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General information
- Mexican laws apply equally to local residents as well as visitors, remember to be respectful, don’t do things that you wouldn’t do back home and always use common sense.
- It’s important to always have a valid photo I.D.
- If you are planning on driving, it is very important that you consider buying Mexican Auto Insurance; you will save a lot of time and hassle in case of an accident.
- It is against the law for anyone to bring into México:
- Firearms, cartridges, bullet clips, explosives, chemical substances associated with weapons, ammunition, munitions, and other weapons. (Unauthorized buying and selling such items in México is a federal crime carrying severe penalties.)
- Narcotics and other street drugs.
Water concerns
As opposed to mainland Mexico, Baja California's water has been considered safe for years. In addition, there is a Mexican federal law stating that restaurants must serve purified, "drinkable" water, tested free of contaminants both for drinking and for ice. Most Hotels in Baja California also provide bottled or purified water in guest rooms and popular international brands of bottled water are available for purchase virtually everywhere.
Hotel Infrastructure
- Take valuables with you or leave them in the hotel safety deposit box.
- Never leave money, checks, credit cards, jewelry and other valuables, extra room keys or car keys in the room.
- Report any lost or stolen items to the management and to the police, if you require further assistance call our Tourist Assistance Line 078.
- Determine the easiest route to and from your room to the fire escapes, elevators and nearest Telephone.
- Use all auxiliary locking devices on doors and windows.
- Use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry.
- Report to the management any suspicious activities in the corridors or rooms.
Tourist Flow
Tourism within the Economic Development of Baja California
Currently tourism is becoming one of the most dynamic sectors or the world economy.
According to the World Tourism Organization (OMT is Spanish), in the year 2020, 1,600 million international tourists will be traveling; this will mean a steady annual growth rate of 4.3%. At the same time, it is estimated that these travelers will produce an economic flow of almost 2 billion dollars, amount that will represent a steady annual growth rate of 6.7%. This means that tourism will grow at a much faster pace than the expansion of world wealth that has been forecasted at 3% annually.
In Mexico, tourist activity has remained steadily between second and third place, as far as generating currency goes, for more than forty years. Currently it represents $ 4,126 million dollars annually, amount that is only surpassed by the maquiladora industry and is considered a strategic activity for this country's economic, social and cultural development.
- In 1997, tourism contributed to 9.4% of the Gross National Product, being this percentage superior to the construction, electrical and primary sector industries.
- The State of Baja California is not the exception. The importance of tourism in the state is reflected in its contributions to the economy.
- The Bank of Mexico had a growth of 20% in volume, surpassing the 14% of the average national growth.
- According to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) of the United States of America, in 1998 more than 29 million foreign visitors were registered as they crossed the border by land.
- The economic flow caused by border tourists in the state is of 1,200 million dollars.
The contribution of Baja California tourism to the country's tourism economy has had an important growth in the last years. The reception of the state's tourist currency represented for Mexico:
- Baja California receives almost 350,000 tourists in cruise ships, this means 33% of all visitors that arrive to Mexico by cruise liners, amount that is only surpassed by Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean.
- 51% of currency that is received by border visitors.
- 16% of total currency by tourism and daily visitors that come into the country.
- 7% of total currency that the country receives.
Border Crossing
- Tourists are allowed to enter Mexico with their personal effects and other articles necessary for their stay in the country. The Customs General Office distributes brochures describing duty-free articles.
- Upon entry to Mexico, declare all electronic equipment valued at more than 50 dollars. You could be asked to provide a receipt for each item showing the value
- Carrying, possessing, selling or transporting weapons without a permit is a federal offense in México.
- Importing hunting weapons requires an updated permit, which may be granted by any Mexican consulate.
Marinas and Golf Courses
Wine route
Located in the north part of the state of Baja California, the route of wine (sp. Ruta del vino) it enjoys the Mediterranean weather, perfect for growing grapevines. There are just a few places in Mexico that combine these unique features: the altitude, seasons, weather, and temperature. Without forget the love to the art of making wine.
The first colonies on this region where the Kiliwa and Kumiai cultures, followed by missionaries and Mexicans who opened the route to the arrival of immigrants from Russia, Europe and the rest of Mexico. All this influences helped to create a unique characteristic of the route of wine.
Valleys of Calafia, Guadalupe and San Antonio de las Minas are the hearth of the wine route that also extends to the North of Valle de las Palmas (Palms Valley) and South to the valleys of Santo Tomas and San Vicente Ferrer.
Both wines, white and red are made with lots of dedication starting from the grapes Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Souvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, while reds typically uses Cabernet ouvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Genache, Carignan, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Zinfandel.
The wine route offers a wide range of attractions that goes from small familiar wineries to the great scale products. Reasons why you can find from a small familiar camping restaurants to the most fine table, and places for camping, ranch’s, artesian centers, museums, hotels B&B, wine boutiques, art galleries, Indian culture and natural places.
