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Gypsy Jan
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Tips for Driving Across the Border into California
From San Diego Red
by Eduardo Flores Campbell August 22 2012
"Every year, it seems to get harder to stay out of long lines at Mexico/US border.
Most people want to wait less than one hour, but waits at the San Ysidro port of entry can be two hours or more on a busy weekend, and twice as long
on a Sunday afternoon.
For many people living in Baja California the city of San Diego is definitely a shopping paradise. These Southern California visitors end up spending
all day on shopping sprees at San Diego's malls, they are smart shoppers, time conscious, and have a lot of border-crossing experience.
I asked around some of my fellow Americans, and noticed some people don't have a clue on how to avoid wasting time at the US/Mexico border.
So I did a survey with my friends from SanDiegoRed.com and we decided on "seven ways to shorten the wait".
Our tips will help you have more fun and spend less time in line. In fact, you may save so much time that you can stay longer, which is the best way
to travel around Baja, when you are in no hurry.
Dealing with Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) requires some planning, so we've prepared a simple guide of time management tactics will all shorten your
waits somewhat.
1-Know what ID is necessary: They are three types of lanes at the San Ysidro port of entry. For "regular lanes" is very important that you have the
correct documentation before you plan to cross the border. For faster "ready lanes" you need WHTI-compliant, RFID-enabled cards approved by the
Department of Homeland Security. And "Sentri lanes" are reserved strictly for the use of NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry and Free And Secure Trade (FAST)
card holders.
2-Check out border wait times before crossing. Especially if you can choose from different border crossing, such as at Otay Mesa, you can tune into
104.5FM Radio Latina or visit their website or the U.S. Customs border wait times at their official site.
3-Upon arriving at the CBP booth, roll down your window all the way, take off your sunglasses, and always turn off radios and cell phones. Turning off
the engine is not a necessary step, however if the officer ask you, immediately turn off the engine.
4-Have your car registration on hand: CBP officers are on the lookout for stolen vehicles or people trying to break the law, so having your car
registration handy is a smart move.
5-Unnecessary items in your trunk may be a source for questioning and potentially send you to secondary inspection adding time to your border crossing
experience.
6-The CBP officer will ask you a series of questions, such as "How long you have been in Mexico?" and "Why are you traveling to California?" Answer
these questions directly, never make jokes about it, and always declare all goods you have purchased or acquired while you were outside the US.
7-Think about it from the CBP officer perspective, because he does not know you or what you may be capable of. So never forget to smile, remain calm
and collective all the time.
There are other ways to avoid the long lines at the San Ysidro port of entry. For instance, a special lane dedicated to medical tourism. That's all
for now, in my next article, I will write about it for sure."
eduardo.flores@sandiegored.com
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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Brian L
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All but number 2 only help the guy right behind you. If everyone practiced the other 6, the lines would be quicker.
Brian
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Sandlefoot
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"For faster "ready lanes" you need WHTI-compliant, RFID-enabled cards approved by the Department of Homeland Security"
Am I correct that I can use the "ready" lane" if everyone in the vehicle has a "Passport Card" whereas these are RFID enabled?
Happy Trails
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sancho
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Sandlefoot
Am I correct that I can use the "ready" lane" if everyone in the vehicle has a "Passport Card" whereas these are RFID enabled?
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Yes, same as Sentri everyone in vehicle must have
the Passport Card, Passport books do not work,
although they are also RFID, they must be different,
don't know what would happen if one uses the Ready
Lane with a Passport book?
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Sandlefoot
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I have been back an forth for the last 13 years but have always done it the hard way......waiting in lines!!!! Now we have the passport cards and
will venture into the next line over!!!! Thanks
Happy Trails 
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David K
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The part of rolling down all windows and taking sunglasses off is spot on, but also have your passports in hand (or whatever you are using to prove
your citizenship)...
At the end of our 15 days to the tip trip, the officer at Tecate USA border only asked what we were bringing back, after wanting to hear us say we
were American (I had already handed him our passports)... two cans of Tecate and a half bottle of rum... it was one of the fastest crossings north
after being in Mexico the longest in over 10 years. Of course it was at Tecate 
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captkw
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border
myself have never,ever been asked for car reg and every time on the boat..but ,they are laughing at my dog wearing shades and that really lowers the
risk factor !! k&t
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DavidE
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Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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Every "Xth" vehicle is randomly selected for secondary by the Tec 2 computer. Every "Xth" secondary inspection is bumped up to a class II inspection.
If you cross enough times you'll get to see this in action. A class III inspection is some serious stuff. You don't want to know what a class IV
inspection means.
I've been around when a belligerent jerk decided to "take on" US Customs and curse and belittle and refuse to cooperate. Man oh man, I couldn't get
out of there fast enough. Apparently some descended into the depths of body cavity search and "extensive vehicle inspection".
I smile and say "Good Morning!" as I hand them my passport.
"How many kilos of cocaine are you smuggling today?"
"Are you hiding several thousands of dollars in cash?"
"How much stuff do you have hidden?"
I have had all of these questions asked of me more than once (at one time or another) and at eight border crossings in the north and two in the south.
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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durrelllrobert
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DavidE
I have had all of these questions asked of me more than once (at one time or another) and at eight border crossings in the north and two in the south.
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I think entering the US from Canada is much worse then from Mexico except for the long lines.
Bob Durrell
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DavidE
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Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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Yup. To CBP distinguishing a "Mexican" from an "American" is simpler than sorting "Canadians" from "Americans".
