BajaNomad

Hwy1 South

DIWR17 - 1-6-2020 at 03:07 PM

I'm heading down from Breck, Colorado the end of January. This will be my fifth trip driving, since 2005. Usually do Vegas, Ensenada, Guerrero Negro, Loreto, San Jose.

Haven't had a ton of problems except for last year. The checkpoint at San Ignacio was where the big Sergeant got me for a couple of grand. Got us behind the vehicle distracted and he found the stash inside a pocket, inside a pocket. Bout $2000 US and a couple of thousand in pesos. My fault, I know better.

Just be aware. I hope he's not there this year. Maybe get some pictures of him this time and post them.

If anybodies interested will post the road conditions on the way down.

chippy - 1-6-2020 at 05:44 PM

Why in the world would you have that much cash?:?:

Paco Facullo - 1-6-2020 at 06:51 PM

Heck, I always carry about $2,000 whatever Country I go to.

It's an insurance policy that would pretty much make any problem go away.....

Only difference is that I always carry it on me in a belt that looks nothing special... It's a regular looking belt with a zipper on the body side..

DIWR17 - 1-7-2020 at 11:43 AM

Yeah, I know I'm dopey. We're down there usually for 3 months and with the new banking rules about accounts, I never want be without the liquid kind, in case of a breakdown or shakedown.

DIWR17 - 1-7-2020 at 12:01 PM

I was also going to ask anyone?

I get my tourist visa on the net before I go but I have never, ever stopped to get it stamped in San Ysidro. Don't see how you could anyway? You're already past the building, after the gentleman direct you to the giant cancer causing machine on the left.

Even when I fly out of SJD during our stay, I just put the purchased visa in my Passport. The United counter peeps take it out and staple to my boarding pass. Never had an issue.

??

David K - 1-7-2020 at 12:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  
I was also going to ask anyone?

I get my tourist visa on the net before I go but I have never, ever stopped to get it stamped in San Ysidro. Don't see how you could anyway? You're already past the building, after the gentleman direct you to the giant cancer causing machine on the left.

Even when I fly out of SJD during our stay, I just put the purchased visa in my Passport. The United counter peeps take it out and staple to my boarding pass. Never had an issue.

??


Welcome to Nomad... since you asked:
Your FMM is invalid without the stamp at the border, so a waste of money but since it is rarely or never asked for in Baja, you were fine.
The person who stamps the online FMM is the same one who issues them, so not any time savings getting one online.

You mentioned San Ysidro, so I presume you are crossing at the main Tijuana entry (El Chaparral). As soon as you see the giant Mexican flagpole, get in the far right lane (signed ":Something to Declare" (even if you aren't) and go to the covered parking over by the flagpole, in front of the big building (ie. DON'T PASS the building).
Park and take your passport through the building and out the back door where the INM desks are. Fill out the form you are given, follow instructions: usually to take it to the bank teller just inside the building, then back for that stamp.
If you miss parking north of the building and go through the automatic gates, then park on the other side and walk in.

DIWR17 - 1-8-2020 at 02:42 PM

Thanks for the info. Kinda what I thought. If I stop though, I might miss happy hour in Ensenada. What a conundrum?

David K - 1-8-2020 at 03:21 PM

Well, yes that would be a consideration! LOL

15 minutes is the most it takes unless you get into a tour bus line.
Once you have the 180 day FMM, then no need to stop there again for 6 months.

The main point is that you are a legal visitor in Mexico by doing so.

bajafreaks - 1-14-2020 at 07:01 AM

Just got back, drove all the way to Los Barriles hit all of the check points with no issues at all. Waved through all of them going south, got searched 3 of them going north including San Igancio they were all polite and professional in and out less than 5 minutes.

tecatero - 1-14-2020 at 07:15 AM

San Ignacio checkpoint on Sunday was shady. No smiles, exit the car, and continúele trying to divert my attention while a big young kid searched the cab, and the clipboard senior soldier tried to get me to go to the rear of my vehicle. I told him, after he is done looking in front we all can check the rear. Got a really bad vibe, once again no gesture of “aloha” whatsoever, stone faced and a bit rude. All the other checkpoints were polite, cool, doing their job.

