freygirl
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Driving to ensenada
I am hoping to drive to Ensenada with my daughter to deliver some christmas goods to an orphanage that she worked at this summer. It will be the week
before Christmas that we hope to do this and are coming from Alberta Canada. Am I crazy for even thinking of doing this, my husband thinks so. what
precautions should we take if we do head down.
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DENNIS
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The only foreseeable problem you might have is bringing goods into Mexico with a value over the allowable limit....new especially, but used as well.
The orphanage destination won't impress them and, in fact, might be an insult to the wrong inspector. [it's a long, weird story]
Anyway, only drive in daylight and don't stray off the beaten path. You'll be fine.
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backninedan
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If you are taking used clothing it may be taken from you at the border.
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bajaguy
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No major precautions. Just use common sense, no night driving. get your vehicle insurance from Bajabound......look at the banner ad at the top of this
page.....Stop at border and get your FMM.......
You may have problems with Mexican Customs bringing your "Christmas Goods", depending on what they are and how much of it you have, into Mexico.
I'm sure.....no, I'm positive, others will chime in........
When might you be going?????
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajaguy
.....Stop at border and get your FMM.......
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Won't be required to get one if your stay is less than a week. [some will say 72 hours, but immigration in Ens told me one week.]
So...whatever. No one looks anyway.
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Dave
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Get prepared
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajaguy
You may have problems with Mexican Customs bringing your "Christmas Goods", depending on what they are and how much of it you have, into Mexico.
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It would be wise to contact the orphanage and speak with its administrator. He/she can arrange for official documentation to present to border customs
officials. Otherwise, you risk duties and/or confiscation.
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sanquintinsince73
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I always put donations in suitcases; they don't check suitcases in most cases. What they are looking for are guns and drug money. Last month I had 12
hefty bags full of clothes and they didn't even check them.
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shari
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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yeah, put stuff in various suitcases to distribute it evenly to draw less attention...tell em your big family is already there and drove in a small
car or something...
amigos of ours drive down a couple times a year from northern saskatchewan so nope you're not crazy at all...normal!!! Have fun
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DianaT
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Dave
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajaguy
You may have problems with Mexican Customs bringing your "Christmas Goods", depending on what they are and how much of it you have, into Mexico.
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It would be wise to contact the orphanage and speak with its administrator. He/she can arrange for official documentation to present to border customs
officials. Otherwise, you risk duties and/or confiscation. |
That is a very good idea. When we went with the Border Brothers to deliver earthquake relief supplies, they had it all set up at the border so we
could pass with no problem.
However, they could still not get the approval for used clothing. Crazy, but it is the way it is.
For what we bring down here for donations, we do the divide it into different duffle bags and so far, so good.
Good luck and have fun.
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bajaguy
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Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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| Quote: | Originally posted by shari
yeah, put stuff in various suitcases to distribute it evenly to draw less attention...tell em your big family is already there and drove in a small
car or something...
amigos of ours drive down a couple times a year from northern saskatchewan so nope you're not crazy at all...normal!!! Have fun
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A dog or two in the car always helps...............
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SoCal-Bob
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajaguy
.....Stop at border and get your FMM.......
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Won't be required to get one if your stay is less than a week. [some will say 72 hours, but immigration in Ens told me one week.]
So...whatever. No one looks anyway. |
I thought Ensenada was considered inside the "tourist zone" so no FM was required. is that incorrect?
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msypvr
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Just drove from New Orleans. We have been here 1 week. No problems at the border. Everyone has been very gracious and helpful. We are in Ensenada
for 1 more week.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by SoCal-Bob
I thought Ensenada was considered inside the "tourist zone" so no FM was required. is that incorrect? |
It's what I said.
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SoCal-Bob
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by SoCal-Bob
I thought Ensenada was considered inside the "tourist zone" so no FM was required. is that incorrect? |
It's what I said. |
I think I misunderstood the base rule then.
I did some reading and think I understand it now:
If you stay within the border zone less than 72 hours, no FMT needed.
If you stay within the border zone over 72 hours, FMT needed.
If you go outside the border zone for any number of days, FMT needed.
The border zone in Baja extends south to San Quintin on the Pacific and San Felipe on the SoC side.
Sound correct?
[Edited on 11-4-2010 by SoCal-Bob]
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freygirl
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Thanks for all the advice. We are hoping to make it to the San Diego area in the evening and make an early crossing at the Border. Where would be
the most convienent and safe place to spend the night. We should be there on approx Sunday Dec 19 and plan on heading back on Tues afternoon.
Seriously!!Take a dog or two, I considered taking mine but thought It would be to much hassle. Should I reconsider.
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msypvr
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We brought our chihuahua from New Orleans, no problem.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by SoCal-Bob
Sound correct?
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Pretty much so...yep.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by msypvr
We brought our chihuahua from New Orleans, no problem. |
The deal with dogs is an issue when reentering the US. Health papers have to be in order just in case they're asked for. They don't always ask, but
they occasionally do.
Be prepaired.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by freygirl
Where would be the most convienent and safe place to spend the night. We should be there on approx Sunday Dec 19 and plan on heading back on Tues
afternoon.
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I stay at The Vagabond on Broadway in Chula Vista. You can Google that and get their contact info.
They're pet friendly except when it comes to the price. Ask for the Baja Rate, which trims around 8 bucks from the price. The pet will cost 25 bucks,
in US cash, at check in.
Don't know if you will be getting into holiday rates, but all in all....it's a good choice.
Read your last post again and you sound as though you have an option with taking your pets. If this were my trip with short time and lots to
accomplish, I would leave the dogs at home and bring them when you have more spare time. They sound like unnecessary baggage and added
responsibility.
Just a thought.
.
[Edited on 11-4-2010 by DENNIS]
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