Tijuana Gringo : Touristic Information
How to Get Through the Border Gate with Minimum Hassle (Legally).
ENTERING THE UNITED STATES:
[ NEW SECURITY PROCEDURES ARE IN EFFECT SINCE 11 SEPTEMBER 2001. You MUST carry identification even if you are obviously (accent/speech/behavior) an United States American. ] (See also: Best times to cross & the Secret of BICYCLES..)
FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE while inflight through xibalba cyberspace,
AHEM...
The border gate at San Ysidro is open 24 hours. Word is (2003) that Otay gate (good for drivers) will soon be open 24 hours, too. {PHIL: NAIL THIS ONE DOWN PLEASE}
Trolley: see below or (we dare you) to figure it out for yourselves. *wicked laugh*
By the way, the Gringo reminds you to: NEVER, Ever, EVER NEVER carry ANYONE else's luggage -- NO Matter WHO -- sweet little old lady, innocent-looking child, or ANYONE asks you....WE Repeat: Carry NOTHING that is NOT Yours. Smugglers (and terrorists) would LOVE you to be STUPID and help them get something across! |
Tips for easy crossing:
- Wait your turn. [ HAVE YOUR IDENTIFICATION READY -- DRIVER'S LICENSE, PASPORT, VISA, ARE NOW REQUIRED FROM EVERYONE. NO MORE SIMPLY SAYING "U.S. CITIZEN" AND BEING WAVED THROUGH. ] Smile and say hello, good morning, good afternoon, whatever. This gives the officer a chance to quickly check you out and hear your accent.
- Be honest.
- Be polite.
- Remember that under the Constitution, the federal government has full authority [ AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL "RIGHT" ] to guard the borders.
- If you drive, often, think of getting a new SENTRI lane pass.
Charlotte complains: THAT LINK Seems to be dead at present (August 2003) probably due to shuffling of feet and dragging of links contingent upon the departmental re-allignment from Justice to Homeland Security (yeah yeah more of the same bullscheise we know we know but
anyway... we still want to say Thanks to reader Scott Barnett for prompting us to find what used to be and one day might still be that "official" US govt info link). Word has it that late in 2003 the U.S. Government will begin issuing SENTRI passes for pedestrians, too.Philip ze-codewizard (pay no attention to that little man behind the curtain) answers: um... I think the link has been corrected here but... you never know....
- If you can choose, walk. This is usually faster than driving (45 minutes versus 100). [ TIMES ARE LONGER NOW WITH NEW SECURITY PROCEDURES See: Best times to cross. ]
- Alternatively, ride one of the shuttle busses from downtown Tijuana (DURING BORDER (U.S.) TROLLEY CONSTRUCTION, these busses will kick you out at the U.S. gate or drive you up to the 2nd Trolley Station (Beyer Blvd)....
- If you are walking, and there is a wait, think of it as a line at Disneyland, waiting to get on a ride -- SEE, EXPERIENCE the U.S. roller coaster!
- Think of it as a supermarket check-out stand.
- REMEMBER WHERE YOU WERE BORN!!!!
- Don't tell them they work for you....
- Be aware what may not be legally brought into the U.S.: many fruits and produce, most fresh meats (some cooked meats), fireworks, etc., ARE NOT ALLOWED.
- Be confident. Carry identification. If you are a United States Citizen, say so simply and clearly when you are asked your citizenship, and equally, if you are a citizen of another country, have your passport and/or visa ready.
- When they official asks what you are bringing in from Mexico, just say what you have. Don't give big explanations of how you went shopping for one thing and found another, just tell her or him what you have right now.
- If you are bringing back drugs (LEGAL drugs) from the pharmacies, make sure you have your Prescription ready to show.
UPDATED WARNING: Supposedly FARMACIAS VIDA are blacklisted due to drugmoney-laundering connections. They are a big chain with clean, attractive branches everywhere in town including Revolution Avenue. You could easily walk in and buy there without realizing you might have problems if you cross back into the U.S. carrying their little medicine shopping bags with the orange star-sunburst logo and name on the bag. ##SECONDARY UPDATE## Farmacias Vida has CHANGED their NAME (August 2003) je je heh heh the game goes on and on.... - Just answer the questions you are asked. Don't waste time telling long involved stories or babeling about what we are telling you here (which is a joke, sort of.... Just Only Answer the Questions you are Asked.
- Be polite.
- Be honest.
- Smile and say thank you.
- Enjoy the United States. Spend money. That is why they are letting you in heh heh heh cackle cackle pay no attention to this little man behind the curtain....
