VWP - Border cross/re-entry via Mexico
Dec 15th 2010, 12:24 am
#16
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 1,248
Re: VWP - Border cross/re-entry via Mexico
Dec 15th 2010, 12:29 am
#17
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: VWP - Border cross/re-entry via Mexico
lol, where to start? It's really a separate topic and some google will give you an idea.
-You need Mexico specific insurance.
-If you are in an accident, the default is that everyone goes to jail until it is sorted out. (you pay your own expenses in jail there) The old advice was, unless you killed someone, you should just do a run for the border and sort it out later. The one person I know who did kill someone (accidentally) went through a nightmare, but he was able to work through the legal process. He was already well connected in the community where the accident happened.
-The police who take you to jail may or may not still work under mordida.
-The roadways are frequently underdeveloped.
-Driving after dark is an extreme hazard not to be taken lightly. Headlights are not a popular accessory; lack of sidewalks or breakdown lanes mean that livestock and people frequently use the roadways, lights or no lights.
-Currently many border areas are extremely unsafe. That said, it depends on where one is going; my parent live 18 miles from the border and cross frequently. It's sort of funny to see them bombing down the freeway in their bright red Mini.
-Vehicles are in all states of repair and disrepair, creating hazards of their own.
-Depending on how far into the interior you are going, you need to pay for a permit for your vehicle to ensure you don't sell it there without paying the duty.
-There are some zones that are well known for robberies and worse.
-I have read, and experienced, that due to their lovely sense of hospitality, no one will refuse to give you directions when asked. Whether or not they know the correct ones has nothing to do with it.
You just need to learn about some of the main hazards and not drive over the border and think it's the same as the US.
I drive there, my family does, I've done several long tours in the country. I don't know how to explain it easily, but it's not like anywhere you've ever been, based on my experience and reading about other parts of the world.
The border control is further in, at KM21 on the route I've used lately.
-You need Mexico specific insurance.
-If you are in an accident, the default is that everyone goes to jail until it is sorted out. (you pay your own expenses in jail there) The old advice was, unless you killed someone, you should just do a run for the border and sort it out later. The one person I know who did kill someone (accidentally) went through a nightmare, but he was able to work through the legal process. He was already well connected in the community where the accident happened.
-The police who take you to jail may or may not still work under mordida.
-The roadways are frequently underdeveloped.
-Driving after dark is an extreme hazard not to be taken lightly. Headlights are not a popular accessory; lack of sidewalks or breakdown lanes mean that livestock and people frequently use the roadways, lights or no lights.
-Currently many border areas are extremely unsafe. That said, it depends on where one is going; my parent live 18 miles from the border and cross frequently. It's sort of funny to see them bombing down the freeway in their bright red Mini.
-Vehicles are in all states of repair and disrepair, creating hazards of their own.
-Depending on how far into the interior you are going, you need to pay for a permit for your vehicle to ensure you don't sell it there without paying the duty.
-There are some zones that are well known for robberies and worse.
-I have read, and experienced, that due to their lovely sense of hospitality, no one will refuse to give you directions when asked. Whether or not they know the correct ones has nothing to do with it.
You just need to learn about some of the main hazards and not drive over the border and think it's the same as the US.
I drive there, my family does, I've done several long tours in the country. I don't know how to explain it easily, but it's not like anywhere you've ever been, based on my experience and reading about other parts of the world.
The border control is further in, at KM21 on the route I've used lately.
Last edited by meauxna; Dec 24th 2010 at 12:27 am. Reason: typo
Dec 15th 2010, 12:43 am
#18
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,059
Re: VWP - Border cross/re-entry via Mexico
You need to buy the special Mexican insurance. If you don't, and are in an accident, you could find yourself in a cell. If the car is stolen you can be SOL.
ETA: much more complete answer above
ETA: much more complete answer above
Last edited by Bill_S; Dec 15th 2010 at 12:46 am.
Dec 15th 2010, 12:44 am
#19
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: East Bay Area
Posts: 2,192
Re: VWP - Border cross/re-entry via Mexico
lol, where to start? It's really a separate topic and some google will give you an idea.
-You need Mexico specific insurance.
-If you are in an accident, the default is that everyone goes to jail until it is sorted out. (you pay your own expenses in jail there) The old advise was, unless you killed someone, you should just do a run for the border and sort it out later. The one person I know who did kill someone (accidentally) went through a nightmare, but he was able to work through the legal process. He was already well connected in the community where the accident happened.
-The police who take you to jail may or may not still work under mordida.
-The roadways are frequently underdeveloped.
