BajaNomad - What to bring from the States??

What to bring from the States??

Travelinleah - 10-15-2013 at 11:52 AM

I am wondering what things Baja regulars stock up on when in the States that you can't find in Baja, just back from Loreto and couldn't find flavored coffee creamer anywhere!

RnR - 10-15-2013 at 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Travelinleah
I am wondering what things Baja regulars stock up on when in the States that you can't find in Baja, just back from Loreto and couldn't find flavored coffee creamer anywhere!

Depends on where you are traveling.....

Small towns, mid peninsula, beach camping, etc. You need to bring anything that may be "US-unique".

Ensenada, La Paz, Cabo. You can pretty much find anything that you are looking for.

DENNIS - 10-15-2013 at 12:16 PM

Fun tickets......lots of 'em.......or a loaded ATM card.

monoloco - 10-15-2013 at 12:54 PM

Maple syrup, tools, and electronic goods.

Mula - 10-15-2013 at 01:23 PM

Flavord coffee creamers - the good ones - Sauls in Mulege has them during the 'season'.

rhintransit - 10-15-2013 at 03:00 PM

flavored coffee creamer is available in Loreto at Deli, the place that replaced Dali, and at Ette's Pie Shop.

windgrrl - 10-15-2013 at 05:05 PM

Drambuie. Tofurkey. :tumble:

danaeb - 10-15-2013 at 05:12 PM

Extra hot horseradish

led lights

captkw - 10-15-2013 at 07:16 PM

also new or great tires on your ride,,,same with the battery...lots of spare oil and ATF (cost peso's in Baja) and a BIG bag of dog food (also waaay over priced) and if ya fish......don't forget the wasibi...........K&T

[Edited on 10-16-2013 by captkw]

Hook - 10-15-2013 at 07:53 PM

Good cheese. Something other than "white".........which is all they seem to have in Mexico. Hard and soft cheeses are especially lacking.

Good lunch meats. Something other than processed, pressed ham or turkey rolls.

Rye bread or sourdough bread.

Claussen pickles and good pepperocinis, if you are so inclined.

And if you like shelled or in the shell peanuts that are roasted and salted, you wont find them in Mexico. Peanuts are particularly bad in Mexico.

And forget about finding natural peanut butter. Not even at Costco in Mexico. I have never seen it anywhere.

Hook - 10-15-2013 at 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
also new or great tires on your ride,,,same with the battery...lots of spare oil and ATF (cost peso's in Baja) and a BIG bag of dog food (also waaay over priced) and if ya fish......don't forget the wasibi...........K&T

[Edited on 10-16-2013 by captkw]

You cant get wasabi over there?

Now, marinated ginger IS tough to find.............

What to bring

bajaguy - 10-15-2013 at 08:00 PM

Anything from Trader Joes!!!!

trader jose coming soon!!

captkw - 10-15-2013 at 08:06 PM

[Edited on 10-16-2013 by captkw]

BajaBlanca - 10-16-2013 at 08:27 AM

Ketchup.

Our local store has amazing products from Costco in Chula Vista. And it is tiny compared to the huge one that will theoretically open in November.

bajalinda - 10-16-2013 at 10:20 AM

coffee filters (they tend to be expensive here) - we stock up on them at Trader Joe's - they have the best deal around.

veggie broth/bouillon cubes

chili powder, curry powder and any other spices that you really like that are hard to find here.

barley - for making soup - haven't been able to find anything other than barley flour here

rts551 - 10-16-2013 at 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Ketchup.

Our local store has amazing products from Costco in Chula Vista. And it is tiny compared to the huge one that will theoretically open in November.

That building (the new store) has been finished for 2 years. What is the hurry now?

Hook - 10-16-2013 at 12:10 PM

There is Heinz ketchup EVERYWHERE over here, now. At Ley, at Walmart, at Soriana.

The Mexican varieties are just so thin.

