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C205Driver
Nomad
Posts: 268
Registered: 8-25-2008
Member Is Offline
Mood: Life is Good
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Southbound San Ysidro / Toll Road
. . .Good evening all (good morning if you went to bed early). . .Headed down to Bahia Asuncion & #1. We do not have Pe$o$. #2. Never DROVE
down before & unfamiliar with the immigration dance & getting to the toll road headed South. #3. We Plan on getting to border @ 5AM to head
South on Thursday. . . .Sooooo, any Tips & Tricks on doing the Dance & Drive / Where for Pe$o$. . .Familiar with not driving in the dark, fuel stops, caution on roads etc. etc. Have flown down on
numerous occasions tho. . .Thanks to all in advance. . .
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
Member Is Offline
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Do a search for the Immigration routine...very easy and pleasant. Basically, pull into the right hand lane and wait for gait to open. Park and ask
for Immigration office. 5am is our usual crossing time.
We get our pesos just after the third toll booth. Just after paying, pull over to the right and park. There are clean bathrooms to the right and an
ATM as well.
Have a good trip.
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24baja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 952
Registered: 2-3-2009
Location: Grants Pass Oregon/Bahia de Los Angeles
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wishing we were in BOLA
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THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.
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That being said, what does Mexico expect us to do... It wouldn't be the first time anyone traveled in Baja without a tourist card... and with the
immigration checkpoint closed at the Baja Sur border, nobody really cares it seems. If they did, they would be sure to man the 24/7 office and teller
window for payment
As for the OP's question... 1) before entering Mexico be in the far right lane and go into the Something to Declare line (with electric gate arm that
opens per BajaBoy's statement).
Park in the big covered area in front of the row of offices.
The far right office is INM (immigration) for your tourist card (passports needed now). If closed... walk through the hallway to the backside of those
offices and find INM there (facing the pedestrian crossing). Take form to bank teller a few windows down from INM to pay and then back to INM for the
validating stamp.
Leaving the covered parking area, you will press a button and if a red light flashes, you will be searched... otherwise drive out and follow sighns
for PLAYAS/ ROSARITO/ ENSENADA/ SCENIC ROAD/ Mex. 1-D... Just after the third toll gate pull over for restrooms and there is an ATM there to get pesos
(per BajaBoy above).
You can use dollars EVERYWHERE in Baja, so don't panic if you don't have pesos. A calculator will help... and whatever the peso figure is, just divide
it by the exchange rate the business is offering. $258.50 pesos is $21.91 dollars if the exchange rate is 11.80 pesos per dollar.
Top off fuel tank 225 miles south at El Rosario. Honest station run by Baja Nomad member Baja Cactus... excellent motel next door 'Baja Cactus Motel'.
[Edited on 4-11-2011 by David K]
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24baja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 952
Registered: 2-3-2009
Location: Grants Pass Oregon/Bahia de Los Angeles
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wishing we were in BOLA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
| Quote: | Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.
|
That being said, what does Mexico expect us to do... It wouldn't be the first time anyone traveled in Baja without a tourist card... and with the
immigration checkpoint closed at the Baja Sur border, nobody really cares it seems. If they did, they would be sure to man the 24/7 office and teller
window for payment
As for the OP's question... 1) before entering Mexico be in the far right lane and go into the Something to Declare line (with electric gate arm that
opens per BajaBoy's statement).
Park in the big covered area in front of the row of offices.
The far right office is INM (immigration) for your tourist card (passports needed now). If closed... walk through the hallway to the backside of those
offices and find INM there (facing the pedestrian crossing). Take form to bank teller a few windows down from INM to pay and then back to INM for the
validating stamp.
Leaving the covered parking area, you will press a button and if a red light flashes, you will be searched... otherwise drive out and follow sighns
for PLAYAS/ ROSARITO/ ENSENADA/ SCENIC ROAD/ Mex. 1-D... Just after the third toll gate pull over for restrooms and there is an ATM there to get pesos
(per BajaBoy above).
You can use dollars EVERYWHERE in Baja, so don't panic if you don't have pesos. A calculator will help... and whatever the peso figure is, just divide
it by the exchange rate the business is offering. $258.50 pesos is $21.91 dollars if the exchange rate is 11.80 pesos per dollar.
Top off fuel tank 225 miles south at El Rosario. Honest station run by Baja Nomad member Baja Cactus... excellent motel next door 'Baja Cactus Motel'.
