Top Tips for Driving in Mexico
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2024
- A list of my top ten tips for driving in Mexico - especially the Baja Penninsula. If you're traveling by car in Mexico, you don't want to miss this advice so that you'll know what to know to drive in Mexico!
Let me share how to drive in Mexico. It's not that different than the US or Canada, but there are some key differences you need to know. You'll still drive on the right side, but your left blinker means something different. And green lights flash before turning yellow.
I've found that Mexican roads are in better condition than I expected, but there are many dirt roads and some scary roads ( • Driving Curves in Baja... )
0:00 This is about my experience in Baja California in 2021.
Please share your experience in the comments!
0:54 Topes
2:45 Stop signs
5:28 Stoplights
6:45 Arroyos
7:15 Cops
9:57 Green Angels
11:09 Left blinker
12:09 Rental cars
13:15 Driver's License
14:15 Insurance
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Thank you, Brighton! This is so helpful! I so love your channel and may run into you down there one day! Keep up the awesome work!!
Thanks Michelle. I’m loving making these videos :-). I hope to see you in Mexico soon!
Love your informative videos, Brighton! My wife and I have been vacationing every Summer in Cabo San Lucas for over five years. We reside in the Fort Worth, TX area and absolutely love flying to the San Jose del Cabo International Airport and taking a taxi to Cabo where we own a time share at Pueblo Bonita Sunset Beach resort right on the Pacific Ocean. This year's visit will be especially memorable to us because our oldest daughter has decided to marry her soon to be husband on the beach in July 2022! We are also bringing our closest friends with us to show them how beautiful Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos and San Jose del Cabo are and just how affordable it is to reside at least a few months out of the year.
Please continue to keep all your subscribers up to date with your wonderful, informative videos and thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing Doug. And congrats on the wedding! Gotta love a destination wedding!
We were in Los Cabos in October, we rented a car to drive north to Playa Los Cerritos. Highway driving was a breeze, but boy were we ever white knuckling it in the city. Thanks for the awesome driving tips, we will be driving up to La Paz from SJDC in April...already mentally preparing ourselves.
The drive between SJD and La Paz is mostly great road (on the Pacific side) but when you get close to La Paz, it gets noticably rougher. La Paz is a pretty chill place to drive, but you definitely need to watch for topes, stop signs and traffic lights.
I was surprised how many stop signs seemed to be missing in Cabo (I'm assuming from the last hurricane that came through right before your October visit.)
As a Mexican, one of the things that embarrases me the most about my country is the roads without signs, poorly planned, poorly painted, with bumps, with people who don’t respect any rule, with corrupt police officers who drive worse than most people. The only thing I could be proud of is that by driving in Mexico create you the ability to be aware of everithing and everyone. It surprises me that in the USA they have accidents despite having signs, roads in good conditions built following standards. I have more than 15 years on not being involved in an accident here in Mexico. Keep the enought distance. At least 2 seconds in good weather conditions. Remember the five rules of the Smith System of Driving.
It is interesting that the countries with worse roads / fewer driving "rules" have fewer accidents. I think in the US, people are complacent because the system is designed for mistakes. You don't need to think while driving. And people want to force others to follow the rules instead of being kind and helping out other drivers. I wish the drivers in the US behaved like Mexican drivers (but I would like the US roads down here ;-)
I had never heard of the Smith System, but those are things that I learned at 15 in my driver's education class. Sadly, I think a lot of people in the US don't get any formal education for driving and just learn bad habits from others.
I agree, I went to Tijuana and when we tried to get back to US we got lost and couldn’t find our way to the bp
There are many factors to why the roads aren't maintained but you shouldn't be ashamed! Maybe it's the fact that you might be comparing it to the closest neighbor which is the US, but Mexico is way better off a lot of countries I've been to
I almost ran a stop sign in Tecate, Baja California. Because it was nailed to a tree 🌳
Yeh because everyone is on their phone while driving in the US
Never give the police your drivers license. Go to a notary publico and get a copy of your license. This takes away their keep your license trick.
