CLICK HERE to return to the Baja Bush Pilot Home Page.


October LogBook
From:
Ted Kenney/1813b
Date:
10/1/99
Time:
2:20:06 PM

Message

Has anyone checked through Mexican Customs at Loreto lately? I've heard that they make you unload your whole airplane and go through all your luggage. I was going to check in there next week but am now considering San Felipe.

From:
BILL HENDRIX  BBP#2074b
Date:
10/1/99
Time:
6:27:07 AM

Message

JACK,

I'M PLANNING A VACATION THE WEEK OF OCT. 11TH TO MULEGE, DO YOU RECOMMEND CLEARING CUSTOMS IN SAN FELIPE OR MEXICALI? ALSO ANY CHANGES IN THE FEES?

From:
Jack @ BBP
Date:
10/3/99
Time:
4:27:19 PM

Message

Of the two, Felipe has been the best in the past

From:
Mike Dawson/1944b
Date:
10/4/99
Time:
8:55:23 AM

Message

I'd like to bring up a subject I haven't seen addressed much--maintenance in Mexico. Has anyone had any good (or bad) experience with FBOs down there? What got me thinking about this was that I have been noticing the number of airplane paint shops that have been disappearing due to environmental issues. Are there cheaper-but-just-as-good paint shops down there?

From:
Jerry Chandler\1196 b
Date:
10/5/99
Time:
8:46:09 PM

Message

Answer for Ted Kenney regarding Loreto. I flew into Loreto 10/2/99 and the federales looked in every knook and cranny of our luggage but customes did nothing. We did clear nto the country at San Felipe then to Bahia de Los Angeles first. Charges at MMSF were $42.00 for comming into the country $16.00 for landing fee (twin) and fuel was $3.37 per gal. No fee for passengers. They told me that Mexicalli was charging all of the above plus the passenger fees both in and out. I would never use Mexicalli until the fees go away. If you want direct contact with me, my email is alar1ltd@gte.net.

From:
2119b
Date:
10/6/99
Time:
1:46:06 PM

Message

Dear Jack, Do you know if Punta Chivato is open. Going down next week.

From:
Jack @ BBP
Date:
10/7/99
Time:
6:08:48 AM

Message

Regarding aircraft maintenance, I have been told that there is a place in Uruapan (page 468) that does a great paint job. Two of our members have had their aircraft painted and as I remember, they went down, spent about a week while the people did their thing and the price was right. Don’t have anymore particulars. Regarding Chivato, been told by many sources that the kitchen and bar are gutted and the hotel is basically closed.

From:
Jack @ BBP
Date:
10/8/99
Time:
7:50:52 AM

Message

Well.... Just talked to the people at Francisquito and they are out of fuel. They have told me they will let me know when they get more however, for now, don't plan on it.

From:
Bob Jones 0636b
Date:
10/9/99
Time:
9:54:26 AM

Message

Jack, I just read your message about San Francisquito being out for fuel. I will be flying in on Oct 15 and staying through Oct 19. You know, I just called Chary to ask if she had my weight belt and she did not mention anything about the gas. I am very glad that you keep us all informed. Have you heard anything about fuel at San Felipe and Guerrero Negro? Thanks, Bob

From:
Jack @ BBP
Date:
10/9/99
Time:
11:31:37 AM

Message

Bob, the people at Francisquito indicate that they should have fuel by the middle of the month.... Should not be any problem with fuel up north.

From:
John Gray\0732b
Date:
10/10/99
Time:
2:01:13 PM

Message

I am planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta Dec. 26 - Jan. 2. I plan to top off fuel in Calexico, clear customs in Guyamas, then fly on to Puerto Vallarta. On the return I just need a fuel stop about half way between P. Vallarta and Calexio, but would prefer to avoid Guyamas if it would involve extra fees. Does anyone have an opinion on a better choice of stops, and what choices for fuel stops do I have in the vicinity of Guyamas? I am also wondering what to expect for tie-down fees at P. Vallarta?

