If youre driving after dark, take the Cuota roads, but make sure youre following the proper speed. If you're involved in a minor accident, don't be surprised if the other driver just looks at you before driving away. Regardless, stay calm, be kind and dont get frustrated. Stay on your left to continue on Fray Servando Teresa de Mier/Eje 1 Sur. The point is to thoroughly research your destination before embarking on a road trip, and to follow the latest travel advisories. When youre driving in Mexico, insurance is important as air. Wear your prescription glass if you have eye vision and issues. If they can't reach in time, and you need to move already, ask them to search and send help from car services near your area. We hope with this handy FAQ guide that we have been able to answer all of your questions about van life safety in Mexico. Remember to stay away from the road as much as possible when you check your car. You are legally required to carry car insurance if you want to drive in Mexico. To take the tolls roads or to dodge them? Don't be certain there's gas to fill up on at the next station. As a result, you should plan your route in advance, so you do not have to deal with any of the issues that may arise. If youre traveling alone in Cabo, then you could make acquaintances with other people there. Towns and cities (vias locales) usually have 40 kph speed limits, while roads near school, hospital, and pedestrian zones enforce up to 20 kph or slower. Because crime tends to increase at night in these areas, you may be at risk if you venture out after dark. Even if you have a car insurance provider back home doesnt assure that you'll be covered in Mexico in case of an accident or other unexpected incidents. It was a terrifying experience at the time, but does make for a great van life horror story! Due to its positioning, it can be somewhat difficult to reach Tijuana overland from the other major Mexican cities, with Mexico City for example being a sizeable 2760km away.. Panama is a land bridge connecting North America and South America. They have an ensured traffic flow since they are maintained properly. The Dos And Don'ts Of Driving Through Mexico. However as it's a popular city, it can easily be reached with domestic flights arriving . If youre a US Citizen whos traveling to Mexico, you will need your passport only to travel to Mexico. Only once did cops try to shake us down for a bribe. Dont assume the copy is seeking a bribe just yet. Always concentrate on the roads. Finally, your own countrys consular service in the region can help you stay up to date with situations as they unfold. The distance traveled between Panama and Colombia is 5,378.59 kilometers, but the journey time is only 7 hours and 20 minutes. Crooked cops, pot-holed roads, and hundreds of f#%*ing topes are the ever-present threats to you and your vehicles safety when driving in Mexico. As previously mentioned, Mexico is one of the top destinations that most nationalities from all over the world come and visit. The worst part of any driving trip in any country is the fact that if youre a tourist, you often get stopped by police. The chance of theft is very high, so it's better to use covered parking lots and garages. You can also drive on Mexicos libre (free) roads, but they will be crawling with traffic. Drivers under 25 years old may have to pay a young driver surcharge. I'm of the approach that Mexico is safe until it hasn't. God help you if you encounter criminal activity or are the . In general, however, it is generally considered safe to drive through Mexico to Belize, provided that you take precautions and use common sense. Nowadays, a car rental is a cheaper and smarter option than public transport. Visitors from Mexico or Guatemala are required to obtain a temporary importation permit at the Belize border before attempting to drive into Belize. The second warning is " Reconsider Travel To the following states. At night, there are fewer of them, but you can call their 24-hour hotline at 078, or in some states, 01-800-987-8224. Dont leave a full tank of fuel behind in Mexico: The lack of gas stations in remote areas makes it difficult to fill up before leaving. Your email address will not be published. Like in most countries, entities within another country would rather have an employee, like a tourist guide, who is already familiar with the destinations in every country. But they are a fast, safe and effective way to travel across Mexico. Rep. Bennie Thompson, the former chairman of the House Jan. 6 committee, said the panel went through a painstaking process to work closely with the U.S. Capitol Police to review and ultimately . This visa will be approved for one year and then can be renewed for up to three years. Some topes will be large, some smaller. Another tool we use for local research isiOverlander. Most of them are nice and are willing to assist you by calling for help. There are some occurrences of drug-related violence which I will talk about below. According to Crimegrade.org, in Santa Fe, a crime occurs 1 hour and every eight minutes, on average. Headed out on a Mexico road trip? Daniel is a man of many talents who thrives on adventure. Observe road signs to avoid missing a turn or a stop. While some cities and regions now have state-of-the-art water treatment facilities, this is the exception, not