[Edited on 4-11-2011 by David K] |
Sir David K,
My response was only to advise that maybe 5:00 was a bit early if you want to be legal in Mexico and as to the rest of the questions, I had no
elaborate or knowledgable answer, I can only attest to what we experienced. That being said....thank you for your ever present knowledge and once
again setting me straight. Connie
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by 24baja
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
| Quote: | Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.
|
That being said, what does Mexico expect us to do... It wouldn't be the first time anyone traveled in Baja without a tourist card... and with the
immigration checkpoint closed at the Baja Sur border, nobody really cares it seems. If they did, they would be sure to man the 24/7 office and teller
window for payment
As for the OP's question... 1) before entering Mexico be in the far right lane and go into the Something to Declare line (with electric gate arm that
opens per BajaBoy's statement).
Park in the big covered area in front of the row of offices.
The far right office is INM (immigration) for your tourist card (passports needed now). If closed... walk through the hallway to the backside of those
offices and find INM there (facing the pedestrian crossing). Take form to bank teller a few windows down from INM to pay and then back to INM for the
validating stamp.
Leaving the covered parking area, you will press a button and if a red light flashes, you will be searched... otherwise drive out and follow sighns
for PLAYAS/ ROSARITO/ ENSENADA/ SCENIC ROAD/ Mex. 1-D... Just after the third toll gate pull over for restrooms and there is an ATM there to get pesos
(per BajaBoy above).
You can use dollars EVERYWHERE in Baja, so don't panic if you don't have pesos. A calculator will help... and whatever the peso figure is, just divide
it by the exchange rate the business is offering. $258.50 pesos is $21.91 dollars if the exchange rate is 11.80 pesos per dollar.
Top off fuel tank 225 miles south at El Rosario. Honest station run by Baja Nomad member Baja Cactus... excellent motel next door 'Baja Cactus Motel'.
[Edited on 4-11-2011 by David K] |
Sir David K,
My response was only to advise that maybe 5:00 was a bit early if you want to be legal in Mexico and as to the rest of the questions, I had no
elaborate or knowledgable answer, I can only attest to what we experienced. That being said....thank you for your ever present knowledge and once
again setting me straight. Connie |
Connie,
I was noting your findings to all the Nomads as a general statement of how low the importance of a tourist card must be to not have at least one
person they can hire for the night shift at the border.
I thank you for reporting what you found, and I don't know what was wrong with your post, I didn't see anything wrong, and I didn't attempt to set
anything straight. Sorry if it came across that way!
Have a great day!
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24baja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 952
Registered: 2-3-2009
Location: Grants Pass Oregon/Bahia de Los Angeles
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wishing we were in BOLA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
| Quote: | Originally posted by 24baja
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
| Quote: | Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.
|
That being said, what does Mexico expect us to do... It wouldn't be the first time anyone traveled in Baja without a tourist card... and with the
immigration checkpoint closed at the Baja Sur border, nobody really cares it seems. If they did, they would be sure to man the 24/7 office and teller
window for payment
As for the OP's question... 1) before entering Mexico be in the far right lane and go into the Something to Declare line (with electric gate arm that
opens per BajaBoy's statement).
Park in the big covered area in front of the row of offices.
The far right office is INM (immigration) for your tourist card (passports needed now). If closed... walk through the hallway to the backside of those
offices and find INM there (facing the pedestrian crossing). Take form to bank teller a few windows down from INM to pay and then back to INM for the
validating stamp.
Leaving the covered parking area, you will press a button and if a red light flashes, you will be searched... otherwise drive out and follow sighns
for PLAYAS/ ROSARITO/ ENSENADA/ SCENIC ROAD/ Mex. 1-D... Just after the third toll gate pull over for restrooms and there is an ATM there to get pesos
(per BajaBoy above).
You can use dollars EVERYWHERE in Baja, so don't panic if you don't have pesos. A calculator will help... and whatever the peso figure is, just divide
it by the exchange rate the business is offering. $258.50 pesos is $21.91 dollars if the exchange rate is 11.80 pesos per dollar.
Top off fuel tank 225 miles south at El Rosario. Honest station run by Baja Nomad member Baja Cactus... excellent motel next door 'Baja Cactus Motel'.
[Edited on 4-11-2011 by David K] |
Sir David K,
My response was only to advise that maybe 5:00 was a bit early if you want to be legal in Mexico and as to the rest of the questions, I had no
elaborate or knowledgable answer, I can only attest to what we experienced. That being said....thank you for your ever present knowledge and once
again setting me straight. Connie |
Connie,
I was noting your findings to all the Nomads as a general statement of how low the importance of a tourist card must be to not have at least one
person they can hire for the night shift at the border.
I thank you for reporting what you found, and I don't know what was wrong with your post, I didn't see anything wrong, and I didn't attempt to set
anything straight. Sorry if it came across that way!
Have a great day! |
Thanks David, I guess I am a little hormonal today!