From:
John Gray\0732b
Date:
10/10/99
Time:
2:02:56 PM

Message

I am planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta Dec. 26 - Jan. 2. I plan to top off fuel in Calexico, clear customs in Guyamas, then fly on to Puerto Vallarta. On the return I just need a fuel stop about half way between P. Vallarta and Calexio, but would prefer to avoid Guyamas if it would involve extra fees. Does anyone have an opinion on a better choice of stops, and what choices for fuel stops do I have in the vicinity of Guyamas? I am also wondering what to expect for tie-down fees at P. Vallarta?

From:
Tom Wilkinson
Date:
10/10/99
Time:
2:35:01 PM

Message

Jack: Just returned from Punta Pescadero as a result of your superb recommendation,It was excellent/though pricey... For BBP member info here is a run down as of 10-09-99: IPL:If you need to fly down night prior The Best Western is on field @$48.00/nite with a really nice restaurant Moma's Place about $10.00+ p.p. no tie down fees and fuel $2.25.@ FBO. Reservations suggested in Winter due to visiting snow birds. MMSF: Does NOT open until 8:00am local. Fuel was available @ $3.45/gal. Ldg fee $7.00 and $42.00 air tax. No imm. fee as we purchased the cards in GYM last month and they are good for 180 days. Staff here is as always great. Gossip is airport will not be bought by the company who runs Cabo. Note:They had fuel as of 10-09-99 in the pm. I advised SAN radio who was very interested in knowing this. Punta Chivato: Rwy 13/31 is ok, Txwy (frmr)Rwy 09/27 is a little soft all the way to the tie down(I have an Arrow). Military guys made a thorough inspection of luggage onboard. Hotel is as you know still closed, Caretaker there says the hotel expects to open with 10 rooms on Dec. 2 1999 but the local military guys feel it will be another year. I understand the new owner also owns the Mis'ion in Loreto so for more correct updates that would be the place to call. We really love this place but little work has been done other than the kitchen area and due to inactivity the property is run down/overgrown. We wish them well and hope they reopen soon but I do not see any $175-$200/night improvements being made and that is ok with us. MMLP: Ldg fee $7.00 and fuel $2.64/gal. Still a long hike to the commandante office in passenger terminal for paper work. All staff were great and we were asked for our imm/tourist cards. No "local taxes" were imposed. Mexican air rescue now have Russian Antonovs there (like a big F-27) ask nicely and you get a tour... Punta Pescadero: Important to radio the hotel first in air for pick up. I would not want to walk there with my luggage in the heat. A small note...As always with any uncontrolled airport check the area prior to landing as there was abundant evidence of horses roaming the rwy/ramp. Loreto: ldg fee $7.00, fuel $2.74/gal, new sign in dispatch office: If air taxes/fees not charged at other Mx AOE they WILL be charged at Loreto. Military guys were very courteous and asked to search our plane and they did so very extensively. All in all Loreto was very much by the book but still the same old group of good guys from the past. CXL: Fuel is $2.00/gal...tank up! Note: A new sign is up in customs that if you arrive after 5:00pm the FBO will charge additional fees for fueling.

Sorry for the very long message but felt it would be of interest...A small way to pay you back on your own provided info. Any additional info plz e-mail me at: TomCostaSales@juno.com

Best Regards

Tom Wilkinson Arrow 56114

From:
Tom Wilkinson
Date:
10/10/99
Time:
2:40:47 PM

Message

To any BBP pilot:

I am looking for hotel/rates/contact/beach info for Bahia de LA and Cielito Lindo. Would appreciate any info and your comments. Thanks

Tom Wilkinson TomCostaSales@juno.com or Baron@apc.net

From:
Bill & Mary  Jo Jahn BBP#1809b
Date:
10/10/99
Time:
5:50:19 PM

Message

Jack:Good luck with the fees, I read your letter looks great, let me know if I can do anything. I have a super idea for a fly in next year! My wife and I are very good friends with the Hussong family. Every year J. D. & Walter Hussong Have a International Chile Cookoff in Ensenada- trust me its a BBP kind of party!! We have been going for the last four years, and competed twice. The cookoff is sanctioned and the winner goes straight to the finals where the prize money is 25,000.(us). Anyway, while sharing an adult beverage with Walter & John @ this years event(Oct. 2)They asked if the BBP club would have any interest in participating in year and setting up a fly in and maybe do another Toys For Tots run.They herd what a great turn out we had in S.Q.!! If you want to do it I will help put it together. The Hussongs operate a Beach and Tennis club outside of town with a Hotel & other accommondations.We could all fly into Ensenada (we wont have to pay the $42.00 fee) they have fuel & an A.O.E. Its a great time and we can do some good things for the kids again. If this sounds good I will help make it happen. LET ME KNOW!!