David K - 1-14-2020 at 09:05 AM

Good job!

Lee - 1-14-2020 at 10:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by tecatero  
San Ignacio checkpoint on Sunday was shady. No smiles, exit the car, and continúele trying to divert my attention while a big young kid searched the cab, and the clipboard senior soldier tried to get me to go to the rear of my vehicle. I told him, after he is done looking in front we all can check the rear. Got a really bad vibe, once again no gesture of “aloha” whatsoever, stone faced and a bit rude. All the other checkpoints were polite, cool, doing their job.


Less expectation about how these soldiers should act.

Exit your car with a smile and hello. Keep smiling. Pay attention to the search. Extend ''good vibes.'' Don't be rude.

Hope for the best. Expect the worst. I'm a pessimist.

Checkpoints are just not a big deal. Check the gringo attitudes at the border.

DIWR17 - 1-14-2020 at 03:14 PM

Well, sounds like they're still at it. Plan on having everything of import in my pants pockets.

My buddy who is travelling down with me this trip is a giant frickin bear. He's about to go into the police academy here. Maybe that will be a deterrence? The wife insisted I bring protection with me.

bajafreaks - 1-14-2020 at 04:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  
Well, sounds like they're still at it. Plan on having everything of import in my pants pockets.

My buddy who is travelling down with me this trip is a giant frickin bear. He's about to go into the police academy here. Maybe that will be a deterrence? The wife insisted I bring protection with me.


After reading several negative posts about the check point at San Iqnacio I was really prepared for a bad experience when we went through last week but honestly is was the exact opposite they were professional, polite, and as I mentioned (north bound)we were in and out in less than 5 minutes. My wife and I, our small dog, and a truck load of stuff going south, empty truck coming back. I guess its a matter of who you get...

John Harper - 1-14-2020 at 05:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by tecatero  
Got a really bad vibe, once again no gesture of “aloha” whatsoever, stone faced and a bit rude.


No different than any US cop.

John

bajabuddha - 1-14-2020 at 05:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajafreaks  
Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  
Well, sounds like they're still at it. Plan on having everything of import in my pants pockets.

My buddy who is travelling down with me this trip is a giant frickin bear. He's about to go into the police academy here. Maybe that will be a deterrence? The wife insisted I bring protection with me.


After reading several negative posts about the check point at San Iqnacio I was really prepared for a bad experience when we went through last week but honestly is was the exact opposite they were professional, polite, and as I mentioned (north bound)we were in and out in less than 5 minutes. My wife and I, our small dog, and a truck load of stuff going south, empty truck coming back. I guess its a matter of who you get...


One thing I noticed over the years, travelling with and without a spousal partner as well as being single with a ponytail, is that
'racial profiling' is alive and well in Baja.

When with a female partner most inspections went well and no problems; we'd rehearsed the drill of 'one door at a time' and don't allow to be distracted. ALL DOORS ARE LOCKED, and they need me to do the unlocking, ONE DOOR AT A TIME. No exceptions, although a few times they tried. I followed each inspector personally through my RV and truck, my partner on the passenger side.

However; when single there was always a bit of malingering and Q & A about going down south "for the senoritas" etc., especially with a 10" tail on my neck. Searches were categorically longer and more thorough, as well as ploys for deception.

But, once shaved off into a nice #2 buzz it abated some. Just like living in southern Utah; once the hair disappeared and a baseball hat was in place even incipit rednecks would smile and wave at me. Ah, the good life. :smug:

DIWR17 - 1-16-2020 at 10:13 AM

Going to go back to the tried and true. 12 pack of Fanta!

mtgoat666 - 1-16-2020 at 10:30 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  
Quote: Originally posted by bajafreaks  
Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  
Well, sounds like they're still at it. Plan on having everything of import in my pants pockets.

