Is Mexico Safe?

The most asked travel question about Mexico is, "Is Mexico safe for travelers?"

Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman Photo:CNN

Story by Jim Foreman

Using the words 'Safety' and 'Mexico' in the same sentence is often a treacherous proposition. A quick search of Mexico and Violence will bring up many stories intended to scare the reader and paint a picture that Mexico is a war zone. You can find examples of that here, here, here, and here.

Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches Photo:Terry Divyak

News outlets including CNN and films such as Traffic reflect a very bleak picture of Mexico. But wait! Contrast this with the great Mexican vacation you recently enjoyed, or your friends idyllic holiday in Mexico. Are we talking about two separate countries?

Add to that quarterly travel updates from the US State Department.  These are easy fodder for fear mongers in the press.  One should actually read those travel warnings rather than rely on our very 'accurate' news sources.  Here is the link to the current US State Department Travel Advisories for Mexico.

 

For any reasonable discussion to commence, it's crucial to separate the fact from the fiction. It is a fact, violence between rival drug cartels happens. It's also a fact that there is violence between drug gangs and the police. Another fact is that tourists, travelers, and visitors almost never encounter any of this violence.

La Leche Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta

Recently in Puerto Vallarta, a restaurant whose guests included drug gang members was raided by a rival drug gang. The rival drug gang members were taken at gunpoint and transported away. You can read one of many versions of the story here. Barely mentioned is that non-cartel related guests at the restaurant were unharmed and separated from the intended targets.

What does all this mean to the average American traveling in Mexico?

In short, it means travelers into Mexico must not leave their brains and awareness at the border. In nearly all cases, travelers to Mexico are not hurt, targeted or even aware of anything happening until someone informed them.

Safety itself is an illusion. While nothing negative may have ever happened to you, it doesn't predict that evil will forever elude you.

Violence is transient. It doesn't stay put. A place that was once dangerous may not be anymore. An area previously considered 'safe' may be stricken with high crime. For example, regions once felt 'very safe' like Oaxaca and Quintana Roo are currently experiencing a serious upswing in violence. Other areas such as Sonora and much of Jalisco are now mostly safe for travelers. The notion of being 'safe' is all provided that the visiting party doesn't act completely stupid or foolish. Socioeconomics also plays a significant role in crime and safety. Simply put, unless a traveler mindlessly wanders into the middle of an active shootout between police and drug gangs, there is no significant increased risk to a visitor's safety.

Think about it. Making and trafficking drugs to serve the insatiable appetites of the United States and Canada is a multi-billion dollar a year enterprise. They have no interest in a visitor to their country unless they appear to be a threat to that operation.

Many will point out that there is violence in the United States and Canada with drug gangs and shootouts with police. While this is true, one may not be aware of which areas in Mexico should be avoided, as one would in their home city.

Mexico is a huge country with five distinct regions (Baja California, North, Central, South, and Yucatan Peninsula) The entire continent of Europe can fit into Mexico with plenty of room to spare. Just because one region or area is a hot-spot doesn't mean the rest of the country is in shambles. The USA has Detroit, South Chicago and Washington DC. This doesn't mean the whole country is a disaster.

Whether you are traveling in Mexico, the USA, Canada, Europe, or wherever, it's critical that travelers understand these simple realities and be more aware of their surroundings as a matter of habit.


At any given time over 100,000 travelers are visiting Mexico. Over 99% of them have nothing but a great time a fabulous tan to show for it.

These tips are useful in your own city, country, or really anywhere in the world.

