BajaNomad - san ignacio checkpoint

Either way, if I carried $1500 cash, it certainly would not be in a briefcase. I assume you 'cash is King" folks probably hide any large amounts of cash? Or, just leave it on the front seat??

I assume most people would use a little common sense when carrying cash.

John

[Edited on 10-6-2021 by John Harper]

When you exit your car for an inspection, take your cash, camera, whatever is loose with you. I have my pockets full and am holding my GPS and camera when I get out on the rare times asked to exit my Tacoma. I have not had anything stolen from me by the military. Once they helped themselves to a couple of drinks out of my ice box when they asked me if they could... Their guns were bigger than mine, lol.

AKgringo - 10-6-2021 at 09:52 AM

I have always carried a cash reserve in case of an emergency, or loss of credit or debit cards.

In 2016, there was some issue with international money exchanges that caused the banks in Mulege and Loreto to refuse to issue pesos on a US bank card. They also would not accept my US greenbacks for exchange!

I was able to get more pesos when I got to La Paz, but I now keep 10,000 pesos as my emergency stash!

BajaBlanca - 10-6-2021 at 09:52 AM

That being said, David, there was the instance where the inspection guards made the folks empty their pockets.

I do not think $1500 is all that much to be carrying around? Add to that that this situation is simply unacceptable. Not always do ATMs work. Cards get lost or stolen.

One must watch the guards always, we tend to stand each to one side as they look thru our vehicle. Hawk eyes.

John Harper - 10-6-2021 at 09:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Terry28

Thats right!! shoot the messenger....I have always carried cash on our trips..Cash is king when in Mexico...I for one believe this story. That check point has a reputation for rip-offs....

Not shooting anyone, just asking some basic questions.

No where in this story is there a reason given for all that cash, nor any awareness of a reputation about checkpoint issues. If these travelers were as seasoned and wise as you, perhaps they would not have this story to tell.

And how much cash do you usually carry, as much as $1500, or maybe $500 or less? I usually pack at least $300 "emergency" cash, but it's hidden very well and likely only less than $100 in my wallet.

John

Don Pisto - 10-6-2021 at 10:28 AM

it doesn't matter if it was $1500 or $15, so much for AMLO's promise of a civilian controlled security force. meet the new boss same as the old boss

SFandH - 10-6-2021 at 10:39 AM

My cash, cards, ID are all in my pockets at checkpoints. I can see having 1500 in cash if I were on my way to buy something, like a small outboard from a local, but that would be in an envelope, in my pocket.

Definitely don't hide anything in a cooler, coolers are always checked.

David K - 10-6-2021 at 10:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

For me, in 2015, I was accused of having marijuana bits on my floor mat!

So David, what measures did you take to follow up after that agression? Did you get any response from the authorities?

My wife and I were just stunned since in all my years of being inspected nothing like that had ever happened before. We just wanted to get away from that troop after they played that game. That was six years ago, and I did share the whole story here on Nomad (maybe review that?). We were driving north, on to the next camping beach. No place to make a report if we felt like going through that.

We had spent the night at Ricardo's (Rice & Beans) Motel in San Ignacio because the 'perfect' Hotel La Huerta was full, and the other places we knew (Desert Inn, Ignacio Springs) were just too $$$ for an overnight stop. If we were going south and stayed in San Ignacio, after the incident, I would likely notify someone there. I did regret not getting the guy's name, after we were gone, however.

Lee - 10-6-2021 at 12:51 PM

Money (esp. large sum) in a money belt, and/or shoes. No pockets and never off my body (not in vehicle, pack, suitcase, etc).

Lucky so far. Binocs, and Swiss knife taken (at ckpt).

JZ - 10-6-2021 at 01:00 PM

Who carries $1500 cash, when credit cards, and other means of payment are available? That seems fishy to me. And someone carries a briefcase with money in it???

IDK, just seems like an odd story.

John

What are you talking about? I wouldn't recommend anyone travel Baja with less cash.

In the US I might go months without handling a bill. Baja is much different. I can't give a boat capt. a CC.

Keep a certain amount on me or in my back pack, and the rest stowed away.

