yukonron
Newbie
Posts: 18
Registered: 12-15-2014
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Tecate crossing and newbie needs help
My husband and I are heading to Baja, or the Baja, possibly as early as Sunday. I have two guidebooks and been reading a lot online. Glad I found
this place. But I am finding conflicting and confusing info with the variety of sources. So I've come here for the real skinny.
I have a lot of questions but for this post will limit those to border crossings. We will be leaving from the Phoenix area. We are driving our
motorcycle and pulling a trailer behind with our camping gear, etc. So we avoid parking anywhere we have to back out of.
The trip from Tecate on Mex 3 looks appealing, but we are flexible at this point. We hope to explore the majority of the peninsula. We are looking
to camp as much as possible and have Church's book on camping in Baja.
What is the parking situation like at the border in Tecate? What signs do we follow to get our FMM? I have heard several people mention they walked
into a crossing to get their tourist card and walked back to get their rig and drive thru. This seems confusing to me as you are suppose to turn in
your card when you leave Mexico. But if it is possible and would make for a less stressful parking situation, that would appeal to us.
We have been to Los Algodones several times in the past for dental work and they have a parking lot on the CA side right before the border crossing.
Would it be possible to get our FMM there, leave and cross into Mexico at Tecate the next day?
We don't usually put in long days on the bike, about 200 miles is comfortable. So we would make a two day trip out of getting to Tecate and beyond.
Looks like El Centro, CA might be a good midway stop for an overnight.
Pretty obvious I need some help here. Trusting in your generosity and experience to find it! Thanks.
mary
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64837
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Hi Mary, Tecate is a small border. On motorcycles even with trailers, parking for your FMMs isn't so bad... probably can right in front. It is the big
motorhomes or campers pulling trailers that have an issue, so park on the U.S. side and walk across.
You can get your FMM and hold onto it, no handing it in the same day (you don't need an FMM for up to 3 days in Mexico along the border or as far
south as Maneadero, so the one you got for a longer trip that day isn't in use yet.
The first building inside Mexico is where you go for the FMM. It is the INM office.
Have a great trip and please give us a report and photos when you get home!
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
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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Welcome to Mexico, land of confusing and conflicting information.
Welcome to Nomads, site of confusing and conflicting information
A short note about the FMM...........The FMM is a single entry permit. Once you get it issued, paid for and stamped, you own it. If you leave the
country, technically (and legally) you are required to turn it in at an INM office, or mail it back to Mexico. So in effect, if you walk across the
border, get your FMM and walk back to the US, you are "supposed" to turn it in.
Plenty of M/C parking at the Tecate INM office, either in front, or on the side of the building.
Have fun, enjoy Mexico and stand by for the inevitable confusing and conflicting responses
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64837
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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They would be turning it in to the person who just gave it to them??? Even Mexican officials would laugh.
The actual badged INM officer told me it was NO PROBLEM for me to use the FMMs my wife and I got 5 days later when our big trip began.
They don't issue them at consulates anymore, so you have to go to the border to get them... a zillion Nomads have either popped into Tijuana to get
their FMMs or hold on to them as long as they are valid.
These folks asked about how the parking on the U.S. side works at Tecate. That is really more a motorhome issue with the lack of street parking. Going
around the block to the right, past the INM office is where they can park if not in front or in the U.S.
Keep it simple. They want to do the right thing and get the papers.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
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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FMM
Is it possible to enter and exit Mexico multiple times with the same tourist card (FMM)?
Tourist cards (FMM) are not multiple entry, therefore each time you enter Mexico, you will need a new one.
http://www.bajabound.com/before/permits/visa.php
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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6699
Registered: 9-5-2003
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you will get conflicting info on this site as well... on the back of the FMM it tells you what you are supposed to do. some people ignore it (the
law) because it is never enforced (I guess therefore it is ok to do what ever you want). No parking in front of the Immigration office (that is for
the customs people to inspect cars) but parking around the corner on the street.
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MulegeAL
Nomad
Posts: 298
Registered: 8-25-2009
Location: PDX/Mulege
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I've crossed with big bikes there before, not a problem.
Everything you need is to the right: parking, the sidewalk into the office for FMM. Ask them where to park as soon as you roll through after you get
a green light, is easy, they love bikes.
Seems like there used to be enough slope to the small parking area just around to the right that your setup would roll back into the street, they will
watch the street for you too.
Hwy 3 is good bike route, great wineries too, you could spend days there!
How long will you be in baja, we come look for you? Have fun!
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yukonron
Newbie
Posts: 18
Registered: 12-15-2014
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Thanks one and all! I feel much more prepared. No conflicting answers this time. Maybe next time. And since you have been so prompt and helpful and
friendly with your replies, I'm sure I will have some more questions in the future.
MulegeAL, not sure how long we will be in Baja. We don't HAVE to get back to Arizona till the middle of March, so it depends on how much fun we are
having. After that it's back home to Alaska for us. I'll keep you posted as to our progress and maybe we can manage to meet up.