Please look carefully at things you should NOT do in Mexico

1. Don't travel at night in Mexico. Especially on backroads but on main highways, too. Cities are usually ok, but be wise. Don't use an ATM or get gas at night. Wait until the following morning. It's best to take a taxi, around town. This advice is especially true if you plan on drinking. Mexico has harsh laws if you cause an accident while intoxicated. 
2. Avoid doing things you wouldn't do back home. That doesn't mean one should not have fun and enjoy yourself. Have a great time! Just don't be stupid. In Mexico, many activities that are illegal in most of the United States are legal. Prostitution and marijuana possession and use along with drinking alcohol on the beach are all legal in Mexico, but with conditions. Don't be 'that guy' who takes it way too far and winds up in jail. Learn the protocol and where and when to participate, if you are going indulge a little bit. 
3. Don't be a loudmouth ass. Nobody likes someone like that. Mexicans are particularly tolerant of jerks, but even they can be pushed too far. You'll have a much better time being cool and making friends with the locals. 
4. Don't try to act like a brave idiot. Unless you're an MMA fighter, don't try to act like one. Don't clip knives to your pocket or talk about tactical training. Nobody likes a wannabe John Rambo. 
5. Don't flash your money or wealth. This notion should be simple to grasp, but too many people think it's ok to brag about such things. DON'T! You will attract petty criminals who are very experienced at separating you from your cash. 
6. If a situation seems too good to be true, it probably is. It's easy to be flattered when a beautiful and seductive woman appears to take a fancy to you. Be polite, but be on guard. Many Gringos have their wallets go missing and a serious headache after such encounters. 
7. Be aware of your surroundings and listen to your inner voice if something seems 'not right.' If your 'spider senses are tingling,' then it's probably best to find another place to be at the time. 
8. Don't be too curious or nosey. We all know what curiosity does to the cat. It's easy to be mistaken for 'La Policiá' or a rival cartel member if you're where you obviously shouldn't be. 
9. Don't walk around with headphones on or in your ears. People who do are the easiest to rob in any part of the world.
10. Don't keep your wallet, phone, or anything of value in your back pocket. In any busy tourist spot, in the world, these are the easiest ways to be pickpocketed. Pickpocketing is much worse in places like Barcelona, London, NYC, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, and Madrid. It does happen in crowded tourist areas in Mexico. Often a small group of teenage girls flirting or bumping you, somebody feigning an accident or fall, or children crowding, asking for pesos will be how it happens. Pickpocketing and other petty crime is extremely rare in Mexico outside of tourist zones. Don't be paranoid. Mexicans are typically very good and honest people.
11. Avoid conversations relating to politics, religion and other divisive topics.

Here are some things to DO when traveling in Mexico.

1. Smile, have fun and enjoy yourself. Experience the natural diversity and discover a country rich with beauty, culture, and history that far predates western civilization. 
2. Pay with Pesos. Mexico is still primarily a cash economy. Unless you have an account at a local Mexican Bank, save your credit cards for special occasions. Typically, $6000MX (currently around $320USD) is a reasonable amount to withdraw from a BANK ATM at one time. That should last you for several days. 
3. Only keep $400MX-$500MX in your wallet at one time. Preferably $50, $100, and $200 bills. $500MX bills are useful for large purchases like gas or hotel bills, but with smaller vendors they are difficult to change into smaller bills. Stash the bulk of your money in a discreet safe place along with credit or debit cards you won't be regularly using. 
4. Be respectful and try to learn a little bit of the language. A little effort goes a very long way. 
5. Go to festivals in the town center. Enjoy the local culture and cuisine. Make friends. Generally speaking, avoid political gatherings. 
6. Ask the locals for directions or if the route you're planning to take is OK. They may report that the road is out or in terrible condition and suggest a better option. 
7. Eat at local non-chain restaurants. Just because there is an Applebee's in Mexico doesn't mean you should go there. Visit busy locally owned restaurants and enjoy a unique experience. 
8. When staying at a hotel or a leaving your car out of sight in a parking lot, look for an attendant. If there is a watchman or a guard on duty, tip them $50MX ($3USD) to keep an eye on your car. These are honorable people who aren't paid very much. Even $50MX goes a long way toward making their lives a little better.
9. Carry copies of all of your important documents like passports, driver's licenses, visas, vehicle registration and insurance. Snapping a photo, on your phone is an excellent idea. 
10. Keep your phone put away. Unless you're making a call or taking a photo, put it away. Mexico is alive. If you're too busy liking Facebook posts and watching YouTube videos you will miss everything good. 
11. Make sure your mobile phone carrier has you on a plan that includes minutes, data and texting in Mexico. AT&T and T-Mobile have excellent options for this. Check with your carrier. 

