First Time Traveling Into Mexico

A Guide for First-Time Overland Travelers

Story by Jim Foreman

Many people throughout Canada and the United States have visited Mexico on holiday. Mexico’s idyllic beaches, warm winters, and high value for the money have made it a top destination in the western hemisphere. Despite overblown safety concerns by US news and media outlets, hundreds of thousands of US and Canadian citizens are in Mexico at any given time. If you have concerns about safety, please read this article for a no-nonsense perspective about Safety in Mexico.

A majority of visitors arrive by air into Mexico. Necessities like a visa are handled proficiently at the airport.

What happens when you wish to traverse Mexico in your vehicle? Whether by car, motorcycle, or RV, Mexico makes an equally charming and festive destination over land.

Though it’s relatively easy to travel with your vehicle into Mexico, there are several things you must do and have in order before you depart.

It’s also imperative to take care of some tasks after you cross the border and prepare to follow-up before you leave.

Don’t be dismayed. It’s not difficult. With so many fantastic destinations, the hardest part will probably be deciding where to go.

First Things First 

Do you have a Passport or US Passcard? Since 2007, you must have one to re-enter the United States. The good old days of presenting a birth certificate and drivers license are long past. This rule doesn’t mean that you will be refused entry back into the United States if you forgot your passport or don't have one. Do expect to be considered foolish by the border agent, to be chastised and possibly have to go through a secondary screening, upon your return.

Additionally, you will need a full passport if you intend to get a 7-day or 180-day tourist visa. If you’re just hopping across the border for an overnight, weekend, or day trip, the Passcard works fine. Fortunately, Canadians are pretty smart about this. US Citizens have the most difficulty grasping that they need to have a passport to cross international borders. Most get it, but an alarmingly high number of people still don’t.

You can download the passport application from the US State Department website and learn where you can submit it along with your photo and money order for the fees.

Visas and Temporary Vehicle Import Permits

The next thing to think about is whether you need a Mexican Visa and Temporary Vehicle Import Permit.

Unless one is a Mexican national, a tourist visa is technically required for anyone from the US or Canada who plans to do anything more than a day trip into Mexico.  Now that sums up the technical aspect.  The reality is a little different.  

If you try to ask for a tourist visa for an overnight or weekend in Ensenada or elsewhere in Baja California or the Sonora Hassle Free Zone, officials will wave you away unless you insist on one.  Here's the reality.  If you plan on staying less than 72 hours in Baja California, within the Hassle Free zone in Sonora, or within a border city, don't bother with a visa.  If you plan on staying longer, get the 180 day visa (around $25USD).  It's good for multiple overland visits to Mexico within the 180 day period.  Though visitors should turn them in at the end of their stay, there's no penalty if you don't.  The free 7-day visa does incur a penalty if not turned in or turned after the 7-day period.

The need for a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TVIP) has a familiar ring to it.  If you are traveling within Baja California or Baja California Sur and will NOT take the ferry over to the mainland, one does not need a TVIP.
Also in Sonora, within the Hassle Free Zone which includes everything west of Agua Prieta to Imuris and down to Guaymas, no TVIP is needed.
If travel beyond Guaymas is planned a TVIP is necessary.  The cost of a TVIP is about $65USD.  A refundable deposit of $200USD, $300USD, or $400USD is collected either in Cash or preferably Credit Card.  It's good for 180 days or the remaining time on your tourist visa.  

One needs to decide if they want to get their Mexican Visa and Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TVIP) before they cross into Mexico or after they cross the border. The vast consensus of experienced travelers points to waiting and getting both at the border crossing INM immigration station and Banjercito.  Many people don’t realize that International Mail or delivery service takes much longer than the already slow US Mail.  Additionally, one may decide on a different vehicle to take, when the trip is actually made.  From the main roads in mainland Mexico, there is an Immigration checkpoint between 20Km and 35Km south of the border that you need to utilize. Simply and quickly get everything handled in a few minutes and be on your way. It’s a cinch.

Temporary Vehicle Import Permit from Mexico

While an 180 Day Visa is not a big deal if it gets lost, you are on the hook if your TVIP is lost or does not arrive before your trip. Imagine if something happens to your car such as it gets stolen, is in a serious collision, or totaled before you cross into Mexico. You will incur tremendous difficulties on the Mexican side. It will be excruciating gathering all the documentation and visiting over one-half-dozen different offices, in Mexico, to convince the Aduana of what happened and avoid paying the import penalty (about half of the value of the vehicle) and recovering your deposit.

Important Travel Tip

Don’t try to pre-book everything unless you are visiting during a holiday week or weekend like Semana Santa.  Relax, when you are ready to stop there will be many lodging options and then you won’t be tempted to do something daft like drive at night to the next city because you had a reservation.

