| Bringing your Vehicle into Mexico |
| Crossing the Border |
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Whether you are driving or flying into Mexico, you will need:
- “Proof of citizenship” in order to obtain a turista or transmigrante
(in plain English – a Tourist Visa or FMT).
- If you are flying, you will receive a form (tourist pass) to fill out from the flight attendant just before you land which you will show when you pass through customs (aduanas) at the airport, along with your proof of citizenship. They will stamp it and give it back to you.
- Do not throw it away – you need it to leave the country. Keep it with your Passport.
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Customs, upon entering Mexico, is a game of chance.
- You will get either a green light to pass without inspection,
- or a red light, which means a customs officer will inspect your luggage and ask if you have firearms, drugs, certain electronics and other items that are not allowed or cannot be imported duty free.
- Don’t worry. It is a simple procedure.
- Many people are intimidated at the prospect of going through an inspection and therefore are paranoid about getting the red light. You guessed it. If you are focused on not getting the red light, invariably you will get ‘red’.
- Our advice – ‘think green’ and be calm. In our ten and a half years living in Mexico we have traveled a lot, both by air and car and perhaps only once or twice have we got the ‘red’ light. We think green and it works.
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| UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ATTEMPT TO BRING GUNS OR DRUGS INTO MEXICO. YOU WILL GO TO JAIL – ZERO TOLERANCE. |
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Driving into Mexico
In addition to obtaining the FMT (tourist visa/pass) at Immigration when you cross the border, you will also need to obtain a permit for your vehicle. Note! Make absolutely certain that you stop at and obtain your vehicle permit, otherwise your car will not be legal.
- You will require the following (Originals plus 2 copies – you can make copies there but faster to bring your own):
- Vehicle Registration or Title document
- Credit card
- Your card will be charged a fee of US$27 (as of Jan 06) for the permit, but it also guarantees you will take the vehicle out of Mexico before or at the time of expiry.
- Picture ID (We recommend – Bring your Passport)
- IMPORTANT! All documentation MUST be in the same name.
- Once you obtain the vehicle permit, they will place or give you a hologram sticker for the windshield of your car which is proof that your car is legal.
- Then you will need to stop at the Aduanas office 25 km in from the border crossing (Laredo crossing). This is where you get the ‘red’ or ‘green’ light. Good luck!
If you are coming into Mexico on an FMT (Tourist Visa), your vehicle permit will be valid ONLY for six months, the maximum length of time you can obtain on a Tourist Visa. If you plan to stay longer, make arrangements to obtain the next category of visa – FM3, which allows you to stay full time, should you wish, on residency status. (Read "Immigration Requirements" As long as you are legal in Mexico, your vehicle is legal. |
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Important NOTE! On occasion people ‘accidentally’ drive all the way to Lake Chapala with just a Tourist Visa for themselves and no permit for the car. We have heard several stories where these people drove all the way back to the border (two days drive there and two days drive back) to get the vehicle permit so their car would be legal during their stay in .
Note: You’ll be happy to know that if you decide to take a Focus on Mexico program, you will learn from our Immigration Expert how to arrange (in such a situation) for a special permit that you can obtain without driving all the way back to the border. |
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Although it is not difficult to drive into and through Mexico once you know the correct procedures, many people prefer to fly in the first time and learn all the nuances and then they feel more comfortable driving the next time. Of course, we will be the first to tell you the best way to get all the accurate information and total peace of mind is to first take a "8-Day Focus on Mexico program", after which you’ll feel very confident knowing you have all the information, knowledge and experience to handle most any situation, plus you’ll have our personal phone number to contact us should you run into trouble along the way.
When you attend a Focus on Mexico Program you will receive your personal "Focus Driving Kit" which contains all kinds of information on ‘Bringing in your vehicle’ plus related topics: (Note! If you have already booked on our program and plan to drive down, please let us know and we can send you the kit in advance.) |
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Your US/Canadian Insurance STOPS at the Border!
Contrary to popular belief, you do now need insurance to drive foreign plated vehicles in Mexico, albeit – liability is all that is mandatory at this moment. However, it is recommended to get the same kind of comprehensive insurance you have back home.
Get a checkup…
As with any long trip, you should have your car checked before driving to Mexico. You will probably want to replace filters, change fluids, make sure your tires are in good shape, and have your brakes checked. If you are driving a car that's not normally found in Mexico, it might be a good idea to check with the dealer on what spare parts you should carry.
No matter what type of car you're driving it doesn't hurt to carry extra fuses, spark plugs, filters, water & air hoses, fan belts, transmission & brake fluid, oil, a few basic tools, etc. If you drive a Nissan or Volkswagen, you have little to worry about - the country is full of them. Almost half of all cars in Mexico are Nissans or Volkswagens. The major American automakers are also well represented.
Having told you all the above, you've probably never seen anything quite like a Mexican mechanic (or their shops). In general they are quite good, often better than the average mechanic from back home. They are incredibly inventive! If they don't have the part, and need it right away, they just simply make one. This is their approach with anything mechanical.
Roads in Mexico
Driving in Mexico can be a great experience and generally, there is no reason to be concerned about bringing your vehicle to Mexico. The stories you've heard about not being able to get insurance, banditos, roads in terrible shape, etc., are highly exaggerated or simply not true in most cases, unless you are the adventurous type and like to travel on the back roads – not recommended.
The road system in Mexico has improved vastly over the past number of years with modern, multi-lane toll roads (auto-pistas) more common in the more populated areas of Mexico. Generally speaking, the highways are excellent and are equal to many major highways in Canada or the U.S. and expanding rapidly. We drive back and forth to the US and Canada regularly and 80 to 85% are excellent roads. |
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Toll Roads
When you drive to Mexico the first time, it is highly recommended you use the toll roads. Many of the free roads can be narrow and windy and congested with slow moving trucks.