Great suggestion. Are you talking about a US Notary Public or a Mexican Notario Publico (which is actually an experienced lawyer.)
Thanks for the tip !
If they take my license I’ll insist they also keep my rental car.. lol, we’re landing there tomorrow .. wooo 🥳
What do they do with your license ?
@@nox1054 they say they will keep it in their patrol area till you go to station and pay the fine. Good luck afterwards trying to find them to show them your paperwork in order to get your license back.
@@edwardmoran1739 The cop may keep it in his patrol car until the end of his shift, but when he gets to the police station, it is left at the station. Then after you pay the fine, they'll give you back your license.
great tips!
The Blinker issue is not always easy to figure out LOL... oh btw for people that have been to Hawaii especially Waikiki area the Police also roll around with blue lights on... the only difference to pulling people over is the lights flash faster and they use sirens a bit... But yeah many places have the police cars with lights in solid mode. Thanks for all of the information in ONE video... great stuff!
Great point on Waikiki. I had forgotten they did that there. I think it's kinda nice ;-) Thanks
I’ll vouch for that mordida story. That’s exactly how it went down for me. I was driving through La Paz (very close to where some of this video was filmed) with a phone in my hand looking at the map occasionally. The cop lectured me on how dangerous that is, took my license, said he was taking it to the station and it was going to be very expensive for me to get back and waited for me to suggest an alternative. He started at 3,000 pesos and I negotiated because I was in a hurry. I know I should have waited it out but I my real estate agent was waiting.
Yes- they love to lecture and when you're in a hurry, there's no great alternatives. It's not like in the US where they just hand you a ticket and you pay online... That system would probably end the mordidas. But it would also mean a lot of gringos never pay their fines and just leave the country.
did that cop have a portwine stain on his face? same thing happened to us...but they said we were 'speeding' and we weren't...it was a Sunday blah blah blah, we never got the ticket tho
FYI - he’s still at it. Grabbed me today for “speeding.” Said the fine at the station would be 4,000!
I’m 42, and I’m planning on moving to Xalapa, Veracruz in six months. I have close to $10 grand saved. I’m so excited to finally marry my partner and get the hell out of the US!! Loved the video, thank you!
That’s great! Glad you’ve got a plan and sounds like you’ve been saving to make it happen. Enjoy Mexico!
Enjoy your vids. I am getting ready to start spending alot of time in Loreto. I was researching the vehicle import thing and came across something that stated a TIP for your car was not necessary in Baja, but was on the mainland. I have not verified that yet.
Your vids are very imformative and entertaining for Baja noobs! Spent lots of time in Loreto, but I am a Noob until I spend the first night as a home owner in Mexico. We chose the ownership path via the mexican LLC route instead of the Fedeicomiso. Maybe a topic for a future vid? haha
What made you choose the LLC route? I'm curious.
I can 100% vouch for the online info about the TIP not being needed in the Baja. It's the wild wild west out here ;-)
Loreto is a great little town. I've only spent one night there and want to explore more.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico We are thinking that ultimately we will go the small B&B route in a few years. Plus the property we chose had an owner that had circumstance to be thru the sale process quickly, and he had the property in ownership by his LLC. Business to business sale is very quick, compared to the fedeicomiso. We take posession next month vs September. We own a business in the states, and it just made sense for us to have one in Mex too. More to it then that, but thats the basic premise.
Thanks for sharing - that all makes sense! I see a future video "Fideicomiso or LLC when buying in Mexico."
Hi Brighton relatively new subscriber here. My wife and I are moving to La Paz soon, and we're curious how long is the drive to your area or Ventana from La Paz? Is there any rush hour to contend with? We're researching different areas and would like to be centrally located, thanks Tim
I look forward to meeting you in the future! The drive to La Ventana is about an hour from downtown La Paz or from Cententenario. There is a rush hour, but nothing like in the US.
Thank you!!
Happy to share
Very interesting on the roads, I haven’t had that issue on the stop signs or lights. Guess it varies on the state!
