BajaNomad

Grocerys before of after passing the border

juandesiles - 7-6-2015 at 06:50 AM

Hi,

i'm going offroad at Punta San Carlos for 3 to 4 weeks.
for those who dont now there are no services there
Near town is El Rosario at 3hrs driving.

So shoud y do my grocery before or after passing the border?

if i buy after where shoud i go
La Ensenada?


What shoud i buy before entering Mexico?

thanx

Hook - 7-6-2015 at 07:07 AM

Tell us about the things you like to eat and drink. Then, we can give you advice on bringing it down or buying in Ensenada.

SlyOnce - 7-6-2015 at 08:20 AM

There is a huge Commercial Mexicana right off the cuota in Rosarito. Get off when you see the sign for Home Depot, there is also a Walmart Super Center there. Commercial MX is on the left over the cuota, Walmart is on the right by the Home Depot.

Most everyone who lives in northern Baja beach country stops at these on the way down.

SlyOnce - 7-6-2015 at 08:22 AM

There is almost nothing you need to buy on the US side that you cant get here. Frozen waffles, frozen berries, cranberry juice, gourmet coffee these are the only things I buy on the US side. There is a Vons and a Walmart Super center on Palm Ave. off the I5 on the right, this is the last big shopping before you cross.

bajabuddha - 7-6-2015 at 09:24 AM

My trusty 3 are: coffee, because I drink 1/2 decaf; whiskey (blended) and lots of 2-ply Northern T.P. Mexican TP is "John Wayne TP: it's rough and tough, and doesn't take any chit off anybody.

If you're pulling a trailer/rig behind, as I do with a 5th wheel, parking can be tough anywhere in Mexican parking lots. I go through and past Ensenada, and just before the La Bufadora turn-off stoplight (Maneadero is just past) is a Gigante/Soriana? ... can't remember which, but big store, good produce, meats, great prices on Mexican booze, ATM, and if you to past it, turn right at the light and take the first right again, you loop around behind and then in front of the store with plenty of ample curb-side parking. Have a good trip.

BajaRat - 7-6-2015 at 09:43 AM

El Rosario, big store when you come in to town. The hwy makes a sharp left turn at Mama Espinosa's and the store is to the right.
Have fun :cool:

DENNIS - 7-6-2015 at 10:18 AM


WalMart Ensenada, has a good grocery section. Close, across Reforma, is Com Mex [the Pelican Store]. They are also good...in fact, my favorite store of all.

DENNIS - 7-6-2015 at 10:21 AM


Hook asked above if you have a list of things you'd rather not live without. If you give it to us we may be able to tell you if they are hard to get here.

liknbaja127 - 7-6-2015 at 08:24 PM

What Bajarat says, good local market right there. And Mama's is also a great stop. But I thought Kevin pick's you guys up for the week, or week end!
Have a great time there, it looks like they take good care of every body there.

redhilltown - 7-6-2015 at 11:51 PM

I second Dennis! The "Pelican" store to the left as you head south is stunning...you will find everything you need and more.

SFandH - 7-7-2015 at 07:35 AM

Isn't brand name dog food much cheaper in the US? Don't know for sure. It is the only thing I stock up on before driving down the peninsula.

DENNIS - 7-7-2015 at 07:52 AM



Everything Mexico sells that has been imported from the States is more expensive, to absorb the cost of duty.
Also... due to lack of competition,[which is changing] the profit margin for retailers is higher. Add that to lower wages, and business is good.

