BajaNomad
Not logged in [Login - Register]

Go To Bottom
Printable Version  
 Pages:  1  
Author: Subject: Fmm in mexicali
john
Junior Nomad
*




Posts: 73
Registered: 10-14-2004
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 3-21-2019 at 07:10 AM
Fmm in mexicali


Crossing at Mexicali with a group of 5 jeeps
I am trying to find out where does everyone park
Do they have there own parking area?
Anyone with any info would be appreciated
View user's profile
David K
Honored Nomad
*********


Avatar


Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online

Mood: Have Baja Fever

[*] posted on 3-21-2019 at 07:34 AM


The downtown (west or #1) new border has a large parking area by the INM building as well as on the opposite side after the gates. Most park at the first parking area before the gates, just like at Tijuana's border.



"So Much Baja, So Little Time..."

See the NEW www.VivaBaja.com for maps, travel articles, links, trip photos, and more!
Baja Missions and History On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajamissions/
Camping, off-roading, Viva Baja discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vivabaja


View user's profile Visit user's homepage
john
Junior Nomad
*




Posts: 73
Registered: 10-14-2004
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 3-21-2019 at 07:43 AM


Thanks David
I didn’t know there were two different crossings which is the easiest
View user's profile
David K
Honored Nomad
*********


Avatar


Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online

Mood: Have Baja Fever

[*] posted on 3-21-2019 at 07:50 AM


Yes the original Calexico/Mexicali border (which was upgraded this past year and moved west a block or two from the south end of Hwy. 111) and the newer (well, about 20 years ago) Mexicali East (or #2) crossing a few miles east of Calexico.

If you are coming from San Diego, the original (west/ #1) crossing makes the most sense. There are no great set of published directions from it to Hwy. 5, so follow the signs... I have heard there is a little confusion at the final intersection before reaching Hwy. 5 (near the Costco) so consider this an adventure!



[Edited on 3-21-2019 by David K]

Mexicali 2018.jpg - 95kB




"So Much Baja, So Little Time..."

See the NEW www.VivaBaja.com for maps, travel articles, links, trip photos, and more!
Baja Missions and History On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajamissions/
Camping, off-roading, Viva Baja discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vivabaja


View user's profile Visit user's homepage
sancho
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 3-21-2019 at 08:18 AM


Quote: Originally posted by David K  
There are no great set of published directions from it to Hwy. 5, so follow the signs
[Edited on 3-21-2019 by David K]











I've seen a couple variations, I'm still a bit in the dark,
planning to drive it soon. A post mentions a sign to San Felipe
about 2 mi. after you enter Mexicali, that apparently is
erroneous. Anyone come back thru this new west crossing?
Info says use the old, former lanes along the fence
when coming back with non sentri, regular lanes?







View user's profile
John M
Super Nomad
****




Posts: 1922
Registered: 9-3-2003
Location: California High Desert
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 3-21-2019 at 08:32 AM
Mexicali west


Northbound regular, not Sentri, go the old way along the border fence. You'll be routed to the new crossing.

Sentri is different. Sentri approach is via Presidente - signs along Presidente as you near the border are plentiful and direct you to your own crossing. (name isn't Presidente, actually, it's something else added like el Presidente or similar).

S/B new crossing - be in the left most lane if you can as you enter Mexico. Just after you clear the crossing gate (like immediately) turn left into a parking space in front of a big new white building to get your fmm
View user's profile
David K
Honored Nomad
*********


Avatar


Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online

Mood: Have Baja Fever

[*] posted on 3-21-2019 at 09:16 AM


Hi John M, so the INM building/ parking is AFTER the gates (red/green light)? I saw posts saying before, but also in Secondary after if you drive past the first parking area?



"So Much Baja, So Little Time..."