In this region you can enjoy a fun, active, exotic or romantic vacations in an interesting and secure place. The wine route is the perfect destiny for vacations of couples or family.
Ground Tourist Transportation
- Make sure to have a valid driver’s license and registration for your vehicle.
- Car insurance is not mandatory but it’s highly recommended. There are many companies along the USA-Mexico border that sell Mexican car insurance by the day, week or month. Keep in mind that most US insurance policies don’t provide coverage while driving in Mexico.
- Be aware that speed limits in México are set in kilometers (1 mile= 1.6 kms.) for example speed limit on highways is 55 Miles per hour and within city limits it averages 25 miles per hour.
- While driving respect and obey traffic signs, don’t drink and drive.
- It is a traffic violation to use a cellular phone wile driving in the state of Baja California
- Always use your seatbelt.
- If your car breaks down, turn on your flashers and raise the hood.
- If you must abandon your car, park safely and keep all passengers together.
- Along certain Mexican roads and highways you will find military checkpoints where you may be subjected to a routine search. Please cooperate, be patient and before you know it, you will be on your way.
- Always lock your car and take the keys. Don’t hide a spare key on your vehicle.
- Never leave your vehicle with the engine running.
- Park in well-lighted, busy areas.
- Whenever you stop overnight, remove bags and other valuables from the car and take them inside your room.
Green Angels
They will provide FREE road assistance to visitors in case of a vehicle malfunction while on Mexican highways. They also have a communication network with different government offices and offer basic tourist information.
24 hours / 7 days a week Baja California Highways Emergency Toll Free Numbers:
- 01 800 990 3900: Tijuana – Ensenada & El Hongo – La Rumorosa Toll Road
- 01 800 888 0911: Tijuana – Tecate Toll Road
You can dial this numbers from any conventional or cell phone; they will direct emergency assistance to you including towing services to the nearest toll gate or mechanic in the area.
Traffic tickets
If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation in Tijuana or Rosarito, you should always politely insist on a written citation that you could pay either at the police station, or by mail. Tickets issued in Tijuana can be paid in the USA with a check or money order made out to: H. Ayuntamiento de Tijuana, 416 West San Ysidro Blvd. Suite “L”, No. 725, San Ysidro, CA 92143. Tickets issued In Rosarito can be paid in the USA with a check or money order made out to: H. Ayuntamiento de Rosarito, P.O. Box 439060 San Diego, CA 92143-9060. For the cities of Ensenada, San Felipe, Tecate and Mexicali, traffic fines must be paid at the police station.
When faced with a fine that you consider unfair, you can contest the fine by filling an appeal (Recurso de Inconformidad), either in person or in writing, for a municipal judge to review. To do this, immediately go to the nearest municipal judge within the police station; if you need information on how to do this, call our Tourist Assistance Hot Line 078.
Traffic Fines vary by city: (fines are in Mexican Pesos)
- For running a red light. From $ 261.90 up to $ 654.75 (around USA $25 to 62)
- For not having or not using the seat belt. From $ 261.90 up to $ 654.75 (around USA $25 to 62)
- For using cellular phone while driving. From $ 261.90 up to $ 654.75 (around USA $25 to 62)
- For driving without a valid driver’s license or car registration. From $ 261.90 up to $ 654.75 (around USA $25 to 62)
- For drinking alcoholic beverages on the streets, sidewalks or public property. From $ 873.50 up to 1,309.50 (around USA $83 to 125)
- For exceeding the speed limit. From $ 873.50 up to 1,309.50 (around USA $83 to 125)
- For driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) In addition to the fine, you may also be detained. From $ 1,264.50 up to $1,571.40 (around USA $120 to 150)
What should I do if I find myself in a traffic accident?
- Dial the state wide Emergency Response Hotline 066 (equivalent to 911 in the USA) from any private or public telephone, to notify the authorities. Ask that a policeman and a police accident investigator come to the scene. If you have any questions, call the Tourist Assistance Hotline 078.
- Do not move the vehicles that are involved in the accident and wait for the police accident investigator to arrive at the scene.
- You should call your vehicle insurance company representative.
- At the police station, if necessary, you have the right to ask for an attorney.
- You should find out if your medical insurance policy applies when traveling abroad or overseas. Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Public Transit
- Ask your hotel staff or at any visitor information center in this brochure for directions and bus routes available to and from your destination.
- Public transportation systems in Baja California a operated by private entities.
- Fares vary by area or route. Make sure to ask for fare before boarding and if possible, have exact change available.
- When using a taxicab make sure to negotiate the fare before boarding.
Sightseeing Safety
- Always ask for directions to the sites or places you want to visit.
- City and road maps are available at your hotel or at any of the visitor centers listed in this page.
- If you get lost find an open business and ask for directions or call our Tourist Assistance Hotline 078.
- Avoid driving isolated highways at night and if possible avoid traveling alone.
- Visitors can be targets for pickpockets. Stay alert to what’s going on around you.
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