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Winter Van Life ln Mexico! Is It Safe?
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- čas přidán 5. 01. 2023
- The biggest question we get about camping in Mexico is - IS IT SAFE?! Today, our roving Reporter Brian Gifford and his friend, JP, answer your most pressing questions! Brian and JP have been going to Baja, Mexico and camping on the beaches for many years.
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Thanks for watching!
Safety in Mexico is different if you’re a woman. I’d like to hear a solo woman’s opinion-especially a young woman
check out the channel 'Eva Zu Beck', she was just in Mexico recently and in the past. Might have a video on that...
Safety ANYWHERE is different for women than men.
CARAVAN SAFETY IN NUMBERS
Ya no kidding! me and my son are in south Texas near the border and I'd love to go explore Mexico but I don't know enough about how safe it would be for us. So I'm hesitant to say the least.
changing your own tire: make sure your tire wrench has a long handle for leverage or slip a pipe over it to extend it longer. If the wrench handle is short, even a strong man may find it difficult to undo a nut
Could you have this conversation with a panel of women who’ve traveled there either with groups or alone. Thank you for all this great information! I’m looking forward to a trip to Baja in my future.
😎🚙
I was going to post the same comment. Need to have a woman's perspective, thoughts and feelings regarding safety. It's a different experience for men.
great question I was thinking that as well.
I was just thinking this..
Yes! Great idea to get woman's perspective.
I lived in Ensenada for 10 years.
Thank you this is very helpful I'd love to go but as a single woman I was always worried about safety
Lots of great tips! I'd love to hear this same post from solo women travelers in Baja/Mexico. Any different experiences?
A handy thing few first time Mexico visitors know about is that when a semi knows you're behind them and trying to get around them, they will turn on their left turn signal when it's safe to pass.
Very informative! We spent all last winter traveling in mainland Mexico all the way to the Yucatán. We’re excited to travel in Baja this year!
I've camped in Baja when surfing with pals and with my children as they were growing up..The .BEST thing?...Hands down, are the wonderful PEOPLE in the rural Baja!
Dogs can thrive in
Mexico. Mexican dogs look like strays but most are just let loose on the street each morning and they wander around checking their own neighborhood. If they gang up on your dog just bend down like you are picking up a stone and they will scatter. They are used to Mexicans stoning them and they don’t like it.
Great tips. I have family that live in San Felipe , Baja and it's beautiful. I think your tip to "not" drive in the dark - whether early morning or evening/night is very real. Those roads are narrow - sometimes totally giving way to the desert with erosion, animals on the road and people sometimes put rocks on the road when repairing a tire, etc. and forget to take it off the road. Check out the FMM requirement for entry/visiting. Rules for making sure your passport is valid for at least 6 (six) months from the date they intend to arrive in Mexico. If you are driving - I would make sure and get insurance there for same. And of course - medical insurance for travel there. A lot of folk speak English but I do believe the effort to communicate in Spanish is appreciated.
you talked about guns and bullets how about bear spray, knives, pepper spray or similar products?
Lots of great tips, loved the reminder about letting air out of the tires…what about: Visa? Van insurance? money exchange? Dogs? Suggestions to organize a caravan from the RTR…? I look forward to it!
Hey, I would like to know where the best crossing is from western AZ, and maybe a rough dot to dot of highways and towns where a newbie on a budget can go. Thanks for this great info, keep it up.
I watched a video years and years ago on CZcams on how to change a tire. It has stood me well.
Great info! Thank you! Good to know about the gas and water situation.
I lived in Rocky point for a year! I love Baja!!! Well I actually lived in a small village called “Chola Bay” I love JJ’s Cantina!
Puerto Peñasco, not Rocky Point.
Haha yeppers you are 100% correct!
i worked with sum guys from el paso, they called it rocky point too.
Definitely do not drive at night.
Had a wild white stallion leap out in front of us. We slammed on the breaks, honked the horn, that scared him, he reered up on back legs it was incredible and frightening at the same time. Lots of wild animals at night!!
DO NOT surrender your drivers license. I lived in a tiny town just North of Cabo for three years.
How on earth can you avoid surrendering your license if la policia insist you do? I sound naive as I've never been to Mexico by car.
@@brindlekintales You ask for the ticket and follow them to the police station. They can remove your plates and you have to come to the station to pay the fine to recollect them.
Never once mentioned bandits.?
There are bandits everywhere. Just always be vigilant
Thanks guys! Would love to hear about how to keep your dog safe while traveling in Baja.
I was wondering about bringing a dog or dogs is that acceptable and what is the protocol
I would like to see more Baja vids info on auto insurance and length of stay permits
What would change in your recommendations for women.
Might want to add a section on automobile insurance in Mexico (I believe you MUST purchase it at the border and your US insurance is NO GOOD there).
Also international medical insurance. You may want to get a rider on your policy.
Wow that's crazy I'm guessing that's not going to be cheap
Also, whether or not you are allowed to bring a tow vehicle. Thanks.