Puerto Vallarta at Sunset Photo:Jim Foreman

Mexico is a beautiful place to visit and full of wonderful sights, sounds, culture and people. Don't be afraid to go. Keep any negative reports in perspective. Simply keep your wits about you, have fun, but don't act like an idiot.

Special thanks to Michael Strah for some fine tuning.

Experience the beauty, culture, and history of this great land. It's easy, fun, and surprisingly safe, as long as you're paying attention. 

 
When driving into Mexico, you must have Mexican auto insurance. Choose your best policy from MexicanInsuranceStore.com. It's as simple as Choose, Buy, and Print.

©2022 Jim Foreman All Rights Reserved

15 Rookie Mistakes To Avoid When Traveling In Mexico

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. -Saint Ambrose

Story by Jim Foreman

We’ve all been there. We’ve all made that first trip to Mexico, as green as a cucumber.

What’s more, everyone, it seems, from the news, family, and friends will try to impart some conventional wisdom. The problem is that these same people offering their advice have either never been to Mexico or went so long ago, the memories are grossly embellished.

Originally this was going to be only ‘6 Rookie Mistakes.’ As the thoughts and situations kept appearing, the number rose to 8, 10, 13 and finally 15. Truthfully, this list could have exceeded 16, 18 or 20 points. Sticking with the self-imposed limit of 15, take a moment to ponder, read, and think about what’s listed below. These can mean the difference between a ‘Meh’ trip and a wonderfully memorable journey.

The list below isn't about rules to follow such as not driving at night or taking the toll roads. Instead, these are some key details and perspectives that will make your first trip and future trips memorable and enjoyable.

1) Pay with Pesos

If I had a dime for every time some well-meaning Gringo told me to pay with US Dollars when in Mexico, I’d have a 50-gallon drum filled with dimes. Unfortunately, I would have overpaid for everything in Mexico negating the value of those dimes. When in Mexico, get Pesos and pay with Pesos.

Several things are accomplished by this. First, you are going to be most likely to pay the local price for goods, food, and services. Second, and perhaps more importantly, you show respect to Mexicans by paying in Mexican currency. If you need more details about paying for things in Mexico, take a look at this story.

2) Learn a couple of key phrases in Spanish.

This is a biggie. One doesn’t have to be fluent in Spanish to get along, but one should make an effort to know a little bit of Spanish. Starting with ‘Por Favor’ for Please and ‘Gracias’ for Thank You, it’s easy to build one’s vocabulary. Frequently used words like Baños, Cerveza, Comida, Escribe, and numbers in Spanish will help even more. There are many fun and easy ways to pick up Spanish. Some of the best are entirely free.  Duolingo, and the BBC offer great Spanish Language courses.

3) Don’t assume all police are crooked.

They’re not. Police in Mexico have taken great strides to weed out corruption and discipline those that prey on visitors. If you are stopped by the police, chances are you were speeding, blowing through a stop sign, or some other offense. Imagine all the craziness Mexican officers have to put up with from locals as well as foreigners.

Dealing with the situation is a little different than in the US or Canada, but handling oneself professionally is up to both you and the officer.  For advice on handling police encounters in Mexico read this story.

4) Don’t go in with expectations. Let Mexico unfold on you.

One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors to Mexico make is building up a set of pre-conceived notions about the people, culture, and attitude. Many of these conclusions derive from stateside people of Mexican descent. Mexicans in Mexico are very different from Mexicans in the US. This is particularly the case of the second generation and further Americans of Mexican heritage.

