Updated* Eye of The Storm - Campo La Poma, Baja MX - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Druko · 09-12-2017, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dannowar

they all got gringo taxed. i don't even get one anymore

I've been driving to Baja since the 80's and I've never gotten one or have been asked to show one.

Baja_Traveler · 09-12-2017, 11:23 AM

I've never been asked for one also, and I'm about 50/50 getting one - and I've never once returned it.
I have read reports on Vagabundos that people have been asked to show one down at the GN checkpoint. When they couldnt, they were instructed to head back home, because they were not going any further south without it.
I've always in the past got the free one, no matter how long I was going - I figured that worst case if I was checked on the way home what could they do - send me home?
This new turn in policy is going to backfire on them unless they make it so the form can be turned over while in the return side of the crossing. If they make it too much of a hassle, either nobody will get one or tourists will simply stop going.
Maybe Trump will get the idea to charge every Mexican National crossing north the same FMM fee - then Mexico really will pay for the wall...

Dannowar · 09-12-2017, 12:05 PM

Yup. Got checked and charged twenty pesos agriculture fee at guerro negro Jan 2

CON KSO · 09-12-2017, 02:05 PM

I got checked once at GN in '93. Never since. Wasn't told to go home, was told to go to a bank in La Paz and pay the fee, which I did. Easy enough to get the 180 day tourist card in Tecate. I do it every time we drive down for the winter break. Also easy enough to drive right around the check point outside of GN (take a right at the airport as you come into GN, take a left near the dunes and drive into the back of town). I'd rather just play by their rules - especially if I happen to get into a fender bender.

makobob · 09-12-2017, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CON KSO

I got checked once at GN in '93. Never since. Wasn't told to go home, was told to go to a bank in La Paz and pay the fee, which I did. Easy enough to get the 180 day tourist card in Tecate. I do it every time we drive down for the winter break. Also easy enough to drive right around the check point outside of GN (take a right at the airport as you come into GN, take a left near the dunes and drive into the back of town). I'd rather just play by their rules - especially if I happen to get into a fender bender.

Big holiday weeks would worry me. Heard about two guys who got turned back from San Felipe last 4th of July.

SDROB · 09-12-2017, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by makobob

Big holiday weeks would worry me. Heard about two guys who got turned back from San Felipe last 4th of July.

I believe it and have heard of similar stories.

However me visiting on U.S. Holiday weekends and never having a problem or issue makes me question the people whom got turned back. Meaning how did they act/communicate with the military?

I would imagine anyone with an attitude or any sign of disrespect would make it an easy call for the military to turn you around in SF if you didn't have everything in order.

CON KSO · 09-12-2017, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by makobob

Big holiday weeks would worry me. Heard about two guys who got turned back from San Felipe last 4th of July.

Yep- thanksgiving week at rossman's... I'll pick mine up in Tecate when I cross. CANNOT WAIT for that trip.... getting my calico flies ready!

Glenlivinit · 09-12-2017, 04:53 PM

Very nice report, and enjoyed the video.
Looking forward to my first trip on the 25th, I will try and give half as good a story

chris138 · 09-12-2017, 06:15 PM

Great post Denis. Loved the video edit as well. Sometimes it pays to just go!

makobob · 09-12-2017, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris138

Great post Denis. Loved the video edit as well. Sometimes it pays to just go!

Been telling you guys JUST DO IT

Denis_Ruso · 09-13-2017, 07:46 AM

Thanks everyone. It was my intention to relay how much of an adventure and experience a trip down here can be.

I still find myself thinking in Spanish a little and adjustment to the daily grind has been slow.

Dannowar · 09-13-2017, 10:20 AM

Hit me up when you go again. I'll show you spots that will blow your mind.

dos ballenas · 09-13-2017, 10:38 AM

In regards to the tourist visa it is a no brainier. Get it and get the paid one every time.

It just might keep you out of jail for the rest of your life... a very small price to pay for your freedom!

