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psmithsr
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Posts: 11
Registered: 8-30-2004
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Crossing Over
We're driving our RV to Bahia de Los Angeles soon (to Camp Gecko). We've been to Estero Beach RV Park & Resort (a bit south of Ensenada) before and
plan on staying there a night before heading south.
We had planned to cross at Tecate but are now wondering if we should cross at Tijuana?
We also wonder if we should park our RV on the USA side, walk over to get tourist card, then drive RV over?
No ATMs in BOLA. I assume we can park RV on Mexico side and easily find a bank to get pesos. Any idea of how many pesos per month (with little RV
driving)? Or are US$ all we really need?
best, paul
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Location: San Diego County
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That is a lot of walking! The return to the U.S. is on the opposite side of the border lanes.
Just drive in, stay in right (Something to Declare Lane), park in covered area, tell officers that you need tourist cards and nothing to declare, and
may you please park there... walk to the offices facing the parking area, go into room labled INM. Ask for 6 month tourist card (unless you are
staying a week or less then it's free), take forms to bank teller pay ~$20 ea. it's almost next door, go back to INM for final stamp... You are on
your way! Southbound, Tijuana crossing is faster than driving all the way to Tecate! The only advantage to a Tecate detour was shorter waits
northbound, but that is no longer the case, IMO.
You may already know this Paul, but for others...
Follow signs for: Playas de Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada, Scenic Road, 1-D. You will be making a right hand exit ahead from up on the bridge, nearing
the coast stay in left lane for Ensenada, Playas de Tijuana is the right lane, then it is easy.
THERE is NO checking for tourist cards in all of Baja Norte, and only at the state border on Hwy. 1, in Baja Sur.
You can use the ATM at the third toll booth to buy pesos at bank rates (I have never done this, but is often mentioned here). Dollars are accepted
everywhere, bring calculator... but it is less confusing to use pesos (11.5 to 1, now). Otherwise, before you leave for Mexico, order pesos from your
bank, or Bank of America. Gasoline will be your biggest expense, or sport fishing trips.
Top off fuel at El Rosario (plastic accepted!), all gas beyond is iffy... but I have never been stuck. Gas is sold in Catavina (Pemex pump or Alfonso
cans, 76 mi. from Rosario), the turnoff to Bahia de L.A. (from cans) 60 miles further, in Bahia at two places (private pump and from trailered tank)
176 mi. from Rosario. Pemex gas is near $2/gal. and private vendors sell near $3/gal.
Camp Gecko is 4.1 miles south of the pavement at Bahia de los Angeles. IF you don't want to thrash your RV, take it real slow.. It is graded, but
still rough on a big rig. http://www.campgecko.com Say hi to Mike Humfreville, who will be there with Mary Ann for a bit...
[Edited on 9-25-2004 by David K]
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Debra
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David.....
I think you meant 60 Kilometers not miles from the cut off into Bahia.
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thebajarunner
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3718
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Location: Arizona....."Free at last from crumbling Cali
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Mood: muy amable
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the tour buses park curbside right in front of the visa office, no reason why you cannot do so as well.
never thought about this on pesos, but I bet if you are stuck they will change for $$ at the El Rosario Pemex (owned by Baja Cactus)
Baja Arriba!!
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David K
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Debra
I think you meant 60 Kilometers not miles from the cut off into Bahia. |
No Debra, the 60 miles is from Catavina to the junction, as I said Catavina was 76 miles from Rosario and the junction is 60 miles further. Bahia is
another approx. 40 miles, or 176 from Rosario.
I appreciate you checking my figures, however...
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psmithsr
Newbie
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Crossing Over
Thanks, David! Tijuana sounds good.
We usually travel with 4 cases of "Two Buck Chuck" in under RV storage.
Should we declare it?
best, paul
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Dave
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| Quote: | Originally posted by psmithsr
Thanks, David! Tijuana sounds good.
We usually travel with 4 cases of "Two Buck Chuck" in under RV storage.
Should we declare it?
best, paul |
You are allowed 3 liters per person, period. If the aduanal agent is in a foul mood you risk confiscation and a fine. Nine times out of ten they won't
even bother but there IS a risk. Weigh the consequences and make your decision.
