mrfatboy
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Best Mexicali Border Crossing Times?? (back to usa)
I think I have decided to stay an extra day in San Felipe and come back monday July 5. What are some good times to cross from Mexicali back into the
USA to minimize wait time?
[Edited on 6-20-2009 by mrfatboy]
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nbacc
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Ha...everytime we head back it is different. We have waited from 10 min to over an hour. We usually leave San Felipe EARLY and try to get through
and eat breakfast in El Centro. You just really never know. there is no rhyme or reason. good luck and hope you get a short wait. Nancy
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redhilltown
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Nancy pretty much nailed it but on a Monday, don't try to cross TOOOO early or you'll be in line with people crossing the border to work in U.S...not
a pretty picture. Maybe try to hit it 10 a.m. or a bit later. I've tried the "day after" approach and it still can be brutal lines...hope for the
best, prepare for the worst!
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Bajajorge
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I always use the Calexico East crossing both north and southbound. Northbound is a never on Monday. Best crossing I've found 10 to 30 minute wait is
between 9:30AM and about 10:30AM, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. I've never crossed in the afternoon, so I can't give and opinion.
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David K
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Unless you are not going to San Diego, you could cross at Tecate... It has been real quick there the last 2 trips. The cost is about $10 US in total
tolls, however: Libremente Mexicali, La Rumorosa, El Hongo.
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mrfatboy
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@Bajajorge
Mondays are probably bad but it has to be better then Sunday for 4th of July weekend, correct?
@DavidK
I crossed at Tecate last year Monday (Memorial Day) and we had 1.5 hour wait. It was bad. Beautiful drive though.
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redhilltown
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I agree with David K...Tecate is by far my choice of where to cross if I have an option and the timing is right. If you waited 1.5 hours there on
Memorial day weekend then the other crossings were probably twice as bad. An hour and a half on a holiday weekend is honestly in the ballpark. As to
the vibe and traffic and beggars and general craziness, Tecate is the best place to cross.
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Bajajorge
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mrfatboy
@Bajajorge
Mondays are probably bad but it has to be better then Sunday for 4th of July weekend, correct?
I forgot to put in the post to never, never cross northbound on a Sunday after a holiday weekend. If possible plan to continue your stay for 2-3 days
after the holiday if at all possible. Crossing on a Sunday is like stabbing your self in the eye with a sharp stick. |
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MrBillM
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One More Vote for "Quien Sabe ?"
Over the years, my experience at the Mexicali "East" crossing resulted in crossing early afternoon on Tuesdays or Thursdays (mostly Thursday) between
2 - 2:30. Until the last year or so that worked out to a normal wait of 20 minutes max.
However, still hitting the border at the same time, my wait time has varied from 5 minutes to 1 1/2 hours with no apparent reason.
The last time I drove SOUTH, running late, I crossed just before Noon. The NORTHBOUND line is usually out to the street at that time. In the current
instance, the line looked to be about a 5-10 minute wait.
It's a Mystery.
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