Cars commonly used by locals, like the Nissan Versa and Chevrolet Aveo, belie the stereotype that all families in Mexico are large or extended. Agustin Canapino, a 33-year-old Argentinian, was . Head for popular campsites using your iOverlander app and increase your odds of having some other travelers nearby. Don't just leave your car in the street. That is, you do not have to temporarily import your RV (vehicle + RV or RV) into Baja like you do the mainland (with a TIP). You should be able to cross the border into Mexico without issue if your drivers license is valid for at least another six months, just as your passport is. Roadblocks of just a few people, we tended to slow down but then just drive by. One where the military has disarmed the corrupt police force and where rates of violent crime are some of the highest in the world. We use the US Bureau of Consular Affairs siteand the Australian DFAT website. Gas stations, supermarkets, places that are well lit, guarded, and have security cameras are the best places to camp for the night if you are camping with your vehicle. From Tacos, Tamales, Quesadillas, and moreits truly a mouthwatering experience. Those with valid driver's licenses can apply for this permit. Driving through Mexico is not without risk but when done properly, its not the dangerous place the media and your parents (who likely have never driven here) are portraying. Are you into discovering ancient histories and civilizations? Drivers under 25 years old may have to pay a young driver surcharge. Keep left to continue on Calle Puerto Mxico. Obviously dont travel with drugs or other illicit items. In general, driving in Panama and other Central American countries is considered safe. Be sure to stay on well-traveled, well-lit roads, and avoid traveling alone if possible. We camped throughout Mexico from rural areas to big cities from quiet villages to busy beaches. Finding yourself in the middle of a protest is a van life horror story that you likely dont want to re-live! To travel safely through Mexico you first need to research your destination(s). Tolls can be anywhere from $0.50 US cents to $15 USD and the booths extracting these tolls can be infuriatingly frequent. There are traffic road signs to guide drivers, including first-timers, in Mexico. Dont accept drinks from anyone who isnt your friend; instead, go out for a few drinks in moderation. It is costly to drive on toll roads in Mexico, with costs ranging from $2.50 to $15 USD for a passenger vehicle. 19 Is driving through Mexico safe? The second-safest city in Florida is Weston, located on the border of the Everglades. Mexico has numerous resources available to assist you if you are stranded in the dark. The quotas are paid roads and they arent always cheap. And, as it does, the influence of the United States wanes, as Walmarts and Burger Kings seemed to become fewer and further between. The surrounding desert and remoteness can make rescue difficult if you get stranded. Unlike your encounters with municipal police, its best to pay and get your butt down the road. While we hate to advocate giving in to people like this and perpetuating the problem sometimes it just isnt worth the ten or twenty bucks it will cost to get on down the road. If you're going downhill and see oncoming vehicles, pull over to the side of the road as far as you'll be out of the way. Do NOT drink and drive. Lesson learned. Dont hand over documents to the police (or anyone else) where possible. Travelers should avoid driving at night and should always be aware of their surroundings. Street vendors that make people sick dont stay in business very long. Malaria While Mexico is not the worst place for Malaria if you are spending a lot of time out doors you may wish to talk to your doctor about an anti-malarial. Headed out on a Mexico road trip? Due to its positioning, it can be somewhat difficult to reach Tijuana overland from the other major Mexican cities, with Mexico City for example being a sizeable 2760km away.. Its first known settlers were the Olmecs. For the average car rental cost for a day in Mexico is fairly cheaper than its nearby neighboring country like the U.S. At $5-$11/day to $74 a week, you can drive through Mexico with your rental car. You can never go wrong with tourism in Mexico. For most quotas however, you pay first then drive the section of road. Chihuahua state due to crime. Mexico state due to crime. The first thing to consider is the quality of the roads you will need to drive through. Exotic fishes can be found here, and catching one of them would be an achievement. The thing is that rental price usually doesn't include insurance coverage and other tax fees. If youre driving after dark, take the Cuota roads, but make sure youre following the proper speed. Our experience of police corruption while driving through Mexico has been significantly less than what we were subject to driving through South American countries. You can also get in touch with Mexicos governmental tourism agencies such as the tourist police for the region you are traveling in. These checkpoints are mostly carried out at night, another good reason to only travel by daylight. If you decide to travel to Mexico on your own, you are safe to travel but not everywhere. So, always bring your drivers license, valid passport, and especially your International Drivers Permit. To stay safe, keep an eye on the road and drive slowly. But if you don't have both, hand gestures will do the talking. So if you're a U.S. citizen with a driving license, you're allowed to drive in Mexico with your driver's license. However, it is important to take precautions when doing so. Rental cars in Mexico offer every type, from cars, vans, and all-terrain vehicles. Cuota or libre? Read our privacy policy for more info. Whats more, it helps you to have a wonderful experience, and at the same time, avoid fines and penalties that could've been avoided if you just followed the law. You have the advantage of time and can just and wait them out until frustration sets in. Regardless of reasons for doing so, an IDP can only be used when traveling abroad. The roads are generally well-maintained, and there are usually no other cars on the road at all. Another safety risk is fake police checkpoints. There is a road running from the border of Belize to the city of Brownsville, Texas, that is approximately 140 miles long. By using these you are directly supporting The Vanabond Tales to remain an independent travel blog. Instead, park up, put out the awning, and enjoy a cold beer! Make sure you have a good spare tire. Although generally what they are doing doesnt follow the road etiquette, you still need to watch out for these civilians to avoid accidents. Continue reading to learn more about what truly makes it the reason why most foreigners would choose this country to visit. Brush up on the rules of the countrys roads, including unspoken