Answers to some of Marina CostaBaja's frequently asked questions.
1. How long can my boat stay in Mexico?
All countries regulate foreign marine traffic within their boundaries, whether for commercial or pleasure purposes. Mexico's law allows an owner/captain to enter Mexico with a pleasure boat and keep it in the country for the duration of the original visit, which is determined by a "tourist card," which can be issued for up to 6 months.
Someone wishing to keep his boat in the country for longer than the original visa can do so by requesting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for up to 10 years. The temporary import does not change the registry/nationality of the boat, it is simply a permit to keep a boat in Mexico for up to 10 years. There is a one-time $50.00 US fee.
It is recommended that you get a TIP at your first port of entry. The Temporary Import Permit is not issued in all ports. If you are coming from the USA on the Pacific side, we recommend that you stop in Ensenada at the one-stop office and do all paperwork (Immigration, Port Captain, and the Temporary Import Permit) there. If you wish to obtain the TIP at another port, go to the Customs (Aduana) office and ask for a list of ports where you can obtain it. In La Paz, the permit is issued at the Banjército office in the ferry terminal in Pichilingue, 10 miles from town. If you don´t have a car, you can reach the office by bus, which runs from the downtown La Paz waterfront bus depot in the morning. Bring the following original documents (plus a copy) with you to the Banjército office: Your passport, tourist card, and vessel documentation or registration, the hull number, and engine identification numbers (VIN). You will need $50.00 in US dollars or a credit card. Customs will issue a document and a decal that is to be placed on the vessel.
The Import Permit is also needed to import maintenance and repair parts and materials for your boat. It is recommended that you attach to your original application a detailed list of equipment aboard, including brand names, models, and serial numbers where pertinent. The permit is valid for multiple entry into the country for the 10 year period, so you do not have to cancel it when you leave Mexico if you are planning to return.
You also have the option to process the TIP via the internet prior to entering the country. The process is not simple, however it has been proven accurate and successful. The TIP is then sent to your home address. For more information, visit http://www.banjercito.com.mx
Contrary to another old-time belief, there is no law allowing importation of goods for "boats in transit." Importation of repair and maintenance materials for pleasure vessels can be arranged for boats with a TIP. If you ship a part out for repair, have the package checked by Customs first. To have parts shipped to Mexico, you will need a letter from a marina which verifies that the parts are for the vessel and not for sale.
3. Does a Temporary Import Permit allow me to bring ANYTHING into Mexico duty free?
The items to be imported must be for repair or maintenance. Other items must be declared and duty paid. That is, anything that could possibly be sold separately from the boat is subject to duties.
Importation must be done at the point the goods enter the country. If you import something which is arriving on a direct flight from Los Angeles, or in Guadalajara, Hermosillo or Mexico City, you must be at the airport where the plane first touches down in Mexico.
Following is a suggested procedure for importing parts and materials. Bear in mind that each Customs port, even each official, may do things differently.
A. Arriving with merchandise at the Mexican border (by car):
Have with you a copy of your TIP, two copies of the Invoices of the equipment you are importing, with serial numbers and accurate description of the merchandise, and two copies of third party voucher (usually a marina, and often they don't ask for this).
B. Merchandise shipped direct to La Paz by air. These items must be picked up by the owner/skipper of the vessel.
Go to customs cargo office at the airport and pick up the Guia (which refers to a tracking number; the actual translation is "guide") and Cargo Manifest. Gather all serial numbers and relevant information regarding merchandise shipped.
- Fill out and make two copies of SAITMDMRMIT, being sure to include serial numbers and accurate description of the merchandise.
- Make two copies of your TIP.
- Have copy of Guia and Cargo Manifest.
- Have original and copy of third party voucher if requested.
- Have two copies of the invoice of the merchandise being imported.
- Present all the above at the Customs main office in La Paz at the BANJERCITO window.
In three days, the office will issue you a letter to present to the Customs official at the airport (Vista) instructing him to inspect the merchandise and release it to you if all is in order.
C. Merchandise sent by overnight or express mail like DHL, UPS, FEDEX, or USPS
This is sometimes a more difficult proposition. You must deal directly with these companies and a Customs agent to get your merchandise out of customs in Toluca or Guadalajara, wherever the plane first touches down. The TIP sometimes doesn't work for lack of information on the part of the shipping company, inland Customs authorities not acquainted with maritime law, and often a definitive (rather than temporary) importation must be done, which entails paying taxes and duties. Procedures change often (faster than we can keep up with) so be sure to ask for latest procedure before you start.
