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motoged
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6481
Registered: 7-31-2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
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Mood: Gettin' Better
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San Ysidro crossing to get your FMT at sunrise
Nomads,
Two questions:
1) How does one apply for/ prepay an FMT?
2) If crossing at San Ysidro at sunrise, can you pay there before 7-8:00 am?...Is there a bank there or what?
Thanks
Don't believe everything you think....
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65069
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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San Ysidro/ Tijuana border is open 24 hours, and has an INM office open the same, facing the covered parking area... and also on the back side of that
building facing the pedestrean entrance to Mexico. If nobody is there to validate (stamp) your pre-paid fmm (no longer an fmt), then walk around to
the other side... or wake him up if you see him inside.
There is also a 24 hour bank teller there about 6 windows to the left of the INM office which is on the far right, just for paying the fee, if you
don't have a pre-paid fmm... Which are available from Discover Baja Travel Club, and perhaps other locations?
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sancho
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
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There was a post last week or so,
that said there was no place open to pay for
the $22 fmm at an odd hr. of the day,
at the SY crossing,
can't remember the exact details,
I believe they issued him an fmm with
the stipulation that he pay at a bank
at a later date, I think they give you 5 days.
Although I find this practice a little
shakey
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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i was there EARLY too
sept 18th
the IMM was there
the bank guy was in the back
just knock on the window
open 24/7
price was $23USA OR 262 pesos
easy
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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It Was My Post
| Quote: | Originally posted by sancho
There was a post last week or so,
that said there was no place open to pay for
the $22 fmm at an odd hr. of the day,
at the SY crossing,
can't remember the exact details,
I believe they issued him an fmm with
the stipulation that he pay at a bank
at a later date, I think they give you 5 days.
Although I find this practice a little
shakey |
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48258#pid5552...
DavidK pointed out there were two banks there. I'll take his word for it. But it just seemed to me that the guy who refused me (at the window I recall
using whenever I've needed the visa) or the IMM officer, who was very pleasant, could have directed me to that other window.
That said, my record remains intact. Never asked to show the visa; not even at Guerrero Negro. In fact, not quite sure why they relocated the office
and have a new spray thingy, but given the building location now on the West side, seems they are more interested in Southbound travelers.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65069
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Yes, a regular bank window (for money exchage) and the next window was only for tourist card payments... this was last year (July '09)... and things
do change!
Here is the INM office (far right/ north end of building):
Here is the others to the left...
Here is the covered parking in front of the building:
Here is the far right lane you get into for the parking area (an electronic gate automatically opens as you get to it):
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eguillermo
Nomad
Posts: 113
Registered: 10-10-2008
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I once went through at dawn, could find nobody, and then just drove on down. Went through Guerrero Negro at Christmas, and again, nobody there to pay
any mind to it. When I crossed back north at GN a few days after New Year's, the guy basically said, "ah, no big deal" and let me go through without
a paid permit.
Pretty laid back enforcement, in that case! 
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msawin
Nomad
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Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: Grass Valley,Ca / Tripui
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the right lane
I didn't think you were to use
the declaration lane for just a FMT?
Can you get to the covered parking in the
second lane over?
marty
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
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no...
you need to go thru that electric gate
you need to move over even over the "bumps"...way over
park in the parking spots...they know what you're doing
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65069
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Yes, and they may still search your car... (big deal), and then when you exit the parking area, you have to get out and push a button to see if you
get a red or green light... if red, another search, perhaps? 
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
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Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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| Quote: | Originally posted by motoged
Nomads,
Two questions:
1) How does one apply for/ prepay an FMT?
2) If crossing at San Ysidro at sunrise, can you pay there before 7-8:00 am?...Is there a bank there or what?
Thanks |
motoged...yesterday I posted this in a separate thread, but I think it is more germane to post it here...on the subject of FMTs at San Ysidro.
NEED A FMT? - TOURIST VISA?- WALK WITH ME
Here you go, Baja travelers. A little over a week ago, I walked two visiting SA tourists over the border to help get
them thier FMT's...tourist visas.
So, that's what this photo-essay is all about..
".WALKING ACROSS THE BORDER TO GET A FMT..AND WALKING BACK.
It's NOT about anything else. Pretty simple, eh?
Naturally, I had a camera along and knew you would want to see some photos of the day trip. 
Actually, they just might help the next Baja traveler.
So here we go:
Southbound on I-5 coming to the TJ border:
OCTOBER 28, 2010
Traffic entering Mexico..at TJ/San Ysidro. If you have anything to declare and pay importation taxes.....or want a tourist visa,
stay in the far right lane. There will be a place to park for 20 minutes or so...long enough to get the job done if you are prepared.