From:
John Grube 0389
Date:
10/11/99
Time:
8:11:19 AM

Message

10/08/99 DO NOT LAND AT GUYMAS. Unless you have money to burn ! On a recent Aeromedico trip to Mexico we were about to land at San Felipe when a departing pilot told us they had just run out of fuel. We diverted to Guymas and paid $148 in fees for a C210 and three passengers. It took almost 30 minutes for the guy to fillout all the various forms. Our fellow companion plane ,C182 RG paid the same . We were even charged $3.86 [ all US DLS ] for parking while we fueled and cleared customs. DON'T LAND AT GUYMAS.

From:
Tom Rogers #2109
Date:
10/11/99
Time:
10:29:31 AM

Message

I am planning on flying to Puerto Puenasco, Rockey Point nest week from San Diego, I have a 172 Rented. Will leave Montgomery Field at about noon Friday, and return Sunday. There is an AA convention, there. So not a big drinking experience. I am planning on doing customs in Mexicalli. after fueling in Calexico. I have not been into Mexicalli in a long time. New cost? Any suggestions I would appreciate it. Thanks Tom Rogers.

From:
Kevin Warren
Date:
10/11/99
Time:
3:55:40 PM

Message

I thought you guys would like to know this. As of Monday Oct 11th, pilots entering Mexico through San Felipe will be required to go into town, find a bank and pay the $15.00 immigration fee to the bank. They will then give a receipt which you take back to the airport and give to the immigrattion officer. Only then will he issue you a tourist visa. I was told this on Sunday the 10th when I exited Mexico.

From:
Jack @ BBP
Date:
10/11/99
Time:
4:29:15 PM

Message

Tom Rogers, Rocky Point is a airport of entry. To save a little money, go to Calexico (or Yuma) for fuel, then Rocky Point. On departure, leave Rocky Point direct back to Calexico (or Yuma)

From:
sidney johnson
Date:
10/12/99
Time:
11:05:33 AM

Message

Single female looking for ride down to cabo dec. 26th or 27th from phoenix and/or returning to phx or any california airport (preferable san jose) jan 2,3,or 4th. of course will help with expenses or can trade small 1-bedroom bungalow on beach as exchange for ride (bungalow would be available anytinme april-oct) please call if we can work something out. i could also meet you in la or san diego if necessary for trip down. call sidney at 831-475-4799 or e-mail me at sidj@hotmail.com thanks!!

From:
Bill Rush\1556b
Date:
10/12/99
Time:
2:20:52 PM

Message

Has anyone been through San Felipe this week. I'm headed down to Punta SF on Friday and would like to know if the trip to town for immigrations is really happening.

From:
Mike Dawson\1944B
Date:
10/12/99
Time:
3:51:59 PM

Message

Does anyone know of any great fly-fishing spots in Mexico?

From:
Jack @ BBP
Date:
10/12/99
Time:
8:57:00 PM

Message

Mike, sure, try Bacuburito (page 373) for bass which is in the state of Sinaloa. Give me a call if you need help with it.

From:
Willi Gebhardt
Date:
10/12/99
Time:
9:00:16 PM

Message

Jack- looks like no more flights into Mexico for us. With all the new fees and now this newest requirement to purchase the visa at a bank it seems that we will just have to go to other places. As a matter of fact our trips south justified our airplane, too bad , but we may just forget the whole thing and go commercial. Then what justification do we have to keep the airplane. Over the last 15 years or so that we have taken our plane into Mexico we have spent considerable amounts of money but no more. We simply refuse to reward this kind of stupidity. Try to change their attitude--good luck.

