Pacifico
Super Nomad
Posts: 1299
Registered: 5-26-2008
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Importation Process through Otay Mesa
Recently I have read a lot about the issues people are having with importing stuff at the San Ysidro crossing and being directed over to the Otay Mesa
crossing because their value is above $1000. I am thinking of just going through Otay Mesa in the 1st place to avoid the possible hassle. Can anyone
who has been through the process at the Otay Mesa crossing run me through the process and give me some landmarks? I am aware of the approx. 15% tax.
Any special forms to fill out ahead of time? Any help is appreciated! Thanks...
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Dianamo
Nomad
Posts: 182
Registered: 12-27-2005
Location: SF Bay Area, CA when not in El Cardonal
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Mood: ...still in Baja
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FMT also
Since I still haven't obtained my FM3, where can I get an FMT at Otay Mesa?
Thanks for all the great advice on the site!
Minds are like parachutes...they only function when open!
\"The price of apathy is to be ruled by evil men.\" - Plato
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Bob and Susan
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Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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the immrigation office is right as you enter secondary
you need to walk back 1000 yards from the parking to the office
then the bank is in the import area where you park
walk beck up to the parking area
then you have to walk back to immrigation
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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As you enter the Otay crossing, stay to the right and enter the "declare" lane. Drive slowly past the office buildings to a parking area just south of
the office buildings and park.
There is a small customs shack and an inspector will come to you. Have your receipts. I imported a patio set valused at $300usd and was charged $27usd
duty..
After you are inspected, walk back toward the office buildings.....on your right is the Customs office and the bank. Go to the bank, pay the duty and
get your receipt stamped. Take the stamped receipts to the Customs desk (about 3 feet away) and get your copy stamped.......
Go back to your vehicle and show the customs inspector the stamped receipt......it will be initialed.......drive south to the exit and stop at the
last customs shack. Show them the receipt and push the button for the red/green light lottery
Just as you pull into the secondary lane at the Otay crossing, the Immigration office will be on your right side for your FM-T.
Park and get your FM-T, go to the bank, pay the fee, go back to Immigration....get in your car and head south through the parking area to the Customs
shack and play the red/green light game
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Pacifico
Super Nomad
Posts: 1299
Registered: 5-26-2008
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajaguy
As you enter the Otay crossing, stay to the right and enter the "declare" lane. Drive slowly past the office buildings to a parking area just south of
the office buildings and park.
There is a small customs shack and an inspector will come to you. Have your receipts. I imported a patio set valused at $300usd and was charged $27usd
duty..
After you are inspected, walk back toward the office buildings.....on your right is the Customs office and the bank. Go to the bank, pay the duty and
get your receipt stamped. Take the stamped receipts to the Customs desk (about 3 feet away) and get your copy stamped.......
Go back to your vehicle and show the customs inspector the stamped receipt......it will be initialed.......drive south to the exit and stop at the
last customs shack. Show them the receipt and push the button for the red/green light lottery
Just as you pull into the secondary lane at the Otay crossing, the Immigration office will be on your right side for your FM-T.
Park and get your FM-T, go to the bank, pay the fee, go back to Immigration....get in your car and head south through the parking area to the Customs
shack and play the red/green light game |
So the layout is very similar to the San Ysidro crossing? Thanks Bajaguy!!!
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Pacifico
So the layout is very similar to the San Ysidro crossing? Thanks Bajaguy!!! |
Same club....Same rules. Don't forget what you can do with a receipt, computer and a printer. Consider it an art project.
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pascuale
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Registered: 2-20-2005
Location: Somewhere South
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go through Tecate, never a problem.
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Pacifico
Super Nomad
Posts: 1299
Registered: 5-26-2008
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| Quote: | Originally posted by pascuale
go through Tecate, never a problem. |
Have you gone recently since the changing of the guard? Thanks...
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fuelpusher2
Junior Nomad
Posts: 25
Registered: 9-4-2009
Location: Tripui/Loreto
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Also here is a good website for Mexico Customs Info.........
http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/pasajeros/1...
The limit per person is still only $300.00 if anyone exceeds $1000.00 you need a broker. Anything less you pay there at the border - 15%.
The above link is still current.
A friend crossed @ TJ at 6:30am Wed Sept 9th headed south to Loreto.
He said, "Inspector stopped most cars, looked in one tub in our truck asked where we where going & said go ahead."
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wessongroup
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21152
Registered: 8-9-2009
Location: Mission Viejo
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Mood: Suicide Hot line ... please hold
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Not importing, just use for a week?
Looking for input on taking a Celestron telescope down to Baja... not importing, just want to use the dark skies to take a good look...
Is this something that would prove to be an "issue" at the border, either way?
Would one have to go though a "process" to go down and come back with the unit?
Thanks in advance for your help 
[Edited on 9-19-2009 by wessongroup]
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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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Pack it in a suitcase or duffle bag and put lots of clothes around it for protection...........no worries
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| Quote: | Originally posted by wessongroup
Looking for input on taking a Celestron telescope down to Baja... not importing, just want to use the dark skies to take a good look...
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No problem. No more so than a camera lens. These people know the difference between a toy and a tool.
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by Pacifico
So the layout is very similar to the San Ysidro crossing? Thanks Bajaguy!!! |
Same club....Same rules. Don't forget what you can do with a receipt, computer and a printer. Consider it an art project. |
I like that---art, yes it is art. 
[Edited on 9-19-2009 by jdtrotter]
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