bajarickster
Junior Nomad
Posts: 33
Registered: 8-29-2007
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Border crossing at Tecate
We're driving 2 cars down from Colorado next Monday and will cross at Tecate Nov 27th around 1PM. We'll have a lot of personal items in trunk and
backseat and on the roof rack of the jeep, plus 2 cats. Hoping to get waved thru , but if we get stopped, what's the procedeure? We have receipts
and an itemized list.
Where do we get our FMT and pay in Tecate? Any info from those who have crossed at Tecate will be helpful.
Also we will staying at La Pinta/Desert inn's in Catavina, San Ignacio and Loreto. Is the parking secure. I sure can't unload all the stuff from 2
cars every night!! Can we pay someone to watch our cars at night? Thanks
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805gregg
Super Nomad
Posts: 1344
Registered: 5-21-2006
Location: Ojai, Ca
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I have a friend that got his camper broken in to at Catavina Desert inn. You might be safer at Rancho Santa Ines, a couple of miles so.
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osoflojo
Nomad
Posts: 378
Registered: 10-29-2004
Location: c.s.l./b.c.s.
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At Tecate you get your FMT's in the building on your southbound right. The problem is that if you do not get the red light there will be little or no
parking. I personally have had no problems at any of the La Pintas even leaving the vehicle unlocked (accidently).
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Fred
Senior Nomad
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Location: Las Vegas
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I park in the bank lot 3 blocks down and then walk back. There is a guard in that lot. Then I get a few pesos and tip the guy when leaving the first
time.
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BigWooo
Senior Nomad
Posts: 579
Registered: 1-2-2007
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There used to be 20 minute parking along the curb on the U.S. side just before the gate. We'd walk across and get the cards, then walk back. Did the
recent construction eliminate that parking?
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toneart
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BigWooo
There used to be 20 minute parking along the curb on the U.S. side just before the gate. We'd walk across and get the cards, then walk back. Did the
recent construction eliminate that parking? |
I need to know this too. I will be pulling a 16' trailer.
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
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| Quote: | Originally posted by toneart
| Quote: | Originally posted by BigWooo
There used to be 20 minute parking along the curb on the U.S. side just before the gate. We'd walk across and get the cards, then walk back. Did the
recent construction eliminate that parking? |
I need to know this too. I will be pulling a 16' trailer. |
Doesn't anybody have the answer to this question? Things have changed and surely someone has been through since. With a trailer, going into Tecate
and finding parking isn't very practical.
BUMP
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
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We look for road-side parking about 3-4 blocks before the border - near the bank parking lot. At last resort, we have parked in the middle of the road
about 200' before the gates. One of us always stays with the rig and 1 or 2 of us go for the FMT's for all.
This year, we got our FMT's in advance to avoid the hassle.
Next year with FM3's, I think we have to stop ??
Another thought is to leave the trailer at the Potrero campground or in town and go to the border for the FMT's then return for the trailer before
crossing. Many folks plan to get to Potrero mid afternoon so they can get their visas that day and cross early the next morning.
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BigWooo
Senior Nomad
Posts: 579
Registered: 1-2-2007
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Diver
This year, we got our FMT's in advance to avoid the hassle.
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Where? Don't you still have to stop to pay and get them stamped?
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jgoofylizzard
Junior Nomad
Posts: 27
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: Vancouver, Wa./San Felipe
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You can order FMT's before you head south from Discover Baja...but YES you still have to stop at the border to have them stamped.
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Pescador
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3587
Registered: 10-17-2002
Location: Baja California Sur
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Yes, you can park before you cross the border as there is some truck parking on either side of the road. The worst is about 1/4 mile but the rest is
closer.. You can get an FMT and then go the the bank and pay or go into immigration to get stamped.
The night watchman at Catavina is great and you can give him a few pesos and he will take extra care of your vehicle, we stayed in the camper there
last time through and they were all great. Santa Inez is beautiful, but I think it is a little far off of the road unless I was traveling with
another vehicle I would not feel as safe as in Catavina itself.
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twogringos
Nomad
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Registered: 1-7-2007
Location: Bahia Asuncion/Color-Country
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Mood: I feel more like I do now than I ever have before
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Hours?
Anyone know what hours the Tecate Immigration office is open?
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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Santa Inez is your safest option around Catavina. The accomodations, however, are very rustic and not nearly as comfortable as La Pinta. A good choice
if you're in a camper but not so good if you need a room ($35/night).
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