See the NEW www.VivaBaja.com for maps, travel articles, links, trip photos, and more!
Baja Missions and History On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajamissions/
Camping, off-roading, Viva Baja discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vivabaja


View user's profile Visit user's homepage
Rossman
Nomad
**




Posts: 205
Registered: 10-6-2013
Location: Bahia Asuncion
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 3-21-2019 at 11:29 AM


Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Hi John M, so the INM building/ parking is AFTER the gates (red/green light)? I saw posts saying before, but also in Secondary after if you drive past the first parking area?


Correct on both counts David although "before" the gates is more correct. Went through there last Sunday and went through the gates and asked where the IMM office was. Just happened that the guy that runs the FMM desk was out there carousing with the border guys and he just directed me to an empty area in the secondary and escorted me to his desk and took care of me. While at his desk I noticed there was a good bit of organized parking (10 spots or so)before the gate.
View user's profile
David K
Honored Nomad
*********


Avatar


Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online

Mood: Have Baja Fever

[*] posted on 3-21-2019 at 12:42 PM


Thanks, Rossman, that must have been the post I read then?
So BEST to park before the gates. I know that sometimes the people in Secondary don't like you parking there for INM as it uses needed inspection parking spots.

As you can tell, I have not been across at Mexicali since the new border went in. My last time was August 2017. In August 2018, my trip required crossing at Tecate as I was documenting all of Hwy. 3.




"So Much Baja, So Little Time..."

See the NEW www.VivaBaja.com for maps, travel articles, links, trip photos, and more!
Baja Missions and History On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajamissions/
Camping, off-roading, Viva Baja discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vivabaja


View user's profile Visit user's homepage
Bajazly
Super Nomad
****




Posts: 1013
Registered: 6-4-2015
Location: Goodbye Cali and Hello San Felipe
Member Is Offline

Mood: More Relaxed Everyday

[*] posted on 3-21-2019 at 06:59 PM


A little trick I figured out to get on the road to San Felipe was as soon as you get thru the border, take the very first left. I know, sounds strange but you go up kind of a ramp and you’ll see a sign that says old town or something like that and you will be forced to turn right, go about a block and make another right and go straight to San Felipe. Basicaly it’s the old road you were on when you came thru the old crossing.

A good deal of parking after you cross for INM too, on the left side.




Believing is religion - Knowing is science

Harald Pietschmann

"Get off the beaten path and memories, friends and new techniques are developed"

Bajazly, August 2019
View user's profile
mexicali-kid
Junior Nomad
*


Avatar


Posts: 44
Registered: 4-28-2014
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 3-23-2019 at 02:00 PM


Quote: Originally posted by john  
Crossing at Mexicali with a group of 5 jeeps
I am trying to find out where does everyone park
Do they have there own parking area?
Anyone with any info would be appreciated
Go thru the gates and park to the left.

The office is on the north end of the building you will be parking behind.
View user's profile
mooose29
Nomad
**




Posts: 201
Registered: 10-1-2008
Location: Encinitas/Punta Chivato, Rancho Partera
Member Is Offline

Mood: All Smiles

[*] posted on 3-28-2019 at 10:04 PM


David there is a huge separate area to park after the crossing so no need to worry about taking up secondary space. There is also many spots prior to crossing and the visa desk is at the end of the building closest to the border

[Edited on 3-29-2019 by mooose29]
View user's profile
KasloKid
Nomad
**




Posts: 326
Registered: 8-29-2009
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 3-28-2019 at 11:17 PM


Re: Davids excellent picture of the crossing and directions.
"Stay in the Right Lane" caption..

If I remember correctly, the right lane (crossing into Mexico from the USA) is a "Nothing to Declare" Lane.
A fellow I met at that crossing mistakenly got into that lane and had a bunch of solar panels in his cargo trailer. He not only pay a hefty fine for failure to declare, but a high import fee for the panels. He wasn't aware that he had to get an FMM until I mentioned it.