From:
Bob Jones 1995
Date:
10/13/99
Time:
5:20:26 AM

Message

Attn: Bill Rush.... We are also headed to PSF this Friday and were planning on getting gas at San Felipe, since Jack mentioned that PSF has no fuel. If this is true about the bank trip, I will take care of the visa stuff in Mexicali and only stop at San Felipe to get gas if they have it. This is so strange....a trip to the bank is required and the town is not even close! We will be on 122.75 and we are in A Cessna 182, 5159N. I hope to hear from you and see you there at PSF. My e-mail is bobjone35@aol.com. I will also be calling PSF to recheck the gas situation and I will report back on that.

From:
Jack @ BBP
Date:
10/13/99
Time:
2:16:15 PM

Message

We now have better information regarding the "payment of fees downtown" deal. Go to "Baja Alerts" to see more.

From:
Rick Roessler
Date:
10/13/99
Time:
9:11:09 PM

Message

Has anyone been thru Ensenada in the last 2 weeks. I plan to fly to Cielito Lindo with 2 planes this weekend and we'd appreciate any info regarding fees. Thanks

From:
john Grube 0389b
Date:
10/13/99
Time:
9:34:33 PM

Message

Another option regarding the San Felipe fee for the visa . Go to the closest Mexican Consulate here in the States and get a visa in advance to take with you. We have a consulate in Oxnard.

From:
Bob Jones
Date:
10/14/99
Time:
12:11:30 PM

Message

Jack, I just spoke with Julie from Sanfrancisquito and she says, "Per Armondo PSF now has aviation fuel." Bob 12:00 Thursday 10-14

From:
Bill Rush
Date:
10/14/99
Time:
3:43:04 PM

Message

Attn. Bob Jones.

Got the info. on fuel in PSF. I tried your email but it bounced.

I'll see you tomorrow.

From:
Jim&Terry Bartell
Date:
10/14/99
Time:
4:40:27 PM

Message

My wife and friends are out of Baja until they clean up their act. Stopped in Lapaz and had to pay a landing fee twice in 45 min's. To the same man I might add. Upon leaving Loreto I was told we all needed new visa's. I explained that they were still good and would be for anouther 4 months. The man promptly threw them away and with a smile said "oh no, you need new ones" We flew all the way back to Ca with a good 20 min or so on fuel left. This is not standard treatment for us. We make 5-6 trips a year and never have any problem. Always smile and tip everyone, including the fellow that charged me the 2 landing fee's. Only tip was with the first charge. Never had Fed problems. Love it down there, but will wait it out until things shape up. If I would have had to stop with no visa's we would probably still be there. Anyway good luck Jack. Jim Bartell N8768R

From:
0111b
Date:
10/18/99
Time:
10:44:12 AM

Message

Does anyone know what if any, are the landing and parking fees for the major airports at Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. What is the current San Felipe story about going into town for purchase of your visa? What if you land on a weekend? Are the banks open? Looks like I am going to cancel the three flying trips I take every year to Punta Pescadero. It will be a shame but Bahamas, here we come. Until Mexico gets its act straight (and the only way they will do this is if it c$osts them) no more flying our Baron into Mexico. What a shame.

Martin Potter

From:
Bill Jahn 1809b
Date:
10/18/99
Time:
2:30:28 PM

Message

Jack; What about my Ensenada cookoff idea (see 10/10 message). Any thoughts?

From:
0662b
Date:
10/18/99
Time:
2:56:23 PM

Message

Just spent the weekend in San Felipe. Fee's were as expected. $42 airspace $15 Landing, $7/nite tiedown. Officials all friendly and courteous including "Cleared to land, Welcome to San Felipe". The fee's were as expected $42 airspace, $15 landing fee and $7nite tie- down. On Oct. 18th they had fuel. Sorry I did not get the price.

From:
Tom Rogers, 2109
Date:
10/18/99
Time:
11:28:02 PM

Message

I am planning on going to Mulegue, Nov 4-8th. out of San Diego. I planned on landing in San Felipe, but the visa fee, bank in town sounds like a real drag. The taxi fees alone and extra time might make me change my mind.

Jack thanks about the info, regarding Rockey Point as a point of entry, I did not know. Thanks for the suggested route.

