Puente de Amistad

FAQs

E-mail: pdeamistad@gmail.com
Phone: (International call) 011 52664 625 3114
(Direct to Base) 619.730.2145

Postal Mail:
Puente de Amistad
P.O. Box 530569
San Diego, CA 92153-0569

Mexican Address:
Rto. Monte Everest 19381
Fracc. Loma Dorada
Tijuana, BC

Information, documents and forms can be found on the "forms and documents" tab at the top of the page
The Team Leader Manual is required reading by all Team Leaders before arriving in Mexico. This manual will answer all of your trip questions. Also, the Team Member Manual is required reading by all Team Leaders.
It is critical that each team member fill out an individual application online.
There are separate online applications for adults and minors.
Please take into consideration each individual's ability to handle long hours and the conditions in which they will be working/ministering (hot, dry, and sunny) before approving them for the trip.
Minors who are not accompanied by a parent or custodial guardian must have the parent's or guardian's signature on the online application, along with a notarized permission form, emailed to pdeamistad@gmail.com. You can find the PDF document here: Minor Permission Form.
All adults on the team must have a passport or passport card.
Ministry information, including details about house-building project are listed at our House Building Ministry page.
For the most recent pictures visit us on our Facebook page: "Puente De Amistad".
You are welcome to use any picture or bit of information from our Web site to help promote your trip.

Puente shuttle services pick-up time run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. That means that if you arrive in San Diego earlier than 9 am you won't be picked up till after 9 am.
Puente shuttle services drop-off time. On the day that your team is scheduled to leave Puente de Amistad, your team will depart from the Base at 7:45am. Puente staff will escort you to the Otay all-traffic border crossing, if you have driven yourselves in Mexico, or Puente staff will drive you to the Otay walking line, where your team will walk across the border with all their luggage. The team will then be picked up on the United States side and driven to the San Diego Airport. We recommend that the teams Departure flight be no earlier than 12:30pm. If your flights' departure time is earlier than 9 am you will need to get a hotel with shuttle service on the San Diego side the night before. (Remember, most hotel shuttles start at 6 am). If you arrive in San Diego after 5 pm you will need to get a hotel that night and Puenteâ€™s staff will pick you up the next morning after 9 am.

We need a $500 team deposit to secure your dates. Without a deposit there is no reservation.
- The deposit is non-refundable, but will be applied to your final bill.
If your team decides to build a "Puente" house, we will also need an additional $1,000 house deposit at least 90 days prior to your arrival.
- We do need the remaining balance of the house 30 days prior to arrival.
- Please make your check(s) payable to Puente de Amistad and mail to: PO Box 530569 San Diego CA 92153
Lodging: $35.00 per-person, per-night
Meals: $21.00 per-person, per-day. Individual meal costs are:
- Breakfast: $7.00
- Lunch: $7.00
- Dinner: $7.00
Van rental $185.00 per day per van.
Puente House: $11,000.00

How many people can Puente de Amistad accommodate?
The base can accommodate 75 people.

What bedding is provided?
A blanket, sheets, and a pillow are provided on each bed.

What about bathrooms?
Each Dormitory style room is equipped with it's owe shower and restroom. You need to supply your own toiletries. Towels are provided.

Will we have access to the kitchen?
Unless other arrangements are made, the Puente de Amistad staff will prepare your meals at the prices shown on the previous page. If you have special dietary needs, you may purchase your necessities and there is a fridge in the dining room available for group use.

Is the water safe?
We maintain an ample supply of purified water at the base. Purified water is used for cooking. You should also use purified water for drinking and even for brushing your teeth. Showering water is not purified. You should not allow it to enter your mouth. The tap water can be used for washing dishes. A drop or two of bleach can be added to the rinse water for good sanitation of dishes. Since the local people can't drink the water either, all reputable restaurants use purified water. It's advised you bring a good water bottle for refilling.

Will I need electrical adapters?
The base is wired with standard US-type outlets. Electricity is supplied at 110 volts, 60 cycles, so electrical adapters are not necessary.

Are there laundry facilities?
There is washer and dryer at the base, which the groups are able to use, at the cost of two (2) dollars per load (one dollar for washing and one dollar for drying).

Will I be able to check my e-mail at the base?
The base is equipped with Wi-Fi. Only at the request of the Team Leader, it will be given out to the mission team.

Is there a curfew?
Because we are located in a residential neighborhood with close proximity to our neighbors, groups need to be inside the base and quiet after 10:00 PM. This is not bedtime; just inside- the base quiet time.