[Edited on 7-7-2015 by DENNIS]

Bob and Susan - 7-7-2015 at 08:46 AM

the "gringo" thinking AGAIN

3-4 weeks vacation...geeezzz go out to dinner
why do you work ALL year

if there wee no food in Baja we would all be dead

buy at the local store just what you need
maybe it'll be a good time for a "forced diet"

if you cant afford eating out...cut a week off your vacation and work on the yard at home...your neighbors will like that

David K - 7-7-2015 at 08:48 AM

Funny, but good answer Bob!

wilderone - 7-7-2015 at 10:35 AM

The thing with packing in the US is that you have ample time before the trip to do that. Why spend time shopping and packing when you're on the trip? In Baja I buy beer, salsa, ice, tortillas. En route I buy avocados, oranges. Otherwise, I buy things that don't need refrigeration; things I can get cheap at the 99 Cent Only store - LOTS of stuff. Tuna in a pouch; nuts, cookies, drinks 50 cents, drink mixes, sour cream/dip mix, chips, jerky, crackers, chili, hot dogs. I also eat at restaurants in Baja to make groceries last a little longer. Nice to have a stash of tamales to look forward to for dinner.

DianaT - 7-7-2015 at 11:15 AM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Isn't brand name dog food much cheaper in the US? Don't know for sure. It is the only thing I stock up on before driving down the peninsula.


Dog kibbles are expensive in Baja and I have never seen the really good quality kibbles, just the basic ones. In the out of the way places, stores get the big bags of the really cheap quality kibbles and split it into small plastic bags that they sell the small bags for a lot of money.

Easy to find good human food in Mexico on the way to your destination; but if you are traveling with a fur friend, buy his/her food in the US.

Have a GREAT trip

BajaBlanca - 7-7-2015 at 11:24 AM

Just bear in mind that you can NOT take the dog food bought in US or in Mexico back to the States....

Have a great trip and my 2cents is that you will go thru customs more quickly if you buy your stuff south of the border, should they stop you.

msteve1014 - 7-7-2015 at 12:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
the "gringo" thinking AGAIN

3-4 weeks vacation...geeezzz go out to dinner
why do you work ALL year

if there wee no food in Baja we would all be dead

buy at the local store just what you need
maybe it'll be a good time for a "forced diet"

if you cant afford eating out...cut a week off your vacation and work on the yard at home...your neighbors will like that


Read the first post. There is no where to go out to eat, no stores. You eat what you bring with you, or you don't eat.

bajaguy - 7-7-2015 at 01:07 PM

Why let the facts spoil a good thread hi-jack??
Quote: Originally posted by msteve1014  
Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
the "gringo" thinking AGAIN

3-4 weeks vacation...geeezzz go out to dinner
why do you work ALL year

if there wee no food in Baja we would all be dead

buy at the local store just what you need
maybe it'll be a good time for a "forced diet"

if you cant afford eating out...cut a week off your vacation and work on the yard at home...your neighbors will like that


Read the first post. There is no where to go out to eat, no stores. You eat what you bring with you, or you don't eat.

jack - 7-7-2015 at 02:09 PM

Bajabuddha, is the store your trying to remember a Calimax? If so is the ATM inside the store or on the street?

MMc - 7-7-2015 at 02:34 PM

What time will you be passing through Ensenada? I tend to pick up mission critical stuff before I cross over the border and if I'm passing through Enseada before light I will buy it all.Sometimes I get to San Quintin around breakfast time and will pick up grocerys there. SQ has some nice grocery stores with great fruit and veg. Do you plan to refill ice while at San Carlos? The store in El Rosarito is kinda spotty. You might be able to get a meal or two from the wind surf camp there, not sure.

Bajahowodd - 7-7-2015 at 04:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  
My trusty 3 are: coffee, because I drink 1/2 decaf; whiskey (blended) and lots of 2-ply Northern T.P. Mexican TP is "John Wayne TP: it's rough and tough, and doesn't take any chit off anybody.

If you're pulling a trailer/rig behind, as I do with a 5th wheel, parking can be tough anywhere in Mexican parking lots. I go through and past Ensenada, and just before the La Bufadora turn-off stoplight (Maneadero is just past) is a Gigante/Soriana? ... can't remember which, but big store, good produce, meats, great prices on Mexican booze, ATM, and if you to past it, turn right at the light and take the first right again, you loop around behind and then in front of the store with plenty of ample curb-side parking. Have a good trip.


I f you are speaking of the supermarket right by the turn to Bufadora, it is Calimax.

