The information provided in all Mexican pages are only suggestions and anecdotal stories.  The information in the Mexican pages is a generic peace of work and is meant only as a general guide, it should not be taken as absolute fact. The information provided in these pages can change at any given day. 

By clicking on some of the links provided in these pages you are leaving our web site.  The listings given here are intended to assist in the location of organizations that provide a special service and not as an endorsement of these firms. No liability or responsibility is assumed for the services rendered by any organization that is listed.

Where can I cross the border?

• Tijuana - If you are heading south from San Diego, Tijuana is a necessary evil (unless you invest 40 more miles of driving and cross the border at Tecate). The best (and quickest) route is to take U.S. I-5 or I-805 south to the border crossings. Highways I-5 and I-850 merge just north of the border crossing. Prior to the merge point there are several exits for San Ysidro.
• Otay Mesa Border - If you haven't taken care of the Mexican insurance and any money exchange, follow I-5 or I-805 down to San Ysidro to take care of those matters - then return north (I-805 a bit shorter) to pick up California Route 905. From either I-5 or I-805 take California Route 905 east - there are signs directing you to the border crossing. You'll pass a large airport (Brown Field) on your left, and then eventually turn south to the border. Once you've crossed the border, you have two choices (in a general sense): drive the city streets to the area of the San Ysidro crossing (not recommended) or drive city streets to the circuit road around Tijuana - look for signs for Libramiento. The Otay Mesa Crossing is closed between 10 PM and 6 AM
• Mexicali - To reach the border crossing at Calexico/Mexicali, take California Route 111 south from I-8. The AAA book on Baja California has a city map, and this will be very helpful in working your way through Mexicali (it's a rather large city!).
• Tecate - If you are avoiding Tijuana or driving from the east, then Tecate is where you catch Mexican Route 3 south to Ensenada. The road to Ensenada is one or two blocks south and east of the border crossing. The drive from Tecate to Ensenada is a lovely one over the coastal mountains. The road intersects the coast just on the north side of Ensenada. The border crossing at Tecate is closed from midnight to 6 AM.

Mexican Customs 

Tourist Cards? Exactly what is required to go into Mexico is not clear. From all the advice we could gather, you could travel in Baja as far south as Ensenada. But once you were to set sail for the more southern regions of Baja, you surely would need to have some sort of "Tourist Card". This would of course entail ownership papers (pink slips) for your vehicles, evidence of insurance, and the like. All the books said once you are south of Ensenada, you would have to pass through some sort of Mexican Customs where you would display all these documents, and hopefully eventually get whatever "permits" you needed. Surprisingly, people have had different experiences. While some people who follow may have had encountered a Mexican Customs office some NEVER see one. 

What do I need to cross the Mexican border?

You will probably get lots of different answers to your question. That is because rules are never enforced the same way twice in Mexico. 

1. You need the current registration for your car. If you are renting a car or RV/caravan you need the original Rental Agreement.

2. A valid driver's license issued outside of Mexico.

3. You MUST have a valid credit card in the driver's name (Visa, Mastercard or American Express).  If you don't have a credit card, then you'll be required to post a bond based upon the car's value. Note; If you visit only Sonora the credit card and payment is not necessary. Also if you are only going within about 21 km. of the border it is in most areas a free zone. 

4. You will be charged about $11.00 for a "permiso" (permit). You will use your credit card for this payment. The car permit is good for multiple crossings during its six-month life. However, at the 26-km checkpoint, you will not be allowed to proceed southward without the necessary car permit.

5. You will sign a paper promising  that when you leave Mexico, you'll take the car with you, that you will return the vehicle within 6 months and that you will not sell the car in Mexico. If the car is stolen or completely wrecked, then you are required to obtain additional documentation and verification from the Mexican government to that effect.

6. You MUST turn in this paper and the window sticker when you leave Mexico. You do not require a passport but it would be better to have one. 

7.  DO NOT DRIVE @ NIGHT. It can be dangerous: cows, burros, horses and vehicles with no light. 

8. Your auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. You need to purchase Mexican Insurance. Please read our Mexican Insurance page for more information.

Money Exchange

Dollars are readily accepted every place we went, but the exchange rate offered can be less advantageous the further south one travels. Our suggestion would be to exchange at least enough to cover the cost of fuel. Mexican currency can be purchased just north of the Tijuana border -- but maneuvering a big rig through this area can be a bit hectic. If you're staying the previous evening in a nearby location, we'd suggest driving there without the RV, as parking will be easier. Make sure you're not asked to pay either a commission or other form of service fee. If you would like to exchange for the highest available rate, you'll need to find an open bank in Mexico -- at a time when they are willing to exchange currency. Expect a long line. It  will be useful to take a fairly hefty number of $5 and $1 bills (U.S.) with you, and they came in very handy. 

