Travel in Mexico — Resources and Information
Traveling Tips & Resource Links
Weather by Satellite
http://www.wunderground.com/global/Region/ca/IRSatellite.html
Weather by City
http://www.wunderground.com/global/MX.html
Online Maps of Mexico
http://dgp.sct.gob.mx/index.php?id=442
Maps
http://www.maps-mexico.com/
Travel distance between Mexican Cities
http://www.trace-sc.com/distance.htm
U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Required Documents
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/land_travel/docs/
U.S. Passport Application
http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html
Canadian Passport Application
http://www.ppt.gc.ca/cdn/form.aspx?lang=eng
Temporary Vehicle Permit
http://www.banjercito.com.mx/site/tramiteitv_ing.jsp
Sentri & Nexus Passes
https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/
Tourist Legal Guide
http://www.tijuana.gob.mx/Turismo/TouristGuide/English/index.asp
U.S consulates in Mexico
http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/edirectory.html
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/mexico-city/menu-en.asp
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/regionCentralAmerica.aspx
Obtaining Mexican Social Security (IMSS) Health Insurance
http://www.medtogo.com/apply-IMSS-Mexico-social-security.html
Currency Converter
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Before entering Mexico, remember to bring
- Mexican Auto Insurance Certificate
- Claim Hotline information
- First-aid kit
- Emergency water supply
- If you stay in Mexico for longer than 72 hours, you must have an FM-T tourist permit. Permits can be obtained at a Mexican Consulate or at the border. Failure to obtain such a permit may invalidate your Mexican insurance.
While Driving in Mexico
- Use caution and drive slowly. Road and traffic conditions can be very different in Mexico. Potholes and speed bumps are common. Roads are narrow, usually in poor repair, and often no more than two lanes with little or no shoulder.
- Obey the speed limits and other traffic controls (wait for turn arrows and obey signs). Remember that speed limits are posted in kilometers rather than miles per hour.
- Be aware of Military Stops. You are usually delayed no more than a few minutes. They may or may not search your vehicle. It is strictly forbidden to bring firearms or ammunition into Mexico.
- Don’t drink and drive. If it is determined that the consumption of alcohol or drugs contributed to an accident, your Mexican insurance will not be valid.
- Avoid driving at night. Many motor vehicles and bicycles lack proper illumination. Roads are often poorly lit which makes it difficult to see what may be in the road ahead of you.
- Watch for animals (cows, burros, goats, dogs), pedestrians, debris, and breakdowns.
- Know how and when to pass or be passed. On the highway/open road, a left turn signal is an invitation to the person behind you to pass. Trucks and busses frequently turn their left blinker on to guide you around them. Don't use your left turn signal on a two-lane road when you are about to pass. You might get hit. Flashing your headlights at a car in front of you indicates that you want to pass them.
- Research your route in advance to get an idea of road quality and services. Many roads in Mexico lack roadside amenities such as gas, food, lodging and repair services.
- Park your vehicle and towed unit in a safe place, a secure lot or place where you can see your vehicle. Anti theft devices such as the club are helpful deterrents.
- Remove valuables from your vehicle. Partial theft is not covered on your insurance policy.
- If you have any questions concerning driving regulations in Mexico, contact the nearest Mexican Consulate. The Mexico Government Tourist Organization (MGTO) can also answer driving-related questions.
Call 1-800-44-MEXICO (639426).