Yeah - I've only driven in Baja California and BCS. I've heard folks talk about this from other parts - I wonder how common it is.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I believe this definitely happens in other parts of the country, just haven’t seen it. I’m sure in the smaller towns it is more common. I have driven in Queretaro mostly, and the signage and lights are comparable to the US
Excellent info for anyone who considers to visit Baja.
Thanks!
Thank you for the video, any suggestions/tips/insights on what boarder to cross when driving in from Texas?
Sorry - I've never crossed in Texas, so I'm not familiar with those crossings.
Mexicali East Crossing
So I am getting my residency.i qualify for either but it is my understanding that if I get permanent residency I have to register my vehicles there. Is it possible to have US license plates and drive with permanent residency in Baja?
Thanks for the informative video! Where do you get car insurance to drive in Mexico? Also, if we rent a car in MX, do we need to purchase THEIR insurance? Or should we get it from a 3rd party? How much does the insurance cost? or where can I find this info?
You're welcome. You can buy Mexican car insurance online (www.mexpro.com/ for instance.) This is good when you only need a few days or a week - and they can issue the policy immediately online (I did this 20 minutes before crossing the border last time.) But there are also local insurance agents. Find a Facebook Expats Group for the area you're headed to and ask for a referral. I like having a real agent who can help me if something goes wrong.
Daily insurance for a car is typically $30, but a year's worth is only about $300 (I'm sure it's more if you have a really nice car.)
I don't know if you can buy insurance for a rental somewhere other than the rental car agency. Do some Googling on this because there's lots of info and opinions on how to navigate rental car insurance in Mexico.
Have fun!
Have you experienced a flooding arroyo yet? Thunderstorms and heavy winter rains can turn the arroyo into a raging river. Please don’t cross the dip if the water is more than 6” deep. The water can easily sweep the vehicle over the edge. Thank you for the great information!
I haven’t witnessed a raging arroyo yet… mostly because our street turns to mush when there’s a big rain, so we can’t make it to the nearest arroyo. Definitely not something to cross!
Yes, watch the cars ahead of you for brake lights. Just don't assume they have any. Same goes for directional signals.
Great advicve
I drove around Merida to Cancun and to Progreso. I don’t recall coming across any topes in that area. The roundabouts were a bit of a challenge at first. People are impatient and will honk if you don’t keep moving.lol
Interesting to see how the different sides of the country are so different. Impatience and honking don't really exist in La Paz. But topes definitely do!
can you drive with your US license and the universal license from AAA? This is really cool cause in Brazil they also have the left blinker thing too.
You just need a license from a country that uses the latin alphabet. The universal license is more for people from countries that use an alphabet that cannot be read by people who use the Latin alphabet. Like if you came from an Arabic country, you'd need your license translated into something that could be typed into a computer with a western keyboard.
Not sure in other parts of Mexico, but in Mexico City and surrounding areas the police drive with steady or slow binking lights. When they want you to pull over they put them in fast flashing and bump the siren.
Ah - good to know! I'm headed to Mexico City tomorrow, but I don't plan on driving!!
They also have a loudspeaker
I had a coworker explain the mordido. He called it the "bite". He said in the US graft is built into the system, but in Mexico it can be in plain sight. Rather than a unionized US civil servant ripping off overtime pay you have a Mexican policeman willing not to harass you for a few dollars. He said it's how they earn a living, then he smiled and said "In Mexico, anything is possible - for a price".
Thanks for sharing. The mordida is a tough subject. Mexican police are way underpaid. But it seems that not all of them will ask for a mordida. So those comfortable with this system can make way more money than those following the rules (just like abusing overtime rules.)
The police in my area like to stop by houses asking for "lunch money." I wish there was a way to contribute so that the funds are distributed equally.
Do you have u.s. plates? How much is the mordida? Great info. 👍
Yes - we have US (South Dakota) plates. I spoke with a gringo yesterday who's been pulled over 3 times just this summer - but always driving a rental car. So I think the South Dakota plates tell the police that you're a "local gringo" and that helps.