The prices are crazy high at the border. I get mine from Elena Brett's in Ensenada
No it doesn’t need to be at the border. I get mine from either Lewis & Lewis or BajaBound. Both can be purchased online before you arrive.
I'm glad you two haven't had or seen any trouble down in the
ol' Mexico.. But, if I can't carry an equalizer, I'm not going..
Baja looks just beautiful, guys. Thank you.
I appreciate how beautiful Baja is and I have been down there numerous times! For me at my age I’m perfectly happy to continue to explore the US of A! In an emergency I want to be in familiar surroundings! I very much enjoyed your discussion, and it is very informative! Thank you both very much!
Was there in 83 absolutely beautiful place,a long way from my home down under New Zealand people were friendly as ❤❤❤
My dream is to camp and explore the down under but money isn't there.
Would love to see what towns are good to camp near, campground reviews, places to camp, etc…great info guys!
Thanks guys, you answered all of my questions
Lots of helpful info - thank you. I like the bit about the walkie talkies, I need to get those.
Great advice, applicable to any country, especially about gas and water
This was great information.
Na-PO-lays LOL. It's Nopales. You still get a thumbs up for the good info. I love Mexico.
I have been following Mr Bob from the very beginning and have really enjoyed all his blogs and videos and appreciate all he has try to do I would really love to see some videos on what people plan on doing when they can't enjoy this lifestyle anymore
Great stuff right here!
Great content. I appreciated the tips for road travel, check points. I'd like to hear more about pre-trip prepping.
Thank you.
Great tips guys..
For sure want to go in the next few yrs. My concerns mostly are about finding a group to go with and getting Insurance on my vehicle
Great info guys !! Crossing the border info along with staying safe info.... Cheers boys !
Great info guys!
I was traveling to Gonzaga bay. My friend couldn’t get his act together so we could leave early and not drive in the dark. Got dark about 2 hrs out. I was following a friend with a large trailer. Saw him go around large rocks. I hit them. Broke my drive shaft. Spent the night on the road.
Wonderful video ... thank you! I've been fantasizing about Baja especially since we are heavily undated with rain in the bay area. It would be an exciting escape. Would love to hear more. I won't be at the RTR, but would love to stream your talk, if that is a possibility. 😎🌴🔆
Great video on traveling in Baja
JP! Just seeing this one. Another great vid Brian. : ) Having just done the cruise ship around Mexico last week, which was fun, I am definitely missing RV life at the moment. Don't worry, I'll be back (but on a break presently).
Perhaps an explanation as to How to cross the border and what papers you have to have and what papers you need to get along with the cost.
Good info.
Great info
Great tips! Wish I was headed to the RTR and Baja, perhaps next year!
Super video
Wow! Great advice. You have a new follower😉
Love me some Baja! Our favorites are Mulege & Los Barriles & everything in between. Retirement plan is to lease land & split time between there & our Oregon coast home. Love your videos, Brian!
Great video & information, what is recommended for health & auto insurance? Also, I assume US currency is excepted for purchasing items? Thank you for sharing your experience & knowledge.
Excellent video!
Sounds nice
I enjoy people enjoying life!
Thank you guys 🎉
Should you convert money and how much money should you convert?
Reviews of towns and camping areas would be great
If one can't handle jalapenos and similar spicy/hot food, are there other food choices?
If one is vegetarian, what food choices are there?
Perhaps explain the difference between a "tow" rope/strap vs "recovery" rope/strap.
Great tips. I was looking for actual places to go and camp - maybe you have those covered elsewhere?
Hey JP 👋 Great info
I didn't make the RTR presentation because of the weather & I wasn't feeling well. Seeing your comments at the end of this video, I really wish I would have, since I'm planning to head to Baja now & would really love to have some ideas on destinations.
Great tips! Please let us know some specific beach camping sites you recommend that you consider safe and what the cost is?
My maps on my phone worked pretty good in Ensenada. But having that book is great
The traveling at night was helpful and also all of the tips.
What about telling the US state department that I am traveling in Mexico as a solo female van lifer ,that way if anything happens the state department will know your itinerary. #justaceforShacquellaRobinson
All excellent in info! One thing, don't drink and drive! ✌️😎
The new iPhones have emergency satellite service included. Thx for sharing.
I’m curious to know more about cell coverage services, auto insurance, any required documentation, food costs , camping costs etc . Thanks!
What info you have for woman alone or caravan with another lady doing vehicle camping as you guys do?
Would love to find a caravan to head down in a few months once I'm done at digikey ! Don't wanna travel alone ....
When you get gas, make sure they zero it out first, we almost got scammed that way.
You wonderful guys helping the rv community.
Hoping u can think about the recent kidnapping of Americans and if you could do a follow up to this vid suggesting people wait for now to until going to Mexico.
Thank u for all you do....
