Hi, Has anyone moved to the Baja? Moving companies from our area want $7,500.00!!! I'm thinking of buying a used moving van and after the move re-selling it. Any ideas or suggestions would really be appreciated. Thanks, Debbie
Sounds like a good plan to me. I'm assuming you have your FM-3 and have read the regs. on importing your belongings to Baja (you have one trip free (I think) and you MUST have a very detailed list of ALL you goods).
Thank you for your input. I think we've decided to go for a FM2. I've heard about the one time only tailed list of belongings. I'll have to unpack everything and list the box contents. Better up here then at the border. Thank you.
I think you have to have your FM3 for 5 years prior to obtaining an FM2. Purchasing a moving van is a really good idea. Should be very easy to get rid of either in Mex. or San Diego.
You no longer have to have an FM-3 prior to getting an Fm-2 Check with Immigration Office. They told us in Feb. that we could go directly to FM-2 now. Costs more BUT!? We have friends that are presently trying to move thier possesions into San Felipe. Using rental truck, following all the rules. Still have not been able to satisfy everyone!! Check with the guy called Sleepydog from the Amigos Board? He can tell you all his latest experiences!!
As with everything else in Baja inconsistancy of the rules enforcement prevails. We made four moving trips to San Felipe last year with our 20 foot cargo trailer. We first obtained a visa for our belongings @ the Mexican Consolate in Sacramento. The first two trips were not a problem to cross with just the visa. On the third trip we were refused entry @ both Mexicali portals and were told that we needed to obtain a cutoms manifest from a customs broker. We took a chance and headed east and were able to cross @ Algadones with no grief. The fourth trip was by far the worst. We first attempted to cross @ Algadones but were turned around as was the case @ both Mexicali crossings.We were required to obtain a cutoms manifest. We had to spend the night in Calexico and then cross @ the Commercial Truck crossing with the tractor trailer trucks. The cost of the manifest was $215. There are 4 gates @ the truck crossing with gates 2& 3 for secondary. You can be required to completely unload your contents @ 2 &/or 3. We were red lighted @ gate 1 and told to unload @ the dock @ gate2. We refused and after much verbal leg wrestling were finally allowed to proceed. Fortunatly, we were green lighted @ gate 3 and then proceeded to gate 4 to turn in all paperwork. It was an ordeal but well worth it to live in Baja. As far as FM-2s, the rules have changed and you can apply without the 5 years of FM2. The cost is double but you receive residency papers after 5 years. FM-3s go on forever.
I have freind whom purchased used u-haul truck in Vallejo, ca. for about 23 hundred us, we loaded that full an had a manifest which had to be translated at the border, then went on down. Used the truck for storage 1 year as house was finish, then brought truck back to states an sold for 2 thou.
Also truck Reg, an insurance has to be in your name. Used Lewis an Lewis for ins. You can not sell truck in Mexico, had lots of folks wanting to buy down there.
Thank you for your response. Your email states that your friend was using a 'rental truck'to move their household goodies down to San Felipe. Do you know which company and is it in the US? I called U Haul and Ryder and they both said "NO" .
Thank you for your help. I really do appreciate it.
we presently live in the USA and are considering moving to some place close to Tecate. We found we were unable to afford San Diego and so are willing to consider moving to just across the border in Mexico. One thing that is a great concern to me is that we have have 4 cats and a toy poodle. Would I be allowed to move my pets back and forth across the border or do they require a confinement period every time they cross? This is all very hard to think about and we are totally clueless.... I just don't know where to even start thinking... I also wonder if any debt that I have here is going to expect to be paid off if I leave the USA or can I just keep making my payments. Then I think how are they going to stop me if I move and then change my address, they will just have to keep taking my payments and can't demand anything, or am I wrong? I don't want anyone to think I'm trying to get away from paying our bills. We have great credit and no problems, I'm just not prepared to pay them all off at once or we'll just be broke and can't move.
We cross the Mexicali border frequently. I carry our vet's invoice for our Scottie dog's vaccinations. We have never been asked for proof in Mexico or the USA. There is no confinement period for dogs....don't know about cats but I wouldn't think there is. Make sure your animals are up to date on their shots because there are a lot of stray animals unprotected in Mexico.
I wouldn't alert your creditors to where you are living. One solution would be to get a PO Box in the bordering US town. Cross over once a month and pay your bills...credit cards, cable TV. etc.