As to the mordida, I think it ranges from 200 pesos to 2000 pesos typically. They usually say something like, "the ticket is 500 pesos..." which I think is them starting the negotiation.
As to South Dakota plates - those are really common here because there is no residency requirement in SD and you don't need to have your car inspected ever. So there's no need to return the car to the US ever.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico nice great info thank you. I just arrived In mexico with montana plates. Drove 10 hours south and only had one immigration checkpoint.
I'm from Sioux falls SD and I'm planning on driving down to Mexico and I wonder if my US plates will stick out like a sore thumb.
Not on bit! Most American's in Mexico who have US plates have SD plates! You can get SD plates without your car (or you) ever needing to go to SD (unlike most states who require emissions inspections or VIN inspections.) I even have a video about it: czcams.com/video/T_PpLHUWxz4/video.html
YES, Alejandro! just like CALIFORNIA,
An arroyo or wash, as they call them in the Southwestern US, can be torrential rivers for short periods of time.
Yes - I've seen videos, but never seen one in person.
Yes, use the Mexican Notario Publico for copies of passport, driver's license and more. 100 pesos.
Awesome to know! Thanks
Are you telling the Notario you have lost your license to get a copy? Or handing them your license and asking?
I am coming from the US to Cabo, renting a car then driving to La Paz in December around 4:30pm.... Woman. Driving alone... I understand not driving at night. 2 questions: . 1. should I stay the night in Cabo and drive out the next morning? 2. Should I be concerned about my safety driving alone?
You should spend the night in Cabo. 4:30 is too late to leave in December. You’ll be safe driving alone - but only during the day. At night, you could hit a cow, or a car with no brake lights. Nothing violent - just road hazards.
I recommend staying in Centro of San Jose del Cabo. It’s very nice and safe at night.
Hey Brighton! I had some questions regarding the community in El Centenario, could I email you? Thanks! -Albert
Sure. Brighton@brightonwestvideo.com
Is it safe to drive across mexico? I'm not trying to stay there, but my final destination is El Salvador, and o
I want to get there driving! But I'm afraid of driving thru mexico I heard it is so damn dangerous
..
You can drive safely across Mexico. Just plan your route smartly and NEVER drive after dark. Plan to be at your stop an hour or two early just in case…
Violence is uncommon. It’s most common near the border with the US. And some states are safer than others (and they is constantly in flux.)
I am traveling to Mexico and was thinking about driving. Nervous about a cop taking my license. I have heard that is ok to give them a photocopy of my license but that seems crazy. Is this true?
I've seen people talking about this on Facebook, but I've never heard anyone say, "I've done this and it worked."
I've been pulled over twice. Both times they let me go and didn't take my license (and I did not pay a mordida/bribe.) So I think taking your license isn't common.
I would encourage you to get a dashcam. They seem to be more careful when they see that. They start around $50 on Amazon.
Can you turn right, at a red light, if no one is coming?
I believe the law says there needs to be a sign that says it's allowed. But everyone does it everywhere.
Yrs ago 2 friends killed driving off a bridge that was washed out a few days earlier. No baracades signs or warning that the bridge was closed. La Frontera.
I'm sorry to hear about your friends. I heard a similar story last year. A bridge was out and the locals had put a mound of soil/gravel in the road as a warning. A gringo didn't know what that pile meant and lost his life because of it. :-(
What is the correct Spanish for "take me to the police station" when they are planning for a mordida? Google translate says "llévame a la estación de policía" or "llévame a la comisario". Are those correct?
I think those would work. But I think I used "Vamos a la estacíon" which is just "we go to the station." Dame una multa works too - "give me a ticket." Not speaking Spanish can work in your favor here. Lots of "Lo siento" and "No comprendo." They will just get frustrated and realize there time is better spent shaking someone else down.
They pave thru the arroyos because bridges are expensive to build & maintain.
Totally makes sense!
I think they build roads in the arroyos cause they don't have the resources to build culverts or bridges over them. I think?
