Croft - 7-21-2015 at 11:53 PM
Can someone tell me exactly where the Migration office is in Tecate? Google Maps suggest it is a half hour walk from the crossing but this does not
seem right.
Also, the Telcel office where we can buy a new Banda Ancha stick and service? Thanks.
dtbushpilot - 7-22-2015 at 06:42 AM
Welcome to Nomads Croft. The first building on your right when you cross the border is the migration office. Can't help you on the Telcel office but
someone will be along shortly with that info. Bring your passport with you when you go to the Telcel office.
Croft - 7-22-2015 at 07:22 AM
OK, thanks. I understand there is limited parking there for a 31 foot MH towing a car so we will park on the US side and walk across for our
documentation.
We are experienced Mexico mainland RVers and have spent a total of about three years in Mexico exploring virtually every state. This year it will be
the Baja from November until late March.
We look forward to the adventure. And the fish tacos!
Udo - 7-22-2015 at 08:23 AM
Save January/February/or March for whale watching at Ojo De Libre. Talk to Shari for a reservation.
Regarding your visit to the immigration office: Park the RV at the curb about 200' north of the border.
The office is the first building on your right as you cross. You pay your fees at the bank office across the street.
Count to 5 when you stop at every stop light or stop sign.
Enjoy the drive through the wine country.
TMW - 7-22-2015 at 09:19 AM
Udo the last time I got my visa at the immigration office in Tecate the bank was next door before the IM office, kind of like a booth front. That was
over a year ago.
[Edited on 7-22-2015 by TMW]
bajabuddha - 7-22-2015 at 09:37 AM
A year ago they'd cancelled parking on the curb; there are lots of 'car-park' lots, but the only one big enough for a big rig or trailer rig is the
very first one on the right as you come into Tecate U.S.. It's a longer walk, but a good stretch for the legs. I used to curbside park too, but not
allowed now.... unless they changed it, again....
BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 7-22-2015 at 03:10 PM
Hola Croft,
Welcome aboard.
when you get your paperwork, DO NOT CROSS GOING NORTH THE SAME WAY YOU WENT SOUTH.
you MUST go through American customs coming back into the United States.
a few years ago, I learned the hard way and just walked back north after getting my fmm and was chased down by some very angry U.S. Customs folks with
their hands on their guns and directed me to the correct exit from Mexico.
thinking back, it was good training for them keeping them on their toes.
as i haven't been through tecate in a few years, i don't know if they did some obvious signing.
BIEN SALUD, DA RAT
treuboff - 7-23-2015 at 04:59 PM
Do not cross the border with that rig until all formalities have been taken care of. It was difficult enough for us in our mega cab to go around the
block, and no signage, to park for the migration office. Although the Mexican officials were the best at making a parking spot available for us. We
will get everything in order before we cross again. We usually come over the mountain or from the south.
wilderone - 7-23-2015 at 06:16 PM
"...few years ago, I learned the hard way and just walked back north after getting my fmm and was chased down by some very angry U.S. Customs folks
with their hands on their guns"
Ha! Me too!
Croft - 7-23-2015 at 10:37 PM
We will park on the US side and walk across for our FMM's. We will watch for the correct doorway back to the US. 
BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 7-23-2015 at 11:41 PM
Hola Croft,
if it's still the same, it's not a doorway, it's a WALKWAY to the U.S. customs office.
BIEN SALUD, DA RAT
windgrrl - 7-24-2015 at 06:27 AM
Parking is within a few minutes walk. We have camped at El Protrero the night before, unhooked, gone in, processed our paperwork, then next day we
didn't have to worry about parking.
Turn right after you leave the immigration office. You are in the border zone. Walk to the avenue (just past the canopy/customs clearance green/red
lights on your left. You are in Mexico. Turn left and walk across the street to the sidewalk and turn left. Walk up the sidewalk. The canopy, etc.
will be on your left. You are in the border zone. Walk a bit until you see tall a tall wrought iron fence on your right. Turn right walk a bit more,
then turn left and walk through the revolving gate. Walk up to the US immigration office. Have your passport ready. The officers are used to people
walking across to get their Mexican paper work processed.
You can pay for your tourist card in advance at:
http://www.discoverbaja.com
Some think think prepayment is frivolous, but it is one less step to get back to your rig. The whole process, with prepayment and walking can take
from 15 minutes to an hour. Then you walk out ( there are public washrooms on the way out) into the US, walk back up, pick up your rig and drive
through to Mexican customs. Inspections for clearance are more official now - RVs are usually inspected.
Best wishes for a safe journey,
W
[Edited on 7-24-2015 by windgrrl]