such as at 0800?
BB

nbacc - 10-23-2012 at 07:38 PM

We have payed duty on a bunch of things. We have found the earlier the better. Have dollars and pesos and receipts as things are different each time you declare something. Depends on the agent (or not) you get and how busy they are. We have had several interesting experiences (none of them bad, just different every time) that is just our experience and I am sure everyone has had a different one. Just be prepared for anything. I think i would avoid the afternoon if you can. Nancy

mcfez - 10-23-2012 at 07:41 PM

rush hour............
Quote:
Originally posted by bonanza bucko
why are those hours better than earlier....such as at 0800?
BB

nbacc - 10-23-2012 at 07:52 PM

Deno......check your U to U

BajaWarrior - 10-24-2012 at 04:55 AM

BB,

we just imported some furniture through the East crossing. Couldn't have been easier.

Be in the "declaration lane" to the right. Mexican customs will clear you first, then drive forward to the diagonal parking spaces. Park on the furthest space closest to the small building in front of you. Go to the building, get the guy, he'll come out and inspect your load, do a little paperwork, pay the man right there, your gone. Paid about 17%. Have small bills as he rarely has change. (He had to dig into his pocket for the last of it...)

Good luck!

bonanza bucko - 10-24-2012 at 08:32 AM

Thanks for all the input. I appreciate it. We have not imported much stuff....only a sundanzer fridge once and we were first in line at the West gate.

I need more input. We would like to take a generator down to our place for some construction and then bring it back to the US. What will be the problem with that from the Mexicans....and the US too.
Bb:-)

Bajajorge - 10-24-2012 at 08:45 AM

I only cross SB at the Calexico East crossing. I've never had any delays there, and I never see anybody waiting to pay duty. I usually cross around 1100, prefering Sundays as I go through the industrial area after turning left out of the gate.

bajaponderosa - 10-24-2012 at 11:54 AM

Has anyone ever been told that they can not bring in used wood into Mexico because of environmental issues.
I tried to bring in a load of used beams at San Luis and was told to go back to USA maybe it is only in Sonora but would like to know about Baja.
San Luis wouldn't even let me pay duty on it either. Surprising :?:

mcfez - 10-24-2012 at 12:20 PM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=58103
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaponderosa
Has anyone ever been told that they can not bring in used wood into Mexico because of environmental issues.
I tried to bring in a load of used beams at San Luis and was told to go back to USA maybe it is only in Sonora but would like to know about Baja.
San Luis wouldn't even let me pay duty on it either. Surprising :?:

wornout - 10-24-2012 at 04:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajajorge
I only cross SB at the Calexico East crossing. I've never had any delays there, and I never see anybody waiting to pay duty. I usually cross around 1100, prefering Sundays as I go through the industrial area after turning left out of the gate.


I have neighbors who cross at the east crossing and they cross when the gates open which is before the bank window opens so they get waved through.