Tecate has always been a breeze for enty into Baja, but Mexicali is a better route for this trip. Please tell me how rigorous the inspection is when
entering Mexico at Mexicali. We'll have a heavily loaded truck, all legal, but I'd hate to have to unload it.DENNIS - 2-25-2013 at 05:32 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by RPaitich
We'll have a heavily loaded truck, all legal, but I'd hate to have to unload it.
What do you mean, "all legal?"
Just curious.RPaitich - 2-25-2013 at 05:51 PM
Chuck,
No guns or drugs (obviously), but many used items for our home, repair parts for my ATV.
Why do you ask?David K - 2-25-2013 at 06:03 PM
Any border crossing is hit or miss for the green light. Tecate is just a lot calmer with low southbound traffic. We often cross there when heading to
San Felipe via Mex. 2-D, which avoids Mexicali city traffic.
If we get an early start then going to Calexico/Mexicali is faster and cheaper (no tolls)... never got a red going across at Mexicali, did at Tecate a
couple times.. but no big deal. My truck was loaded with camping gear, however.DENNIS - 2-25-2013 at 06:05 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by RPaitich
Chuck,
No guns or drugs (obviously), but many used items for our home, repair parts for my ATV.
Why do you ask?
Only curious about the volume of goods you mentioned. Being used merchandise, as you say, will mean a lot in their interpretation of what needs to be
declared.
I expect there will be other opinions here soon enough.
FYI...even the Segunda trucks with their piled-high loads of used goods have to pay duty.
The border ain't what it used to be.
Good luck.Udo - 2-25-2013 at 06:24 PM
If it were me, Rpaitich, I would cross at Tecate or at Algodones.
However, your odds of getting a green light are better at Tecate because of the low traffic volume crossing South, then take the toll road to
Mexicali.
The new Mexicali crossing at the east end is really a breeze, however.
KEEP IN MIND:
That even though you get a green light, the customs officers still have the option of "waving you over" unless (of course) you flash a $50.00 (U.S.)
dollar bill out the window as you drive by them.DENNIS - 2-25-2013 at 07:20 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Udo
However, your odds of getting a green light are better at Tecate because of the low traffic volume crossing South, then take the toll road to
Mexicali.
Used to be just the opposite. There were so few cars going in that they would pull over every one just for something to do.
I also remember one occasion going north through Tecate.......I was the only car and there wasn't even an agent in the booth. I sat there for a few
minutes when a lady finally came out of the office and greeted me as usual.
Gawd....those was the days. nbacc - 2-25-2013 at 08:27 PM
We have gone through several times (east crossing) with a truckload and once with a trailer of household things, I am not sure what you have but we
just pull over, declare it and work it out, We have never had to unload it although they do look and we tell them (nicely) what is in there. Don't be
nasty as they CAN make you unload it if they want, I would suggest you cross in the am if possible and not on a Friday., NancyRPaitich - 2-25-2013 at 11:06 PM
Dennis,
I dunno how I happened to call you "Chuck" in my first response. Desculpe me.
RPaitich - 2-25-2013 at 11:12 PM
Thanks to all of you for info. We've crossed 30-40 times, without incident. I've gotten myself nervous for this trip as I understand that the San
Ysidro (TJ) crossing has become much more rigorous for inspection since our last crossing.
I typically go thru the "Nothing to Declare" line (because I have nothing that exceeds the limits) and usually get the green light. If I get a red
light, it's always been a quick courteous exchange; I explain it's personal or household items, and we pass with no fees. I always get the red light
if pulling a trailer.
Here's the official list of what's allowed: <http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/pasajeros/139_19583.html>
If these are not exceeded, "nothing to declare" is proper.Bajajorge - 2-26-2013 at 10:45 AM
I always cross at Calexico East. Crossed there last week SB, have a cabover on my truck. This last time the Mexican Customs didn't even want to go
through it. First time ever. I was in total shock.
With all the used furniture you say you'll have onboard they might question it. Do you have an FM3? It might save you some hassle.DENNIS - 2-26-2013 at 10:51 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by RPaitich
Dennis,
I dunno how I happened to call you "Chuck" in my first response. Desculpe me.
Hey....no problem. Thanks.RPaitich - 2-26-2013 at 12:31 PM
Jorge....
Thanks; that's promising news; we may take the same entry point. I'm told the east crossing is more common for the big trucks. A friend crossed
there a few weeks ago and said it was a non-event. I'll know how we fare in a few days.
We were on track with FM3 a coupla years ago, but gave it up. It seemed to add more complication than benefit.nbacc - 2-26-2013 at 04:02 PM
When we crossed over we had a trailer full of stuff (household) and most of it was used or off Craig's list, We told him it was used and had no idea,
We figured it out with the agent. Have a fair idea of what is is worth and go from there, Expect to pay something as that is the way it goes, it is
just a matter of how much,. Again.......be very nice, NancyJim/Liisa - 3-4-2013 at 07:52 PM
At the colexico/ mexicali boarder, We took a loaded open trailer down with a house full of furniture all wraped about 3 layers of heavy duty tacky
plastic rap got the red light, pulled over and they looked at the plastic rap shook their heads laughed and waved me on. It's all on how lucky you are
that day...RPaitich - 3-4-2013 at 08:05 PM
Thanks to all of you for the advice.
We made an uneventful crossing (the best kind) at Mexicali West on a Sunday.
We got our FMM cards at Migracion and were told we can pay another day, because banks were closed on Sunday.
The agent asked about wine and liquor and I told him we had our limit of 3 liters/person. He opened the back of our stuffed F250 short bed with
camper shell; he saw old lawn furniture, and a few boxes of misch canned goods. I told him we had no fresh fruit or meat. "Feliz Viaje!" and we were
on our way.
We drove the "new" road south of San Felipe, coming out at Mex 1 via Gonzaga Bay. Jeez; what a lousy 35 miles of rocks!Bajafun777 - 3-5-2013 at 10:16 PM
So much for NAFTA, some things never change and who gets the short end of the stick remains the same all the time for you and we short enders, LOL.
Take Care & Travel Safe-----"No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777