What kind of clothes should I bring?

Males:

Knee-length shorts may be worn for all activities except church.
No clothing with worldly themes (Alcohol advertisement or suggestive statements).
No Speedo swimsuits.
No shirts that reveal your nipples and please keep your shirt on, even on the job site.
For Church please dress nicely:
- A nice shirt, polo, or button down (no t-shirts).
- No shorts - Nice slacks or jeans with no holes.

Females:

Mid-thigh shorts may be worn for all activities except church (Active wear for night time, at the base only, is ok but must still come to mid-thigh).
No clothing with worldly themes (Alcohol advertisement or suggestive statements).
For Church please dress nicely:
- A dress or skirt is preferred (knee-length or longer).
- No shorts - Nice slacks or jeans with no holes.
- No sleeveless tops.

Can I bring jewelry?
Please do not bring expensive jewelry that may be lost or stolen.

What about piercings?
In Mexico, piercings can detract from your testimony and from the testimony of your group. Therefore, during your mission trip to Puente, we ask guys to leave their piercings at home and we ask girls and ladies to limit piercings to their ears.

How much money should I bring? Do I need Pesos? Here are a few tips:

Amount is entirely up to you. It is very difficult for clerks to provide change in US currency, so it is very important to bring small denominations $10's, $5's, and $1's. Whatever amount you decide upon, it is wise to carry it with you.
You need cash for use in Tijuana. Credit cards and Traveler's checks are not accepted. ATM machines are harder to come by.
Responsibility - You are responsible for the safekeeping of your money. Money has been lost on these trips. Please take precautions.
Exchange - Most places you will visit accept U.S. Dollars, so exchanging money ahead of time is unnecessary. However, it is very important to bring small denominations $10's, $5's, and $1's.

What kind of things should I pack?
Any medications, sunscreen, personal hygienic items, appropriate clothing for activities as scheduled (see the team member manual page 8).

Do not pack: towels, sheets, pillows, or valuables.

Will I be able to take pictures?
You will have many opportunities to take pictures during your time in Tijuana. Please be courteous when taking pictures of people and ask their permission first. Some orphanages will allow you to take pictures; some will not. Please ask first. Pictures may be taken during most church services. However, please ask your Puente de Amistad leader ahead of time. Because of the delicate relationship with the neighbors behind the mission base, please do not take pictures of the neighborhood Mexican children around the base.

Is their a store nearby?
Yes, there is a store close by that has all the basics.

What do I need to enter Mexico?
Mexico has enacted new rules about bringing goods into Mexico. If your group is bringing toys or other VBS material, you may have to declare the items at the border and be prepared to pay a customs fee (generally about 16% of the declared value). We recommend that you visit the Mexican Customs Web site for more information.

Are their special requirements for minors?
All applications for team members 18 years of age and younger must have the notarized signature of the custodial parent or legal guardian of the minor unless the minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian. Puente recommends that leaders carry a notarized list, on church stationery, of all team members and any major items, such as sound equipment or tools, being brought into and out of Mexico.

What about bringing vehicles to Mexico?
If the owner of the vehicle you bring into Mexico is not in the vehicle, you need written notarized permission from the registered owner. Up-to-date registration cards, tags and driver's licenses are essential. Mexican immigration laws may change. Check with Puente de Amistad for current information.

What about Mexican vehicle insurance?
Mexican insurance is required for all cars entering Mexico. It can be purchased right before entering Mexico or during your trip planning. Below are insurance providers that we use frequently. You can use them or find an alternate provider. If you purchase your insurance prior to traveling to San Diego/Tijuana, you will need to show your proof of insurance to Puente de Amistad staff leading you into Mexico.

Baja-Mex Insurance Services, Inc.
2335 Roll Drive #3
Otay Mesa, Ca 92173
(office at Shell Gas Station by McDonalds at Otay border crossing)
Website: www.baja-mex.com
Phone: 619-661-5420 Fax: 619-428-2533

Gateway International Mexico
Phone: 800-423-2646 or 619-422-2671

What do I need to return to the U.S.?
A passport or passport card.

Teams traveling with young people under the age of 19 should investigate the Special Groups rules to determine if they apply to any of your team members.

It is the team leader's responsibility to:

Check the government Web sites and ensure that all team members are in compliance with government requirements.
Provide to Puente de Amistad a copy of each team member's passport or other government approved document not less than 30 days before the team's scheduled arrival date at Puente de Amistad.
Ensure that each team member has his or her documentation in their possession before departing their home city.