Explorer I
Thank you. I won't make that deadline of the group buy as I'm waiting until Overland Expo East to make any further purchases, but I appreciate the heads up!
Crossing the Border Into Mexico (ISO Tips and Advice)
- Thread starter Hourless Life
- Start date
I rode my motorcycle from the states all through Mexico and eventually down to Argentina last year. Alot of people chiming in about what they 'heard' about Mexico but really it is way mellower and easier than one might think.
I would definitely check out Wikioverland online for procedures of what you need to cross the border. I travelled with moto insurance that I bought online prior to leaving the states. You have to have that. I also made colored copies of my title and registration and laminated them. Used that 95% of the time and it was ok. Every now and then someone will ask for the originals, so just meant I had to dig around my pannier for it. But if a cop asks for it and keeps it, not a big deal as I can just leave (more common in South America as a way to bride people). Anyways, look on Wikioverland as the requirements for paperwork and border costs as it might be different depending on time and places you are staying in Mexico. I had to pay 450 dollars for a deposit called a FMM i think and a TIP . The temporary import permit is something you get in every country as you travel south. So basically you get your passport stamped at one window then walk to the Aduana to get the stamp for you Tip at another window. Then turn the TIP in when you leave the country and restart. When you leave Mexico turn in the paperwork to get back your deposit too. It is in place to make sure you don't leave your car in Mexico or something.
Also check out ioverlander app. Best most used thing by international overlanders without question, as it will point out wild camping, hotels with secure parking, campgrounds, dangerous areas, places to get your rig fixed, and give lots of info about local resources. All the overlanders use Maps.me as navigation tool as it doesnt need cell service and links up with ioverlander easily. But I also put in the coordinates from Ioverlander to campsites or wild camping into my garmin as back up.
In the bigger cities , I defiinitely looked for hotels with secure parking. Or if you are going to a big city for the day, look for parking garages. There are dudes on the streets that look like they will keep an eye out for your car (and sometimes they do) but they just save spots for tips. Dont worry about having too much of a fancy car. Tons and tons of people have jeeps down there with 37s etc. I would just worrry about roof height to fit in parking garages.
I would consider a dash cam though as it might help against crooked cops...
I came down Baja then took the ferry over to Mazatlan then down to Oaxaca. I loved Oaxaca, Puebla, Guanjuate, San Cristobal, and Guadalajara. In Guadalajara, I found a cheap airbnb (5 dollars a night) near the centro and the owners would not even let me consider leaving my motorycle out overnight, so they helped me carry it up a couple of stairs into their patio!
Traffic is a little crazy . On two line highways , it is common for drivers to drive in the emergency lanes to basically create four lanes. So just get ready for that. Oh , and DO NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT!! can't empahsize that enough...
As others have said, try to learn a little Spanish, and be nice. People there are fucking awesome and kind!
Let me know if you have any questions
I would definitely check out Wikioverland online for procedures of what you need to cross the border. I travelled with moto insurance that I bought online prior to leaving the states. You have to have that. I also made colored copies of my title and registration and laminated them. Used that 95% of the time and it was ok. Every now and then someone will ask for the originals, so just meant I had to dig around my pannier for it. But if a cop asks for it and keeps it, not a big deal as I can just leave (more common in South America as a way to bride people). Anyways, look on Wikioverland as the requirements for paperwork and border costs as it might be different depending on time and places you are staying in Mexico. I had to pay 450 dollars for a deposit called a FMM i think and a TIP . The temporary import permit is something you get in every country as you travel south. So basically you get your passport stamped at one window then walk to the Aduana to get the stamp for you Tip at another window. Then turn the TIP in when you leave the country and restart. When you leave Mexico turn in the paperwork to get back your deposit too. It is in place to make sure you don't leave your car in Mexico or something.
Also check out ioverlander app. Best most used thing by international overlanders without question, as it will point out wild camping, hotels with secure parking, campgrounds, dangerous areas, places to get your rig fixed, and give lots of info about local resources. All the overlanders use Maps.me as navigation tool as it doesnt need cell service and links up with ioverlander easily. But I also put in the coordinates from Ioverlander to campsites or wild camping into my garmin as back up.
In the bigger cities , I defiinitely looked for hotels with secure parking. Or if you are going to a big city for the day, look for parking garages. There are dudes on the streets that look like they will keep an eye out for your car (and sometimes they do) but they just save spots for tips. Dont worry about having too much of a fancy car. Tons and tons of people have jeeps down there with 37s etc. I would just worrry about roof height to fit in parking garages.
I would consider a dash cam though as it might help against crooked cops...
I came down Baja then took the ferry over to Mazatlan then down to Oaxaca. I loved Oaxaca, Puebla, Guanjuate, San Cristobal, and Guadalajara. In Guadalajara, I found a cheap airbnb (5 dollars a night) near the centro and the owners would not even let me consider leaving my motorycle out overnight, so they helped me carry it up a couple of stairs into their patio!
Traffic is a little crazy . On two line highways , it is common for drivers to drive in the emergency lanes to basically create four lanes. So just get ready for that. Oh , and DO NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT!! can't empahsize that enough...
As others have said, try to learn a little Spanish, and be nice. People there are fucking awesome and kind!
Let me know if you have any questions
Explorer I
@ravenplague thank you for the lengthy and thoughtful response and tips. Definitely encouraged by your post. We're really excited about this trip. I do speak fluent Spanish so that should help some. My background is in Federal Law Enforcement and though I won't be armed, I know how to assess, and deescalate a situation when possible which is half the battle right?
Really good to know that there are many other Jeepers down there with bigger and badder Jeeps than mine. I just figured we'd stand out like a sore thumb. Appreciate the insight on that. Already downloaded ioverlander and have been learning about all the paperwork. Hadn't checked out Wiki so I'll look into that next.
And I won't drive at night... but if I do.. them Rigid Industries Lights (18,234 raw lumens coming off the front of my vehicle) will make it look like day. Haha. Just kidding, I only use those for off-roading and I have no plans to drive in Mexico at night.
Thanks for all the tips. I'm sure you had an amazing journey!
Eric AKA Jeepsies
Here's a question that I haven't seen being asked....
I have a US flag decal on my Jeep. I can't believe I'm going to ask, but should I remove it?
Durwin
I have a US flag decal on my Jeep. I can't believe I'm going to ask, but should I remove it?
Durwin
Off-Road Ranger I
Don't act like a jerk and you'll be fine. Try and help show that we're not all obnoxious.
Explorer I
I've got Texas plates. I'm guessing they're probably more pissed at the Republic of Texas than they are at the Republic of the United States of America.
Remember the Alamo!
