Latest on Travel in Mexico?

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I posted not long ago about possibly taking a road trip to Alaska but now it looks like I may be going to Mexico instead. I haven't traveled in Mexico since 1992 and before that 1987 but I've logged enough miles to be pretty familiar with the roads. I'm going to Los Mochis to ride the Copper Canyon train with my folks as well as spend some time in Guaymas/San Carlos Bay.

I've heard horror stories of crossing the border and having items confiscated or paying outrageous fees to get them back, as well as being pulled over and having to pay off the officer before they let you go. With the political tension I'm wondering if it's getting too risky to travel south of the border.

Those of you who travel south how about a little "Mexico for Dummies" as far as getting insurance, fuel, roads to travel, watching for Curva Peligrosa signs, etc. I'm planning on crossing at Nogales and on down via Hermosillo, etc. I know Barnes & Noble carries travel guides so I plan to get one of those. I have no idea what it costs to travel in Mexico. I know in 1987 things were real cheap (about $50c for gas, $15 for decent hotel in Chiapas) but in 1992 things were way higher. . . we were paying $1. 50 for gas and $60-80 for decent hotels (but that was on Baja).

Thanks, Vaughn

 

[big jake 1]

Vaughn:



I can have some firsthand info for you on Monday as one of my co-workers recently built a summer home in San Felipe and travels there often by car.

Unfortunately, he is not here at work today, as he is up in Reno for Hot August Nights.



I will see him on Monday and get back to you.





big jake



THE FORD GUYOo. Oo. Oo.

 

[Weatherly]

Traveling in Mexico is not all that bad. Great scenery on some of the roads. Took 97 2500 with 28' travel trailer. Took a 30 day RV caravan from Brownsville, Tx nearly to Mexico City. The drivers down there will make three lanes out of one but will not cut you off like in the states. If you get a ticket, some of caravan did, play dumb and $50 will solve it. I tangled with a bus in Guadulhara (sp) and broke his mirror. Big crowd on side of road, but at 6'2" and 300 lbs (I am a desk jockey not strong) bus driver talked a lot, but found a translator and $50 solved it. Cops drove by but did not do anything. Diesel fuel down there is much better than the states. Tire repair places everywhere even in one building villages. Mechanaics are outstanding on mechanical things, do not know crap about electrical. You will get stopped at certain check points, do not sweat it, just looking for drugs and guns. Some cold Gatorade helps a lot. Keep fuel tank at least half full, diesel and gas do run out occasionally.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Thanks Weatherly, sounds like it's not bad at all. Luckily I'm not planning to venture clear to Mexico City or Guadalajara. Speaking of Guadalajara it was a pretty nice city when we were there in the '70s, I wonder what it's like now. Venturing that far south there is some great scenery. Someday I'd like to explore more of Mexico and even go back to Mexico City. We went to Chepultapec Park and Museum of Anthropology and the pyramids when I was a kid, would really like to see all that again. Did a few loops around the golden angel too, LOL

Vaughn

 

[big jake 1]

Vaughn:



I talked to my buddy and he says you must get Mexican car insurance, you can do that online, as far as traffic citations, you either pay the officer on the spot or follow him to the nearest police stations.



He has never had anything confiscated, at the border if they wave you thru, KEEP GOING!! If they want to check thru your vehicle, PLAY DUMB!!



He drives a gasser, so I can't help you on fuel prices.





big jake



THE FORD GUYOo. Oo. Oo.

 

[davemac]

On Aug 1 I filled up in Nogales, Mex. Paid 5. 64 pesos per liter. Depending on the exchange rate, that works out to about $2 US a gallon.

 

[The patriot]

Vaughn:



I talked to my buddy and he says you must get Mexican car insurance

Ya know... that COULD be the beginings of a pretty good joke, but it's too early for me.

Eric

 

[rkressg]

As already stated, just play dumb with customs and immigration. You are allowed to transfer $800 worth of newly purchased stuff from abroad back into the US duty free.



I constantly travel abroad (I have spent more than half this year outside the US, I am currently sitting in one of my field site offices, in Beijing, while I type this). Make it easy on yourself. Don't try to hide anything from the police, but only answer the questions asked (with short answers).



Make a color photo copy of the first page of you US Passport. Keep this in a DIFFERENT location from your Passport! Do not give your passport to anyone other than the Immigrations Officer! Your US Drivers License is accepted as a valid form of Photo ID in almost every country I have ever traveled to for simple purchases and when checking into hotels. Coworkers of mine have lost their passport and trust me, you do not want to go through the hassle of proving you are an US citizen at the US embassy.



You will need Mexican Car insurance. Get an actual printed copy from your Insurance Company (not a Faxed copy). I can not remember if you need an International Drivers License for Mexico (I have one, but it is not honored in all countries, such as China). They cost about $15 from AAA. Depending on where you drive, you might be stopped by the Mexican Military (usually further in into southern Mexico). This is normal, they are checking for Drugs and other illegal items (part of the government promise to crack down on drugs). Just as a note, and I believe someone else already said this above, be nice to these people, they are usually heavily armed and not the police.



You will probably have a harder time driving into Mexico than your return back into the US with Immigration. When you return, the immigration officer will ask what appears to be dumb questions, he/she is most likely testing you.



Also, Stash some cash in various places (I never travel with less than about $2000 US equiv. ). You never know when you will get stuck in a jam, trust me. A little cash can get you out of almost anything, just don't act stupid with your money.



Travel inconspicuously, don't make yourself a target. If you do not speak Spanish, get a English to Spanish dictionary. Just remember, try to communicate slowly. The Spanish Phonetic spelling is identical to English and many of the words are extremly similar.



Most Mexican citizens are wonderful people, but remember, not everyone likes Americans.



Just my $0. 02.

-Rich