My buddy who is travelling down with me this trip is a giant frickin bear. He's about to go into the police academy here. Maybe that will be a deterrence? The wife insisted I bring protection with me.


After reading several negative posts about the check point at San Iqnacio I was really prepared for a bad experience when we went through last week but honestly is was the exact opposite they were professional, polite, and as I mentioned (north bound)we were in and out in less than 5 minutes. My wife and I, our small dog, and a truck load of stuff going south, empty truck coming back. I guess its a matter of who you get...


One thing I noticed over the years, travelling with and without a spousal partner as well as being single with a ponytail, is that
'racial profiling' is alive and well in Baja.

When with a female partner most inspections went well and no problems; we'd rehearsed the drill of 'one door at a time' and don't allow to be distracted. ALL DOORS ARE LOCKED, and they need me to do the unlocking, ONE DOOR AT A TIME. No exceptions, although a few times they tried. I followed each inspector personally through my RV and truck, my partner on the passenger side.

However; when single there was always a bit of malingering and Q & A about going down south "for the senoritas" etc., especially with a 10" tail on my neck. Searches were categorically longer and more thorough, as well as ploys for deception.

But, once shaved off into a nice #2 buzz it abated some. Just like living in southern Utah; once the hair disappeared and a baseball hat was in place even incipit rednecks would smile and wave at me. Ah, the good life. :smug:


chatting with the soldiers helps.
when you have kids (pre-teens) in the car, i have found that the soldiers almost always waive you thru, or if inspected, let the wife and kids stay in car and make their inspections brief...

DIWR17 - 1-23-2020 at 09:04 AM



IMG_0456.jpg - 96kB

Mr. Bills - 1-23-2020 at 10:17 AM

Offering a 12-pack of Fanta seems like a dangerous precedent - an act of kindness with a future downside risk - akin to feeding the bears at Yellowstone only to complain when on the next trip the bears rip off your doors looking for the goodies they have come to expect.

I just finished a 3+ week trip in Baja, two weeks or so in a caravan of four vehicles and the remainder with two vehicles. We passed through many military checkpoints, including San Ignacio twice, with no issues and no shakedowns. Being polite but businesslike, friendly but not over friendly, making eye contact and answering questions directly, succinctly and without volunteering extra information worked for us. Not unlike handling any encounter with law enforcement in the U.S.


Alan - 1-23-2020 at 12:14 PM

I agree with Mr. Bills' approach as it is the one I have come to use. I used to be really friendly and BS with them. Unfortunately this just made them overly comfortable. While inspecting my ice chest they would always ask for waters and soda which I gladly shared. Heck, they're standing in the hot sun all day but I would say no to wanting my beer. Then of course all the requests to buy my Maglites etc. Just seemed to make the inspection that much more time consuming.

Now I've taken to being an old curmudgeon. Polite, professional but just not overly friendly. This seems to be the most efficient and I'm back on the road in the shortest time. They are eager to get away from this crotchety old Gringo and on to someone more pleasant. I'm never rude or challenging in anyway, just not someone who you want to hang with. :lol:

[Edited on 1-23-2020 by Alan]

Paco Facullo - 1-23-2020 at 12:41 PM

Well, I'm retired and almost NEVER in a hurry. So I BS with them and offer water or beers (I don't drink sodas)

I've even given them shots of Don Julio 70 once. That was quit interesting and fun !

DIWR17 - 1-24-2020 at 09:32 AM

You may be right but the boys on the north bound side at San Ignacio asked last year if I had anything to drink. I had some OJ and they were happy.

I think it's a matter of what crew is working at the time you go through. I've provided snacks and drinks before and it's worked out.

I have never handed over mordita and I get pulled over in San Jose del Cabo at least twice a year. Always a local muni cop looking for cash. Having Fl tags on (only 1 plaque) doesn't help.