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.
|
Not questioning your findings but each time we cross, there are usually two people working in the old office near the pedestrian crossing. Maybe they
stepped out for some reason.
DK-I'm guessing the immigration guys are not just working for the tourists....They often are processing those who are being returned to Mexico. I
think you are pretty quick to judge. Any ideas what the hours are to get a US passport?
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajaboy
| Quote: | Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.
|
Not questioning your findings but each time we cross, there are usually two people working in the old office near the pedestrian crossing. Maybe they
stepped out for some reason.
DK-I'm guessing the immigration guys are not just working for the tourists....They often are processing those who are being returned to Mexico. I
think you are pretty quick to judge. Any ideas what the hours are to get a US passport? |
If they want Americans to have tourist cards (and collect money for them), then it would seem logical to have the process set up to do it. They have
before, as only recently have there been reports like Connie's. She did say the other (night time) office was also closed... the one you describe
facing the pedestrian entrance.
There are no signs educating tourists about needing an FMM anywhere in Baja... So, as a non-Internet, non-guidebook reader just casually deciding to
drive down Baja for a few days would NEVER KNOW that at some unspecific point (Maneadero, San Quintin, Guerrero Negro???) one is 'required' of them.
There used to be... In the 1980's and earlier there was a big sign, and an immigration stop at Maneadero to check or issue tourist cards (they were
FREE too). Once, the official did ask for a tip!
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
Member Is Offline
Mood: Skeptical
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Just because the immigration office was not open at a particular time does NOT mean that Mexico doesn't care about you being legal, as DK opines.
(DavidK-How many lessons have you experienced, when using "logic" hasn't served you in Mexico?...and you haven't learned yet?) Mexico has always been
a country of inconsistencies when it comes to interpreting/enforcing its laws. If you don't wait for the office to open you are subject to trouble if
caught without proper documents.
The indicator and driver of my above paragraph: think revenue. They do care when there is a buck to be made in fines.
Mexico has a drive on now to set up roadblocks to check vehicle documents. It is happening everywhere. Many Mexicans I know are getting busted for not
having current (or any) registrations for their vehicles. The result is big fines, causing many of them to have their vehicles confiscated. They
cannot afford to redeem them. 
The reason I am pointing this out is because, if you don't have your proper immigration documents, as well as current vehicle registration and
stickers, you are subject to potential big trouble.
For years Mexicans and U.S./Canadian citizens have been used to a fairly lax system while in Mexico. This appears to be coming to a rapid halt.
There's money to be made! This has always been the case in The U.S.A. and yet, now it is intensifying because States and Municipalities need to make
up for deficit shortfalls.
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajaboy
| Quote: | Originally posted by 24baja
THe last two times we stopped to get visas the immigration office was not open until 6:00-6:30 and the night time station was also unmanned.
|
Not questioning your findings but each time we cross, there are usually two people working in the old office near the pedestrian crossing. Maybe they
stepped out for some reason.
DK-I'm guessing the immigration guys are not just working for the tourists....They often are processing those who are being returned to Mexico. I
think you are pretty quick to judge. Any ideas what the hours are to get a US passport? |
If they want Americans to have tourist cards (and collect money for them), then it would seem logical to have the process set up to do it. They have
before, as only recently have there been reports like Connie's. She did say the other (night time) office was also closed... the one you describe
facing the pedestrian entrance.
There are no signs educating tourists about needing an FMM anywhere in Baja... So, as a non-Internet, non-guidebook reader just casually deciding to
drive down Baja for a few days would NEVER KNOW that at some unspecific point (Maneadero, San Quintin, Guerrero Negro???) one is 'required' of them.
There used to be... In the 1980's and earlier there was a big sign, and an immigration stop at Maneadero to check or issue tourist cards (they were
FREE too). Once, the official did ask for a tip! |
How ethnocentric of you.....
Where are the tourist visa offices for people traveling to the US? And the signs that you suggest? Here are the requirements: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html
Seems like if the US wanted to promote tourism....it would follow DK's advice
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
If they want Americans to have tourist cards (and collect money for them), then it would seem logical to have the process set up to do it.
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Not that it matters to this little chat, but I don't think revenue is their main motivation. They're just making a halfassed attempt to control entry
into their country and if our efforts were to become more aggressive, their's would as well.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Mexican tourism is not a MAJOR revenue source for the U.S.
U.S and Canadian tourism IS for Mexico.
If you value the welfair of our friends in Baja, why wouldn't you want it to be EASIER to travel south? The easier it is, the more dollars go south,
the better the life is for Baja Californians.
Because the U.S. has different standards for operating our border or permitting entry has nothing to do with the issue of getting tourist cards.
