Crossing the border in Tijuana was easier than we expected. We were at the border around 10:30 am and it took us about an hour and a half to get it done.
We stopped at the bus line (do not know why), we choose to be scanned I guess. While on the line waiting to be search or scanned, I went inside to get the tourist cards and permit for the car.
I was kind of nervous, we didn’t know what to expect, and we read so many stories and fill our minds with information, that we were apprehensive of what was coming. At the end there was nothing to be worry about, everyone at the border were really nice and willing to help.
Before crossing to Mexico get your car insurance. You can do it over the phone and email. If you google it you can find many options but to save you a little time here are 2 options: 1- bajabound.com (we didn’t use this one, this is info shared by Alaskans Pauline and Nathan, travelers we meet in La Jolla Campground, thank you guys!!)
2- Isabel Gonzalez, she is an agent based in Ensenada, but you can contact her by phone at (646) 154 2233 or by email insuranceisabel@prodigy.net.mx and her address Calle 9 y Espinoza #1251 L-13 Ensenada, Baja California.
When you get to the border crossing there is going to be a green/red light, green means your vehicle is not going to get inspected, and red it means you have to stop and going to be directed to the side and be inspected, I think they choose randomly, who gets inspected. After you cross this, park on the right side close to the building and walk inside to the migration office to get your tourist card and stamp. Give the officer your passport and they will give you the tourist card to fill with your info, there is a desk outside the office with a tourist card sample and shows you how to do it. FYI: on the part where you have to put your destination just write Mexico and leave the Address blank, explain latter to the officers that you are planning to explore Mexico.
After you fill the card walk to the the Banjercito (next to the migration office on your left side) pay US$ 22 per person or the equivalent in M$. At this office you can pay for the car permit, just get your title and registration ready.
When you have your receipts go back to the migration office and get your stamp. And now you are ready to go.
Happy Travels!!!
Overland Wanderlust 