Since I’ve been sharing some of this with friends, I thought I might as well share with you. I hope it helps.

Health Insurance: I used Dan Boaters travel insurance. I found it to be quick, easy, a great price. Good friends, Shaun and Casey use them and when they had a catastrophic accident, Dan Boater really took care of them. That’s enough for me. https://danboater.org

Vehicle Insurance: I used Discover Baja as they got the quote, paid up, sent me the papers via email really quickly (but not on a weekend). I had to buy for a year but if you’re only coming for a week or two, it’s probably good too. https://www.discoverbaja.com/mexican-auto-insurance/mexican-auto-insurance-basics/ for info and links. Give yourself and them time to do this for you.

Dogs: You only need to have the Rabies certificate these days. Keep the paperwork with you. Here is the official site explanation: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-mexico

Cash: Bring cash! This is mostly a cash economy in Baja California except in the bigger towns but even then, I find you need cash, preferably in notes smaller than $500 mx (pesos). Yes, it’s the same symbol. Since I am talking here about crossing at Mexicali, I recommend the Cambio on the main drag towards the border. Casa De Cambio: 501 CA-111, Calexico, CA 92231, United States. You can find them on the way south. Super friendly good people. Bilingual. Decent rates.

FMM (aka the Tourist Visa). You can start the process online but I don’t think you can complete it so you might as well do it at the border. Bring cash, both US and MX to pay, I say both as you might have the exact amount in one and not the other. Cash is best or you’ll have to go to another counter and wait to pay. FMM is in a building to the left after the license plate scanner but before the vehicle inspection area. White building with a parking area. Pull in. Go inside, turn to your left. The officer is there. https://ioverlander.com/places/11805-mexicali-west

Border Crossing: You’re right there! You might have to stop, talk a moment, maybe let them look inside. Very friendly and professional. Have your vehicle registration and car insurance, driver’s license on hand.  Like I said, if you go through El Centro, you can fill up on cash, gas, food, Starbucks (!) and then keep going. It’s silly easy. Here’s the address: Calz. de los Presidentes S/N, Río Nuevo, 21120 Mexicali, B.C. And the map link: https://www.google.com/maps/search/crossing+mexicali+border/@32.6629791,-115.5161011,14z?entry=ttu

From there, I simply put in San Felipe to my google maps, set it to work offline and then went south. There really is only one main road so it’s Ruta 5. Same map as above will show you.

AND That’s it! You’ll be fine! Eat, drink, pee, and then head down to Baja. It’s worth it.