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surferchick
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 2-25-2011
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pasport,insurance,rentals...
hi baja nomads! im planning on going down to baja on a surf trip and have some questions that im sure all the experts have answered 100 times ,yet i
have searched the net and get conflicting answeres! i appreciate all the help ahead of time and please be kind for i have not had the opportunity to
travel to baja and learn the ropes like those here on the forum!
1) can i still get into baja with just my birth certificate and drivers license?
2) what happens if i over stay the 72 hours without an fmm? do i need an fmm?
3) is it easy to rent an apartment?
4) how far is the "free zone"?
5) is it safe for travelers in baja?
well thats about it guys! im really grateful for all your expertise and advice! i am really excited about my adventure and just need some good advice
on the basics! thank you for your time!
sarah
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burnrope
Nomad
Posts: 214
Registered: 10-24-2006
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Troll Alert
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surferchick
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 2-25-2011
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so thats the kind of help i get from the experts huh?... thanx for that! is it so bad not to be as knowledgeable on things baja?
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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) can i still get into baja with just my birth certificate and drivers license?
Getting in requires no papers, unless you are flying or cruising into Mexico...getting out does however require paperwork. Driving out ...all you
need is you DL or BC. Passport is not enforced. I have many friends go in and out without passports.
2) what happens if i over stay the 72 hours without an fmm? do i need an fmm?
Many of us stay for weeks without paper work....including me.
3) is it easy to rent an apartment?
Too easy :-) You'll have no issues there.
4) how far is the "free zone"?
That's a debate here. I go to San Felipe free zone....150 + miles south. others say it's only the immediate border town.
5) is it safe for travelers in baja?
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=51286
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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surferchick
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 2-25-2011
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thank you mcfez!! at least there are still gentlemen in the world!! i look forward to my trip, and now i wont stress so much on the basics!! cheers!!!
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: San Diego
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You will have a lifetime experience on your trip, for sure. You will never forget your first time venturing into Baja! Just go with the flow and be
aware of your surroundings. Don't drive at night. Where is your destination?
Bob H
The SAME boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It's about what you are made of NOT the circumstance.
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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| Quote: | Originally posted by surferchick
thank you mcfez!! at least there are still gentlemen in the world!! i look forward to my trip, and now i wont stress so much on the basics!! cheers!!!
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You are welcomed.
Check this post later tonight...you will see many more of us submitting their advice to you. Dont stress....Baja is really a cool place. Just dont
hang out in the bigger cities, have insurance on your car....you be just fine then. Happy Trails.
We expect a trip report from you :-)
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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surferchick
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 2-25-2011
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@bob h, well im thinking of going to rosarito first to surf k38 and other spots i may find , then trip south to ensenada and mabe hang out there , and
i heard san quinten(sp) is really cool also with some awsome breaks! @mcfez , oh i plan on posting as i go , i will ofcourse have my laptop so i will
keep you guys updated on my adventure! no driving at night for me , and i will forsure have mex ins.!! thank you guys!!!!!!!!
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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 surferchick
1) can i still get into baja with just my birth certificate and drivers license?
2) what happens if i over stay the 72 hours without an fmm? do i need an fmm?
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i don't think you can get a tourist visa without passport or passport card, but i could be wrong...
the US requires passport to reenter US, but apparently does not enforce such requirement, yet.
the rules have changed, the enforcement has not kept up.
you might as well get a passport, there will be a day you can't leave home without it.
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mtgoat666
| Quote: | Originally posted by surferchick
1) can i still get into baja with just my birth certificate and drivers license?
2) what happens if i over stay the 72 hours without an fmm? do i need an fmm?
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i don't think you can get a tourist visa without passport or passport card, but i could be wrong...
the US requires passport to reenter US, but apparently does not enforce such requirement, yet.
the rules have changed, the enforcement has not kept up.
you might as well get a passport, there will be a day you can't leave home without it. |
Should you get a passport surferchick....
http://www.usps.com/passport/
You may request the Department of State's Expedited Passport Processing Service for an additional $60. For current passport processing times, please
visit www.travel.state.gov.
Also surferchick...since you are one of us now....
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=50988
Lets give some of the old guys here a heart attack :-)
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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surferchick
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 2-25-2011
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yea i have been procrastinating on getting the passport mainly due to finances , and now i got enough to take my little trip and will make it a
priority when i get back! i will post a picture real soon , im looking through my digi camera now to find a decent picture! they all are soooooo
terrible of me! ugh! how embarrassing!