Maybe need to sell the Armada and go back to an old Explorer I guess.

Whale-ista - 1-24-2020 at 10:21 AM

If you're heading south on Friday Feb. 14, it's "Día de San Valentín"- a day to celebrate friendships and love.

Pack some some extra chocolates or other goodies for people you meet along the way at checkpoints, gas stations and other places.

It's a good day to be friendly and share some treats.

DIWR17 - 1-25-2020 at 09:55 AM

Have done the Fanta thing off and on for years. Some people do cigs.

Looking forward to an easy trip this time.

Mulege Canuck - 2-1-2020 at 08:37 PM

Just got through San Ignacio checkpoint yesterday. No problems but they did ask my buddy if they could have his flashlight. Of course he said no.

Other than that no problems.

DIWR17 - 2-2-2020 at 11:32 AM

Made it down. San Ignacio got asked to alight the vehicle for inspection. Stood over the guy and he got bored after sniffing my carmex container. Tossed him the Fanta and he said thanks and was told to move on.

All other checkpoints was waved through.

DIWR17 - 5-6-2020 at 08:03 AM

Well our 4 month extended SJD trip is coming to an end. Flying the wife out on the 31st and my drive starts June 1.

The last 6 weeks were probably better than most. Yes everything was shut down, but still able to ride the hills without being arrested. More locals on the trails now.

Apparently the Sea of Cortez is a petri dish of Covid as they have been confiscating boards and chasing people out of the ocean. One bummer. Did manage to get wet a couple of times before it all started.

Apparently Breck is still pretty much shut down but the bike path is open.

So going up Hwy 5 for the first time. Recommendations for a good place to stay in San Felipe? Don't mind paying a bit more. Close to the Hwy and the beach.

Pacifico - 5-6-2020 at 08:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  

So going up Hwy 5 for the first time. Recommendations for a good place to stay in San Felipe? Don't mind paying a bit more. Close to the Hwy and the beach.


El Cortez is right on the beach, and if you want something closer to the malecon then El Caribe...

DIWR17 - 5-6-2020 at 08:46 AM

Thanks for the recommendation. Also forgot to ask, East or West entry going north is the best? Sentri lane.

Pacifico - 5-6-2020 at 09:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  
Thanks for the recommendation. Also forgot to ask, East or West entry going north is the best? Sentri lane.


I use East when I have people with me that don't have Sentri because they can walk across easily, while I drive through Sentri.
If that isn't an issue, usually go West crossing.

DIWR17 - 5-7-2020 at 08:40 AM

Thanks for that.

Is there a link to directions going north through the west port of entry, coming from San Felipe? Just looking for redundancy. My maps are 3 years old and don't trust that b-tch Siri at all.

AKgringo - 5-7-2020 at 08:51 AM

Don't trust that jerk 'Garmin' either! It will lead you directly to the border crossing by the most direct route, then you will have to go exploring to find your way to the 'real' access route! (and I had already downloaded the most recent update)

[Edited on 5-7-2020 by AKgringo]

PaulW - 5-7-2020 at 08:56 AM

Searching would be good. Lots of detailed help on this forum.
For me I find avoiding the West hassle is my choice and I use the East then complain about the extra miles to get to San Diego.
=== ==
Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  
Thanks for that.

Is there a link to directions going north through the west port of entry, coming from San Felipe? Just looking for redundancy. My maps are 3 years old and don't trust that b-tch Siri at all.

Bajazly - 5-7-2020 at 09:14 AM

The new roads are open at the west crossing and although I have not done it directly, you pretty much go straight up 5 and it goes right into Sentri, plenty of signs at this point I'm sure. The all cars still go along the border fence the last time I crossed a couple months ago.

Pacifico - 5-7-2020 at 09:21 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  
Thanks for that.