But, outside of on fries at restaurants, I really dont eat ketchup anymore. I bought a pretty large bottle of Heinze about a year ago and we've used an inch of it.

Good mustard is also not that easy to find, especially dijon or brown mustard.

CortezBlue - 10-16-2013 at 04:56 PM

Ok, it's a silly one, but, Costco or SAMs has some dried hash browns in a small carton.

Add hot water and wait a few minutes and breakfast is ready

Love em

willardguy - 10-16-2013 at 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue
Ok, it's a silly one, but, Costco or SAMs has some dried hash browns in a small carton.

Add hot water and wait a few minutes and breakfast is ready

Love em

absolutely! and dried cheesy scalloped potatoes :yes:

MitchMan - 10-16-2013 at 08:32 PM

Cheeses, toilet paper, face soap, razors, batteries from Costco, CMOS batteries from Fry's, small electronic devices, small tools, books, soy sauce.

Don't buy bottled pickles in Baja. Make your own pickles in Baja with Mexican cukes...easy to do in 3 days in the frig.

Things that I prefer to get in Baja: Sonoran beef at Walmart, Guaycura Damiana, Anejo Bacardi rum, Grand Marnier ($30 USD per Liter), Tequila, white potatoes, celery, chicken, fresh garlic, avocadoes, key limes, Pacifico in bottles (much cheaper), Caracol whole milk, yogurt, fresh carrots.

Don't bring chili powder, make your own: cheap guajillo dried chilis and grind them in a blender...done.

Believe it or not, Bimbo makes great multigrain bread and hamburger buns.

Mega has the best baguettes, the long skinny one for $9.90 pesos.

Things not to get in Baja: Chinese food, Mexican candy.

Things almost impossible to find: quality furniture at any price.

[Edited on 10-17-2013 by MitchMan]

things for baja

captkw - 10-16-2013 at 10:16 PM

at least two really good knifes and stones and honers...what to bring depends on many varibles...but razors,, shampoo,,oil & ATF,,dogfood,,propane hose for camp gear and the adapter to fill the lil green cans,,,duct tabe,,super glue,,dracion line or small strong cord and a "COAST PX 25" flash light (A must),,, led light's & speaker wire ,electronics and batterys,,and lots of good brand batterys..... "muy carro" in Baja...not to many years ago La Paz was a duty free port and I would crazy buying a swiss army knife and audio gear for peanuts...about the "COAST PX 25" is the best tool I have bought in years !! this is so far the best (by far) lil flash light that I have used !! I can recommend this easy,,as I use it daily and is always on my belt...K&T PS,, I just went to Amazon and checked the reviews on this light and its gets 5+ stars and reviews..get one !! I got two and many friends have bought them and love um...

[Edited on 10-17-2013 by captkw]

[Edited on 10-17-2013 by captkw]

EnsenadaDr - 10-16-2013 at 11:29 PM

I love the Mexican chinese food, especially at Cabana del Dragon in Ensenada, absolutely top notch Chinese food and freshly made, always!! Do you like hot dogs with sauerkraut? I just read that Angelesausage makes their own kraut in Ensenada. The best store for hard to find American products such as Grey Poupon (can't get Colman's Mustard there, though) is El Roble Market, two locations in Ensenada and one in Mexicali. They have great fresh veggies as well, little bundles of veggies for stew made up and very reasonable and very fresh, organic chicken cooked and uncooked. Best pizza, Stella going north on the road in El Sauzal, $20 pesos a slice, and huge, very thin crust.

Skipjack Joe - 10-17-2013 at 12:34 AM

Cold climate fruits and vegetables:

blueberries
apples
spinach
lettuce
carrots
cucumbers
asparagus

Produce that is just as good or better in baja:

bananas
avocados
melons
mangos

bajabuddha - 10-17-2013 at 05:16 AM

TOILET PAPER, ABSOLUTELY!! (i bring northern big rolls). The TP down here is "John Wayne" toilet paper... it's rough and tough, and doesn't take any crap from anybody.