[Edited on 3-29-2019 by KasloKid]
View user's profile
David K
Honored Nomad
*********


Avatar


Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online

Mood: Have Baja Fever

[*] posted on 3-29-2019 at 06:43 AM


That is not my map, it is only to show the route south from the new border. Stay in the right lane means after you have cleared customs. The left lane goes to the older route south.

It has been posted many times that the parking and INM building is on the LEFT, as it was at the old crossing.

Obviously if you are importing construction materials, solar panels, etc., you must declare their value.




"So Much Baja, So Little Time..."

See the NEW www.VivaBaja.com for maps, travel articles, links, trip photos, and more!
Baja Missions and History On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajamissions/
Camping, off-roading, Viva Baja discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vivabaja


View user's profile Visit user's homepage
PaulW
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 3075
Registered: 5-21-2013
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 3-29-2019 at 07:41 AM


Great. Going south park on the left and get an FMM then cross no declare traffic and go right to get on the mapped route above.
Seems a bit easier to get the FMM then go straight keeping left then right onto Hwy 5 using the old route to San Felipe.

Edit
I might also mention that for a caravan of multiple rigs I would not recommend using the east crossing because of lack of parking to get your FMM. Room to park on the right side will only accommodate 2 or maybe 3 standard vehicles.

[Edited on 3-29-2019 by PaulW]
View user's profile
sancho
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 3-29-2019 at 08:55 AM


Speaking of solar panels, was a guy crossing Mexicail West,
the new West crossing wasn't opened yet, so maybe last
summer, in a larger cl A motorhome, Mex Customs wanted
$350 dlls. for solar panels that were installed on roof of the
MY, turned around went thru another POE







View user's profile
Cappy
Nomad
**




Posts: 146
Registered: 6-4-2012
Location: Rancho Aguja
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 3-29-2019 at 05:25 PM


Does anyone know hours. Thank you
View user's profile
David K
Honored Nomad
*********


Avatar


Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online

Mood: Have Baja Fever

[*] posted on 3-29-2019 at 05:48 PM


24



"So Much Baja, So Little Time..."

See the NEW www.VivaBaja.com for maps, travel articles, links, trip photos, and more!
Baja Missions and History On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajamissions/
Camping, off-roading, Viva Baja discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vivabaja


View user's profile Visit user's homepage
freediverbrian
Senior Nomad
***




Posts: 620
Registered: 2-24-2007
Location: Papas Gonzaga Bay
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 3-29-2019 at 06:07 PM


Crossed last week was searched going south found two batteries for my boat had to pay inport tax. Automotive parts not included in your personal exemption I found out. The road south it hwy 5 is not marked great got lost and I have been thru Mexicali many times. My advice is trurn east at a big Street soon after and connect with the 5






View user's profile
Cappy
Nomad
**




Posts: 146
Registered: 6-4-2012
Location: Rancho Aguja
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 3-30-2019 at 05:14 AM


Trying to cross Monday morning early. I hope to get across before the Donald locks the gate 🇲🇽👀🤞🏼 Travel in big white 4x4 van, Will report road conditions. Say hello if you run into us. Free 🍺
View user's profile
 Pages:  1  

  Go To Top

 






All Content Copyright 1997- Q87 International; All Rights Reserved.
Powered by XMB; XMB Forum Software © 2001-2014 The XMB Group






"If it were lush and rich, one could understand the pull, but it is fierce and hostile and sullen. The stone mountains pile up to the sky and there is little fresh water. But we know we must go back if we live, and we don't know why." - Steinbeck, Log from the Sea of Cortez

 

"People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." - Theodore Roosevelt

 

"You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them or to them." - Malcolm Forbes

 

"Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you." - Jim Rohn

 

"The best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong answer." - Cunningham's Law







Thank you to Baja Bound Mexico Insurance Services for your long-term support of the BajaNomad.com Forums site.







Emergency Baja Contacts Include:

Desert Hawks; El Rosario-based ambulance transport; Emergency #: (616) 103-0262