As of April 29th of 2005, Mexico changed its clear-in and clear-out procedure for coastal navigation (Mexican port to Mexican port) for private yachts under 500 gross tons (Article 167 of the Navigation Law's Regulations). Once the vessel formally clears in to the county at its first port of entry, the only requirement is that the vessel notify the Port Captain's office (or an authorized marina) of its entry and departure. They will require vessel name, last port of call or port of destination, changes in crew and vessel documentation or registration number. Port clearance (and associated fees) through Immigration and the Port Captain ("Despachos" or "Zarpes" ) is no longer required, with the exception of international departures. When clearing in or out of the country by sea, the services of a ship's agent is optional. The Port Captain in La Paz district (including Cabo San Lucas) requires a health inspection of the vessel before issuing a Zarpe for international waters.
5. Do I have to check in and out with immigration when arriving from or departing to another Mexican Port?
With the changes in the Navigation Regulations described in #5 above, immigration no longer requires crews in coastal navigation to check in or out with them. You must check in when arriving from a foreign port and check out when departing to a foreign port. Your tourist visa will be taken from you, so it is recommended that you make a photocopy to keep in your file.
6. Is there a fee for anchoring my boat in La Paz?
In 1997 the administration of most ports in Baja California Sur, including La Paz, were turned over to a State owned company, referred to as "API". The current PORT ENTRY fee for vessels under 39 tons is $73.06 pesos. For vessels 20 tons or over the current port entry fee is $2.18 pesos per gross ton.
On June 16, 2007, the API fee in La Paz for anchoring in its harbor were the rates shown in the following table: (payments must be made in pesos, the USD equivalents are for information only)
| Gross Tons |
Pesos per Day |
USD Equivalent (approx.) |
| 1 to 20 |
$ 10.75 – $ 11.00 pesos (flat fee) |
About $ 1.00 USD. (current exchange rate fluctuates) |
| 21 to 100 |
$ 0.99 per ton |
$ 0.90 cents per ton |
| 101 plus |
$ 96.47 flat fee |
$ 9.00 flat fee |
When you clear into La Paz, you must go to API's office on the Main Pier downtown, they will ask you to estimate the length of your stay in the harbor and will charge you according to the days you estimate. If you stay longer, go to API to pay the difference before checking out. Visit: www.bajaport.com for information.
Boats in marinas do not pay an anchoring fee; if questioned, show API your receipts from the marina to be exempt for any time you spent in one.
The above fees change about every 6 months, so we recommend you go to API, BCS' web page for the latest fee updates at: www.bajaport.com
Mail service between Canada or the USA and Baja California Sur is dependable and moderately fast. Regular letter mail takes between 5-10 days. Small packages, including gifts or parts, can be sent regular air mail; expect them to take two weeks for delivery except at Christmas time. From the U.S. Post Office, International Express Mail service works well and the sender will get an ID number for tracing purposes; delivery time is from 8 to 10 days and there is sometimes a small Custom's charge at this end.
8. What mailing address should I use to receive mail in La Paz?
Please use the following address for mail sent through the regular postal service:
Your Name
Your Boat Name
Marina CostaBaja
Km 7.5 Carretera a Pichilingue
La Paz, CP 23019, BCS, Mexico
The mail is sorted and placed in the Club Cruceros de La Paz building at MLP; as a courtesy for Club handling of your mail you should join the Club ($10.00 per year). Bring a supply of U.S. stamps, as there is an informal hand delivery system in place, whereby cruiser/guests are willing to carry letter mail when they fly north.
If mail is being sent by a family member via one of the special delivery services, like UPS, tell them not to include a surprise gift, or medicines, as this will sidetrack the shipment in Customs on the mainland of Mexico where the shipments are first checked.
Letter items sent by UPS, Fed Ex, or DHL can take from 1-4 days to arrive. Be sure to give a street address, as delivery companies will not accept a postal address. Our street address is:
Marina CostaBaja,
7 Carretera a Pichilingue
La Paz, 23019, BCS, Mexico
10. Can I have faxes or e-mail sent to me at Marina CostaBaja?
Our Business Center will deliver faxes for you, and receive and deliver e-mails in case of an emergency. The fax number is: 011-52-612-121-5764. The e-mail address is:
info@marinacostabaja.com. Be sure to tell the sending party to put your name and your boat name on all faxes or e-mails, otherwise they might not reach you.