I bring my own coffee (1/2 decaf) and filters. For creamer (not flavored) i buy 'Nutri Leche' in the 1 pint solid green small box; it's evaporated, mix w/equal water, makes passable milk, but for coffee creamer is great. Plus, stores at room temperature for over a month until opened.

Oh, and Heinz ketchup if you prefer it. All you find here is Del Monte, no me gusto.

[Edited on 10-17-2013 by bajabuddha]

mcfez - 10-17-2013 at 06:16 AM

How so many of us have done this list ourselves :-) In San Felipe which is a decent size town.......it was really hard to find any "American" style groceries 5-10 years ago. It's a little the same these days. From southward from SF on the Cortez ........ BoLA may be the next town with extremely limited American style groceries.

Steak! It is really hard to find a "American" style steak. Marbled and cut thick.

Chips! I can never find chips in Baja without the "heat". Every bag of chip....cheese puff......has some sort of pepper heat added. After 30 years....I still cant eat their chips.

Ketchup! The Mexican style is pure yuck. I have yet to seen Heinz on the Cortez side of Baja.....and mainland. Del Monte is sold at a few places...but that is Mexican style too.

Soda! You simply wont find your favorite Squirt.......Orange Crush......Dr Pepper......so forth.....down there. Coke and now Pepsi is making a appearance.

Baked beans! This is another item that seems to hate the Baja store shelf. Add brown sugar to the list of 'no see em". One needs brown sugar to make the beans a real cooking treat.

You can take down gobs of groceries like I did for a very long time.....or just try the groceries available in Baja and experience The Baja truly. Less time preparing for your trip.......more room in your car :-)

But do take the chips!

[Edited on 10-17-2013 by mcfez]

bajajudy - 10-17-2013 at 09:41 AM

Just thought of something....Heinz 57

just thought of something

captkw - 10-17-2013 at 09:52 AM

pepper and cans of chili beans !!!

Travelinleah - 10-17-2013 at 08:28 PM

Wow, this was very helpful!! I agree about the chips, didn't like them at all! So next trip down Will stock up on deli items, Tp, chips and good cheeses. What about cereal, my favorite is frosted mini wheats, or raisin bran??

a good solid ride to start with !!!

captkw - 10-17-2013 at 09:35 PM

bajajudy - 10-17-2013 at 10:13 PM

Bless you mcfez
we got steaks, chips, heinz catsup, baked beans,all the sodas.
Maybe your should think of relocating

just kidding

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
How so many of us have done this list ourselves :-) In San Felipe which is a decent size town.......it was really hard to find any "American" style groceries 5-10 years ago. It's a little the same these days. From southward from SF on the Cortez ........ BoLA may be the next town with extremely limited American style groceries.

Steak! It is really hard to find a "American" style steak. Marbled and cut thick.

Chips! I can never find chips in Baja without the "heat". Every bag of chip....cheese puff......has some sort of pepper heat added. After 30 years....I still cant eat their chips.

Ketchup! The Mexican style is pure yuck. I have yet to seen Heinz on the Cortez side of Baja.....and mainland. Del Monte is sold at a few places...but that is Mexican style too.

Soda! You simply wont find your favorite Squirt.......Orange Crush......Dr Pepper......so forth.....down there. Coke and now Pepsi is making a appearance.

Baked beans! This is another item that seems to hate the Baja store shelf. Add brown sugar to the list of 'no see em". One needs brown sugar to make the beans a real cooking treat.

You can take down gobs of groceries like I did for a very long time.....or just try the groceries available in Baja and experience The Baja truly. Less time preparing for your trip.......more room in your car :-)

But do take the chips!

[Edited on 10-17-2013 by mcfez]

David K - 10-17-2013 at 10:18 PM

"and now Pepsi"??? I have never not seen Pepsi... for a long time it seemed more popular than Coke... but that changed maybe in the 80's? What took a long time to show up was diet soda... and I don't think they have Mountain Dew... Neal Johns drinks diet Mountain Dew... a double negative in Baja!