At most toll gates, there are clean, well equipped washrooms and snack bars, which is another big plus when traveling in an area you're not familiar with.
Tolls on the cuotas (superhighways) are costly, but well worth the expense. (There are times when you will almost be the only vehicle on the road, since the tolls are considered high priced by Mexican standards.)
First, you know they are going to be good and second, because of the ‘little green angels’. |
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The “Green Angels Corporation” has been considered as a tourist service since 1960, and has distinguished Mexico world wide for the assistance, information and tourist help provided trough this corporation, to the national and foreign tourist that travel by road to different destinies of our country.
Services provided by Green Angels:
• Mechanic assistance and emergency radio communication.
• Aid in case of accident.
• Advice and information on the destinies (maps), services and tourist attractions of the state and regional.
Finally, it is very important to remember that if you travel by road in Sonora and you need assistance or information from The Green Angels you can dial 078 from anywhere.
The Green Angels suggest for your driving trip:
• Check your spare tire, tools and car jack
• Check the engine oil
• Check the electric, and cooling system of your vehicle
• Drive safely, respect the signs and avoid high speed
• Don’t drive if you are tired
• Don’t drink and drive
• Use your seatbelt
• Do not litter
Remember: “Travel safely to your destiny, the Green Angels, guard your road, for them serving you is a privilege.” |
| Source: http://www.ontheroadin.com/travelinnformation/green_angels_highway_information.htm | |
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Green Angels (Angeles Verdes ) - Mexico’s National Road Emergency Services
To help motorists on major highways, the Mexican Tourism Ministry operates a fleet of more than 275 radio dispatched pickup trucks, known as the Angeles Verdes, or Green Angels. Similar to the AAA in the U.S., these denizens of the desert patrol fixed sections of the major highway routes – daily, from dawn until sunset. The bilingual drivers provide mechanical help, first aid, radio-telephone communication, basic supplies and small parts, towing, tourist information, and protection.
Services are free, and spare parts, fuel, and lubricants are provided at cost. To reach the local Green Angels, call their toll-free hot line at tel. 01-800-903-9200 or call the
Ministry of Tourism's hotline or (55) 5250-8221, extension 130/297 or from anywhere Dial 078. You will see phone booths all along the highways. If you do need their service, we suggest a tip; these guys really do care and are definitely Angels.
If you are unable to call them, pull off the road and lift the hood of your car; chances are good they will find you.
It is appropriate to give them a tip, depending on how much they do for you. |
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Mordida - The Bite
For many years, Mordida has been an accepted practice in Mexico. Mordida (often referred to as The Bite) is when you are stopped - while driving, by the Police and they kindly accept a bribe (which they like to think of as an instant fine) to let you off without a ticket. Read "Mordida - The Bite" and find out how to handle it if you are stopped by the police. You’ll also get the typical fines for highway violations and the various jurisdictions.
Unleaded Gas
Contrary to popular belief, there are now lots of gas stations (gasolineras) in Mexico – PEMEX (a government monopoly). They carry ‘magna sin’ (unleaded – 87 octane) and ‘premium’ (89 octane) as well as diesel. As mentioned before, very few take credit cards so be prepared to pay cash (pesos). The cost of gas in Mexico is similar to prices north of the border.
A good rule to follow while traveling is to never pass one up if you can’t make it to the next town. Few Pemex stations stay open all night. Generally their washrooms are reasonably clean and well equipped, but it is a good idea to carry an extra roll of toilet paper and a handful of one-peso coins. Occasionally there is an attendant on duty and it is courteous to give them a small tip, and in some cases this is how you get your toilet paper.
Driving Habits
A little tip! Expect to encounter different driving habits, highway markings and ‘rules of the road’. Mexicans are fairly easy going people… that is until they get behind the wheel of a car… The first few times you drive, especially in Guadalajara (a city of 7 million people), you’ll likely feel a little overwhelmed by the amount of traffic, crazy drivers, and the glorietas (traffic circles). |
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Learn local driving signals
Two great rules to remember:
- He who is in front of you, or has already entered the traffic circle, has the right away…
- He who hits – pays.
Once registered on our program you will receive a print out of Highway Signs and Symbols with the English translations below. Keep in your glove box for reference.
You should also be aware of a few driving signals in Mexico that have more than one meaning. For instance:
- If the car in front of you puts on the left-hand signal:
- it could mean he is turning left
- or it could mean he is telling you it is ok to pass him
- or that he is going into the right lateral road to turn left
- or he simply forgot to turn it off
- When in doubt, DO NOT PASS!
An oncoming vehicle flashing its headlights is a warning for you to slow down or pull over because you are both approaching a narrow bridge or place in the road. The custom is that the first vehicle to flash has the right of way and the other must yield.
Needless to say, defensive driving is the order of the day. However, I must add, in spite of the seemingly reckless attitude of Mexican drivers, it is amazing how few serious accidents you see. |
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Beware of the topes!
When you approach cities and especially small villages beware of the topes. We call them 24 hour silent policemen and they are extremely effective. Just outside of town (both coming in and leaving), plus several more within, you will find large speed bumps
(topes). You will need to immediately slow down when you see a sign with a bump on it. Sometimes the signs are hard to see and sometimes they aren’t there at all. Many times the ‘bumps’ are painted to give you a clue. Just remember when approaching cities and villages to pay attention and look for the topes and save your suspension.
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