Yes - it would be expensive and in certain areas the arroyos only have water a few days per year, so it would be a lot of money to solve a problem that isn't very common. So they just figure folks should be smart during those couple days. In more dense areas, there are usually alternative routes that have a bridge.
Creatures on the road, even in theoretical urban environments, are still a thing. It’s better than it was but we did a taco run just now and had to swerve around some horses that wandered out of the center divide. There can be dogs, kids, old people, vendors, livestock, and just random things suddenly in the road. Be careful!
and kids on bicycles at night
The stop sign location is crazy!!!! The driving there is an accident waiting to happen 😮
But there are so few accidents! I think people know that they need to pay attention so they do (usually.)
U forgot the most important tip Sir!......dont forget to take a 6pack of Tecate or Modelo Special for Hidration if u can afford more the better👍
Great tip! Of course, you'll drink that when you reach your beach destination ;-)
Every time you get behind the wheel it's an adventure 😜 pretty sure it's the wild west driving everywhere here 🤠
Yup - I need to post my "why four wheel drive is not enough to drive on the beach" video...
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico lol that sounds like a rescue 🤔
When i was a kid, I always wondered why police in the US drive with their lights off.
Not 100% sure, but I think that in mexico that comes down to law.
Oh, and by the way, if they do pull you over, they'll "bleep" the siren at you
Yes - I learned the "bleep" noise... twice... Funny how each country is different!
is there a paid service/agent to help foreigners with getting driver license in mexico? someone who will do all the work and paperwork so i dont even have to go the office
Yes, there are people who help with everything in Mexico! I suggest going on Facebook, searching for "Expats in" + any city in Mexico. Then ask the question there. You'll quickly find local "expediters." If you have a current US/Canadian license, it's supposed to be super easy to get a Mexican DL. I think you need your blood type and your current license and they give you a Mexican license.
Do you see many women driving by themselves in Baja? Also, is it safe to drive a nicer sports car?
I haven't really paid attention to that. But I see lots of women posting about traveling alone in Baja (to the Baja Facebook Groups.)
I would think the biggest problem would be the roads - not necessarily sports car friendly. And secondly would be attention from the police seeing you as a mark for collecting a mordida.
Definitely check Facebook for groups like "On the road in Mexico" or "Talk Baja Road Conditions" or "Talk Baja" for recommendations / opinions
If you get in a car accident in mexico and you don’t have they money to pay they take you to jail until you pay up. Please get the car insurance don’t skip on it.
I’m sure the cop was being sarcastic .
“Rolled too slow through a stop sign” lol .. “next time roll faster” lol 😂
So they can get paid everyday ! 😂
Maybe - sarcasm is hard to translate. But even when he gave up, his last words were "mas rapido!"
waht's "the mainland"?
It’s the big part of Mexico - versus the frontier / Baja peninsula
Potholes hidden in rainwater are the worst. Double your eyeball watching of the car in front if raining.
Great tip. Another reason to drive behind another car - but at a safe distance.
Well, here in Tennessee, we have roads that cross creeks with some being arroyo-style (paved) and others kinda like the last rig that crossed it was a Conestoga wagon (you literally cross the creek or river). The simple rule for survival is to stay out of it if has been raining. We usually have someone die every other year because they didn't turn around. What's sad is that there is usually a kid involved.
As for driving in Mexico, don't. Simply don't.
That said, should I ever retire to Mexico (BTW, I already have a place to live in the mountains), I would consider buying a moto. Why a bike and not a car? With a helmet on it is much harder to make me out as a gringo. :) But typically I would simply take a Combi.
I think the gringo disguise is only needed in parts of the country. Unless you are shopping for things without price tags... and they'd probably pick out your engli-español and still charge gringo prices!
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico No, those days are long over. :) It is funny to see the faces of some Mexicans when I bust out my Spanglish. There are some folks that look at the white face, and hear what I am saying, and are convinced that at least one of their senses is not accurately reporting what's going on. :)
And the idea is to avoid DWW (as payback for DWB here in the States I suppose).