Keep your politics, tasteless jokes, and other disrespectful perspectives back home and open your mind to a warm, welcoming and wonderful people.

5) When driving, pull to the right to let people pass you.

For some reason, Americans have the hardest time with this. You don’t own the road in Mexico or back home. If someone wants to pass, pull to the side and let them pass. It does nobody any good to hold up other drivers, and it’s the fastest way of building animosity anywhere you go.

6) Don’t be a slave to your GPS.

This bit is another biggie. Turn the darn thing off. Get a paper map, look at where you want to go for the day and what major cities are along the way. Then follow the signs. It is surprisingly easy to travel around in Mexico without the Sat Nav. By turning off the GPS, you will be much more inclined to see interesting sights, attractions, and towns. The GPS will only route you on the toll roads where you see remarkably little. In bigger towns, the GPS can be quite helpful but when driving distances, turn it off. You’ll notice your happiness increase by the kilometer.

7) Do Take the Libre road sometimes.

In most cases, there are at least two ways to get where you’re going. A free road and a toll road or 'cuota.' Toll roads on a map are designated with a ‘D’ after the number. Some Libre roads are much nicer than the toll roads, other times the toll road is the only practical way to go.

Simply put, be flexible. Ask locals at the café or people at the gas station if one option is better than another.

Todos Santos, BCS

8) Don’t rush your visit. Take the time to explore.

Americans are notorious for trying to cram too much into a day. Don’t. Relax. You’re in Mexico. Take the time to enjoy traveling and being in Mexico. Enjoy down time and don’t make the mistake of packing too much into a day.

9) Ask locals for interesting things to see.

Whether you are only at a luxurious resort or driving to a Mexican Hamlet by the Sea, make friends and ask locals if there are worthwhile attractions in the area. Take the time to check them out. The costs are typically minimal, and the enjoyment can be quite surprising.

10) Don’t make hotel reservations in advance.

Unless you are flying into a big resort or are traveling during a Mexican holiday period such as Semana Santa, don’t pre-plan your stops. Again, this is a very American thing, but it is absolutely the wrong way to enjoy Mexico. Drive and enjoy the land and when you feel like it, find a hotel. You will almost always find it for less that you would have paid on your fancy phone app. Asking for a promotional rate or discount is perfectly fine. It may seem very counter to the obsessive compulsive individual, but trust in this. You may want to stay the night in the Pueblo Magico rather than the bland city you initially were targeting.

11) Don’t spend too much time in hotels, ‘Gringo’ restaurants, and RV Parks.

When you arrive at the hotel and have freshened up, go into town and walk around. This is especially true for those in RVs. Get out of the RV Park. You will enjoy much better food and most likely better company by venturing out. Look for places that have a lot of Mexicans. Those places are busy for a reason. The food will certainly be much better and as a bonus, much less expensive.

Getting out of the hotel or RV Park also benefits you and the locals. Both you and they can share experiences and learn from each other. One doesn’t get that from a sweet septuagenarian New Englander escaping the brutal winters back home.

Querétero Centro

12) Do walk the city center.

Most Mexican towns are built around a church. There’s most likely a town square and some activities, restaurants, and attractions to enjoy. You won’t find out much online so just get out and pound the pavement a little bit and explore the area. Most hotels have a map for guests. If the distance is too far, hire a cab to take you and pick you up. The experiences one will gather will often be the most memorable to one’s trip.

Mariscos El Cuchupetas in Villa Union, Sinaloa is known nation wide and worth the wait.

13) Don't eat at familiar American chain restaurants like Mc Donald's or Applebee's.

You're now in a region with some of the best food in the world.  Great food may be served on a sidewalk or a surrounding street in the centro.  Look for restaurants or cafes with lots of Mexicans patronizing it.  That's where the best food and surprisingly best prices are going to be found.