-Driving after dark is an extreme hazard not to be taken lightly. Headlights are not a popular accessory; lack of sidewalks or breakdown lanes mean that livestock and people frequently use the roadways, lights or no lights.
-Currently many border areas are extremely unsafe. That said, it depends on where one is going; my parent live 18 miles from the border and cross frequently. It's sort of funny to see them bombing down the freeway in their bright red Mini.
-Vehicles are in all states of repair and disrepair, creating hazards of their own.
-Depending on how far into the interior you are going, you need to pay for a permit for your vehicle to ensure you don't sell it there without paying the duty.
-There are some zones that are well known for robberies and worse.
-I have read, and experienced, that due to their lovely sense of hospitality, no one will refuse to give you directions when asked. Whether or not they know the correct ones has nothing to do with it.
You just need to learn about some of the main hazards and not drive over the border and think it's the same as the US.
I drive there, my family does, I've done several long tours in the country. I don't know how to explain it easily, but it's not like anywhere you've ever been, based on my experience and reading about other parts of the world.
The border control is further in, at KM21 on the route I've used lately.
-You need Mexico specific insurance.
-If you are in an accident, the default is that everyone goes to jail until it is sorted out. (you pay your own expenses in jail there) The old advise was, unless you killed someone, you should just do a run for the border and sort it out later. The one person I know who did kill someone (accidentally) went through a nightmare, but he was able to work through the legal process. He was already well connected in the community where the accident happened.
-The police who take you to jail may or may not still work under mordida.
-The roadways are frequently underdeveloped.
-Driving after dark is an extreme hazard not to be taken lightly. Headlights are not a popular accessory; lack of sidewalks or breakdown lanes mean that livestock and people frequently use the roadways, lights or no lights.
-Currently many border areas are extremely unsafe. That said, it depends on where one is going; my parent live 18 miles from the border and cross frequently. It's sort of funny to see them bombing down the freeway in their bright red Mini.
-Vehicles are in all states of repair and disrepair, creating hazards of their own.
-Depending on how far into the interior you are going, you need to pay for a permit for your vehicle to ensure you don't sell it there without paying the duty.
-There are some zones that are well known for robberies and worse.
-I have read, and experienced, that due to their lovely sense of hospitality, no one will refuse to give you directions when asked. Whether or not they know the correct ones has nothing to do with it.
You just need to learn about some of the main hazards and not drive over the border and think it's the same as the US.
I drive there, my family does, I've done several long tours in the country. I don't know how to explain it easily, but it's not like anywhere you've ever been, based on my experience and reading about other parts of the world.
The border control is further in, at KM21 on the route I've used lately.
Dec 15th 2010, 1:00 am
#20
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: VWP - Border cross/re-entry via Mexico
It's like driving in Greece.. for the tourists, it's a nightmare. But if you study the local 'ways' and drive like they do, it's not that bad.
It's when you expect everyone to drive US stylee that you have problems.
Please don't let that deter you from visiting Mexico though, it's a wonderful place and I enjoy spending as much time there as I can. I've driven from Oregon all the way down the Gulf coast and all around Yucatan penn and beyond. I wanted to make it all the way to Panama back in the day, but it didn't happen.
And you can visit many nice places in Mexico without driving to them from the US.
Dec 15th 2010, 1:18 am
#21
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 73
Re: VWP - Border cross/re-entry via Mexico
I have been driving down to Baja a handful of times the last year. Once with a VWP visitor, we were down for two days and had no problem crossing back (within the 90 day window).
I'm going for eight days over x-mas and new years. I drive slow and plan on everything taking twice as much time as in the US.
Check out www.bajanomad.com for some good travel info.
Enjoy your trip!
Dec 15th 2010, 3:30 am
#22
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: VWP - Border cross/re-entry via Mexico
I rode a motor bike in Sri Lanka....
I would not put Mexico number 1 for interesting driving conditions, many more interesting.
I would not put Mexico number 1 for interesting driving conditions, many more interesting.
Dec 15th 2010, 1:04 pm
#23
American Expat
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,598
Re: VWP - Border cross/re-entry via Mexico
Be aware that a departure from the US to Canada or Mexico, even if it's just for lunch or something, is still considered a departure. People who were just admitted normally don't have problems returning following such trips. If the border guards finds something they don't like about you, the fact that you were just in the US earlier that day doesn't mean they have to let you back in. You are essentially knocking on the door again just like you did when you flew in from the US.