Insurance

The most important thing one should do before departing to Mexico is to acquire your Mexican Auto Insurance online. Unless you travel with $300K USD in your car in the event of a collision, you must have Mexican Auto Insurance. That is unless you like the idea of staying in a Mexican jail. No, your US coverage is most likely not valid when you cross the border.  Check your policy for coverages.

If you wish to acquire travel insurance to cover against mishaps, consider AIG TravelGuard or World Nomads.

Both of these will cover you medically in the event of a personal accident, as well as offer some very appealing services and benefits.  Do keep in mind that medical expenses in Mexico are nowhere near as expensive as they are in the US.  Several hundred thousand Americans travel to Mexico for elective and otherwise costly medical care, annually.

It’s not a bad idea to pick up a map of Mexico at your local AAA office if you’re a member or order one on Amazon.

If you have a GPS unit, make sure to install or load the Mexico maps, if possible.

Crossing into Mexico

Gassing up before crossing at Nogales

When you cross the border, there are several things you probably need to handle.

The first is money. Here is a detailed story on how to manage money in Mexico. If you wish to exchange US Dollars into Pesos, it’s most often best to do so on the Mexican side of the border. Look for the highest 'Compra' or buy price of US Dollars.  Otherwise, find a bank ATM and withdraw some pesos.

If you chose to get your Visa and TVIP at the border, you will need to plan for a short stop at the appropriate location for your crossing. As mentioned earlier, most people find the process at the border to be straightforward and fast and with a lot less hassle than going online.

Important tip when crossing at Tijuana, BC

Depending on where you cross the border, the Immigration may be located just around the corner or up to 40 kilometers south of the international crossing. A great site to show you what to expect at certain border crossings is iOverlander.

One of the more confusing border crossings for getting your tourist visa and TVIP, if necessary is the big one in Tijuana. Once you cross the Red light-Green light lanes, hang a sharp right after the inspection area and park where the busses park.  Then you walk through several buildings and can get your tourist visa, pesos from a bank ATM and use the restroom.


Now you have your auto insurance, optional travel insurance, money, and if necessary, visas and TVIP.  All you need to do is head to your destination and enjoy the warmth, culture, value and comfort of our great neighbor to the south, Mexico.

When crossing into Mexico you must have Mexican Auto Insurance.  It's fast, easy and reliable at Mexican Insurance Store.  Simply enter your vehicle information, the dates of travel and choose the coverage you want.  It's good throughout all of Mexico and will be there for you if ever needed.  

©2016 Jim Foreman All Rights Reserved.

Money and Mexico

Best Ways to Pay in Mexico

Story by Jim Foreman

The second most often asked question, after safety, about visiting Mexico is, “How do I pay for things in Mexico?”

Many seasoned travelers know the answer to this, quite handily. Despite that, it is surprising and often alarming how much bad advice is bandied about by people who claim to be knowledgeable in this matter.  Before doing anything, it's wise to know the current exchange rate between Mexican Pesos and US Dollars.

Here are some common questions with some straight forward answers.

1) Can’t I just pay with US Dollars in Mexico?

Yes, you can in border and tourist areas, but that is foolish on many levels. First, As of this writing, the current exchange rate is over $19MX Pesos for $1USD. When you pay with US Currency, you are subject to the exchange rate decided by the individual vendor. That may be $17MX, $15MX or when dealing with especially unscrupulous sellers, as little as $10MX per $1USD.

The further south you travel south of the border, the less welcome US currency is until you hit tourist spots and are again subject to the whims of the individual vendor.

There’s also a ‘respect’ aspect to using the local currency. You show whomever you are dealing with that you are not an arrogant traveler, and that rip-off exchange rates won't fool you. Bargaining is much easier in Pesos, too.

2) Can I pay with my Credit Card for everything?

Credit cards are being accepted more and more by Mexican merchants. Many hotels, gas stations, supermarkets, medium to upscale restaurants and larger stores gladly accept credit and debit cards.

There are several problems with this approach. First, is that the credit card terminals and data network are often subject to outages and sometimes simply don’t work.

Second, most banks charge an International Transaction Fee between 2% and 3% of the total amount, per transaction.  That said, a few don't.
An excellent compilation of credit cards that do not charge this fee can be found at CreditCards.com.
Notably, Discover and Capital One do not charge an International Transaction Fees and the exchange rates are very favorable to the cardholder.  Some of their cards also offer rewards.  Shop carefully for the right credit card offering.

Sometimes your bank credit card won’t work despite calling them ahead of time to give a travel notice. Banks are still quick to throw fraud holds on your card until you can sort out the problem. Even then, there’s no guarantee it will work. Have a backup.

For large purchases like premium hotel rooms, excursions, or a large group meal, it may not be a bad idea to use your credit card. Only use it sparingly.

If using your credit card, do not let it out of your sight. Often restaurants will bring a wireless credit card terminal to you for the transaction. If not, discretely go to the cashier and handle the transaction.

3) Can I get Pesos at my bank before leaving for Mexico?