Cruisers who stay more than 6 months in the La Paz area often end up with cars. Be sure you keep your U. S. or Canadian driver's license as well as your car registration, current. It is illegal to leave your car behind when you leave, or to sell it to a Mexican. However, many do. If you take it to the mainland of Mexico you must obtain a special temporary import permit (you must have title, tourist visa, passport, a major credit card, insurance and $180.00 pesos). This paper work is done at the ferry terminal, north end, near the water. A sticker will be attached to your windshield and the car can remain on the mainland for 6 months, period. Many cars change hands between cruisers, but only another Canadian can buy a Canadian registered vehicle because ownership cannot change hands outside of the country. Don't leave a car without changing ownership; you will be liable for any fines or other legal problems accumulated by others. Be sure you have the required liability insurance on your auto. It may save you an unpleasant stay in jail in the event of an accident.
12. Do I need to have boat insurance?
Liability insurance from either an American or a Mexican company is required for your vessel.
13. To whom do I turn if I have a problem in Mexico?
The tourism office "Secretaría de Turismo" can be of help to you. If you feel you have been the victim of a scam or theft, go to them and file a written report and they will assist you. If you feel you need help with translation at some government agency, ask them to help you. The La Paz tourism office can be reached by telephone at (612) 124 01 00. The office is located at: Km 5.5 carretera al Norte, Edificio FIDEPAZ, La Paz, BCS.
14. How close is the nearest U.S. Consular Representative?
The U.S. maintains a consular office in Cabo San Lucas. The consular agent can renew passports and notarize documents. The agent visits La Paz about once a month and meets people at "The Dock Cafe" in Marina de La Paz. The number in Cabo San Lucas is 01 624 143-3566; office hours are M-F from 10:00 to 1:00 P.M. The rest of the time you can leave a message on an answering machine.
15. What is the best way to get money while I'm in La Paz?
Aside from what you carry in cash and travelers checks, ATM machines are one way to have access to funds. There is an ATM machine available on site at CostaBaja Resort and Marina. Some other suggestions for ways to receive funds: Arrange for bank-to-bank transfers by filling out the proper forms at your financial institution before you leave home; such transfers can then be requested by voice or fax; payment is the same day; pay out can be made in U.S. currency or pesos. Get a telephone number from your bank which will put you in touch with a person, rather than a "communications system" and make sure you get a direct phone number from your bank (or stockbroker) before you leave home.
Money can be sent via Western Union to Banco Azteca, located in the Elektra stores (Furniture store located in downtown La Paz. Pay-out is in pesos. Personal checks are rarely accepted except by businesses or individuals, even those you know. Foreign coins are useless to anyone, as the banks will not accept them; please don't use them for tips.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Local businesses and banks WILL NOT TAKE BILLS THAT HAVE BEEN WRITTEN ON. Inspect the bills you are bringing with you and exchange any that have been marked in any way.
Yes. There is an AmeriMed clinic right in Pueblo Marinero, and medical and dental services in La Paz are excellent and reasonably-priced. General medical practice is widely available, and you can find specialists in most fields. Many doctors and dentists are bilingual, and the hospitals provide full medical services., however, expectations in the hospitals may be different from those you are accustomed to, especially in the general hospital. At most facilities, family or friends are expected to provide needed services, like purchasing medicines or fetching water or bedpans.
17. What is the best way to make telephone calls in Mexico?
The least expensive way to telephone is by using the prepaid LADATEL cards at the phones located all over most towns. The cards come in $30, $50, and $100 peso amounts and can be used for calls within and out of Mexico. In-city calls cost about $.50 centavos a minute. There are ways of using ATT and other carriers. Ask your server for its number via an 800 (or 880) number before leaving home. Finally, there are two cell phone companies in La Paz. Most 800 numbers do not work from Mexico. Most cellular companies in the USA have extended service that covers La Paz, recently NEXTEL service is also available.
18. Where can I connect my computer to send and receive e-mail?
The restaurants and Hotel at Marina CostaBaja have Wi-Fi service available. Marina CostaBaja has free wireless internet service (Wi-Fi) available in the crew lounge, adjacent to docks J and K. No password is required. Every slip at Marina CostaBaja has hardwired internet access, achieved via a coax cable terminal at the dock box. For internet access, you need to request a Cable Modem from the Marina Office — a refundable security deposit is required. Vessels with an external antenna can access the Hotel's Wi-Fi (FIPALAPA) or the Wi-Fi from the crew lounge. In addition, La Paz has many Internet Cafés where you can rent time on their computers or plug yours in.
19. How important is it to speak Spanish?
Many people in La Paz are bilingual, but Spanish is the primary language. Whatever amount of Spanish you can learn will be useful and just as important to your successful cruising as any of the other skills you are practicing.