but necessary driving customs. It is equally unhelpful to label some areas of Mexico (or anywhere else) safe and others unsafe. Having a friendly approach always coaxes out courteous interactions with military personnel. Look at the road first before going outside the car to check the issue. If your original driver's license is not in Spanish or English, which are the languages used in Mexico, getting an IDP is necessary. hello@internationaldriversassociation.com, Toptravel PTE. Many roads are not well lit, increasing the dangers of hitting a tope or pothole. A second strategy is simply to pretend (or actually) not to speak any Spanish. Visit the International Drivers Associations application page and select an IDP package. Part ways with a few dollars and get to your destination safely. To take the tolls roads or to dodge them? When I reached the next toll station (a very busy one), they asked for the receipt. You may have to drive across the Pan-American highway for an extended period of time (or money). A great rule of thumb to follow is if the locals are buying water, then you should too. Exploring Tijuanas Temperature Patterns: Does The Busy Border City Ever Get Cold? Fray Servando Teresa de Mier/Eje 1 Sur turns right and becomes Calle Topacio. Then the Mayan city is the perfect place to explore. Mexican toll roads are your best option for the safest way in arriving at your destination. Sunset cruising gives you the picturesque view of the setting sun as you ride on a cruise with an open bar. If you cant figure it out, ask a local anytime as they can also understand some English due to how a majority of Americans or US Citizens often visit the country. The roads can be in poor condition, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively. When I told people about our plans to drive through Mexico and Central America, I was met with stares of disbelief about the danger. If you live in the West and have driven rental cars before, you'll find familiar agencies in Mexico like Enterprise, Europcar, Budget, Avis, Hertz, Alamo, Thrifty and Sixt. It's highly advisable to drive on toll roads, known as. As far as travel advice goes, the only issue with traveling to Juarez is the implication of moving further south. Its more of a rural or side route with enough foreign traffic to make it worthwhile for fundraising campaigns. There is also a risk of crime, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when driving. Mexico 15D (Photo Credit: Carol Colborn) 1. Mexican Immigration Card: ALL foreign citizens traveling to Mexico for purposes of tourism or a short visit of less than 180 . These are great places to research known travel warnings and issues. Here are some driving tips in Mexico: Speed limits in Mexico vary, depending on the location. Hi, just wanted to let you know that we use cookies on our site. Be mindful when going out of the car. This route is well-maintained and has little traffic. She enjoys exploring new places and traveling. Experience complete relaxation when you go to Cabo San Lucas. Intersections in the country also have no road signs, so look both ways before crossing them. Often untolled roads (libre or sin cuota) run parallel to tolled roads and indicative travel times can be extremely similar. Generally, Mexico is one of the safest places for driving, visiting, and traveling if you have been vaccinated. Go zip lining in Cancun to have an entire view of the jungle. Explore The Music Scene In Tijuana Baja California: Check Out The Top Headliners In The City, Explore The Cost Of Tijuana Hotel Tickets Discover The Discounts And Tips For The Best Experience, Exploring Tijuana: Exploring The Convenient Stops Of Tourismo Express In Downtown Tijuana, Exploring A Vegan Lifestyle In Tijuana: Delicious Vegan-Friendly Options And Tips For A Plant-Based Diet. Camp near other travelers or van lifers. But since these roads are maintained properly, it comes with a price. If you decide to experience driving in Mexico, you'll likely rent a car from rental companies. Hazard signs are not required in Mexico, but theyll help you. Experience driving in Mexico City and enjoying all the activities thats being offered in this destination. Look at the road first before going outside the car to check the issue. Islands and archipelagos, like the Tres Maras in the Pacific, also form part of the country. Make sure it's safe to go outside and there are no suspicious individuals. Explore Mexico with one of these four epic road trips! One thing we did notice was that some people would take the opportunity to set up a stop before a real ticketing booth or toll gate (say for a national park or attraction). The hidden cost of avoiding toll roads can be substantial. Cross Border Coverage provides affordable auto, RV, ATV and watercraft insurance for foreign plated vehicles driving in Mexico. Mexico has a zero tolerance for drinking and driving. In these areas, we took extra precautions to ensure our safety such as making sure we did not drive after dark. They can get a driving permit that's valid from one month up to a year. It is generally safe to travel around the country by taking these routes, and you will almost always find there is no other way to get there. You will typically need 5-7 days to drive from your home to the Mexican border. If they say, I?, they're asking where you're going. Are you thinking about working from a van? FMM permits last for a maximum of 180 days (about 6 months) and cannot be renewed or extended beyond this time period. These situations can be very dangerous and if you fall into such a trap be prepared to hand over anything you have. Always remember that an international license is only an interpretation of your original license. Officially, Mexico is named as the United Mexican States. Ive even slept on the side of the road at the occasional gas station or trucker style stop. "driving anywhere in Mexico right now is an entirely different story" - no, driving in SOME PLACES in Mexico is precarious but most of Mexico remains very safe to drive. Mexico is a country with a lot of potential and things to do. This is an outstanding achievement, and its encouraging to see the state making progress in crime reduction. Mexico currently has a level 2 travel warning on a scale of 1 to 4, meaning "increased caution.". AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER, Ryan is an author, adventurer, perpetual wanderer, and self-proclaimed dirtbag (. By researching the specific areas you are intending to visit, traveling only in areas where it is safe, and taking basic precautions you will find risks can be managed and mitigated and, that travel through Mexico can be done quite safely. The country has invested heavily in road infrastructure, improving its major roads and expressways. Stay on your left to continue on Fray Servando Teresa de Mier/Eje 1 Sur. 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