Is there a link to directions going north through the west port of entry, coming from San Felipe? Just looking for redundancy. My maps are 3 years old and don't trust that b-tch Siri at all.


To the Sentri lanes for Mexicali West, just stay on the 5 and make a left on Calle James William Stone and then a right on Calzada de Los Presidentes. Unless something has changed, that will shoot you straight into the Sentri lanes. I think there is another entrance as well, but this is super easy!

AKgringo - 5-7-2020 at 09:30 AM

I crossed going north at the west P.O.E. on March 2. That was before the Covid19 outbreak had affected travel very much, and it took about an hour and forty five minutes to cross.

From what I have read, there is very little traffic crossing north now so it should go pretty quick! While I was inching along the barrier fence, I noticed the border agents (MX and US) inspecting a freshly cut section! Then I started noticing dozens of repaired spots over several blocks!

Pacifico - 5-7-2020 at 09:37 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
I crossed going north at the west P.O.E. on March 2. That was before the Covid19 outbreak had affected travel very much, and it took about an hour and forty five minutes to cross.

From what I have read, there is very little traffic crossing north now so it should go pretty quick! While I was inching along the barrier fence, I noticed the border agents (MX and US) inspecting a freshly cut section! Then I started noticing dozens of repaired spots over several blocks!


AK, Did you notice if you could access Sentri lanes from the traffic lanes that parallel the border fence?

DIWR17 - 5-7-2020 at 09:41 AM

I was going to go straight north from Mexicali to get to Vegas for the night. Maybe using US 95. Should I use the east entry then?

Pacifico - 5-7-2020 at 09:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  
I was going to go straight north from Mexicali to get to Vegas for the night. Maybe using US 95. Should I use the east entry then?


That would be best if you are gonna use 95...

AKgringo - 5-7-2020 at 10:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Pacifico  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
I crossed going north at the west P.O.E. on March 2. That was before the Covid19 outbreak had affected travel very much, and it took about an hour and forty five minutes to cross.

From what I have read, there is very little traffic crossing north now so it should go pretty quick! While I was inching along the barrier fence, I noticed the border agents (MX and US) inspecting a freshly cut section! Then I started noticing dozens of repaired spots over several blocks!


AK, Did you notice if you could access Sentri lanes from the traffic lanes that parallel the border fence?


Sorry, I don't cross very often, and have not bothered to apply for SENTRI, so I did not pay much attention to the access. They were still in the process of remodeling the entrance lanes, and may not have had it in place yet, but that is a guess!

While waiting my turn at the agent booth, another agent on foot checked to see if I had my documents ready. I showed him my passport card, and I am sure he told me that it would be good for using the sentry lane, but that would be at the east P.O.E.!

I have never read, or heard that anywhere else, so don't take it as a fact unless corroborated.

Edit; CORRECTION!....Now that I think about it a bit more, I believe what the agent on foot told me is that my passport card was good in the ready line, not sentri!

[Edited on 5-7-2020 by AKgringo]

DIWR17 - 5-7-2020 at 10:08 AM

Gracias guys and/or gals.

Pacifico - 5-7-2020 at 10:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  
Gracias guys and/or gals.


Good luck with your crossing! Let us know how it goes!

thebajarunner - 5-7-2020 at 11:13 AM

AK
Were you using passport or passport card?
My understanding is that Ready Lanes are with the card not the book
Just curious if that has changed

DIWR17 - 5-7-2020 at 01:01 PM

I found out the hard way you have to use your Sentri card to use the Sentri Lanes. Had my card for years but didn't register it after I got it. No help on DHS or CBP websites.

2 years of crossings was threatened with vehicle impoundment, $25k fines, secondary inspections etc.

El Cortez website says not accepting reservations. Hopefully that will change by the end of the month.

DIWR17 - 1-4-2021 at 07:16 PM

Just did the drive from Breck to SJD. Arrived last night. Border is open at Mexicali. Hotels are available. All good. 4 dayer.