They guy suggesting getting your visa in the States, I took a friend down South about 6 months ago and he acquired his visa in San Diego, and we found out San Felipe would not accept it and had to issue another, but they were free then. Do not be surpirsed if they do not accept visas issued in the USA.

We were going to stay at the hotel Serenidad. What fees are San Felipe charging to land and check out of Mexico. Please keep me intouch with the visa crap having to go to town. These guys are going to choke tourisim this winter.

Thanks for any help. Tom, out of Montgomery Field. Goldenwings.

From:
Ted Kenney, 1813b
Date:
10/19/99
Time:
7:21:43 AM

Message

Regarding obtaining visas in the US... You can get them at consulates BUT, you still have to pay for them in Mexico. As I understand it, in San Felipe, you have to go to a bank in town BUT, you can wait to go to Loreto or some other AOE and there pay at the airport. If you want to go to Mexico, you are going to have to factor in these fees. The only thing you can do to help is stay away from Guaymas where they make you unload your plane and take every thing into the terminal. Plus they seem to have additional fees that no one else charges, i.e. parking fee at the gas pump

From:
Tom Rosen\7917K
Date:
10/19/99
Time:
10:03:39 AM

Message

Entered Ensenada 10/10. Only fee was for flight plans inbnd. and outbnd. - $6.00us each. Already had visa's from previous trip. Exited Ensenada 10/14. Same fees as inbnd. trip - $12.00us total. No airway tax.. Fuel at SDM $2.20 or $2.30 vs. $1.99 at CXL. Punta Chivato hotel will not be opened for several months. Will report when it does. Runways at PCH ok - being maintained by the homeowners now.

From:
Bob Jones 0636b
Date:
10/19/99
Time:
1:23:20 PM

Message

Attn: Bill Rush Bill, If you are wondering what happened to me, we got a rough engine, dropping oil pressure and rising oil temperature as we were about over San Felipe. The trend was not good, conditions getting worse, so we had to turn back. By the time that we got back to Calexico, there was oil spray all over the bottom of the 182. (It's a rented Cessna, by the way.) I asked another pilot to try and pass the message that I was not coming, but he was not sure that he could deliver it, so I left a message with PSF's service as soon as I got back. I hope that you had a good time without us. The weather sure looked great from the air anyway. The customs guys at Calexico were very interested in two guys who went in and out of Mexico in just a few hours and went through EVERYTHING! (But very polite about it.) Bob bobjones35@aol.com

From:
Larry 2078B
Date:
10/19/99
Time:
7:56:51 PM

Message

Dont go to Guaymas Unless you got money! We just got back from there to attend a Boda of a friend of ours and were charged $80 in fees sky tax, immigration tax, immigration departure tax, landing fees, takoff fees, tie-down, but was able to use Magna in the tanks. What ever happened to the Old Commandante who for years has made Guaymas a favorite of mine and others to land.

Larry

From:
Larry 2078B
Date:
10/19/99
Time:
7:57:25 PM

Message

Dont go to Guaymas Unless you got money! We just got back from there to attend a Boda of a friend of ours and were charged $80 in fees sky tax, immigration tax, immigration departure tax, landing fees, takoff fees, tie-down, but was able to use Magna in the tanks. What ever happened to the Old Commandante who for years has made Guaymas a favorite of mine and others to land.

Larry

From:
William Mitchell
Date:
10/20/99
Time:
9:26:19 AM

Message

Hello - I'm flying to Baja for the first time - leaving Oct 26. Based on info from this BB - I've decided to use Ensinada as entry point, rather than San Felipe. From there I fly to Los Cabos International - with fuel stop (Loreto?). Anyone been to Los Cabos airport lately? Any shananagans going on there? Is there an FBO I should use? Thanks much.....William Mitchell N7145W

From:
Hector F. Gonzalez Mazuera\206b
Date:
10/21/99
Time:
9:23:59 AM

Message

To any one going down to the Central America trip: If weather cooperates I'm planning to leave Rochester, Mn on the 29th via Hays KS then to Tucumcarri,NM then to Nogale, AZ; from there to the advise of Jack; I'm flying to Ciudad Obregon as my first stop in Mexico. Is there any one that I can meet with to fly from Tucumcarri or Nogales to Ciudad Obregon ? Please let me know

Thanks,

Hector F.