Try new foods and dishes.  That's what traveling is all about.  Leave your American diet sensibilities behind.  Avoid those pesky salads which are often rinsed in tap water.  Go for the tacos, cocteles, and grilled fish.  It's surprisingly healthy and more often than not, the vegetables and fruits are locally and organically grown.

14) Don’t be loud.

Americans have this thing about being loud when they are in unfamiliar places. No matter where one goes when one hears loud voices, it’s almost certainly made by Americans. Don’t Be Loud! Relax. Talk slower and softer. People are often surprised by how much better they are received when they simply quiet down a little bit. This may seem like a subtle point, but it’s not. Next time you’re out and about in a foreign land, take a listen. You’ll spot the Americans in no time. Shhhhhh…

15) Don’t get the cheapest auto insurance.

This is critical. Yes, this story is sponsored by Mexican Insurance Store, but this bit of advice has nothing to do with that. Many policies sold at the border kiosks, especially brokers selling only one brand, in particular, are a very poor choice for travelers into Mexico. These policies are often unrated or poorly rated. Unrated means, no outside company has evaluated them to see if they are solvent enough to pay out if you have need to file a claim. More so, the 'too-cheap' policies have such minuscule coverage that they’re rarely worth the paper they are written on.

The problems with this arise when you are in a moderate to serious collision and the damage is determined to exceed the coverage limits or the insurance coverage you think you bought turns out to be non-existent.   You will be jailed, until full monetary restitution is made.  Furthermore, the fact that few Mexicans wear seat belts, despite a federal law requiring them, make your risk and exposure even greater.

The brokers that offer policies at low-ball rates have a long list of exclusions, limitations and practices that should cause one's hackles to rise.  Some exclusions include:

• Not being able to get your vehicle repaired in the US
• Ridiculously low hourly rate paid for repair services on a damaged car
• No guarantee on repair services
• A history of low-balling vehicle loss at the 'poor quality' trade-in value

When you shop, only buy policies from Ace Seguros, Mapfre, or HDI. These are all top rated (A.M. Best) insurers that will provide adequate quality coverage throughout the entire country of Mexico.  If your provider is missing from this list, it's not by accident.  Don’t skimp on this and think you're doing yourself a favor.

When traveling by car, motorcycle or RV, go to MexicanInsuranceStore.com to shop up to 7 quotes from top rated insurers. We all hope we never need to call our insurance company to file a claim. Should you ever have to, though, it’s good to know that you will be covered by honest and reputable companies who have served travelers reliably for decades.

©2017 Jim Foreman All Rights Reserved.

Family Vacations in Mexico

Story and Photos by Jim Foreman

Mexico is a fantastic vacation destination. Every day, over 100,000 people are presently visiting Mexico.

Mexico is a draw for many reasons. With the current exchange rate, the value for the US or Canadian family is, by far, the best in North America. Mexico’s beaches are warm and sunny when it’s cold and raining back home. Mexico’s cultural and natural history far predates the US and Canadian history with many spectacular sites throughout the country. Finally, Mexico caters beautifully to all age groups and has something for everyone.

Ok, most people reading this far probably already know most of this. 

For couples and newlyweds, few can argue with the luxury and amenities of the resorts near Cancun, all the way down the coast to Tulum, if a resort is desired.

For families wishing to travel together, airfare and ground transportation costs along with tourist priced meals can restrict many budgets.

Alternatively, a family can opt to jump into the family car and drive to their destination. A significant portion of the US population is within one day's drive to Mexico.

For many travelers to Mexico, the thought of driving within Mexico is completely foreign. The reality is that it’s easy, fun and as long as good sense and simple safety precautions are observed, quite safe.

Cabo San Lucas

One idea to consider for a family road trip is Cabo San Lucas on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. All along the southward journey, there are interesting sites and destinations worth enjoying. 

For example, a half-day spent in Guerrero Negro during the whale migration season can provide a very close encounter with these magnificent beings. Small skiffs can take you right out to touch the whales. The official whale watching season is December 15 to April 15. Book your whale-watching reservations in advance from a reputable operator.

