Selkie
Junior Nomad
Posts: 37
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: Chula Vista, CA
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Tecate Crossing
Friends and I are considering a trip down whole peninsula again. Last time was in Fall 2000. This time we will go mid September. I live in Chula
Vista, and friends will be coming in from Phoenix. They always arrive here late afternoon, making it a hectic border crossing at San Ysidro. I think
it would be best to meet them at the RV park in Potrero, set up our rigs, then go pick up and pay for our tourist cards ( I have heard we can park on
the US side and walk over) that day, then head on down when the border opens the next morning. Is this doable? Any advice is appreciated.
Gail Todd (Selkie)
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64858
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Sounds like a good, thought-out plan!
Normally I suggest going south from Tijuana, but if it's a Friday afternoon and you are in RVs, it will be stressfull that way.
As you are in no hurry, going the long way (via Tecate) to Ensenada is good...
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bajadogs
Super Nomad
Posts: 1066
Registered: 8-28-2006
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That sounds like a great plan. Walking across in either direction in Tecate is easy. Have a cold one in the town square. Have lunch at Tres Amigos
taco shop 1 block south, east side of the square. Tecate is a cool town.
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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6699
Registered: 9-5-2003
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Coming from Tucson we always cross at Tecate (its the short way for us). Immigration is friendly, the bank is right across the street, and the walk
is easy. Parking can sometimes be a problem on the US side since many of the locals walk across (parking lots at the few stores are almost always
full). Lots of good food - have lunch or dinner and a nice confortable ride back to Potrero for the evening.
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bajadogs
Super Nomad
Posts: 1066
Registered: 8-28-2006
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We recently parked our truck in a pay lot on the east side of the road just before the crossing. I think it was 4 or 5 bucks for the day.
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
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Good plan. We actually parked our rig and trailer in the center median of the road about 100 yards before the border. Left my wife in the truck and
went to do the paqerwork. 30 minutes and done.
Potrero is very nice and only about 10 minutes to the border. There is limited free roadside parking about two blocks from the border on the right
near the pay lots.
Once you cross, go straight and then take the left at the first major intersection, not at the T intersection ahead. Both will get you to the same
place but the first turn allows more room for bigger rigs.
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Selkie
Junior Nomad
Posts: 37
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: Chula Vista, CA
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Tecate Crossing
Thanks everyone!
I didn't realize the bank was that close to the immigration office. Does anyone know what the banking hours are? I have to make sure my friends from
Arizona arrive in time to get all our paperwork done.
Our plan is to get to Baja Sur quickly. I would like to get to El Pabellon at least(if we can cross the border at 6AM), or El Rosario would be better.
Rancho Santa Ines would be great, but possibly an exhausting drive. Our group will consist of 2 travel trailers and one heavy pickup camper.
Gail T.
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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6699
Registered: 9-5-2003
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Don't remember the banking hours as we usually cross at about 9 am and it is open. El Rosario makes for a nice easy drive. The only problem with
crossing at 6 is you will hit morning rush traffic in Ensenada.
Have fun and drive safe.
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