the rule. Carry Mexican car insurance, bring along your registration and a copy of your title and youre all set. These cookies enhance your experience and improve the quality of our site. Be cautious, acknowledge the risks and have a good time exploring this beautiful country. Driving through Mexico is not without risk but when done properly, it's not the dangerous place the media and your parents (who likely have never driven here) are portraying. If you begin crying, you will almost certainly be able to get your documents back. Where else could you try authentic Mexican food than Mexico City itself? Drivers at that age need parental supervision. Meanwhile, 18-year-olds can already drive without guidance, provided they have a license and correct documents. This is a third of the way up. Whats more, it helps you to have a wonderful experience, and at the same time, avoid fines and penalties that could've been avoided if you just followed the law. Officially, Mexico is named as the United Mexican States. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Great, you are only one click away from becoming a vanabond. Is van life Mexico possible? The roads are better overall, drivers don't have to circumnavigate Mexico City, and there are plenty of beautiful sites along the way. Be sure to stay on well-traveled, well-lit roads, and avoid traveling alone if possible. In South America, we noticed this technique is often used for demonstration. There is a viable route from Panama to Mexico, but the drive will take much longer than just driving from one state to the next in the United States. Check out these tips! Road condition also means that the travel time dodging the tolls is usually longer than indicative times. They would state they are the gate and take payment even providing tickets. SHARES. A great rule of thumb to follow is if the locals are buying water, then you should too. Always look to your left and then right before you merge into traffic. This route is well-maintained and has little traffic. Is it safe to drive all the way through Mexico? Continue to follow Eje 1A Sur. Also, keep in mind that there are roads in Mexican in poor road conditions, so be cautious when driving at night. Rather we want to address common questions regarding safety in Mexico. They offer various car specifications, like seating capacity and vehicle size. In most cases, they will ask for a specific amount of money. One of our favorite places to visit on the east coast is Fire Island. The next step involves a description of the penalty. Make sure you have a good spare tire. Drivers in Mexico prefer small and affordable vehicles, and sometimes pick-up trucks. If you're going downhill and see oncoming vehicles, pull over to the side of the road as far as you'll be out of the way. If youve always wanted a life of travel AND a corporate career, your star is rising. Legal Disclaimer: International Drivers Association is in no way affiliated with or a representative of American Automobile Association, Inc (AAA) and makes no claim to be a Government Agency. You have the advantage of time and can just and wait them out until frustration sets in. This friendly encounter is not uncommon here or on the mainland. Solo travel in Mexico can make one feel very vulnerable at times - though that goes for many places too. And this country has numerous reasons for it. And of course, make sure you have more than enough fuel for your trip. It's for your benefit to drive slowly as you're allowed to on all kinds of roads, since you'll be able to enjoy the country more. Therefore, you must always look at both sides before merging into traffic. Do your research, ask around and watch where the locals go. Want to pin this article about van life safety in Mexico for later? In mountainous areas, though, uphill traffic has the right of way. Ive even slept on the side of the road at the occasional gas station or trucker style stop. . Steer clear of these situations or face being singled out as a foreigner. So, to drive in the country as a tourist, you need to prepare the following essential documents: Any foreigner with the intention of working in Mexico must obtain a work visa and residency visa. Honestly, we considered visiting some of these areas and probably would have if there werent so many wonderful places that were not flagged by the US Department of State. Montana Property and Casualty License 3001656684, 2165 Gilman Main St. Bienvenido a Mxico! Aside from traveling with the appropriatesafety equipmentand conducting thoroughresearch,there are other steps you can take to stay safe while driving through Mexico. Driving at night in Mexico can be dangerous. Look at the road first before going outside the car to check the issue. After that, they will let you go. Drivers that are 18 years old can drive without both supervision and agreement. Slight right onto Carr. Its one of the questions we are most frequently asked about our van life experiences and destinations. We ate street food daily, and while we got a sore tummy every now and then it was actually restaurant food that made us really sick. Yet, construction is always going on somewhere, which is Rule No. By using these you are directly supporting The Vanabond Tales to remain an independent travel blog.The small country of Bolivia tucked away between Peru,, Read More How to