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psmithsr
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Crossing
Well I sure don't begrudge the Gov't of Mexico duty. Let's see:
4 cases x 12 bottles/case x .75L/bottle = 36 L less 6 L = 30 L
I wonder what the duty on 30L of wine is?
best, paul
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psmithsr
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Crossing Over
I think I found the answer for duty. The general (non-item-specific) amount is 32.8%
"Two Buck Chuck" sells for $19.88 here in California (at Trader Joes). So the duty should be 0.328 x 19.88 = $6.52 per case.
Between the two of us, my wife and I consume a bottle a day (when we do have wine with dinner). So considering my penchant to initiate others we meet
on the road into how good wine that's only $1.99/bottle can be, I think I'll pick up some more wine.
best, paul
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Dave
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| Quote: | Originally posted by psmithsr
I think I found the answer for duty. The general (non-item-specific) amount is 32.8%
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I repeat, as a tourist you are allowed 3 liters per person, period.
You can, as a legal resident with an import license or through a licenced broker import more and pay the duty.
If caught with more that the legal amount you can be fined and the wine confiscated. It rarely happens, (sometimes a Jackson laid on the front seat
will work), but it DOES happen.
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Anonymous
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Sounds like he has already had that much Dave!
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#1
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"Top off fuel at El Rosario (plastic accepted!), all gas beyond is iffy."
Stuck in Bahia de Los Angeles with an RV and no gas. What a horrible scenario. If you don't want to take the risk I will volunteer to go in
your place. It'll be a great sacrifice but I'm sure I'll survive the ordeal.
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psmithsr
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Hmmmmm.......
has the following:
"12. What are Mexico's duty obligations concerning goods carried into Mexico by non-Mexican residents?
Persons residing outside of Mexico (regardless of whether they are Mexican citizens) may bring into the country an array of personal duty-free items.
Lists of the specific personal items exempted from duties are available at Mexican Customs facilities. Beyond these items, there is a $300 limit for
additional duty-free items. This limit applies whether or not they arrive by land, sea or air.
Import duties of up to 20% are levied on the goods. In addition, a customs user fee (0.08) and a value-added tax (10) are levied on the imported
goods.
Persons bringing a dutiable good (or goods) into Mexico have the option of classifying them under the product-specific tariff (this would involve the
hiring of a customs broker) or declaring the goods under a simplified procedure and paying a total duty charge of 32.8%
These provisions can only be used for personal goods. They are not applicable for goods brought into Mexico for commercial purposes."
Several other websites say the same. I've emailed the C?nsul de M?xico in San Francisco for clarification.
best, paul
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Debra
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Location: Port Orchard Wa./Bahia de Los Angeles BC
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#1
I once got "stuck" in B.O.L.A. for an extra 2 weeks because they ran out of gas. 
(that's my story and I'm "stickin 2 it" :biggrin
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Debra
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David....
I know better than to check your numbers (you are NEVER wrong with your "map" thing your have in that head of your's....) that is why I read, and
re-read your gas advice, as I did again this AM, and it still sounds to me that you were saying that Bahia is 60 miles from the cut. (of course we
didn't have the benifit of seeing your arms go "to and fro" ) 
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David K
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Debra, I am human and I make mistakes... I also write things backwards sometimes... This is why the 60 miles part sounds confusing to you... I think.
I mentioned the second gas source from Rosario (L.A. Bay jcn.) and said it is 60 miles further (from Catavina), followed by a comma.
Now, that is backwards for some... I understand!
So, another way to write it would be to say: "60 miles further is gas at the L.A. Bay Jcn."
The next line could be:"176 miles from El Rosario is L.A. Bay, about 40 miles from Hwy. 1."
I will work on my backwardness, someday!
NO, wait: "Someday I will work on my backwardness"
You see, I can learn new tricks!!! 
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Debra
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David......
Quote" "I'm human and I make mistakes"
Well, no you don't, not on directions or map things......so forgive me, if wondered if the person you were giving advice to might be a bit confused (I
would have been).....
To whom may want to know.....from Mex 1 cut to B.O.L.A it's about 41 miles and takes about an hour (of course I was only there about 2 months ago,
(spent 7wks. and am told the rest of the last part of the road is better or "done" (if not, take the dirt...(around the trucks)
This I'm sure must have changed in the last couple of months since I've been there......BUT, (I doubt it) the "road" to Camp Gecko pretty much is a
Baja road, yes...you can get your RV there (some of us understand that, some of us don't) go slow......watch out for the wash out about 1 mile from
town, and don't think that the concret arroyes are your friend (there are 2 before you get to camp........see them and STOP! almost.