I've been told many times by many people that if you get into a car accident in Baja you want (NEED) to have that paid tourist visa. Especially if the accident was your fault (which the police almost always assume it is) and there were injuries or any loss of life involved.

Basically I was told by Discover Baja and other insurance agencies that the police have the option to VOID your Mexican auto insurance and throw you in jail if you don't have a paid tourist visa.

When going to a foreign country the smartest thing to do is have all your ducks in a line and cover all your bases in terms of being legal and safety. I will gladly pay $25 for peace of mind when travelling below the border!

Denis_Ruso · 09-13-2017, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dannowar

Hit me up when you go again. I'll show you spots that will blow your mind.

I'll take you up on that offer. I saw some of your vids and deff wana check out that flat reef off punta bufeo. Didn't know that was there.

09-12-2017, 12:05 PM	#3
Dannowar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,823	Yup. Got checked and charged twenty pesos agriculture fee at guerro negro Jan 2 __________________ "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity; lick it once and you’ll suck forever." — Brian Wilson

09-13-2017, 07:46 AM	#11
Denis_Ruso Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 571	Thanks everyone. It was my intention to relay how much of an adventure and experience a trip down here can be. I still find myself thinking in Spanish a little and adjustment to the daily grind has been slow. __________________ 2018 Hobie Outback 13 I do not fear the storm as it will teach me how to sail my ship.

09-13-2017, 10:20 AM	#12
Dannowar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,823	Hit me up when you go again. I'll show you spots that will blow your mind. __________________ "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity; lick it once and you’ll suck forever." — Brian Wilson

09-13-2017, 10:38 AM	#13
dos ballenas Vampyroteuthis infernalis Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 585	In regards to the tourist visa it is a no brainier. Get it and get the paid one every time. It just might keep you out of jail for the rest of your life... a very small price to pay for your freedom! I've been told many times by many people that if you get into a car accident in Baja you want (NEED) to have that paid tourist visa. Especially if the accident was your fault (which the police almost always assume it is) and there were injuries or any loss of life involved. Basically I was told by Discover Baja and other insurance agencies that the police have the option to VOID your Mexican auto insurance and throw you in jail if you don't have a paid tourist visa. When going to a foreign country the smartest thing to do is have all your ducks in a line and cover all your bases in terms of being legal and safety. I will gladly pay $25 for peace of mind when travelling below the border! __________________ ____________________________________________

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09-12-2017, 11:23 AM	#2
Baja_Traveler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Table 17, Bay Park Fish Co. Posts: 943	I've never been asked for one also, and I'm about 50/50 getting one - and I've never once returned it. I have read reports on Vagabundos that people have been asked to show one down at the GN checkpoint. When they couldnt, they were instructed to head back home, because they were not going any further south without it. I've always in the past got the free one, no matter how long I was going - I figured that worst case if I was checked on the way home what could they do - send me home? This new turn in policy is going to backfire on them unless they make it so the form can be turned over while in the return side of the crossing. If they make it too much of a hassle, either nobody will get one or tourists will simply stop going. Maybe Trump will get the idea to charge every Mexican National crossing north the same FMM fee - then Mexico really will pay for the wall...

09-12-2017, 02:05 PM	#4
CON KSO Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 83	I got checked once at GN in '93. Never since. Wasn't told to go home, was told to go to a bank in La Paz and pay the fee, which I did. Easy enough to get the 180 day tourist card in Tecate. I do it every time we drive down for the winter break. Also easy enough to drive right around the check point outside of GN (take a right at the airport as you come into GN, take a left near the dunes and drive into the back of town). I'd rather just play by their rules - especially if I happen to get into a fender bender.

09-12-2017, 04:53 PM	#8
Glenlivinit Junior Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Lake Elsinore Posts: 2	Very nice report, and enjoyed the video. Looking forward to my first trip on the 25th, I will try and give half as good a story

09-12-2017, 06:15 PM	#9
chris138 donkey roper Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Pacific Beach Posts: 968	Great post Denis. Loved the video edit as well. Sometimes it pays to just go!