Dec 15th 2010, 2:04 pm
#24
@matthewb76
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Missouri
Posts: 21,886
Re: VWP - Border cross/re-entry via Mexico
Note that Mexico is not a member of the Visa Waiver Program. I assume you are a UK citizen. You should check what UK citizens need to visit Mexico (visa, passport only, etc.). Also note that ESTA is just for visiting the US.
US citizens can visit Mexico with just a passport. I don't know about UK citizens.
- Eric S.
US citizens can visit Mexico with just a passport. I don't know about UK citizens.
- Eric S.
Dec 15th 2010, 4:41 pm
#25
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: East Bay Area
Posts: 2,192
Re: VWP - Border cross/re-entry via Mexico
lol, exactly. I haven't driven there, but I have a feeling it's similar.
It's like driving in Greece.. for the tourists, it's a nightmare. But if you study the local 'ways' and drive like they do, it's not that bad.
It's when you expect everyone to drive US stylee that you have problems.
Please don't let that deter you from visiting Mexico though, it's a wonderful place and I enjoy spending as much time there as I can. I've driven from Oregon all the way down the Gulf coast and all around Yucatan penn and beyond. I wanted to make it all the way to Panama back in the day, but it didn't happen.
And you can visit many nice places in Mexico without driving to them from the US.
It's like driving in Greece.. for the tourists, it's a nightmare. But if you study the local 'ways' and drive like they do, it's not that bad.
It's when you expect everyone to drive US stylee that you have problems.
Please don't let that deter you from visiting Mexico though, it's a wonderful place and I enjoy spending as much time there as I can. I've driven from Oregon all the way down the Gulf coast and all around Yucatan penn and beyond. I wanted to make it all the way to Panama back in the day, but it didn't happen.
And you can visit many nice places in Mexico without driving to them from the US.
Stray dogs were a way of life, more so 15 years ago than now. Now, it’s more about clean up.
People are extremely helpful. There is the ‘3 wheeler’ Auto used like a cab in many cities. Vast majority of the drivers are decent however some will charge you 2-3 times as a visitor. You won’t even notice it coz if you convert it in USD it will be like a dollar to two
I do want to visit Mexico – I have heard a lot about it. I won’t be driving for sure
I feel the same about India.. I wish they'd just move it a little bit closer! 
Dec 22nd 2010, 11:57 pm
#30
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 13
Re: VWP - Border cross/re-entry via Mexico
Not had a chance to reply earlier so sorry about the delay.
Hahaha, my friend from Colombia said "You'll end up dead' - to be taken lightly! (or maybe not!?)...
Anyway,
I generally do research on the net but I happened to come across this in a book there for I questioned it.
I wouldn't be crossing the border with a rental car. I've gathered that there are alot of issues regarding that from what everone is saying
I'm not really looking to do a cross country expedition, but just something simple, experience abit of Mexico, soak up some culture.
I think like meauxna said, just need to learn how things work over there, and be 'street' smart you could said. Sounds like a beautiful country. However, how bad is the drug-cartel conflict? From statistics and the news it seems very VERY bad, (35,000 murders since 2008? not sure when exactly) but then again, its a pretty big country with a large population (not to say thats ok!).
If I find myself with some extra time, by which I could spend it in Mexico, I will not hesitate to do so. I'll check out the links everyone has shared once I get some spare time (pretty hard at the moment).
Again thanks for the help everybody, really appreciate it. You've helped me mould a solid image of what considerations and notes I should take upon planning a trip to Mexico. & sorry if my replies arn't very colourful but like I said, very busy at the moment!
Merry Christmas, enjoy the festive season!
Hahaha, my friend from Colombia said "You'll end up dead' - to be taken lightly! (or maybe not!?)...
Anyway,
I wouldn't be crossing the border with a rental car. I've gathered that there are alot of issues regarding that from what everone is saying
I'm not really looking to do a cross country expedition, but just something simple, experience abit of Mexico, soak up some culture.I think like meauxna said, just need to learn how things work over there, and be 'street' smart you could said. Sounds like a beautiful country. However, how bad is the drug-cartel conflict? From statistics and the news it seems very VERY bad, (35,000 murders since 2008? not sure when exactly) but then again, its a pretty big country with a large population (not to say thats ok!).
If I find myself with some extra time, by which I could spend it in Mexico, I will not hesitate to do so. I'll check out the links everyone has shared once I get some spare time (pretty hard at the moment).
Again thanks for the help everybody, really appreciate it. You've helped me mould a solid image of what considerations and notes I should take upon planning a trip to Mexico. & sorry if my replies arn't very colourful but like I said, very busy at the moment!
Merry Christmas, enjoy the festive season!