Further south is Santa Rosalia which features a steel church thought to be created by Gustav Eiffel. Yes, the same Gustav Eiffel who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris. From Santa Rosalia, Mulegé and Loreto are excellent stopping points. 

Loreto has the distinction of being a Pueblo Magico. A designation for towns that are culturally preserved and significant, historically.
From Loreto, it’s about six hours drive to Cabo San Lucas. At Cabo San Lucas, one can enjoy a day of sportfishing or tanning on the beach, while kids can take surfing lessons. If planned with minimal thought, one can enjoy one set of sights going, and others returning making it a fabulous trip for everyone, both ways.

Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta

Both Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta make excellent family holiday destinations. Arguably, Puerto Vallarta has a wider variety of activities and attractions.  Fortunately, by car you can easily do both.
Mazatlán is approximately 11 hours driving from Laredo, TX or 14 hours from Tucson, AZ. If leaving from Laredo, TX, an overnight in Durango is not a bad choice. 

Durango features a very walkable colonial city center with many culinary options unique to the area. From Durango, the new highway takes you through a dozen tunnels and over the world’s tallest cable-stayed bridge on your way to Mazatlán. You’ll fell like you were transported to Austria while driving this road. 

From Tucson, Arizona, plan an overnight in San Carlos. It’s about an hour south of Sonora’s Capitol, Hermosillo. San Carlos features breathtaking terrain, in a tranquil setting. The water is shallow and warm in the Sea of Cortez. 

Malecón in Mazatlán

Once in Mazatlán, a cost conscious traveler will book a stay along the Malecón rather than the resorts along the Zona Dorado. The resorts are a bit crowded though they often feature some beautiful pools. On the Malecón, the beaches are typically less noisy. The smaller hotels offer the incredible views at a significantly lower price.

Mazatlán is known for fresh and tasty seafood.

Puerto Vallarta Malecón at night (Photo:Alejandro Cartagena)

Puerto Vallarta is about half-a-day south of Mazatlán. One can drive the main highway all the way down, but a wise traveler will veer off the main road before Tepic onto Highway 74 to San Blas. From San Blas, enjoy a scenic stroll southbound to Puerto Vallarta. Several stretches along the Riviera Nayarít feature small intimate resorts many Latin American celebrities frequent when on holiday. Typical sights of beaches all to oneself are common here.

Puerto Vallarta has two distinct sections. On the north end are the airport, cruise ship terminals, and luxury resorts. Further south, you find the charming old-town which features a great malecón or boardwalk and beach along with the charm of a real old-town. Walking about the streets is full of wonderful surprises.
Besides the beaches, mesmerizing nightlife on the malecón, and warm weather, Puerto Vallarta has some of the best canopy zip-line tours in all of Mexico. Just 45 minutes south of town is the Los Veranos Canopy Tour. It’s legendary and also features a natural river with waterslides you can jump into and swim in along with a charming restaurant.

Another tour one can book independently is a trip to Islas Marietas. Islas Marietas is a series of islands about an hour away by boat. One of these uninhabited islands features a hidden or secret beach. One has to swim through a cave to find this beach with the top of the cave open to the sun. Tours to Islas Marietas was recently halted due to damage caused by too many visitors. It’s since re-opened, but with a limited number of people who can visit on Saturdays only. This is one tour you must book well ahead of time.

There are considerably more destinations in Mexico that are family friendly.  They will be covered in future stories including Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon).

To travel safely in Mexico, only drive during daylight hours. Don't be tempted to push further into the night, as you can in the US. Road hazards and livestock are impossible to see at night. Don't do it. Also, unless otherwise directed, stay on the main highways. Most of the are toll roads. For further information about Safety in Mexico, please read this informative article.

Family road trips don’t have to be arduous or stressful. There is plenty to see and do along the way. The shared overland experience, along with the discovery and understanding of a warm and vibrant culture make for lifelong memories.