But it seems to be more common for elderly Mexicans to not have a car than to have one. So I'll probably follow the common wisdom of the area and take the bus.
@@MrWaalkman I never thought to compare DWW to DWB. At least the Mexican cops are only asking for a mordida instead of mátame! I need a lot more Spanish practice.
Doesnt driving around with US plates make you a target?
I think having SD plates let’s the police know you are a “local.” Having other US plates may make you more of a target. I’m assuming you mean a target for a bribe. Criminals don’t target foreigners often in the Baja Peninsula.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico so do people with South Dakota plates ship their cars down there or do they drive them down? Thank you for your time sir, I appreciate it
Sorry for the slow reply. I think most people drive them down or buy them down here. There are lots of cars being bought at auction in the US, then driven into Mexico to be sold. There are some that are scams (rolled back odometers, etc.) But if the car was in the US, then you can buy a CarFax to find stuff like that. CarFax saved us from 2 scammers when we were buying our car...
Go to AAA and get an international drivers license. If the police threaten to confiscate your license give them that and you're only out a few bucks. Carry an extra wallet with 200 pesos ( about 10 dollars) in case they are insistent about "buying them a soda".
Have you tried the international driver's license route? I've heard others say "give the police a photo copy of your license" and I cannot imagine that would actually work.
I definitely like the extra wallet with 200 pesos. That seems to be the magic number to make most cops happy.
lol out of all the place i have been in Mexico... no one drives slower then they do in La Paz Baja Sur...
So funny! Good to know this is an anomaly!
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico 4 Decembers ago- told a taxi driver in La Paz my observation... he responded well see this lady crossing the street, she is one of my nieghboors .... I agreed its a small town most people now each ... heck i kept seeing the people that came on bus from ensenada all over town... talk about a laid back beachtown
@@bedoy34 That is true - it really is a small town. Everyone seems to know everyone else here.
Reply, notario publico will verify your ID and certify a copy. Big stamp and all that. A US copy will always be rejected by police. Not sure if new immigration excitement would negate this trick. Tell them you had two break-ins and you no longer keep in the car, the originals. I can't believe they will lock you up for this.
Thanks for sharing Edward! Great tip.
I'm going to guess the arroyos thing is just because the government is cheap and they don't want to build a bridge over a river bed that has water in it once a year or less
I think I’d rather the government be cheap instead of raising taxes for something that occurs a few hours per year ;-)
Well, I drive many regions in mainland México, and honestly I've never had a problem with speed bumps, cops, transit and potholes, sometimes people exagerated.
Not painted bumps can be more in rural roads in random places, and most of the road network are in nice conditions including the free ones actually, But... I mean let be honest, how many regions in USA had that problems, ask to Detroit, south Chicago, New Jersey or Compton's residents for only mention few places.
The contrast have it both countries.
I agree that some places in the US are bad. And roads in Baja are much better than I expected.
But I can’t believe you’ve never come across a hidden tope. I find them in La Paz just as often as the more rural areas.
Perhaps you are driving with Mexican license plates--many Gringos are not. Perhaps you are not driving where Brighton is ! We are not interested in your "lack of experiences." We already know all of what you said. HOWEVER, this video is to "help" people understand what they "might" encounter. So your comment is utterly useless and stupid. He is NOT making a video ridiculing Mexico ! He is making a video to "educate" people. YOU MISS THE POINT! Stop being defensive and "politically correct". People watch this channel because they LIKE Mexico and want to go there ! Your "virtue signaling" and "woke" like spew is unnecessary and reveals your inability to "think."
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico You are too polite and too patient Brighton ! He clearly is lying...
Jajajaja, so in resume you will be become a pretty badass driver once you headed back to US with your expirience driving in México.
I'll be able to drive with my eyes closed back in the US.
We need that green flashing before yellow thing here in the states... BADLY!
Yeah - it's a great idea! Mexicans also turn their hazard lights on when they slow down unexpectedly. I love that one too!