Watch out for the "commission rip-off" at the "Casas de Cambio" (money exchange place) - they will quote you a good rate and then quietly tack on a 10-15% "commission." Just walk away and look for a more honest Casa de Cambio.

Who can drive my car/RV/caravan in Mexico?

Mexican insurance policies specifically prohibits anyone other than family members from driving your vehicles. It is illegal for Mexican Nationals to drive a foreign registered vehicle in Mexico. Policy cost are based on vehicle replacement value, not on driving records. You may find different insurance companies with different rules, BUT, be careful some Mexican insurance companies are not very good at paying claims.

Do I need a visa to go to Mexico?

You will need a vehicle importation sticker to bring your foreign plated vehicle into Mexico as well as a tourist visa if you are visiting and not moving there. (Persons wishing to reside in Mexico should have a FM-3 Visa) Both the importation sticker and tourist visa can be obtained immediately after crossing the border. 
Even though the Mexican border officials say they accept a valid U.S. drivers license or birth certificate as proof of citizenship when you are applying for your tourist visa, some people feel more comfortable having a passport. 
If you need a vehicle importation permit or tourist visa, do not cross on a major U.S. or Mexican holiday. The crowds will be large, the lines long and the staff to process your papers noticeably short and short-tempered.

How do I get an Importation Sticker?

To obtain the vehicle importation sticker you will need your registration, a copy of the title to your vehicle and your Mexican insurance policy. In addition, you will need a credit card in your name to pay the vehicle sticker fee which is about $15.00.
While the vehicle importation sticker is valid for one year, remember that your vehicle is legal, even with an expired sticker, as long as you maintain a current tourist or FM-3 visa.

How about "Inspection Stations"?

The first inspection is immediately after crossing the border. Seventeen miles after you cross the border you will be required to stop at second inspection station. There they have the green light/red light system and being checked is the luck of the draw. However, if your back seat is piled high with computers and televisions be prepared to be inspected and possibly pay a tax. All RVs get inspected. This is one case where the random selection process gets turned off!

All RVs get inspected. Expect a fair number of "inspections" along the road -- mostly staffed by military personnel with weapons. If the traffic is light,  the odds are high that you'll be selected for an inspection of the inside of your vehicle on multiple occasions. In general, however, the military persons seem well trained to be polite in carrying out their duties. One officer will ask to see inside your RV. One or two others are trained to observe your behavior. They are as interested to detect any signs of nervousness which might indicate you are hiding either guns or drugs -- which  could trigger a much more comprehensive search. Typically the inspecting officer enters your RV, walks through it opening a few drawers and doors, and then promptly exits, wishing you a pleasant trip. The whole thing may last a minute or two. While we found these "inspections" somewhat annoying, it is clear Mexico has a bona fide concern about drugs and arms being smuggled through Mexico -- apparently often from or too Panama. 

Please read our Driving in Mexico page for more information.

What are the requirements for going to Mexico as a Business Visitor?

30 day business visitor form can be secured upon presentation of:

1. A valid passport or a certified copy of the birth certificate or a citizenship card plus a recent picture identification.
2. Letter from the company represented of by the interested individual if traveling alone, stating the specific purpose and the length of the trip and guaranteeing that the salaries and all expenses will be paid by the company of the individual and not by anyone in Mexico.

VERY IMPORTANT: The applicant must understand that it is entirely up to the Consulate General of Mexico to determine under which classification the individual must be documented based on the initial declaration of the intended activities in Mexico. The consular fees mentioned in US Dollars are quoted at the present rate of exchange and are subject to change. They can be paid by Bank/Postal money order, or cash (when applying in person); personal checks are not accepted. Because several applications are received daily the consulate must work on a first come, first served basis.

What things can I take into Mexico?

*Under the FMT (Formulario Migración Turista) you can bring in:
-Articles for your personal use, such as clothing, footwear, grooming and toiletry articles in reasonable amounts.
- Photographic, movie or video camera including its power source, and 12 rolls of film.
- Sports equipment for one person, provided it can be carried by one person.
- Up to 20 books and/or magazines.
- Valises, suitcases etc. to carry the goods.
- If of legal age, 20 packs of cigarettes, 20 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco, 3 liters of alcoholic beverage.
- Various objects worth up to $300 USD.
* One set of binoculars.
* A T.V., screen size up to 12"
* One portable radio apparatus for recording or playing, or both.
* Up to 20 Laser disks, Compact disks or cassette tapes.
* A typewriter or laptop/portable/notebook computer and power source.
* A musical instrument that is easily portable.
* One tent and camping equipment.
* A maximum of 5 children's' toys.
* One set of fishing tackle, one pair of skis, 2 tennis racquets.
* A water glider, with or without sail.
* A video recorder/playback machine.