Getting Pesos from your US or Canadian bank is often a horrible idea. US Banks are the biggest rip-offs when doing currency exchange. They will offer 40% to 50% of the actual value of the money. Don’t do this.

4) Should I exchange US Dollars at one of the money exchange places when crossing the Mexican Border?

You can. The buy and sell exchange rates are often displayed on a LED sign or posting in the window. Rates do vary from one currency exchange center to another.

Almost always, the exchange rates will be better in Mexico than the US. Make sure you see the amount on a calculator or register tape and confirm the exchange rate is the same as advertised before handing your dollars over.

Count with the cashier and then count again before leaving the window to verify you received the right amount. Once you exit the window, there is zero recourse for an incorrect amount given.

In Mexico, there are often runners or porters outside Cambio or money exchange places along busy thoroughfares. Most are honest. It’s best to go up to the window, in person. If you use a porter, it’s customary to give a small tip for their service. $10MX up to $20MX is a right amount.

5) Can’t I simply use an ATM and withdraw Pesos?

Yes! In most cases, this is the best way to exchange currency, but there are some caveats.

Make sure you notify your bank with a travel notice the dates and countries you wish to visit. While you are on the phone with your bank, ask them what the Foreign or International Transaction fee is. Credit Unions typically offer the lowest Foreign Transaction Fee.  Certain banks like Charles Schwab Bank have zero foreign transaction fees and zero ATM fees.  Accounts are very easy to setup and transferring between bank accounts is painless and quick.

When you are in Mexico, only use a bank branch ATM. Go to a bank in Mexico, and use their ATM. Use the ATM only during the day and preferably during business hours as there is often a guard on duty. Do NOT use an ATM at night.

Physically check for any tampering where you insert your card. Grab, with some force, around the card slot to make sure there are no installed card skimmers. This technique is also good advice in the US or any country.

Different banks have different out of network ATM Fees. Making a larger withdrawal typically negates the differences in these charges.

6)Are there any other ways to exchange US Dollars to Mexican Pesos?

Yes there are.  New services like Xoom.com allow you to link your bank account to its service.  If you plan ahead, you can arrange for any denomination to be transferred to Xoom.com where you can pick it up at specific bank locations in Mexico.  The cost for the transfer is extremely low and there is no foreign transaction fee.  You also don't have to use an ATM as you must walk into a bank branch or retailer and present proper credentials and ID.
Services like Xoom seem better suited for long term visitors to Mexico and part-time or full-time ex-pat residents.  It can be used by anyone with a Xoom account and a bank account.  Xoom is a PayPal service.


7) What’s the best way to pay for things in Mexico?

Collect any Pesos from previous trips. It’s good to have a little bit on you when you cross, but it’s not necessary. It's also wise to bury a $100US bill, where you can get to it, just in case.

If you have US Currency you need to exchange, do it on the Mexican side. Look at the signs posted for the Buy or ‘Compra’ rate. That’s how many Pesos they will give you for each dollar. Find one with close and easy parking and exchange your cash.

Ideally, go further into town and find a bank. Park and go to the ATM and withdraw $6000-$8000 Pesos. That’s between $320 and $440 US Dollars. That should last you three to five days depending on your spending habits. Don’t count your money at the ATM. Quickly stuff it into your pocket and retrieve your card. Make sure the transaction is complete.

Alternatively, If you have previously arranged a Xoom transfer, you can go into a participating bank branch, wait in line and withdraw your Pesos.

Distribute the large stack of Pesos you received later. For now, get in your vehicle and drive off.

If for any reason the ATM fails to dispense the currency, collect whatever receipt you can and take it up with your bank.  Your bank should be very good at handling this.  Usually it involves filling out a one-page form and in a couple days, the money is returned to your account.  Don't try the same machine with another card.  It's probably out of money.  Go to another bank and try it again.

When you can discretely do so, put about $400MX in small bills in your wallet. Take out all credit and ATM cards you don’t plan to use actively. Distribute the rest in a couple of places. Have a couple $500MX notes handy for fuel fill-ups as it will cost between $800MX to $1200MX to fill up your car or RV. It’s between $200MX and $300MX to fill up a motorcycle.

Place the bulk of your cash in a place you would know but may be unusual. It could be an inner zippered jacket pocket. Also, consider in a pants pocket inside your luggage.

Don’t flaunt your cash. Be discreet when making purchases. A good salary for many Mexicans is $300MX/day. Please keep that in mind.

Lastly, please don’t keep your wallet or anything of value in your back pockets. Those are the easiest to pick. You don’t need a money belt or other contraption. Just use similar caution as you would back home.




Traveling in Mexico is fun, exciting and full of music, color, and wonder. You must have Mexican Auto Insurance. It’s the law. It's simple to go online, shop, buy and print an A+ rated policy at Mexican Insurance Store. It’s quick, easy and will be there for you if ever needed.

©2016 Jim Foreman  All Rights Reserved.