From:
1165b
Date:
10/21/99
Time:
9:33:57 AM

Message

My recent experience(last two months)entering Mexico is thru San Felipe. If any one has entered thru Mexicali lately can you tell me if you were able to pay for the new visa at the airport and were you charged $15 per person passenger tax in addition? Dale McLeod

From:
Dale Mc Leod,  #1165b
Date:
10/21/99
Time:
9:46:42 AM

Message

My recent experience(last 2 months)entering Mexico has been thru San Felipe. If anyone has entered thru Mexicali lately were you able to pay for the new visas at the airport and were you charged $15 per passenger tax in addition? Appreciate any info. Also what price gas? Dale McLeod, DALEMAC24@AOL.COM, Phone 949-492-5382

From:
Ted Kenney/1813b
Date:
10/21/99
Time:
11:31:53 AM

Message

For William Mitchell. I go to Cabo about 4 times a year and have not used the Los Cabos airport for a long time. They are and always have been very expensive. My advice to you is to use the little airport in Cabo San Lucas. There is a guard there who will charge you $6 a day to guard your airplane. He can get you a cab to take you into Cabo. No fuel but you can get enough in Loreto. You'll probably save $100.

From:
Randy Lord
Date:
10/21/99
Time:
6:11:34 PM

Message

William Mitchel- I second that don't go to SJD go to CSL, the little airport. Recently down there and they have a small military post and the overnight guard will watch your plane.

I just received a call from some pilot friends living in Baja and the word is to use Ensenada as AOE no $42.00 fee or $15.00 pp tax.

Cheers Randy Flash@ez2.net

From:
William Mitchell 
Date:
10/21/99
Time:
10:48:30 PM

Message

To Randy Lord and Ted Kennedy -

Thanks for your advice -I'll skip Los Cabos and go the the smaller airport. $6 for a military guard for my plane sounds like a deal..........

william@humboldt1.com

From:
Tom Rogers, #2109
Date:
10/21/99
Time:
11:21:34 PM

Message

Airport 316 Puertocitos,, I purchased your book and If I recall it does not mention that they have many good tie downs and a nice cement warm up pad at threashold. My mother has a house there and we fly down several time each year.

From:
Hector F. Gonzalez Mazuera/206b
Date:
10/22/99
Time:
5:54:27 AM

Message

For the trip down to central America, I'm leaving Rochester MN on the 29th via Hays, KS to Tucumcarri, NM then to Nogales, Az. I would like to meet with someone going down on this trip. Jack suggested that use Ciudad Obregon as AOE. If any one interested; please let me know were time and date so we can fly as a flight of two or three?

From:
Robbie Felix
Date:
10/23/99
Time:
1:42:23 PM

Message

Hi all, I remember that a few of you were planning a trip to Central America in the fall/winter. I just returned from Costa Rica ( been there for a month) and am planning to buy a resort there and go down to stay by Jan...If your trip is pretty soon and anyone is open to a paying passenger, I would love to go. My email is robbie@powermongers.com . Phone is 831-476-8715 best wishes as always, Robbie

From:
BILL JAHN 1809b
Date:
10/23/99
Time:
5:56:32 PM

Message

Going to San Felipe 12-30 thur 1-2-00 anyone else spending New Years there and want to PARTY !!!

From:
Maxwell Rosenberg
Date:
10/24/99
Time:
8:23:34 PM

Message

Fellow Aviators, Don't forget the fact that the taxi fee is $20-25 each way to town. I have been going south for past 15 years, usually 4-8 times and the climate now is very bad. Airports are closed, fee's are high, consistancy gone, fuel is unpredictable and $4 a gallon. I SAY BOYCOTT! Its terrible, but things must change. Max Cessna 185 and King Air F-90

From:
Maxwell Rosenberg
Date:
10/24/99
Time:
8:33:35 PM

Message

Additionally, Bernice at San Jose Del Cabo is very accomidating and helpfull. Security is excellent. They can receive FAX's etc. for you and she is great for unusual requests. I have used Handlers in Mexico and they really help the process. Clay Lacy in Van Nuys reffered me to a company that is great. Again this is expensive, usually $500-600 but for those of you who fly there on Charters/Corporate it really smooths the process out. I arrived in Puerto Vallarta a few months back at 5:45 am and 6 different people, customs-commadant etc.. were all there and the rental car person. These services are too much for most of us, but when I fly the company plane it is worth it. In my 185 on my dime-no way.