*Under the FM3, you can bring in what is approved under the temporary importation list approved by a Mexican Consul. Otherwise, you can only bring in those things NOT *ed in the above list for FMT.  Other than all these things, you can bring in whatever you want. You will just have to pay duty on those not on the lists! (except guns, drugs, and some motorized sports vehicles like ATVs)

*If you enter as an FMT (tourist) and then get your FM3. You may want to consider taking only those things in #2. above, on your initial drive down under the FMT (Tourist Status). Then with your FM3 securely in your hand, you have 60 days from the date of Registration/Issuance to have the Consul closest to where you lived before, approve an itemized list of family goods you intend on bringing into the country.

This itemized list MUST include the value, and, with anything electronic/appliance include the make, model and serial #. Itemized means 6 cups and saucers etc., not "dishes". Bureaucratic I know but them's the way it is - at the moment.. The list starts with a letter format identifying who you are, where you are moving these things from and where in Mexico you are moving them to.

When you submit it to the Consul, you will need to include your FM3 and passport, along with the Fee (check what it is, as it varies). Once this list is approved, you can ship/bring the stuff in Duty Free. (so they state, it depends upon the Customs official you get.)

Remember, FM3 means temporary. Thus your stuff is exempted temporarily. If you leave, the list of stuff describes what you should be taking with you. If you obtain an FM2, your things are all ok.

Where can I get good Mexican maps?

http://www.employnow.com/mexmaps.htm
Mexican maps are not as frequently updated to show new road construction as those might be in the U.S. Like other print media, maps are expensive in Mexico. Perhaps the most worthwhile map purchase is a Rand-McNallyesque atlas of the republic, large trade paper....but it cost around $35. The Mexican government maps are not impressive, and the ones Turismo in Michoacan leave a lot to be desired.

México is criss-crossed by an extensive network of paved primary highways and secondary arterial roads. The country embarked on a dizzying road building campaign in the early and mid nineteen nineties. The result of that effort was the construction of some ten thousand miles of toll roads. Few maps accurately depict all of the newer highways.

Please visit our Maps and Trip Planners page for more information.

Is Mexican weather available on line?

A very nice site with lots of Mexican weather information is maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service. This site contains weather data, maps and satellite images.
For current weather conditions in various Mexican cities, telnet to the University of Michigan's online weather database. Press RETURN to obtain a menu, and select option 10. International Data. You will find Mexico is included in option 1. Caribbean Area.

Can I bring my pets to Mexico?

Of course you can take your pets to Mexico. You will need a recent (sometimes within 72 hours) International Health Certificate from your vet. We must tell you that many hotels to not accept pets. If you decide to take the ferry to or from Baja California your pet must remain in the vehicle during the trip, and we have heard this has had tragic consequences. Mexicans do not place the same value on pets that we do so you will have to accept there will be many places your pet cannot go. 

Please read our Traveling with Pets page for more information.

I don't speak Spanish, will this be a problem?

Except for the most rural areas, many of the people of Mexico speak some English, so if you are going to a place like Cabo San Lucas, or one of the popular resort cities you will find that Mexicans speak very good English. Most of the persons you'll talk to will understand enough English to let you accomplish whatever it is you want to do, whether it's filling your tank or ordering an excellent Mexican meal.

A good Spanish dictionary won't hurt, and the Mexicans appreciate a gringo's attempts at speaking their language. So by all means, if you really speak no Spanish at all, at least commit yourself to learning how to say such simple things as "good morning", "good afternoon", "goodbye", "please", and "thank you". You'll find they genuinely appreciate your effort, however imperfect. 

This Dictionary web site offers translations in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and more.

Is it safe to camp in Baja?

Camping in Baja California, south of the border region, is much safer than in the U.S.. Camping in organized campgrounds and RV parks is not much of a problem in either place.

Please read our Baja page for more information.

Can I drive to La Paz/Cabo in two days (or less)?

It depends very much on the vehicle, the experience of the driver, and the weather. The fact that this question is being asked suggests that the person asking the question is not experienced at driving the Baja highway, and so we usually try to be discouraging. After all, it might be me coming around that curve just when a very tired driver wanders across the centerline. The width and condition of the road in Baja present a constant challenge to the driver to be alert. There is no room for wandering off the road to the right and expecting to recover. Wandering to the left presents the possibility of oncoming traffic. Generally, the highway is constructed with 9 foot lanes and no shoulders. In some areas there will be no center striping on the road. Another consideration in contemplating a fast trip to the southern end of the peninsula is that of missed opportunities - the chance to see plants not found elsewhere, visit towns unlike those we are familiar with, and meet some of the warmest and most genuine people to be found anywhere.

U.S. Customs

Duty-free limitations on items purchased in Mexico and being brought into the U.S. for personal use:

• up to $400 of articles;
• one liter of alcoholic beverage;
• three cans or bottles of beer;
• medications (must be declared to Customs, FDA approved, covered by a prescription, and no more than a three-month supply).

For full information please visit U.S. Customs Service Traveler Information Page.

For Agricultural information visit USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service - Traveler's Tips