[Edited on 10-6-2021 by JZ]

mtgoat666 - 10-6-2021 at 01:31 PM

Typically I only use cash when traveling in baja. I dont trust many vendors (especially gas stations) with credit card, many vendors dont take CC, and I dont use my ATM card in baja, as sometimes it wont work, or remote locations just dont have ATMs.

Pretty normal to take several thousand dollars...

The reason I avoid using CC, is that when fraud does occur it is a pain in the @ss to get new CC number and change all my accounts that bill to that CC.

I avoid using my ATM card as I have a had a few times where it just did not work -- probably because i infrequently try to use it in mexico so bank just says no dice.

David K - 10-6-2021 at 01:51 PM

Gotta agree with the goat, here!

The ATM can swallow your card... then what do you do? Only have used a card rarely, at places I trust, like at Baja Cactus Pemex, El Rosario.

Although, unlike the goat, I am not a 1%'er, and have never taken close to $1,000 or more on a Baja trip! Maybe in the future, since he is opposed to cheap fuel for the people, the cost of gasoline may force me to bring more cash?!!

Bajaboy - 10-6-2021 at 02:13 PM

Of course you don't trust vendors in Mexico :lol:

Most places do take credit card and it's a very safe way to handle a transaction. I've only had issues with my credit card north of the border. We always have an emergency atm card as well as an emergency credit card. And certain banks are pretty reliable while others are not. I'm happy to share some of the ones we prefer.

As for atms/banks, sure they some times run out of money or are out of service. We like to carry a small amount of pesos ($2000 if we're out of our village) but normally will use our credit card when possible. Why not collect the points, right? And there are no transaction fees like there are using an atm.

There is absolutely no reason to carry large amounts of money!

[Edited on 10-6-2021 by Bajaboy]

Don Pisto - 10-6-2021 at 02:25 PM

chalk it up to different strokes, my Schwab card has never been used for anything other than withdrawing dough from Santander.....Cash, its everywhere you want to be

JZ - 10-6-2021 at 02:33 PM

Too much paranoia here. Have used a CC every where available in MX for 20 years without problem. Save your cash for where it is required.

For debit cards, you go to your bank's app and setup a travel plan. Takes 30 seconds. Save debit cards to pull cash out of ATMs. Use CC for everything else.

mtgoat666 - 10-6-2021 at 02:41 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy

Of course you don't trust vendors in Mexico :lol:

I got no worries carrying cash.
I have been annoyed with fake CC charges in mexico, and had atm card rejected.
Pretty easy to carry cash on road tripping vacation…

Re card points, i care about the cost more than points.
in usa i do often ask small biz for cash discount on larger transactions,… often get it.
I can get 2% cash back with CC, or pay 2 or 3 % less cash, and vendor avoids CC fees and keeps cash off books. Win win!

Bajaboy - 10-6-2021 at 03:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy

Of course you don't trust vendors in Mexico :lol:

You ask for a discount :lol:

AKgringo - 10-6-2021 at 03:46 PM

Even my dentist in La Paz is happy to take a credit card for the work she does. Why not....it saves her from having to store cash, or make a trip to the bank.

esemjay1956 - 10-7-2021 at 07:10 AM

Funny how a topic morphs into something else...I was the original poster... So in addition to the one experience copied from facebook, my good friend just passed through about a week ago. They emptied all her cabinents in her small motorhome and hassesed her for quite a while. I personally have had problems with these guys and only these guys at this checkpoint more than once. I am headed to Loreto in a couple weeks and I'm not looking forward to dealing with these guys.

John Harper - 10-7-2021 at 07:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

What are you talking about? I wouldn't recommend anyone travel Baja with less cash.

Not everyone is a big shot like you who travels with motorcycles, wives, kids, dogs, monster trucks and drones. Most the time I travel solo, have several credit cards with big limits, and my ATM card. Never had need for that much cake. Brought cash for a couple nights at MSR a couple years ago, pre-pandemic.

John

[Edited on 10-7-2021 by John Harper]

SFandH - 10-7-2021 at 09:32 AM

One time I gave a ride to one of the soldiers at the San Ignacio checkpoint back to his base, south of Santa Rosalia.

Maybe stop there to make a report?