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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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So, the dirty little secret is that there are many folks who, in effect, are illegal aliens in Baja. The goat was absolutely correct in that you
cannot obtain a FMM tourist permit without presenting a valid passport to the IMM at the border.
Yet, as was noted earlier, there is no strict enforcement of the passport requirement when coming back North.
I guess it kinda boils down to how fast and loose people feel like playing.
Good chance that not having a valid FMM will not matter. While I don't want to make it sound like a boast, and I do currently comply, We have, in the
past, traveled all the way to Cabo and back without obtaining the tourist permit. But, there is always a chance that the need will arise and you will
be charged a fine. Although you aren't looking to travel the length of Baja, one recent occurrence would make it even less likely that someone
traveling without the permit would be caught. They took away the IMM office at the state line by Guerrero Negro.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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just go. san quintin is no big deal. the big deal presents itself if you have a wreck and the insurance adjuster or police officer (you did buy
insurance, right?) asks you for your papers......
or you could surf la fonda, 38's, san miguel, turistas, calafia, rosarito powerplant jetty, baja malibu. each spot every day for a week and not need a
passport.
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thebajarunner
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3754
Registered: 9-8-2003
Location: Arizona....."Free at last from crumbling Cali
Member Is Offline
Mood: muy amable
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Woody is right.
Likely no one is going to enforce your lack of fmt, fmm, tourist card, etc.
But get in a wreck and when the gendarmes show up you will likely get a very lengthy and unwelcome extension to your visit,
in quarters that you will not want to recommend on Nomad or anywhere else.
Why take the risk???
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Keri
Super Nomad
Posts: 1393
Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: La Mision, Baja Norte
Member Is Offline
Mood: muy contento
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You don't have to get a passpot either. If you just want it for mex you can get a passport card. $40.00 I think. If you are looking for a hotel in
between Rosarito and Ensenada Check us out at www.pyramidresort.com You can walk to La Fonda surf spot from here, Good luck, have a safe trip.k
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mojo_norte
Senior Nomad
Posts: 725
Registered: 2-14-2006
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody with a view
or you could surf la fonda, 38's, san miguel, turistas, calafia, rosarito powerplant jetty, baja malibu. each spot every day for a week and not need a
passport. |
ask woody to guide you to the 'secret' spots ..
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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sorry, i'm married.
but Keri's place is EPIC! centrally located and a stunning atmosphere.
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mojo_norte
Senior Nomad
Posts: 725
Registered: 2-14-2006
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody with a view
sorry, i'm married.
but Keri's place is EPIC! centrally located and a stunning atmosphere. |
past the 'Free Zone' marital status goes out the window..
Is Ken's place off the San Felipe right hand point ?
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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 surferchick
hi baja nomads! im planning on going down to baja on a surf trip and have some questions that im sure all the experts have answered 100 times ,yet i
have searched the net and get conflicting answeres! i appreciate all the help ahead of time and please be kind for i have not had the opportunity to
travel to baja and learn the ropes like those here on the forum! |
1) can i still get into baja with just my birth certificate and drivers license?
YES, You just drive in... nothing is checked unless you get a red light or are flagged over.. and then it is just to see what you are bringing in, no
'papers' question.
2a) what happens if i over stay the 72 hours without an fmm?
NOTHING, it will be on your conscious that you are illegal. A free FMM for a week is available at the border, but they now ask for a passport as proof
of citizenship.
2b) do i need an fmm?
To be legal if over 72 hours in Mexico or south of the border zone for anytime.
3) is it easy to rent an apartment?
DO you have money to give a landloard?
4) how far is the "free zone"?
If you mean 'Border Zone', it depends on whom you talk to... It is either just below Ensenada (Maneadero) or San Quintin or Guerrero Negro!
5) is it safe for travelers in baja?
As long as you dont get into the drug business or law enforcement or in the crossfire.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mojo_norte
| Quote: | Originally posted by woody with a view
sorry, i'm married.
but Keri's place is EPIC! centrally located and a stunning atmosphere. |
past the 'Free Zone' marital status goes out the window..
Is Ken's place off the San Felipe right hand point ? |
i guess you read K e r i as Ken? as for right points, i have turned over a new leaf and won't bite at your weak attempt at trolling....
now, by the time summer is over, and the surf has been less than lame for 5 months, all bets are off!
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