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Dave
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| Quote: | Originally posted by psmithsr
Beyond these items, there is a $300 limit for additional duty-free items. This limit applies whether or not they arrive by land, sea or air.
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Incorrect. Unless arriving by boat or plane the limit is $50, which does NOT include additional tobacco* or alcoholic beverages.
The limits are:
For adults (per person):
20 packs or 200 grams of tobacco or 20 cigars. 3 liters of alcohol, beer wine or liquor.
*There is a proviso for additional cigars by paying duties.
For your information: When legally importing liquor, wine or beer the duties are excessive. In some instances more than double the price.
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Anonymous
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Psmithers.
I have driven both my class A's to Bahia a dozen or more times. The new one is a 36' plus 4x4 toad, the old is 30 with the same toad. You can make the
drive with no or little effort. If this is your first trip on Highway #1 be aware that it is narrow and few areas that you can pull off. Just stay on
your side of the road and you'll be fine. Pass only if you have to. Take all curved sections slowly. Don't drive at night. Largest hill will be
entering El Rosario, use low gear.
I have attempted to stop and get our visas at the TJ border several times and only succesful once. They always tell me "no parking" and then wave me
on. If that happens you can get your visa in Ensenada. It is a little easier than TJ. As you enter Ensenada there is a sharp left turn just befor the
Harbor. If you go straight (instead of Left) you will make the first left you come to (can't remember the name of the street, maybe David remembers
it?) You'll see signs directing you to the Harbor Masters office, follow them. After you make the left onto this street , about 1/4 mile down on the
right side you will see a store that sells boating parts and supplies. Even though the sign says "Parking for Customers Only" you can park there (I
always go in and buy some motor oil) and on your left (50 yards further up) there is the Visa Office. Fill out the paperwork and then you can walk
(Long walk about 1/2 mile) straight down that same street, pass the traffic light and make a left on the next street, short distance to the corner and
make a right. On your right is a Bank and you can pay there and walk back to the Visa office and pick up your visa.
Hopefully this will also eliminate any inspection at the border. Buy gas in El Rosario at the Only Pemex in town, (Antonio) Baja Cactus' place. If you
run low on fuel you can buy at several places in Bahia, just ask Doc at Gecko.
A month stay and you'll probably need propane and water at some point. As you enter Bahia there is a small store on your right that will sell you
water they have a 75 foot hose hooked up to there reverse osmosis filter. Tell them you need to fill up. They usually charge me less that 30 bucks for
50 gallons. I think that is the total amount that there RO tank holds.
Propane is a little trickier. Ask Doc when the Propane truck will be in town or in Camp. Yes the Propane truck does come to camp. I've never been
lucky enough to catch him there. When you find the truck tell him you need propane, if he says he can't fill you up tip him a $10 bill and he will.
Mexico use a little different blend of gas than the states, but it burns just great. (I think it' a butane /propane blend)
You also might want to check and make sure Doc has room for you. I always email him and make reservations.
It' a long haul from Estero to Bahia, stop in San Quintin and stay at Cielito Lindo or Gypsies beach camp. Both are good. 15 miles South of the main
town , make a right at the power plant and go straight for 3 or 4 miles......pavement ends (if you go left where the pavement ends it will take you to
La Pinta hotel) if you continue straight on the graded dirt road you will enter Cielito Linda property. When you see the CL bar the RV area is just
past the bar and to the left. Gypsies RV Beach Camp is to the right.
CL might have Elect. hook ups....depends on if the generator is working or not. The water at CL is brackish, so are the showers, dont fill up there.
They do have dump too, but you shouldn't need it, yet. CL bar and rest. is known for there Crab Claw dinners.
Gypsies is close to the beach and you can walk to the ocean. They have all night security and Great Hot FRESH water showers. Extremly clean restrooms.
No water or Elect hook ups but do have a Dump. AND your at one of the Best "little" restaurants in the area. $1.00 breakfast burritos, fish tacos,
beer etc. Tell Laura we said HI!!
If you need more info just ask
BEDMAN
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BajaGrrls
Junior Nomad
Posts: 68
Registered: 7-9-2004
Location: Chicago
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Two Buck Chuck?
Is it really $2? At the Trader Joe's in Chicago, it's $3 and we call it Three Buck Chuck. Ironically most of the other California wines tend to be
cheaper in Chicago then they are in California. Trader Joe's must be the exception. 
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