[Edited on 10-7-2021 by SFandH]

watizname - 10-8-2021 at 02:18 PM

Been coming down to Baja for 30 some years. Never had a problem at a check point. Back in the old days my wife would pass out Victoria Secrets Catalogues and tootsi-roll pops. BUT this last Tues- Oct 5, at San Ignacio, the boys unzipped every zipper on every suitcase, looked in every compartment in the truck cab, went thru the backpacks, my wife's purse, and looked at the labels on all the medications in our suitcases. I'm 74 and had open heart surgery 12 years ago so I do carry quite a few medications, and my wife has back problems so she has hers. I actually showed the little darling my surgery scar to make a point about the meds. Worst inspection in over 30 years. Absolutely ridiculous. Said they were looking for drugas and armas. Stay right next to them. They told us to step away and we refused. Didn't loose anything this time because we wouldn't let them alone. Say what you want doubters, but it IS happening.

SFandH - 10-8-2021 at 02:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by watizname

Been coming down to Baja for 30 some years. Never had a problem at a check point. Back in the old days my wife would pass out Victoria Secrets Catalogues and tootsi-roll pops. BUT this last Tues- Oct 5, at San Ignacio, the boys unzipped every zipper on every suitcase, looked in every compartment in the truck cab, went thru the backpacks, my wife's purse, and looked at the labels on all the medications in our suitcases. I'm 74 and had open heart surgery 12 years ago so I do carry quite a few medications, and my wife has back problems so she has hers. I actually showed the little darling my surgery scar to make a point about the meds. Worst inspection in over 30 years. Absolutely ridiculous. Said they were looking for drugas and armas. Stay right next to them. They told us to step away and we refused. Didn't loose anything this time because we wouldn't let them alone. Say what you want doubters, but it IS happening.

Chit, I'm going through there next week with a car full of stuff. Was your wife carrying her purse? Did they open a wallet?

pacificobob - 10-8-2021 at 04:06 PM

I always get them engaged in conversation. "Where are you from? " how long in the army?" My wife watches the cab while watch them in the bed of the truck. [Or trailer]
Zero problems since the '60s. They are aware of the scrutiny we are directing their way.

Don Pisto - 10-8-2021 at 04:21 PM

get the app....it can't hurt
https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/milan/index.php/avisos/82-app-d...

Russ - 10-8-2021 at 06:25 PM

I went thru SI on Wednesday without much hassle but talking with other recent arrivals some were really checked out to being pulled over and unloaded. One had his coffee opened and checked. Only complaints were about San Ignacio...

BajaBlanca - 10-8-2021 at 07:27 PM

This is really unacceptable. Something should be done.

san ignacio checkpoint

esemjay1956 - 10-9-2021 at 06:57 AM

Glad to see someone else had a problem. And yes I called the number last June on my way north, nothing has changed. This is a big deal for folks headed through for the first time especially, these guys can be very intimidating. I have a hard time believing the Commandante south of Santa Rosalia is not aware of the situation.

mtgoat666 - 10-9-2021 at 07:15 AM

Quote: Originally posted by esemjay1956

Glad to see someone else had a problem. And yes I called the number last June on my way north, nothing has changed. This is a big deal for folks headed through for the first time especially, these guys can be very intimidating. I have a hard time believing the Commandante south of Santa Rosalia is not aware of the situation.

The fact that this has been going on for years tells you all you need to know. Military is rotten to the core. Just like most police are rotten to the core.

Military and police are in bed with cartels. Military and police are also practicing armed robbery of citizens.

Stealing at inspection points while carrying guns is armed robbery.

Fleecing motorists with fake traffic charges while carrying guns is armed robbery.

No one in military cares if toursists complain to jefes. The jefes are ALL corrupt, and the mexican citizens are accepting of their government. Nothing will change until Mexicans stand up and demand more of their government.

[Edited on 10-9-2021 by mtgoat666]

surfhat - 10-9-2021 at 07:36 AM

Not this particular problematic check point, but when I drove down in early March, two of the military check points on the 1 thoroughly searched my car and bags, and I mean thoroughly.

This was the first time in decades, lucky me?, that my stuff was gone through to that extent. Sometimes in the past it had been a rudimentary look over. Not that time.

It could have been because I was traveling alone without the usual group of friends I usually take to share my love of Baja with.

I did try watch him as closely as possible while the military person rifled thoroughly through my belongings. One guy stood by me while the other searched.