To travel by car into Mexico, each member of your party must have a passport or passcard. Passports are not an option. Also, make sure to get appropriate visas and if traveling outside of Baja California or the Hassle-Free Zone in Sonora, your Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TVIP). Get your TVIP at the same place you get your visa.

Lastly, you must have quality Mexican auto insurance. The best place to shop, buy, and print your policy is Mexican Insurance Store.
©2016 Jim Foreman All Rights Reserved

Crossing Back Into the USA

Story and Photos by Jim Foreman

A road trip to Mexico is typically filled with wonderful memories, great photos, and fun stories.

The only disappointing aspect is crossing back into the USA.  Wait times can be long and arduous.  Lanes are closed with little notice, it can be hot, and everyone is more than ready to get through and back home.

Border wait times vary from minutes to hours depending on the day, hour and if you have special privileges.  
Most often, the longest wait times are on the weekends.  If you can arrange to return on a Monday Morning, you'll find the wait times dramatically less.  Sundays or Mondays on a 3-day weekend will always be the worst.


Before you enter the line to cross back into the USA, make sure you have at least half a tank of fuel in your gas tank.  If there is an unusually long wait, you may run out of fuel before making it across the border.  Enterprising Mexicans will try to help you by getting fuel for you, while waiting in line.  Expect to pay a premium for this delivery service.


Make sure all legal documents are accounted for such as passports, US Visas, and US Resident Alien cards.

INM Mexican Tourist Visa

Find out where you return your Mexican Tourist Visa and Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TVIP). If you only traveled in Baja California (North and South) or the Hassle Free Zone in Sonora, you do not need a TVIP.  If you did travel outside these areas, you must have one. 

In most cases returning the Visa and TVIP is at the same place you received your Mexican Tourist Visa and TVIP.  

Please don't forget to do this.  Failing to return a Mexican Tourist Visa can make future entry into Mexico very difficult and possibly costly.  Neglecting to turn in your TVIP before the expiration date will cause you to forfeit your deposit and have extreme difficulty and cost if trying to acquire a future TVIP.  

Sonora Hassle Free Zone.  No TVIP needed.

TVIPs must be canceled out in Mexico.  You can not do this at any location in the USA.  Additionally, the vehicle must be present, and the VIN must be verified to be canceled out.  Your deposit will be issued immediately or will be immediately credited back to your credit card.

If using the Frontera or Border crossing in Tijuana, it is very difficult to find the location to return your Mexican Visa and TVIP if previously traveling on the mainland.  It may be better to do this in Ensenada.  

If you are in Tijuana, the Banjercito is found here.

In Mexicali, you will find the Banjercito on the east end of town here.  It's usually an easier crossing, too.

For smaller crossings, you can find the Immigration and Banjercito at or near the incoming border crossing into Mexico.  

Once you have fueled up, accounted for all the entry documents, and returned any visas and TVIPs, it's a wise idea to find out how long border wait times are.  

You can go on your mobile phone to the Customs and Border Protection Current Wait Times Page.  Additionally, you can download and install a Smartphone App for iPhone and Android from this page.

Savvy travelers who frequently cross the border will opt for a SENTRI Pass. According to the Customs and Border Protection: The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Participants may enter the United States by using dedicated primary lanes into the United States at Southern land border ports.

To apply for a SENTRI pass, you first have to create an account on the GOES site. From there, fill out the application, pay the fee and schedule an interview. It's quite simple. When you have a SENTRI pass, you can use the lanes designated for SENTRI to dramatically speed up your return to the US.

When traveling in Mexico, you must have Mexican Auto Insurance for your Auto, Motorcycle or RV. Get quality Mexican insurance from Mexican Insurance Store. It's simple. Enter your vehicle details, choose a carrier, buy and print out your policy. All in about 5 minutes.
©2016 Jim Foreman  All Rights Reserved