First Time (Part 1)

1. Parking.

Took the Tuesday off from work for my first time going across the TJ border. Drove from the 5 freeway south and parked my car at the Border Station parking lot at about 12:15pm, which is off of the last exit available before entering into Mexico (make a right at the exit). The lot appeared well secure due to the surrounding fence and bollards. The lot seemed to be only 1/3 full so there was plenty of available parking. I used my credit card to enter the lot and it appeared to be open parking. When I later left, I used the same credit card to exit the lot. I did see a sign that read you can pay with cash, but to pay at the front beforehand. To cut to the chase, I later drove off the lot at 6:30pm (before sunset) and the total parking cost was $9 US dollars.

2. Crossing the Border into TJ.

When walking out from the parking lot, I immediately walked right towards the shopping center outlet. I did not exchange any dollars for pesos, but I did take note of the currency exchange store at the corner of the shopping outlet. It read that it was paying 19 pesos for each $1 US dollar. Once inside TJ, I did not notice any other currency exchange store that paid as much. I used the public restroom at the shopping outlet before walking to the Pedestrian West border crossing. Very easy. 5 minute walk. There were no lines. I didn’t bring a bag so there was nothing to scan.