David K, I plan to take tons of pictures and keep a detailed journal. But you know how plans go?! So I will do my best to put together something for
the forum.
Thanks, again!
mary
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Cliffy
Senior Nomad
Posts: 986
Registered: 12-19-2013
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Watch out for some of the one way streets just inside Mexico at Tecate.
You'll find lots of high speed cars and trucks on Rt 3 to Ensenada from Tecate. Tecate is a big trucking terminal for Baja. Rt 3 is what they use.
The road condition is good. Church's book is very good. Used it for our last trip of a month's time. You'll find Rice and Beans down south is a good
place to stop about 3 days down. Good food, good rooms and nice people. You should have a good time. If you get down to Loreto don't miss the
restaurant Sabor just south of town on the east side of the road. Look it up here by "search" Long thread on it. Great food!
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redhilltown
Super Nomad
Posts: 1130
Registered: 1-24-2009
Location: Long Beach, CA
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Howdy and welcome. I don't think it has been mentioned but yes, you can cross and park but the first street on the right is a one way street...the
wrong way of course! So once you get the green light (or even the red for a quick check), go down the hill, make a right hand turn at first light and
then a right hand turn at next and then one more right hand turn at the the next street and you'll come back to the border when you'll see red cones
to the left...a man will usually see you and move a few cones and you can park there. You then cross the street (this was a few months ago), walk
left, cross back over the border and then across the street again to the immigration office (I know this sounds confusing but it really isn't)...get
your permits and then go back to your bike on the same side through a small check point. If any of this has changed I hope someone can chime in.
Have fun!
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reneske
Junior Nomad
Posts: 48
Registered: 9-3-2009
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My husband and I cross Tecate all the time. Remember, it is not a 24 hour crossing. We usually cross as soon as it opens. As soon as you cross the
border, before you go through the lights, pull off to either the right or left. There are a few parking places there where people that are claiming
items they are taking across the border park. We usually park there and walk across the street to get our FMM. You go inside the building and to the
right. Fill out the paperwork and then they will tell you to go outside to the bank window and pay. Then you go back in and get your FMM. No one
has ever said anything to us about parking right inside the border crossing. They have always been very nice. Good luck and enjoy Baja......
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yukonron
Newbie
Posts: 18
Registered: 12-15-2014
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Thanks, again. Really appreciate everyone's generosity with their time to post helpful info. Cliffy, we plan to visit Loreto. Thanks for the
restaurant recommendation. Good food is always at the top of my priority list!
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durrelllrobert
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7393
Registered: 11-22-2007
Location: Punta Banda BC
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Mood: thriving in Baja
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Geting TO Tecate
Don't get off I-8 onto 94 at the Boulevard/ Manzanita exit.
Instead continue about another 12 miles to the Buckman Springs exit/ rest area and take that road south to 94 at Campo then west to the Tecate exit.
The stretch of 94 between Boulevard and Campo is narrow and windy and there have been many head-on collisions (some involving motorcycles) on it.
Bob Durrell
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Marc
Ultra Nomad
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Location: San Francisco & Palm Springs
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My Bud & i have been crossing at Lukeville-Sonorita. Easiest of all crossing that I know of with no traffic. A right turn at the Pemex takes you
on to Mexicali on a new super highway. Also the return take about 5 minutes. I don't know why more folks do not use this crossing south of Gila Bend
& Ajo.
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rts551
Elite Nomad
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Marc, I have also taken this route. From Tucson, its a little slower because of having to use the Ajo Hwy to Why/Lukeville/Sonoita
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KasloKid
Nomad
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Registered: 8-29-2009
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Quote: Originally posted by durrelllrobert  | Don't get off I-8 onto 94 at the Boulevard/ Manzanita exit.
Instead continue about another 12 miles to the Buckman Springs exit/ rest area and take that road south to 94 at Campo then west to the Tecate exit.
The stretch of 94 between Boulevard and Campo is narrow and windy and there have been many head-on collisions (some involving motorcycles) on it.
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Most head-on collisions occur because motorcyclists hug the center line. While in Mexico, you'll soon see why it's best to stay right side of the
right lane. 
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yukonron
Newbie
Posts: 18
Registered: 12-15-2014
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durrelllrobert, thanks for the tip. I was wondering if either route was preferable. Good to know!
Marc, we have been up to the Lukeville crossing when we were camping at Organ Pipe last year. I just wasn't sure of the quality of the road west from
there to Mex 3. Sounds like it's good. Will have to reconsider our route. Might return that way as an alternate, too. Thanks.
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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Welcome to the Nomad sand box Ron! You will have a great trip...just be cautious and drive slow...you are on Mexican time now! We have had lots of
bikers to Bahia Asuncion this year and you can pull into Campo Sirena no problema! If you make it for xmas eve...we are having a nice potluck
dinner/party with a live band! Come one come all!!!
Have a wonderful adventure and dont miss out on seeing the Gray Whales in their calving lagoons...check your U2U inbox in the upper right corner under
the log in thingy....viva mexico!
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