Have at it. The only meds I carried were some blood pressure and prostate bottles. Yep, that comes with the years. Sure beats the alternative.

It was a bit disturbing how deeply they looked into all my stuff. They did not miss a thing.

In the past, they casually looked around. Not last March.

I know they have their reasons, but it did feel excessive at the time.

I always thank them for keeping the roads safe and they seem to appreciate the sentiment.

surfhat - 10-9-2021 at 07:38 AM

My destination was GN. btw.

SFandH - 10-9-2021 at 09:03 AM

My question on location is related to whether there's a difference in retén behavior depending on the Zona...

[Edited on 10-9-2021 by lencho]

I'd guess the difference from checkpoint to checkpoint is a function of the on-site commander. Apparently, there are some unethical officers working the San Ignacio checkpoint.

motoged - 10-9-2021 at 09:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

Chit, I'm going through there next week with a car full of stuff.

Glass half full version: An opportunity to chat 'em up as they go through your stuff.

See if you can find out why they're so thorough now; is it just to find things to rip off, or has the policy changed up the line so they're actually looking more thoroughly for contraband?

Side note: I've entertained the idea of storing some really stinky dirty laundry in a tempting-lookin duffle bag. Soiled Depends would be good one for us "mature" folks. ("Disculpe, con todo respeto, yo que fuera usted, no abriría esa maleta...")Text

[Edited on 10-9-2021 by lencho]

Not sure how a soldier would respond to one of us asking him if he was following orders or just looking to rip me off.... :biggrin:

Those in the know will need to sharpen their stash skills ... :light:

And leaving a stash of chitty briefs, boxers, or depends would require a week camping in the desert before hitting SI.... so those doing the Cabo Dash might slow down and smell the cactus to build up their supply of stink.

AKgringo - 10-9-2021 at 09:40 AM

It will be interesting to see if my "big dog" pass gets me through San Ignacio again! It failed at the inspection point south of the hwy 3/5 junction last year.

There was a "dog lover" soldier that had her out of the car playing with her, right in the middle of the inspection! It was a very cordial, and minimal intrusion.

[Edited on 10-9-2021 by AKgringo]

Skipjack Joe - 10-9-2021 at 11:05 AM

I have found the police to be far more corrupt than the military.

Having seen how little has been accomplished with Humphreysville's murder case it's hard to expect much from a complaint about a theft of $1500.

As Blanca states, the best course of action is to prevent theft rather than recover it. Stand next to the door and watch closely where the hands go. Such scrutiny will almost certainly stop a thief from trying anything. Don't go to the back of the car if asked to and don't engage in conversation during the search. I have never seen a search done by more than a single person at a time.

Mindful - 10-9-2021 at 05:44 PM

I came thru there a week ago. No problems. short conversation with my limited espanol.

Don Pisto - 10-9-2021 at 07:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

Having seen how little has been accomplished with Humphreysville's murder case it's hard to expect much from a complaint about a theft of $1500.

Apples and oranges.

And in my mind the retén problem is not about the $1,500-- that's just a symptom.

It's that military personnel, who have way more training than most cops, discipline, and a code of ethics supposedly governing their behavior, are violating their own code of honor with this behavior: They are harming the very civilians whom they're supposed to be defending, and in that besmirching the reputation of the institution. Enlisted pawns and low-level officers might not care about that and actually be in on it together, but lifelong career officers like the generals in charge of the Zonas Militares may actually care about things like honor pride, and esprit de corps, casting a dim eye on those who tarnish that honor.

Would be fun to talk with one of those high-ranking officers to see where their head's really at. :light:

its the lure of easy money...its got a very strong appeal

Lee - 10-9-2021 at 08:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

Stand next to the door and watch closely where the hands go.

I have never seen a search done by more than a single person at a time.

After a number of thefts at ckpts, now before crossing, I remove everything from center console and glove compartment. There is nothing of value to take, and nothing removable anyway. At least up front.

I have a Yakima Rocket Box on top. I've never been asked to open it at ckpts. They'd need a ladder to access it anyway. After years of having my backpack searched, I put it on top and so far, so good.

BTW, these guys are looking for CBD. Medicine bottles are suspect. If they find some, it'll be a fine. They'll start high, you start low. After arriving at a price, before leaving, take your CBD back.

Lee - 10-9-2021 at 08:30 PM