Visit the Bolivia Salt Flats without a TourContinue. There is a short distance to major U.S. cities in Panama, but it will take at least a week to drive there. Or you can leave your car near busy shopping centers, hotels, or other establishments. Turn left onto Repblica de Uruguay until you reach Mexico City. The Confederation Bridge connects the Confederation Island to the Canadian mainland via the Northumberland Strait. This requirement applies to traffic rules and regulations, especially when you're driving. Mexican toll roads are your best option for the safest way in arriving at your destination. The influence of indigenous culture becomes more and more noticeable. Most locals don't have car insurance. Cancn - Tulum/Chetumal-Cancun/Mxico 307 from Carr. A convenient drive from the Arizona border, Puerto Penasco, Mexico, is nestled against the inviting blue waters of the Gulf of California. In order to stay safe, make sure your car is in good condition. Some areas of Mexico have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. 18 Can you drive to South America from Mexico? Law officers and locals are often curious about why tourists are driving within their country. Experience your best travels through this guide. Use registered taxis or uber where available. This driving guide can help you drive through the Mexican roads as smoothly as possible. And while Mexico has a reputation for being a dangerous place, overwhelmingly, that was not our experience. Since the late 1930s, most of Mexico's presidents served for a term of six years, called the sexenio. After his or her term, the president can never be elected. Read More 9 Amazing Things to Do in Bernal MexicoContinue. Be aware of your surroundings and valuables in tourist markets, busy city centers, and other crowded areas. Dont also forget that before driving in Mexico, insurance is necessary for worry-free travel. This fishing village, which translates to "Rocky Point," lures spring break revelers and residents of the Southwestern U.S. angling for a nearby exotic beach getaway. Mexicos Topes Mexico keep drivers from speeding by using a variety of tactics, such as avoiding radars and hefty fines. Driving through Mexico is safe . There are loads of museums and parks, filled with families. Explore Mexico with one of these four epic road trips! A travel myth says that if you want a cheaper travel experience, using public transport is the key. If you're from the US or Canada, you may be used to riding on a certain lane when driving. First, it is important to note that Mexico has a lot of traffic laws that are different from the United States. If you have a hazard sign or a red warning triangle with you, provided by the rental car company, place it behind your car near the road. . Don't stop immediately, it may cause further damage to your car, or to the vehicle behind you if there's one. Street food in Mexico is generally safe, totally delicious, and one of the best parts of traveling in Mexico. If you become a victim of a hit-and-run accident, report this to your insurance agency or a rental company. If you want to take a road trip, you can either take a scenic route through El Salvador or a more direct route through Honduras rolling hills. She enjoys exploring new places and traveling. Our experience of police corruption while driving through Mexico has been significantly less than what we were subject to driving through South American countries. Maintain a constant awareness of your surroundings and valuables in crowded areas like tourist markets and busy city centers. If they ask for documents like your passport, drivers license, and Mexico car insurance, present them. Drivers of vehicles entering Mexico must carry identification such as a passport or passport card. If you dont know how to drive in Mexico, you should probably avoid driving at night. You may encounter roadblocks or old toll stations taken over by locals. In Mexico, it was usually used as a way to shake down people for money. Driving in Mexico safe and sound should be your priority if a case like a dead engine occurs. Potholes and topes can create dangerous driving conditions. The major vaccinations required for travel to Mexico are fairly standard and are often covered by childhood vaccination programs around the world. Is it safe to drive through Mexico at night? The following two tabs change content below. For example, a mandatory road sign will tell you to pass on the right of a road only, Priority road signs in Mexico are designed to clarify who has priority or right of way at the road ahead, Prohibitory signs are used on roads to restrict certain types of vehicles, like heavy cargo trucks, and certain maneuvers such as U-turns, or setting maximum speeds. The world's 13-largest country by area, Mexico is officially called the Estados Unidos Mexicanos, or the United Mexican States. As mentioned, it also gives you the opportunity to tour places to your satisfaction. a Aeropuerto Cancn. Like most democracies in the world, Mexico's administrative powers are divided constitutionally between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This entire process can take 1-3 months. Although crime rates have been on the rise in Mexico in recent years, it is still relatively safe to drive through the country to Panama. 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