We usually get pesos from the ATM at the bank nearby, and then go into the store to get the essential like Tecate Light.:lol:

bajabuddha - 7-7-2015 at 04:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd  
Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  
My trusty 3 are: coffee, because I drink 1/2 decaf; whiskey (blended) and lots of 2-ply Northern T.P. Mexican TP is "John Wayne TP: it's rough and tough, and doesn't take any chit off anybody.

If you're pulling a trailer/rig behind, as I do with a 5th wheel, parking can be tough anywhere in Mexican parking lots. I go through and past Ensenada, and just before the La Bufadora turn-off stoplight (Maneadero is just past) is a Gigante/Soriana? ... can't remember which, but big store, good produce, meats, great prices on Mexican booze, ATM, and if you to past it, turn right at the light and take the first right again, you loop around behind and then in front of the store with plenty of ample curb-side parking. Have a good trip.


I f you are speaking of the supermarket right by the turn to Bufadora, it is Calimax.

We usually get pesos from the ATM at the bank nearby, and then go into the store to get the essential like Tecate Light.:lol:


That's the one. I knew it rhymed with ''7/11". Good prices, good bakery too.

Hook - 7-7-2015 at 04:32 PM

Looks like everything has been bazookaed to death in this thread (and maybe sent the OP running for cover?) EXCEPT ONE IMPORTANT NOTE!!!

Drum roll, please..................


There IS decent TP in Mexico, Budda brutha. Pick up some Cottonelle. It even beats the Kirkland brand, in our opinion.



I tend to agree with wilderone about not wanting to spend time in giant superstores like ComerMex (which I love!) or Walmart/Costco, AFTER I AM ON VACATION. I'd rather do most of that shopping in the States where I will generally save a boatload in money and not cost me vacation time. Nice to freeze meats, too, as they add to the cold factor in the ice chests.

Really, when I was coming down for a few weeks, it was filling the empty Pacifico/Tecate bottles, Mexican hooch (fine tequilas, of course), tortillas, limes, avos and anything special we saw being sold along the highway (like tamales or oysters or ?). And, knowing me as most of you do, I am lugging wine from the States, too.


[Edited on 7-7-2015 by Hook]

bajabuddha - 7-7-2015 at 09:59 PM

:lol: Hook, you wipe me out!! :lol: :bounce: You'll have me ROLLING over in my grave! :biggrin: Better'n a Sears-Roebucker Catalogue !! ;) Or, smoother than a fresh corn-cob ! :o

I'll stick to my Northern, ................... BUT I DON'T! (get it?) :biggrin::biggrin: Oh, my sides hurt.... :lol:

BajaRat - 7-7-2015 at 11:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DianaT  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Isn't brand name dog food much cheaper in the US? Don't know for sure. It is the only thing I stock up on before driving down the peninsula.


Dog kibbles are expensive in Baja and I have never seen the really good quality kibbles, just the basic ones. In the out of the way places, stores get the big bags of the really cheap quality kibbles and split it into small plastic bags that they sell the small bags for a lot of money.

Easy to find good human food in Mexico on the way to your destination; but if you are traveling with a fur friend, buy his/her food in the US.

Have a GREAT trip



That's an important one, we do bring a big bag of dog food for our monsters. A decent sack can cost a fortune as you head further into the remote regions.
We dress up their bowls with the Mexican fare we're enjoying to keep the fangs smiling, stretch the product and avoid mutiny :cool:

Bob and Susan - 7-8-2015 at 05:30 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaRat  
Quote: Originally posted by DianaT  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Isn't brand name dog food much cheaper in the US? Don't know for sure. It is the only thing I stock up on before driving down the peninsula.


Dog kibbles are expensive in Baja and I have never seen the really good quality kibbles, just the basic ones. In the out of the way places, stores get the big bags of the really cheap quality kibbles and split it into small plastic bags that they sell the small bags for a lot of money.

Easy to find good human food in Mexico on the way to your destination; but if you are traveling with a fur friend, buy his/her food in the US.