From:
Maxwell Rosenberg
Date:
10/24/99
Time:
8:33:53 PM

Message

Additionally, Bernice at San Jose Del Cabo is very accomidating and helpfull. Security is excellent. They can receive FAX's etc. for you and she is great for unusual requests. I have used Handlers in Mexico and they really help the process. Clay Lacy in Van Nuys reffered me to a company that is great. Again this is expensive, usually $500-600 but for those of you who fly there on Charters/Corporate it really smooths the process out. I arrived in Puerto Vallarta a few months back at 5:45 am and 6 different people, customs-commadant etc.. were all there and the rental car person. These services are too much for most of us, but when I fly the company plane it is worth it. In my 185 on my dime-no way.

From:
Rick Roessler
Date:
10/25/99
Time:
6:51:27 AM

Message

Regarding Ensenada fees: The airport has not yet received the ok from Mexico City to collect the $42. But the visa is still required. You may be asked to drive to a bank to deposit the $15 or you might just get a friendly customs man who stamps your passport and sends you on your way. But that's iffy. One customs man sent several flyers into Ensenada and two hours later they returned with the visas, but were so mad they flew directly back to the states. I'm checking with the Mexican Consulate in San Diego today about getting a visa before I cross the border.

From:
Rob Heinean/3244
Date:
10/26/99
Time:
6:45:55 AM

Message

Has anyone had any experience flying into Monterrey as an AOE?

From:
Jack Taylor/1889b
Date:
10/26/99
Time:
5:07:33 PM

Message

Just returned from La Paz. Here's latest re Turist Visa problemas. Enter at Mexicali and obtain visa at airport. (MXP 153). Enter at San Felipe and drive to bank in town. Those arriving on a Sunday or after normal banking hours will be SOL. We passed on the town trip at San Felipe and said we would pick-up visa at Loreto per BBP suggestion. At MMLT, they said: take taxi to bank in town since only those arriving MMLT as a POE could get visas issued at airport. Also said "sorry, bank in town closed, suggest spending night in Loreto! We said no thanks, will pick-up visa in La Paz to which they advised that we would need a town bank visit in La Paz since it wasn't a POE. We landed at Rancho Las Cruces near La Paz and were fortunate enough to catch one of their van drivers who took our paperwork to a bank in La Paz before noon on Saturday and got the visas. Driver said the first bank he went to, BACOMER, had heard about collecting the fees but hadn't been issued with all the details regarding collections yet. The second bank, BANAMEX, knew everything, took our money, stamped the forms, and issued a receipt. If we had to make this trip ourselves, we would not have been happy campers!! On the return, the guy that collects the fees at San Felipe say that we should fax the Minister of Tourism in Mexico City as well as the State Minister of Tourism in San Felipe with our complaints. He also said that officials from the airport were talking with one of the banks in town to either send someone to the airport to collect the fees or to make arrangements for the airport to collect the fees on behalf of the bank.(Don't hold your breath!)

We need to rattle some cages with the folks in power and hopefully we can make this problem go away in a few weeks or months.

Jack Taylor

From:
Jim Bunck - 1924
Date:
10/26/99
Time:
6:10:34 PM

Message

Regarding the tourist visa situation. It is my understanding that if you are staying in Baja less than 72 hours the visa is not required and no trip to a bank in town. If you tell them at the airport that you will staying less than 72 hours do they still make you go to a bank in town to pay a visa fee? Anyone knowledgeable about this issue, would appreciate a response. Thanks

From:
0438 b
Date:
10/26/99
Time:
9:18:19 PM

Message

Jack

I would like to go on the whales trip, however, I would like to reserve which place to go in stead of waiting until we arrive to select. I do not object to a non refundable deposit for that privilege. Will this be possible

Brian