I was on toll road hit guardrail, about 2 feet of damage, 25,000 us dollars and not resolved yet. Federal cops came I will never see my car again. Well so far over 1 month in filthy tow garage. Why? Don’t ask don’t argue. I still like my life here, I will live here. And yes I am insured.
Wow. Sorry to hear that. What insurance company? I would think they’d be more helpful but I’ve heard some are nightmares when it comes to claims
ANA
Only buy a old car. Because you won’t see it again.
Only buy a old car. Because you won’t see it again.
This sounds like a nightmare.
It’s not that bad. Just need to adjust and everything will be fine.
Mainland???? Baja is connected to the rest of Mexico
Would you rather pay $25 for your dui or go to the courthouse and end up paying $10,000. lol not that hard to figure out.
Re: the left turn signal on the transport ahead of you on the highway. Don't do it!!! You are putting your life on the line subject to some stranger's judgement. After driving a lot in Mex, you will see how badly the average person drives. They pass on corners where they can't see. They pass on the double yellow. These are the people driving the transport ahead of you with his left turn signal on.
Yeah, it's a bit of a risk. But I now pass on the double-yellow in Mexico. You just need to look further ahead to see what traffic is coming in the distance.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Yes, eventually you adapt to drive like a Mexican. The most important thing to remember is to tell yourself to stop doing that when you return to the USA.
@@e-curb So True!!!
You need a temporary import permit to go to Mexico’s main land. Also leave about $250 deposit you can use an ATM card. They will attach a sticker on your windshield and when you come back you have to stop at the same office to have it removed and fill the application for your refund. And make sure all your paper work have the same name written the same. Other wise they will send to another office to get approved it. I did all of that in 2019. But the biggest advice that I can give you. DON’T GO. Very dangerous and in more then a few instance I fear for my life. Even me been a Hispanic. Good luck 👍🏽
Thanks for sharing! I've never driven into the mainland, so I'm not familiar with TIPS. And thanks for mentioning safety on the far side of the ferry. I hadn't thought about it landing in one of the most dangerous states in Mexico. I think we'll stay in Baja California Sur!
TIPS is being phased out, check the consulate on line. Sonora and some other border areas are in the hassle free zone so you don’t have to get a sticker or bother with immigration. You can go to a certain distance south then you’ll hit a checkpoint and will need the sticker and immigration papers but if you stay north of that, no issues. The time you can stay is limited, check with the authorities.
Never again after being shaken down for $100 (wanted more) by the police within 30 minutes of entering Mexico. I did my business (15 minutes) and got back in line to return to USA. NEVER plan to go back.
Sorry that happened - it sucks to be the victim.
I hope nothing bad happens to you in the US or you'll be forced to move to Canada ;-)
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Been here 70+ years, never experienced such blatant and accepted corruption by government officials. Absolutely zero shame, other than hiding from the street cameras. The taxi driver who guided me through the maze was much more interested in my well-being than the corrupt cops.
You have probably been hit with this question already: How dies medical marijuana work in Mexico. My license is in Florida. Thx.
I really don't understand MJ in Mexico. The courts have said all use must be legal. But the legislature hasn't written new laws. Medical has been legal for years, but at 1% THC only. I think the next presidenta will probably help make it more available.
I’ve been to Isla Mujeres, Mexico and i’ve seen Ford Explorer Sport Trac with Florida license plate parked in their garage.
When you do something wrong and you get pulled over, it’s cheaper and more convenient to make a $25 dollar donation then go and pay $300 dollar fine at the police station. Why you Americans so against paying ???
Sounds like a total nightmare. Think I'll pass.
Really? It’s not nearly that bad - as long as you really pay attention.
Why visit Mexico if your going to complain
I’m confused - is this comment for me?