But on this trip across the border, we are pedestrians. Parking in the pay lot at the Last US Exit off the freeway. Costs about $9, unless you get
delayed.
A very short and easy walk from the lot to the Mexican border entry.
..uh..have YOU ever been trapped in a turnstile?
Walking across from the US parking lot.
This is the first official office as you enter. It's on your right.
Forget it, it's NOT the office you want. 
Keeping walking ..straight ahead. The building you want is the first one of the left. Follow that guy in the blue shirt and white pants.
This is the place.
For those of you needing FMT..tourist visas...this building on the left is the one you want. Go on in. He won't bite.
I helped these two get thier 180 day visas. Easy as pie. The cordial official okayed my photography, although I think he was kind of preoccupied
with helping out two nice young lassies. 
In this particular case, I had got the visas for the girls from Discover Baja previously, and seeing as how that good organization has forms that are
bank-paid, no visit to a bank was necessary. We went in, the officer stamped them, we left. Simple..took all of 5 minutes.
If you need to go to a bank and pay, it is just a little distance further. Ask the officer and he will point the way.
You're ALL DONE! Time to go sightseeing? Some shopping, perhaps? Need pesos? Now's the time, pardner.
Just ahead a little bit you will find taxis, dollar/peso exchange, fruit vendors, pot, your missing neice, etc, etc.
Stroll around a bit..get the feel of the place...lose your wallet to a pickpocket
Taxi drivers are always cordial...chew the fat...get the local day-to-day gossip.
Here's the way to walk back to the USA. Up and over that walkway.
Note: When you return in your vehicle ...and start to wonder what the hell lane you should be on?..STAY IN THE ONE MARKED PLAYAS - ROSARITO-TOLL
ROAD-ENSENADA.
See..it's the one in the middle of all those damn confusing signs. If in doubt, just lean on your horn and keep bearing right.
If you pass a pink building named Irma's Bunny Hutch..you've taken a wrong turn....or maybe not?
Back where the taxis are..and just down the sidewalk from the FMT office..you will see the way to walk back to San Diego. Up and over this walkway.
Over you go...right over the freeway below.
It could be worse, however...you could be in that line of cars. Drivers in those lanes make use of the time...shaving, napping, reading newspapers,
writing last will and testaments, etc.
Unless...you have the fast lane..and the right kind of card..SENTRI... like those in the right lane northbound. It costs a bit, but
is worth it to frequent crossers.
This guy offers a quicker way to cross the border for pedestrians.
"Senor..you are limping, no? Oh, just old, eh?..Well, how about a nice BUS to take you to the border. your granddaughters, too! Only 50 pesos.
Save your legs. Save 2 hours waiting in that long line of pedestrians."
"Hell yes..why not", I said.
"Okay, senor..so it's not exactly a BUS. But it will get you there WAY ahead of those unfortunates who must walk. Do you need help getting in, old
hombre?"
Hey! THAT'S A BUS! WAIT!
Oh Well...this van is not that bad. Hope it's got AC. AND..no walking. That pedestrian line must be 3 miles long!!
Grunt..groan..SSQQueeze in...ah..there. "Opps, sorry, senorita..but you're sitting on my shoe?"
Meet my seatmates. Babies are sure beautiful, aren't they?
Nice shirt, gringo. Mind if I throw up on it?
Finally, the end. The bus/van took 1 hour and 45 minutes. We get off to stand in line.
Lines = Mexico
Mexico = Lines
And...Another line....so what else is new?
Note: I recognize a pedestrian. I had talked to him before buying passage on the van.
He got here before me. CARUMBA!
Once thru US customs...walk outside..and take the pedestrian walkway back over the freeway and back to your USA parking lot.
This traffic is Baja-bound.
I know one thing after going through this mish-mash...
...I'm flying from now on!
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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Pompano ....fantastic photo hike you did.
motoged .....they accept hubcaps for payment too. 
[Edited on 11-10-2010 by mcfez]
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
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Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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learns omething new on this forum almost every day ... you can get the prepaid form at Discover Baja !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that is fantastic and I did
not know .... then you only need a stamp.
Andale, pues, that is beauty in disguise. way cool.
