robt65
Jul 23, 2010, 9:28 AM
Post #3 of 11
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Re: [yodave] where to cross border into US and car permits
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Hello yodave,
I have always crossed at Matamoros for several reasons. It is the Southern most point of the USA that touches Mexico, making greater distance daytime driving on the Mexican side more productive. In other words I can drive farther towards my destination (Tampico, Altamira or Queretaro) in a days time. Usually I can make Tampico or Altamira in about five to six and a half hours depending upon construction, checkpoints etc. Going to Queretaro, it affords a good amount of travel and usually I can get to SLP during daylight for an overnight hotel. It also keeps me out of what I call the danger circle of several cities (and areas) that could have problems at any give time.
I don;t think that you can find a more accommodating crossing point for car permits, customs, immigration, banking for fees, and monetary exchange than Matamoros. It is all within ONE AREA. You park (usually in a shaded area) and do all your business from that one parking place. I have found most of the various department staff very nice, business like and usually typically warm hearted. The key is to have all and I mean all your paperwork in hand ready to do business. When I do this it takes me usually no longer than 25 minutes to get me permit and my FM whatever. Now I do not any longer require my FM visa as I have Perm FM2. Make your own copies of everything before getting to the window, saves you much time and a few pesos. customs as at any of the crossings (I imagine) take the longest. Usually as the staff is overwhelmed by pure numbers of persons requiring inspections. Again, make sure that you have any necessary paperwork in triplicate at least, just in case.
At Matamoros they even have a small cafe of sorts right there where you can get a cool drink and something to eat. I cross with my two big dogs and cat and have never even been asked to look at their vet papers for shots. I however do make sure that I have their collars on and the rabies tags prominently displayed and I also have their papers readily available. I carry a small legal size cardboard expanding type file with everything sorted in its own category. that makes it so much easier. Always have extra copies of Passports, FM's, Mex Car Insurance Papers, Drivers License, Vehicle / Trailer Registrations, Vet Certificates, and other important papers in this folder. I also go to the exchange and get about $5000 Pesos in smaller bills (none larger than $500, $100 denominations and a handful of Mexican Peso coins. This also saves time at the permit window. The exchange is only about 65 steps from both the car permit office and the immigration window. They also have a bank that s used for any customs payment right next to the little cafe. That is about 50 steps from where your car is usually parked for customs inspection. It is really a pretty simple place to cross.
They do have public bathrooms there but for sure they are not the cleanest. You also have to provide your own stationary! (smiling) Always good to carry any way. I also usually stop just before the USA side inspection (going into Mex) at the Burger King and get something to eat and take with me in case the wait is a little longer on that day.
Once past the border follow the signs to San Fernando and Victoria and you will get to the highway out of town. the signs are a little confusing the first time there but the people are very good if you just wind down your window and ask Victoria or San Fenando? Only place to be really careful is on the bridge on the Mexican side going into town. Make sure that you absolutely do not speed o this bridge. They are waiting (the transito) to get ya! After you make the left turn You will se a very large Soriana (the new one) Mall. I usually stop ther for a last bathroom visit and to get some thing from the deli to carry me through for the first days trip that I can eat on the go. about 30 miles or so out of Matamoros you will find the first and only Aduana customs checkpoint. It is new and very good. Again, knowing this is going to be coming I have all my necessary papers together for inspection by the person in my lane. Typical questions, where are you going, for how long etc. hey ay ask to look and that is fine. A smile and positive attitude is a winner all the time. Never more than 5 minutes for me even with the cargo trailer. the highway to Victoria is not the toll road it is a free road and usually pretty good to travel.
Hope this helps you make your decision.
Robt65.
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