Driving can give you a lot more freedom than other forms of transportation in Mexico,
but it has some downsides as well. You have to find your way on roads
that may be in dubious condition and have poor signage, you have to deal
with other drivers who may make left turns from the right lane and vice
versa, and don't seem to know what a turn signal is, as well as a host
of other hazards. If you're considering driving in the Yucatan Peninsula or Baja,
you'll find it fairly easy to get around, whereas driving in other
areas can be a lot more challenging. Read on for an overview of what you
should be aware of if you choose to drive in Mexico, and some resources
that may be useful.
Crossing the border with your car.
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Crossing the Border
If you'll be driving your own car across the border, you can
drive within the border zone (roughly 20 km from the border) without
doing any special paperwork, but if you intend to travel farther, you
will need to do some paperwork before you cross. You will need to
purchase Mexican car insurance (the insurance you have in the U.S. or
Canada will not cover you), and you need a temporary import permit. You
will have to post a bond either in cash or by leaving your credit card
information, that will be returned to you when you leave the country
with your car. Be aware that you must drive your car out of Mexico
within the given time frame to get your money back, so plan accordingly.
If you are caught driving in Mexico without your paperwork in order,
you could face hefty fines and possibly having your vehicle confiscated,
so in this case, do things by the book.
Rent a car in Mexico.
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Renting a Car
Renting a car in Mexico can be easier than driving your own
car across the border, but there are a few things you should keep in
mind. First of all, it's not as cheap as advertised. You will need to
get all the insurance coverage, which adds substantially to the bottom
line. Also, some people have had issues with rental agencies claiming
they damaged the car, so be sure to inspect the car with the agency
staff before leaving the lot. Find out more about renting a car in Mexico.
Rules? What rules?.
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Rules of the Road
"The rules are there ain't no rules." That's a line from a
movie that comes to mind when I think about driving in Mexico. It's not
completely true but you should certainly get into the mindset that
driving in Mexico is "freestyle" and though there are some conventions
that may be different from what you're used to, you should basically
expect that other drivers may do anything at any time. Drive
defensively!
Plan your driving route.
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Planning Your Route
It's essential to plan out your route before you start out. Use our handy driving distance calculator to find out how far it is between destinations, and check out the Mexican government's Point-to-Point Routes Tool for more specific information about which roads to take and how much you can expect to pay in tolls.
Buying gas in Mexico.
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Buying Gas
If you'll be driving in Mexico you will need to buy gas. It
should be simple, right? Well, it's not too complicated, but there are a
few details that are different from buying gas in other places. There
is only one company that sells gas, so that's easy - no shopping around
for the lowest price. But you should know to always check that the meter
marks zero before the attendant starts to pump. Here are some other
helpful tips to know about buying gas in Mexico.
There are some Mexican police who are friendly and helpful,
however, there are some who are just looking to make some extra cash
(their salaries are very low). Hopefully the police will leave you
alone, but unfortunately, it sometimes seems that money-hungry police
officers can smell out a gringo from a mile away. So if you do get
stopped, you will need to know: what is a mordida - how to pay one, and why you shouldn't.
Topes and other bumps in the road
Road conditions vary enormously in Mexico! There are some
highways that are in great condition with good signage and there are
terrible roads full of potholes. Some are not paved at all and you may
even come across some mountain roads where there have been landslides.
You will undoubtedly come across numerous topes everywhere
(some are not marked and seem to appear out of nowhere), as well as the
occasional burro or other animals in the road. The main thing is to
always be attentive and aware. It's also best to drive during daylight
hours so you can better see what's ahead of you.
Green Angels Road Assistance.
Courtesy Mexico Secretary of Tourism
In case of emergency
In case you have an emergency while on the road, you should know how to contact the Green Angels.
These helpful fellows offer roadside assistance on Mexico's federal
toll highways. Click through for more information about who to contact in case of emergency.
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