There are people in hopes of entering the U.S. to bring us harm or introduce drugs/ crime, work illegally, use our free (to them) health care.
People hope to go to Baja to spend money with the locals and enjoy the country... apples and oranges!
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
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"That being said, what does Mexico expect us to do... It wouldn't be the first time anyone traveled in Baja without a tourist card... and with the
immigration checkpoint closed at the Baja Sur border, nobody really cares it seems. If they did, they would be sure to man the 24/7 office and teller
window for payment"
-DK
I have had similar thoughts, especially given the closure of the office at the state border. There remains, however, a certain sense of right and
wrong as it applies to conforming with the laws of a foreign country. Lord knows there's a constant kefuffle NOB about illegals. Fact is that anyone
SOB beyond Maneadero is an illegal.
But I still have to wonder at the seeming lack of interest by the Mexican authorities.
But DK lost me with this:
"There are people in hopes of entering the U.S. to bring us harm or introduce drugs/ crime, work illegally, use our free (to them) health care."
If one took a survey of US ex-pats living in Mexico, one would find that they are there primarily for financial reasons, including inexpensive
healthcare.
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mtgoat666
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 20372
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Mexican tourism is not a MAJOR revenue source for the U.S.
U.S and Canadian tourism IS for Mexico. |
tell that to the city and county of san diego!!!!
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
People hope to go to Baja to spend money with the locals and enjoy the country... apples and oranges! |
"apples and oranges!" and you remind me of a turnip!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mtgoat666
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Mexican tourism is not a MAJOR revenue source for the U.S.
U.S and Canadian tourism IS for Mexico. |
tell that to the city and county of san diego!!!!
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
People hope to go to Baja to spend money with the locals and enjoy the country... apples and oranges! |
"apples and oranges!" and you remind me of a turnip! |
That is exactly WHY I said U.S. (not just San Diego County).
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
"That being said, what does Mexico expect us to do... It wouldn't be the first time anyone traveled in Baja without a tourist card... and with the
immigration checkpoint closed at the Baja Sur border, nobody really cares it seems. If they did, they would be sure to man the 24/7 office and teller
window for payment"
-DK
I have had similar thoughts, especially given the closure of the office at the state border. There remains, however, a certain sense of right and
wrong as it applies to conforming with the laws of a foreign country. Lord knows there's a constant kefuffle NOB about illegals. Fact is that anyone
SOB beyond Maneadero is an illegal.
But I still have to wonder at the seeming lack of interest by the Mexican authorities.
But DK lost me with this:
"There are people in hopes of entering the U.S. to bring us harm or introduce drugs/ crime, work illegally, use our free (to them) health care."
If one took a survey of US ex-pats living in Mexico, one would find that they are there primarily for financial reasons, including inexpensive
healthcare. |
You have to read the entire thread to see this set of comments is about getting TOURIST CARDS... So, I am talking about the ease (or lack of) getting
legal papers for TOURISTS on a vaction... to spend MONEY in Mexico. Not ex-pats, who are NOT tourists and are illegal, or legal ones who have an FM-2
or 3 or other.
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mtgoat666
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 20372
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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dk:
tourists are advised to not drive at night in mexico.
that must the reason the immigration office at auto crossing is often closed at night -- they are thinking of our safety!
or perhaps they have found that almost no one visits immigration office at night and there is little reason to keep it open at night!
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
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I kinda think you missed my point. That's OK.
I was also wondering about a post Tony made-
"Mexico has a drive on now to set up roadblocks to check vehicle documents. It is happening everywhere. Many Mexicans I know are getting busted for
not having current (or any) registrations for their vehicles. The result is big fines, causing many of them to have their vehicles confiscated."
In all the trips we've made, we were asked once for the vehicle registration at an army checkpoint. And, it has always been clear to me that the army
has been much more diligent in inspecting vehicles being operated by Mexican nationals.
So, are you referring to checkpoints other than those run by the military? Or, is it a different LE such as the federal or state police? I ask only
because it would raise hades if something like that was to occur in the US- the military checking for vehicle registration.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mtgoat666
dk:
tourists are advised to not drive at night in mexico.
that must the reason the immigration office at auto crossing is often closed at night -- they are thinking of our safety!
or perhaps they have found that almost no one visits immigration office at night and there is little reason to keep it open at night!
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Advised by folks here on Nomad, not the government of Mexico... Do you really think they would publish it is dangerous to visit their country? That
would be a real boost to tourism... NOT!
A border officer to stamp passports or issue tourist cards is always on duty when the border is open... if they want to document travelers...
apparently they don't? Maybe they need to close the border at dark, by your logic?
I personally have never seen that office closed when I stop in Tijuana for a card. This is all based on what was reported by the OP.
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