Have a GREAT trip



That's an important one, we do bring a big bag of dog food for our monsters. A decent sack can cost a fortune as you head further into the remote regions.
We dress up their bowls with the Mexican fare we're enjoying to keep the fangs smiling, stretch the product and avoid mutiny :cool:


I just buy an entire bag...if I need to "order it" I do...

the store gets it for me with a phone call and it comes in with the food order....

the price is almost the same as the usa...not too much more...no need to haul a big stinky bag down

my dogs only eat dry food and are fine

never worry about dog food...there's lots of dogs in Baja...
unless your dog has allergies and need "special" food...then bring it...

willyAirstream - 7-8-2015 at 06:08 AM

B and S, where do you buy dog food for usa prices?

bajaguy - 7-8-2015 at 06:12 AM

COSTCO in Ensenada carries Kirkland, same as in the US

chuckie - 7-8-2015 at 06:17 AM

I think once you get very far SOB you cant get good prices....BUT as you go up the hill out of Tecate, there is a Purina dealer on the left...Not too bad....I have been buying or not buying Purina chow in Mulege for 20+ years and generally paid 2-2 1/2 US Walmart prices....I bring down 2 40 lb bags now...

Hook - 7-8-2015 at 07:09 AM

There IS a decent dog food that is made and sold in Mexico. It is called Ganador Premium. Not quite as good as the Kirkland stuff, but if you run out in Mexico, this is about the best one. There are vets that sell Science Diet and others, but you can imagine how expensive that is, down here.

Ganador is generally available at Walmarts in Mexico. Nice, heavy duty plastic bag that is REALLY resistant to cuts and tearing and water intrusion.

The premium, cost-wise, on Kirkland dog food down here is about 20%, over the States.

SFandH - 7-8-2015 at 07:25 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook  
There IS a decent dog food that is made and sold in Mexico. It is called Ganador Premium.


Good info! Sounds like a winner. Thanks.

motoged - 7-8-2015 at 02:51 PM

Who said this guy has a dog? :?:

Bajahowodd - 7-8-2015 at 03:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged  
Who said this guy has a dog? :?:


Which guy?:lol::lol:

motoged - 7-8-2015 at 04:07 PM

The guy that started the thread.....Juandeisles:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=79485


He has posted different questions about a planned upcoming first time to Baja.....


http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=79348

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=79312

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=79269


[Edited on 7-8-2015 by motoged]

[Edited on 7-8-2015 by motoged]

juandesiles - 7-9-2015 at 05:18 AM

I guys
thanx a lot for the info.

i was thinking to pass by Tecate all the way to Ensenada, but if you say that is safe to pass at Tijuana i will stop at el Rosarito.
and check out the other places. in the way down.
yes i'm pulling a trailer so parking is a issue.

for the food departement we like to eat everything, we are simple peaple...
the moore spetialize stuff will be Granola bars :), and meet.

thanx agane

Juan

DianaT - 7-9-2015 at 07:13 AM

Quote: Originally posted by juandesiles  
I guys
thanx a lot for the info.

i was thinking to pass by Tecate all the way to Ensenada, but if you say that is safe to pass at Tijuana i will stop at el Rosarito.
and check out the other places. in the way down.
yes i'm pulling a trailer so parking is a issue.

for the food departement we like to eat everything, we are simple peaple...
the moore spetialize stuff will be Granola bars :), and meet.

thanx agane

Juan


With a trailer, parking for shopping at Costco and the store across the street in Ensenada would be easy. And since we always had dog or dogs, and had to leave the windows down, we just tipped one of the guys in the parking lot to keep a watch on things.

RE: Dog food, I should have been more specific. It is the cheap kind and very expensive outside the bigger cities. More is available in places like Ensenada. And I guess my dog is really spoiled because we have never seen the the premium brands he eats in Mexico; Kirkland is okay in a pinch. But then again, he also eats raw chicken legs and those we could buy anywhere. :biggrin:

But it doesn't sound like you are traveling with a dog, so it isn't an issue.

[Edited on 7-9-2015 by DianaT]