BajaNomad

Baja newbie questions: FMM, money, current gas conditions, etc.

squeakywheel - 2-1-2017 at 04:49 PM

We are planning a trip to Guerrero Negro in a couple of weeks. I have many questions and would appreciate anyone who could point me in the right direction. I looked for an FAQ and did not find anything relevant.

We will be driving in one shot from San Diego to GN. We have reservations in a hotel in GN and for the whale watching trips already. On the way back we will stay one night in El Rosario and then back to SD. My questions are:

1. I am assuming we need to change $ to pesos to buy gas, meals, etc.? What is the best place to do this?

2. We want to cross the border at first light on the way south to give us maximum daylight to reach GN. Therefore want to avoid stopping to get FMM's (15 people in our group, very early hour, I am thinking that could take a long time). What is the best/cheapest way to get these in advance?

3. We will not have cell signal while there. What is the best source for up-to-date maps, especially of the border region? Print them off Google Maps?

4. Has the gas riot situation calmed down? Would it be wise for us to carry extra gas? Definitely would prefer not to if that is reasonable.

5. We do not have Sentri, Global Entry, or any other special pass. What is the best way (total time) for us to cross the border to the US on a busy afternoon? Drive to Otay Mesa or Tecate?

I think that is it, any other tips would be highly appreciated!

BajaBlanca - 2-1-2017 at 08:07 PM

the first best place is at the ATM after the last toll booth on the road from TJ to Ensenada. It is right before you get to Ensenada.

Once in G Negro, there is an ATM on the main road into town. Keep going and going. It will be on your right.

You never said where you would be staying but most of us really like the first hotel as you come into town: TERRA SAL. It is newer, clean and reasonable.

Getting the FMM should not take that long, even with 15, but you could always go the day before. Even if you get the paperwork from Discover Baja, I believe you still have to stop and pay for it at the border.

Can't comment on the gas, cell, map or where to cross questions.

Have a safe and fun trip!

fandango - 2-1-2017 at 09:34 PM

Regarding pesos; you can order pesos at AAA or your bank well before your trip, for a small fee. You can also use an ATM. You will pay 3 fees at an ATM, fee to use the machine, fee from your bank to use the machine and an exchange fee for your bank.
All bank ATM's are represented at the commercial Mexicana in Ensenada, you'll drive right by it. Notify your bank that you will be travelling in Mexico.

Who do you use for your cell service?

I agree with bajablanca regarding the fmm. Go a day ahead with your passports or add some time the day of. The agents are very fast.

Don't forget Mexican auto insurance.


Print town maps from GE.

jbcoug - 2-1-2017 at 09:44 PM

If you are coming from SD, you can exchange dollars for pesos at Costco in Chula Vista. I've gotten better rates there than my bank will give me.

danaeb - 2-2-2017 at 11:34 AM

You can get your FMM's online now:
https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html

You will be charged 500MXN if you are staying more than seven days, otherwise free.

You will still have to get them stamped at your point of entry, but it will save some time if you don't want to have 15 people filling out the forms at the border.



[Edited on 2-2-2017 by danaeb]

bajaguy - 2-2-2017 at 11:48 AM

You can get pesos at a better exchange rate by using the ATM in the lobby of the SAT (Customs) building where the INM office is located....Clean restrooms also.

Another location for Pesos is at a variety of banks with ATMs in the Ensenada Wal-Mart/Home Depot Microplaza across from COSTCO

squeakywheel - 2-2-2017 at 04:45 PM

These are all very appreciated suggestions and info, thank you!!

@fandango We have Tmobile so may have coverage in MX (where there is cell signal), but are making a backup navigation plan just in case.

We are hoping that the road repairs we read about and gas-supply issues will not keep us from successfully making it to Guerrero Negro in one day. Sure wish we had more time!!! So little vacation time if you're a working stiff :(

Still would love any suggestions about returning northwards across the border on a busy holiday. Is it worth it to drive to Otay Mesa or Tecate? Any rules of thumb there?

bajabuddha - 2-2-2017 at 05:07 PM

Squeaky, if you think you'll push Guerrero from SD in one day, you're pressing your luck bigtime. Especially driving in the dark the last segment.... not a good idea.... you better get a REAL EARLY start. There's a lot of crosses along that highway...... ;)

Udo - 2-2-2017 at 07:18 PM

That first ATM you are speaking about was a Banamex, and it was about two miles after the toll booth just north of Ensenada.
Currently, the first ATM is at the ATM in front of the Bahia Hotel (which is across from the big flag and cruise terminal). After that there are ATMs at every bank along the main boulevard (Reforma). For one's choice of ATMs, stop by the Walmart plaza (known as the micro plaza). There are at least 16 ATMs in the plaza plus two in the Walmart.
To save on ATM fees, find out which Mexican bank is affiliated with your bank (I.E. Banamex is affiliated with Citibank).

Re. cell network. Get with your US service provider and get on a Mexico roaming plan which generally is fairly cheap. If not, your data roaming, Mexico roaming, texts, Facebook, 800 numbers all add up. I have seen phone bills close to $1,000 USD from a two week trip to Baja. (No kidding!)
Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
the first best place is at the ATM after the last toll booth on the road from TJ to Ensenada. It is right before you get to Ensenada.

Once in G Negro, there is an ATM on the main road into town. Keep going and going. It will be on your right.

You never said where you would be staying but most of us really like the first hotel as you come into town: TERRA SAL. It is newer, clean and reasonable.

Getting the FMM should not take that long, even with 15, but you could always go the day before. Even if you get the paperwork from Discover Baja, I believe you still have to stop and pay for it at the border.

Can't comment on the gas, cell, map or where to cross questions.

Have a safe and fun trip!

DENNIS - 2-2-2017 at 07:44 PM



Crossing north on a holiday?

DON'T.... if at all possible.
If not....it could be hours, depending on a bunch of variables.

David K - 2-2-2017 at 08:16 PM

1) You have to stop at the border INM office to validate the FMM IF you get them before your trip, might as well just get them then. It doesn't take any more time to hand them the money than it does to stamp pre-paid ones. Free if not over 7 days.

You must have a valid passport to get the FMM. That is also the best ID to return to the U.S. with.

2) Dollars are accepted and used everywhere in Baja. 20 to 1 at most places this week.

3) See Baja Bound's website for border direction videos.

4) No gas problems this week. Just over $3/gallon for 87 octane.




bajaguy - 2-2-2017 at 08:31 PM

Actually the first ATM is at the San Miguel (Ensenada) toll booth area in a little structure next to the store....the ATM is an HSBC bank machine
Quote: Originally posted by Udo  
That first ATM you are speaking about was a Banamex, and it was about two miles after the toll booth just north of Ensenada.





MitchMan - 2-3-2017 at 05:57 AM

What is the price, in pesos, at the pump in La Paz for 87 octane these days?

David K - 2-3-2017 at 08:44 AM

In Loreto and other Baja Sur stations I used, 16.56.

In Baja Norte, 16.16.

Feb. 7 is the next price bump, I hear.

MitchMan - 2-3-2017 at 09:59 AM

Thanks, DavidK

bajaguy - 2-3-2017 at 10:07 AM

16+ is for Magna, premium is in the range of 17+ today

From Talk Baja - No Increase this week, prices will begin to fluctuate daily on Feb 18th and be deregulated on March 1st, allowing the market to determine the price at the pump...
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
In Loreto and other Baja Sur stations I used, 16.56.

In Baja Norte, 16.16.

Feb. 7 is the next price bump, I hear.