My (sadly negative) perspective from the ‘gleaming first-world citadel’ of Los Angeles: 1) replace the word ‘topes’ for ‘dips’ and you get the same Bs: they are all over the place, most unmarked and your car will suffer badly, 2) potholes are everywhere, I skip entire avenues because of them, 3) Animals on the road?, here you see from coyotes, possums, peacocks and hundreds of skunks, 4) nobody respects stops anymore, search for ‘California Roll’, 5) favorite thing cops do here: to stop you for having no brake lights, because you have them right?, 6) the ‘mordida’, yea that is bad. It is also bad here in the USA when you get stopped for nothing and you also get killed for nothing, specially if you look ‘diverse’. 7) Dear Mexicans: your cities are beautiful, your country is beautiful, don’t let this gringo perdido tell you it is not, peace.
I much prefer Mexico to the US. I'll take the "dangers" in Mexico over the real dangers in the US. I hadn't thought about comparing the mordida to what the US cops do to POC. That's a great point. I live in Oregon and the state recently passed a law making it illegal for the cops to pull someone over for a broken tail light. It's crazy that we need a law like that, but it's a huge problem if you're not white in the US. Thanks for your comments!
You shouldn't drive in Mexico if you don't absolutely have to.
It's really not that bad. I'd say don't ever drive in Egypt or Morocco. But in Mexico, you just need to know a few things before getting behind the wheel.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I drove around Mexico for months. I feared for my life several times. I'd never do it again.
@matthew hall - really? What was the issue? Bad roads? Potential "middle-of-nowhere" violence? Busy traffic in big cities?
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico All that and more. Dozens of long stops by "police," constantly having to get car repairs from road damage, vandalism, etc., can't drive at night outside cities, many near-accidents, hit and runs, it was awful. I ended up hiring taxis in cities and taking private buses from one city to another. Even the bus was stopped once by 'police' and we all had to explain who we were and have our bags in spected. It took hours.
i drove 10,000km on my bike all around MX and by far the worst thing was the fuckin topes, how do Mexican's accept those things
Yeah - they are crazy! No standards at all. Just a pile of asphalt in the road. Sometimes you can got 20mph over and it's fine, other times you need to come to a complete stop.
Sounds like you had a great adventure!
Tip: Don't drive in cartel infested shit hole. Avoid it all together.
Great tip. Which part of Mexico is that?
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Cancun to be exact. Family I know had their 12 year old daughter taken from them at gun point while vacationing there. She is still missing a year later. Cancun out of all places...
@@user-sp4yj3cp6c I'm sorry that happened to a family you know. But from 4,000 to 20,000 kids are abducted by strangers in the US every year. So it's not a problem limited to Mexico.
Do not drive in Mexico
I find it easier than some places in the US (Miami?) You just need to know what to look out for. Of course I've never driven in Mexico City... I don't think I'd try that.
I've lived in Baja 12 years and the most important safety tip I can give is that here when people turn on their left hand turn signal it tells the person behind you it's O.K. to pass. It's best to turn on your blinkers first before turning on the left hand signal. Gringoes are just as bad as locals trying to pass you. I have a sharp turn to the right just before I turn to the left. Visibility is not even 100' and people will pass even though they can't see ahead. To me it's the most dangerous part of driving in Baja.
The left turn signal to pass thing is great on straight aways, but not so good when you need to actually turn left!
Drive like Markku ”maximum attack” Alen and youll be just fine 🇫🇮☺️
True!
I have caught some good air off topes.😂😂
I have too. My wife, my dog and my car hate it tho...
No wonder why some drivers in Texas, obviously Mexicans roll through STOP signs and get road rage when there is confusion as to who goes first or who stops!
Folks down here definitely roll thru stop signs - and the system works well if everyone works together. I haven't seen any road rage in Mexico - that seems like a US thing. Maybe once Mexicans move to the US they adopt the local customs ;-)
Creatures on the road, even in theoretical urban environments, are still a thing. It’s better than it was but we did a taco run just now and had to swerve around some horses that wandered out of the center divide. There can be dogs, kids, old people, vendors, livestock, and just random things suddenly in the road. Be careful!
Last night we saw a backhoe with no lights driving down the street at night.