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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Gypsy Jan
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DavidE, We Have Never Been Asked Those Kind of Questions
We always have our passports/now Passport Card ready to hand the CBP officers, we always roll our windows down so the officer has a clear view of the
inside of the vehicle.
And we always introduce our other passenger, "The World's Laziest Service Dog" who is sleeping in the backseat and has his own passport ID as well.
This works, I think in part, because it breaks up the boredom of the day for the officer.
I believe you about the "X" factor random selection, but in the last ten years we have been sent to secondary only once. We have never been asked for
proof of car registration or other documentation.
This doesn't mean that we were dealing with polished, professional government agents; I think that it means we presented a nonthreatening and "normal"
appearance.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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DavidE
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Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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Gypsy Jan,
NBD, I just reply with a straight face "None".
If you are ever asked for registration, it would be in secondary. In 1999 I was asked by a US Customs agent for proof of California liability
insurance and at the time the vehicle had current California tags.
Eagle Pass Texas, 2005
"Where you coming from today?"
"Piedras Negras"
"How long were you in México for, sir?"
"25 months"
"IN PIEDRAS NEGRAS!?!"
"No sir, I live in the state of Michoacan"
"You just told me you were in Piedras Negras!"
"Yes sir. You asked me a specific question. 'Where are you coming from today? I try my best to answer all questions as truthfully and accurately as I
can' "
"You know, you are absolutely correct sir, and I apologize. You did exactly the right thing. Have a nice day".
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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Sandlefoot
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My number came up one time crossing at Tacate and I was sent to secondary. I was driving a chystler 300. had 2 small dogs, and a wife with me. Once
in secondary we started gathering the leashes for the dogs and all hell broke loose. You woulda thought we were Bonnie and Clyde trying to get away
for the local cops. As we sat in the car we were told (not asked) to "stay in the vehicle", we were not trying to get out. We sat and waited for
about 20 minutes for them to process every Mexican plated vehicle they had. When they decided it was time to look at us, we were told, (not asked) to
"get out of the car". We did. we were told (not asked) to go "over there and stand there". We did. Their drug dog was doing its job and my dog
barked (she wanted to go play). I was told (not asked) to "keep my dog under control". This is a 15 pound dog wanting to play with a shepard!!! My
dog was well "under control". We answered all their questions respectfully and politely, we stayed within an inch of where we were told to stand, and
they went throught the car as if it had something in it and they were going to find it!!!! They found our dog food!!!!! Complained about bringing
back into the states and I said "keep it" but I guess they didn't want it cuz it went back into the trunk. By the time the experience was over I was
possitive that all the "inspections" we had up and down mexico, this was by far the worst experience we had ever had. At the hands of our own
government we were treated like escaped criminals, while in Mexico we were treated with respect if not only neutral. We have never had another
"opportunity" to go into secondary but if we do I will be logging the names of every one that can not show repsect for the very ones that are paying
their wages. I understand and agree with the necessity of the border crossing process, but this was WAY over the top. And Jan I do understand to
look at it from their position. Had we given them ANY reason to treat us poorly I would be more forgiving, but we did everything exactly as they told
(not asked) us. I am very compliant but I have a tendency to not be intimidated and maybe because they could not push me around it made them feel like
I was a treat. Okay now I have vented!!!!!!!!
[Edited on 8-24-2012 by Sandlefoot]
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Gypsy Jan
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Hi, DavidE
We were once asked, very aggressively, by the border officer who shoved his face in our car, "Why would a U.S. citizen go to such a dirty country?"
And my husband replied, "Good people are everywhere, even when they live in poverty."
The agent didn't/couldn't respond. He just waved us on through.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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Udo
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My only time at Tecate secondary was after a three week trip to the tip and back.
The CBP officer at the gate asked what we were bringing back.
I just stated a couple of hats, a tshirt, two bottles of tequila and some driftwood.
Was sent into secondary by the CBP officer. Not told why.
The secondary officer went through all our bags and found the driftwood, took possession of it and sent us on our way.
We won't go into the secondary inspections in TJ and Otay.
Udo
Youth is wasted on the young!
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Bajaboy
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We crossed at Tecate the other day...wait time maybe 15 minutes...the CBP guy wanted to hear about our trip, talk to our kids, hear about the
difference between my Tacoma and my old Taco (he's thinking about trading up from his jeep), and if it was as hot in Baja as in Tecate. Really
pleasant guy but after 3-5 minutes of chit chat, I was ready to move along.
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Ateo
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Most of the time, the Border Agent has no idea where it is you've been......."Guerrero Negro........where is that?"
They should give a class to teach these guys/gals cities.
It would help them decipher if you're lying.
The guy at Otay said he'd never been to Baja. You would think they'd be interested in who and why these people are coming back into the USA.
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Ateo
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They do a tough job...............I'm not insulting them.
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durrelllrobert
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
This works, I think in part, because it breaks up the boredom of the day for the officer.
I believe you about the "X" factor random selection, but in the last ten years we have been sent to secondary only once. |
We get sent to secondary 9 out of 10 timed just because my wife has a Conditional Permanent Residence Card and is Canadian.They also
check/ release cars that were sent there for serious reasons before they even talk to us and eventhough we were there long before them 
[Edited on 8-24-2012 by durrelllrobert]
Bob Durrell
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captkw
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LAND OF THE FEE !!!
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