BajaNomad

calexico east first timer

heddie70 - 2-23-2014 at 12:09 AM

Hello nomads,

I'm heading through Mexicali on Monday and would love some insider info. I'll be coming from Yuma. Convenient places to buy pesos before crossing? Tips on tourist card purchase after crossing and the best way through the city towards San Felipe.

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond!

Heather

larryC - 2-23-2014 at 08:28 AM

Welcome to the board heddie. I don't know the answer to the first 2 questions but the road to San Felipe is well marked. Within 2 or 300 feet of crossing the border the road will Y on you, there is a large green sign over the road directing you to stay right to go to San Felipe. That's it, in a 125 miles or so you will be there.
Larry

Actually heddie disregard my reply, I think I crossed at the west crossing and those directions may not work for the east crossing, sorry.

[Edited on 2-23-2014 by larryC]

mcfez - 2-23-2014 at 04:15 PM

A little help here for you...

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=59216#pid7119...

bajabuddha - 2-23-2014 at 05:12 PM

There are potloads of Cambio houses in Calexico, just watch the signs on who has the best deals for exchange. Mexicali is a very large city, can be a bit confusiing (for us small town folk) but as mentioned, watch for the signs. I get at least one woop-dee-do ('round the block) about every other time through there, and xanax works wonders. Also, if you speak a little Spanish most Gente will give you a finger (pointing the way :tumble: ). Happy trails.

[Edited on 2-24-2014 by bajabuddha]

Mexicali East

akshadow - 2-23-2014 at 06:05 PM

Most of the Cambio houses I have seen in Calexico are on main street toward the Mexicali West OLD border. Using East Border have only see in Cambio houses on Mexican side. East appears easiest place to park and get FMM. Just ask the customs agent as you drive in for "immigration."
Quote:
Originally posted by bajabuddha
There are potloads of Cambio houses in Calexico, just watch the signs on who has the best deals for exchange. Mexicali is a very large city, can be a bit confusiing (for us small town folk) but as mentioned, watch for the signs. I get at least one woop-dee-do ('round the block) about every other time through there, and xanax works wonders. Also, if you speak a little Spanish most Gente will give you a finger (pointing the way :tumble: ). Happy trails.

[Edited on 2-24-2014 by bajabuddha]

willardguy - 2-23-2014 at 07:01 PM

heather you do know speed week in san felipe starts tomorrow? are you going for the race?:?:

dizzyspots - 2-24-2014 at 10:23 PM

so...Yuma to San Felipe...Calexico East or San Luis? Pulling a 19ft boat...Apr 17 (Thurs before Easter)

David K - 2-24-2014 at 11:43 PM

There is also Algodones, on the Baja side of the Colorado, near Yuma.






[Edited on 2-25-2014 by David K]

dasubergeek - 2-25-2014 at 01:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dizzyspots
so...Yuma to San Felipe...Calexico East or San Luis? Pulling a 19ft boat...Apr 17 (Thurs before Easter)


Calexico East. Save the bridge toll from San Luis.

dizzyspots - 2-25-2014 at 10:01 PM

Algodones...waaaay slow...too many topes...
Toll road is cheap...but which is better towing a boat...time..turns etc

dasubergeek - 2-26-2014 at 05:30 AM

The last I checked, there was no direct connection between Hwy 2 west (from SLRC) to Hwy 5 south (toward SF).

Calexico East is still your best bet. Once you clear customs, turn right and eventually the road will parallel the border. Turn left on Manuel Gomez Morin (there's a blue sign at the intersection for San Felipe) and keep going. It's a nice, tope-less (the last I drove it), four-lane road.

You'll go through an intersection marked for San Luis RC and Calexico (there's a Sony plant on the right). Go straight through that intersection and make a left at the next traffic light. That's Hwy. 5 to San Felipe.

[Edited on 2-26-2014 by dasubergeek]

CortezBlue - 2-26-2014 at 07:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dasubergeek
The last I checked, there was no direct connection between Hwy 2 west (from SLRC) to Hwy 5 south (toward SF).

Calexico East is still your best bet. Once you clear customs, turn right and eventually the road will parallel the border. Turn left on Manuel Gomez Morin (there's a blue sign at the intersection for San Felipe) and keep going. It's a nice, tope-less (the last I drove it), four-lane road.

You'll go through an intersection marked for San Luis RC and Calexico (there's a Sony plant on the right). Go straight through that intersection and make a left at the next traffic light. That's Hwy. 5 to San Felipe.

[Edited on 2-26-2014 by dasubergeek]


UPDATE

Yes, there is a direct connection from 2 to 5. This is the route I use when driving to Mi Casa in San Felipe from Phoenix

When crossing in San Luis, Hwy 2 is the first light. Turn right at the light and you can follow the signs to San Felipe.

There is a U turn that you must do when exiting Hwy 2 onto Hwy 5

Hwy 2 is a Cuota or Toll Rd and the prices have just gone up from 16 and 19 pesos to 19 and 22 pesos

dasubergeek - 2-26-2014 at 07:46 AM

OK, it hasn't changed then—the U-turn is marked if I remember right, but it's not a plain exit either.

nbacc - 2-26-2014 at 07:53 PM

2 to 5 is a bit tricky................we did it today. Not so bad if you know.