TRAVEL
HEADING BACK TO BAJA by Greg Niemann
T
he Baja California peninsula is so long, not only does it encompass two Mexi- can states, but two different tourist sea-
sons. The Los Cabos region at the southern tip
is a winter season, a magnet that attracts snow- birds, those retirees primarily from the Pacific Northwest and Canada. But to Southern Californians summer is
king along the Tijuana-Ensenada corridor. Thousands flock to communities along the Pa- cific Coast each week to party, enjoy the beaches, fish, golf, ride horses, enjoy lobster and shrimp dinners, and participate in numer- ous summertime activities. From mid-April until October, there’s always something going on.
With the U.S. economy more stable, im-
proved border crossings and lessened fears of Mexican drug violence, both tourists and those buying second homes are heading to Baja. Most condo and home developments along the Tijuana-Ensenada corridor employ American and/or English speaking real estate agents who can guide you through owning a Baja home. You can find many Baja real estate companies on-line.
Crossing the Border Americans traveling into Mexico now need
a valid U.S. Passport, even for a day visit. Issued by the Department of State they are good for 10 years before renewal. Your U.S. Passport is all you need for stays up to 72 hrs north of En- senada. For longer visits into Baja, you should get
2013 riders in the Rosarito-Ensenada 50-Mile Fun Bicycle Ride.
a Tourist Card. You can buy them at the Inter- national Border, just after crossing into Mexico. At San Ysidro, the world’s busiest border cross- ing, Mexico has built a new port of entry called Puerto Mexico El Chaparral. After the entry lanes make a hard right turn, park at the first buildings where pedestrians and bus passengers cross. Tourists Cards are issued inside; the fee
is about $23 U.S. and they are good for six months. Baja homeowners are encouraged to get an
FM-3 Mexican Permit. If you buy a home or condo there, your real estate agent will help you get one. A stateside Mexican Consulate and/or several services and Notary Publics in Rosarito and Ensenada can also help you get an FM-3. You are directed to show proof of income, bank statements, and pay an annual fee. After 10 years of renewals an FM-3 permit holder can apply for Permanent Residency.
Sentri Pass There are several improvements in crossing
the border back into the U.S. too. By far the best, the Sentri or Global Entry pass, is the most complicated to get but is a must have for those who cross often. There are special Sentri lanes which might have a 10 minute wait versus the maddening long 1-2 hour wait often en- countered at the border. Sentri is part of the Trusted Traveler pro-
gram issued by U.S. Homeland Security. You make an appointment at one of their border of- fices where you fill out forms, are interviewed and photographed, and your car is inspected and a device placed on it. For more informa- tion and registering for a Sentri pass, visit
www.goes.com (Global Online Enrollment System). It’s $122.25 per person for five years. I recently bought a new car and had to
make an appointment for a car inspection be- fore I could use the Sentri again. But when there’re only five cars in front of you at the bor- der it’s worth it.
Coast Wealth Management, Inc. Private Wealth Management for Individuals, Families, Businesses & Trusts
Michael Vandenburg, CFP®
Private Wealth Management Investment Management Financial Planning
A better solution than traditional brokers. Independent, unbiased advise for all of your financial needs
Free Initial Consultation (949)366-5995
COASTWEALTHMANAGEMENT, INC.
302 N El Camino Real, Suite 107• San Clemente, Ca. 92672 www.C oa st We al th Ma na gem ent .c om
62 SAN CLEMENTE JOURNAL
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76