Is diesel, not ultra low sulfur, plentiful in Baja? For those that have black tank equipped RVs are there plenty of dump stations? For those with cassette toilets are there public restrooms or somewhere to dump those? TIA
Great video but still not a place I would likely go. Too sketchy and there are just so many places in the US to see but thank you again for the talk. Maybe someday.
You forgot to mention You need a visa (FMM) to go to Mexico.
And a passport. Or passport card if you drove across.
Is it safe to use credit or debit cards?
What about cash?
Mexican money?
U.S. money?
Exchange rate?
Must use MX money, some credit cards work but plan on using cash, last time I was there my Bank of America allowed cash withdrawal from Standader Bank at no charge with a favorable exchange rate, check with your bank or open an account that gives favorable exchange and no fee. Exchange rate varies day to day but now about 19 pesos to 1 dollar
Most tourist towns will take American dollars. But I always used pesos. You get more for your money. Always have small Bill's. If usd have 20s and lower, if pesos 200peso notes or lower. If you use your card at the atm always decline the exchange rate. Not all the small places will accept credit cards. Good luck and have a great journey
There are lots of good questions in the comments. May be a good idea to film a BAJA PART 2. However, the more you two talk, the more I'm going to have to pass. Thanks.
Totally understand the warning about guns and ammo. What about a bow and arrows? Will that get me into trouble? Thanks!
(9:19) If you taking the EV there is no DC fast charging (except the Ensenada Tesla Supercharger ) and you will need a TJ adapter (Tesla to J-1772)
TJ adapter: czcams.com/video/PssV0BmhE8o/video.html
Ensenada Tesla Supercharger: www.plugshare.com/location/199335
I felt very safe lived in La paz two years
Any tips/warnings for making it back across the border to the US?
I used to spend the winters in Baja, until last year when I was robbed of everything I had in San Felipe. The police shrugged and said "these things happen." If you read the local Baja news (in Spanish), there are constant stories of foreigners being robbed and killed, usually for their vehicles. I used to say Mexico was like the US, if you stayed out of the cities you were pretty safe, that's not the case any more I'm afraid. Little towns like Bahia de Los Angeles and Bahia Gonzaga are having murders, robberies and carjackings on a regular basis. These stories aren't covered in US news, and the online groups promoting Mexico won't allow them to be posted, since those groups are usually run by people with a financial interest in tourism. I really loved my times in Baja and wish I could go back, but I no longer feel it's worth the danger. Stay safe.
Baja is very different from Mainland Mexico. While some of what you covered applies to both, there are aspects to traveling in Mainland Mexico that would require different perspecties, travel plans, etc. An example is the fact that the land mass is much greater, therefore where to camp there? Yes, there are beaches but further in? Can you do a video on traveling and camping in Mainland Mexico?
I like these series but they tend to cover the same ideas over and over. Here’s a few you didn’t cover
Bring small bills no 20s and certainly no 100s
Learn basic Spanish hi bye thank you
Leave your us laws in the United States, you’re not special
Walkie talkies will get you pulled over as it is considered using a cell phone while driving
There’s more but you need to find out for yourself
Have fun
Will the RTR presentation be available on CZcams? Thanks so much.
I would like to know more about the caravans.
A little bit on areas or places to avoid or be alert to danger. Also the crime stats.
I asked a friend about driving my bus by road to Costa Rica. He advised me not to. He said there are a lot of crooked people that would try to extort money from me. I know Baja is a lot closer to the US, Costa Rica is extremely close to South America. I do know, there are a lot of vehicles in disrepair down there, so that's a big thing I'd be concerned about on the road.
do the policia shake you down for protection money? thats what i want to know.
Just doesn't push any buttons for me but to each his own.
The people here are so awesome! I lived there in 1992 I was 18 and was treated like family by everyone! I’m a six foot 270lb white guy! I love this place and the people! I’ve been all over Mexico this is one of my favorite places! You’re missing out! Haha just saying!
How often do you see any creepy crawlers of any kind
This isn’t a safety issue. Regardless, so many people have dogs. What are the rules for bringing a dog into MX? Thank you for another great video. We’re planning a trip there in our cab over next year!
Any info on traveling the east coast of Mexico ? along the Gulf of Mexico to Yucatan and Belize ?
I want to go there but getting there is the question. Is it safe to get there.
What are some tips about how much cash to carry, ATM's credit cards etc.?
Can you take bear spray or some type of protection
Talk to locals and listen. If there's someplace unsafe they will tell you. And you are men. A solo lady might have a different experience. Border towns are known for serial killers. There's documentaries on it. Just like highway of tears in BC or Browning Mt. Those areas exist.
Bob or Brian, what is the camp grounds you two use to work at in FL, Brian's former camp ground he recently came from and worked at for 12+ yrs. We'd like to go camping there. Thank you!
Next time: What are the public washroom facilities like? Safe to buy prescriptions at their pharmacies?
Lots of people who live close to the border exclusively get their prescriptions in Mexico. Exact same stuff for a fraction of the price.