Hook - 10-17-2013 at 10:39 PM

Squirt??? I think the first time I ever saw Squirt was IN Mexico in the 60s. I really dont remember it, growing up in the States. It's everywhere down here.

We used to drink a slug of Squirt out of the can, add some tequila to the can and called it a Surfer's Margarita. As fishermen, we learned this from surfer's we'd party with on the beaches. Some of those guys seemed to live on Surfer Margaritas, Animalitos and beer.

But the soda talk reminded me of the one soda I still like and cant get down here................GOOD ROOT BEER. I prefer A & W or some of the fancier brands like IBC, Weinhards, Stewarts.

There is a REALLY BAD root beer down here that's made in Mexico by Vita. Steer clear. It's like carbonated Vicks Formula 44.

SMG - 10-18-2013 at 05:36 AM

apologies in advance to all you Tecate and Pacifico lovers (I used to be one of you) but good beer. I just drove down the penninsula with just enough ice cold Racer 5's to get me to my destination. It made the end of day cerveza that much more enjoyable...coffee is my other requirement, although there is some ok selection at Costco

beachbum1A - 10-18-2013 at 06:34 AM

In actuality each of us keeps an ongoing list of what items to buy on our next trip to the U.S.. Whether we can't find it in our own area or the product from the U.S. is just better for one reason or another. Yep.

J.P. - 10-18-2013 at 09:40 AM

Quote:

SQUIRT when I was a kid if you could score a Squirt Sticker for your Bike you were Top Dog.
Brown Sugar, we find it in the Calimax it' not on the Sugar aisle like one would expect its in the Baking Section
Steaks you cant beat the Pelican Store.

Skipjack Joe - 10-18-2013 at 09:46 AM

You might check bajajudy's list of things to bring. It's pretty comprehensive. It's a sticky on top of one of the forums.

willardguy - 10-18-2013 at 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SMG
apologies in advance to all you Tecate and Pacifico lovers (I used to be one of you) but good beer. I just drove down the penninsula with just enough ice cold Racer 5's to get me to my destination. It made the end of day cerveza that much more enjoyable...coffee is my other requirement, although there is some ok selection at Costco

go bears!

DavidE - 10-18-2013 at 11:43 AM

Yellow cheese? Thought all "yellow" cheese had various amounts of "Yellow and or Red" dye added. Queso de Chihuahua is Mennonite cheese, originally from Cuauhtemoc Chihuahua. Manchego, and traditional cheeses, like queso cotija and de rancho are available. Requeson, is authentic cottage cheese and is delicious. Beware of "American" cheese that isn't. It's made of various milk products and has a hard time understanding what the word "melt" means. It is gruesome stuff.

Gnarly mustard, sourdough bread starter mix, stevia sweetener, various real teas, Old Bay seasoning, dill weed, or seed, mustard seed, black bread flour, LEMON juice concentrate, Carroll Shelby's Chili Con Carne mix, heart healthy margarine, Cinnamon gum, Altoid peppermints, and maybe some excellent quality buttermilk pancake mix to go along with the real maple syrup noted above. Celery salt for bloody mary's, Good rechargable AA, AAA batteries like Eneloop, for battery systems bring distilled water. Pickle relish. Just about all the rest of the condiments i forgot to mention. Giant black olives, sauerkraut, canned chop suey if you won't be near a city.

Heather - 10-18-2013 at 12:08 PM

About the cheese...

A couple of years ago we had my husband's aunt visiting us from La Paz, and my aunite visiting from Vermont.....as they unpacked, they both unwrapped their block of cheese to share with us!

Queso fresco from LP, and some good sharp cheddar from VT. They both thought they had brought the best stuff!

Needless to say, I don't bring cheese when I visit anywhere!

[Edited on 10-18-2013 by Heather]