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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baja blanca
to get the prepaid visa you need to "join" the club...$35usa
remember the visa is only $23usa or 262 pesos
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tiotomasbcs
Super Nomad
Posts: 1837
Registered: 7-30-2007
Location: El Pescadero
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Discover Baja sells auto insurance, books, etc. Offers Tourist cards to members. Pompano must have adopted those little cuties??! Vagabundo does
the same, I believe. As bad as the road is over at Tecate Ibelieve it is better than wading thru this mess! Then you're on the pay road if you
don't get lost in Tijuana first! Suerte, amigos.  Tio
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windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1335
Registered: 9-2-2006
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Pre-paid Visa did cost more, but we believe it will be worthwhile in saving time and hassle as we want to cross early 1st day and get to our farthest
south rest point. No worries about parking to pay - just that walk-about like described in Pompano's great photstory.
One must commit to your preferred crossing and send a scan of your passport with the application.
[Edited on 11-10-2010 by windgrrl]
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
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Casey67
Junior Nomad
Posts: 75
Registered: 4-4-2009
Location: Bahia Concepcion
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Mood: Baja Hot
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Yeowtch!, Now I'm almost more confused than before. :| I came thru in Jan 2010 with a prepaid DBTC voucher; passed thru secondary before I realized I
was actually in secondary; and further down parked my 'leetle' SUV at the not much further-on taxi lot; communicated to those in authority there that
I needed to do ~'immigrado', walked back with my young random craigslist Australian/Swedish rideshare companion, got it done, and moved on.
This year I have a big 'ol pickup and a ~25' trailer. I was planning to secondary park etc. and blah blah, say 'immigraddo fmt, blah fmt', there and
park there and walk the ~50 ft to inmmigrado (DBTC prepaid) and be gone in 5 mins. Is this not the case???? I like seeemple.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65069
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Casey67
Yeowtch!, Now I'm almost more confused than before. :| I came thru in Jan 2010 with a prepaid DBTC voucher; passed thru secondary before I realized I
was actually in secondary; and further down parked my 'leetle' SUV at the not much further-on taxi lot; communicated to those in authority there that
I needed to do ~'immigrado', walked back with my young random craigslist Australian/Swedish rideshare companion, got it done, and moved on.
This year I have a big 'ol pickup and a ~25' trailer. I was planning to secondary park etc. and blah blah, say 'immigraddo fmt, blah fmt', there and
park there and walk the ~50 ft to inmmigrado (DBTC prepaid) and be gone in 5 mins. Is this not the case???? I like seeemple. |
Of course it is the case... what we may not figure out is why stop at DB and pay extra for the card there when you have to stop anyway to get it
validated at the border and there is a 24/7 bank window for paying it.
Now if you cross at Tecate or other border where there isn't a bank window open 24/7, the DB deal is great!
If you are going to DB anyway... and don't mind the extra fee and one less tiny thing to do at the border... then great!
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Angelos
Junior Nomad
Posts: 47
Registered: 12-3-2010
Location: La Paz, BCS, Mexico/Anacortes, WA
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TJ Crossing at Dawn
| Quote: |
Note: When you return in your vehicle ...and start to wonder what the hell lane you should be on?..STAY IN THE ONE MARKED PLAYAS - ROSARITO-TOLL
ROAD-ENSENADA.
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Great information - thanks for the step by step explanation.
One question - it looks like you walked these two ladies over to get their FMM cards so they can spend 180 days in Mexico and walked right back to the
US on the same day - right? 
Does that mean you can get your FMM stamped at immigration one day by walking over and then drive over the next and not have to stop? We're going to
be towing a 5th wheel and my husband is a little concerned about parking while we take care of the FMM at immigration. So he wants to walk over a day
or two beforehand and then drive through the "No Declarations" lane (because we don't have anything to declare) so we don't have to deal with parking.
Thanks again for the information.
Charlene (new to this forum and driving through Baja for the first time ever and can't wait to get going)
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65069
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Yes... of course... There is no Mexican exit officer to stamp or take away your FMM, so nobody knows you left Mexico just a few minutes after getting
the FMM, or the day before.
The parking area is huge... busses are in there all the time as well as other tourist with motorhomes towing, etc.
When you cross the next day or later with your FMMs in hand, you still might get a RED LIGHT (means pull over to be searched) or be flagged by
observers (if the light was GREEN)as you cross the border, to pull over for a search... So, getting the FMM in advanve is no guarantee you can just
drive in without stopping for customs at the border.
It isn't that bad, seriously... If you can avoid Saturday mornings after 9, seems to be real busy then.
You are leaving the United States of America and going into another nation, you should expect something extra to be required... part of the
adventure... The Mexican military checkpoints are another reminder that you aren't in Kansas anymore!
Have a FUN time... we always do!
[Edited on 12-5-2010 by David K]
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