So You Want To Drive South of the Border?

Driving in border towns is different than driving beyond 50 miles into Mexico. If you stay within 50 miles of the border, all you need is liability Insurance written by a Mexican insurance company. Mexican liability insurance on your vehicle can be purchased on either side of the border or on the Internet. If you have an accident in Mexico and haven't purchased liability insurance be prepared for a stay in jail regardless who was at fault. The one without insurance goes to jail.

Since I was going from Laredo to Puerto Vallarta which is beyond the 50 mile limit, everyone needs a visa and a permit for their vehicle. In order to get both you need to convert some dollars into Mexican Pesos before you cross the border. The money exchangers are called cambias. The exchange rate is roughly 10 Pesos to 1 American Dollar. The posted prices in Mexico use the $ sign and are always Pesos unless indicated in US$. The amount you need to convert is dependent on how many are in your party, how far you are traveling and what you consider for lodging expenses along the way. Perhaps you would rather obtain your Mexican liability insurance on the net. I discovered that the price charged at the border is more than what is available on the net for the same policy.

Before you cross the border, take a moment and try to envision where you are going and who are the people you are going to meet along the way. If you have an attitude when things don't go your way, turn around and go back home. I have found the people of Mexico to be hardworking, hospitable, honest and will do everything possible to make your way smooth. One thing you are going to miss is someone who understands English. You are entering a foreign country and don't expect English translations nor find anyone that can understand your utterances. Things 'South of the Border' use the 'Mexican Minute' to occur and it is not what you expect.

Laredo has a wonderful guide that is called, "Laredo & Nuevo Laredo Official Visitors and Relocation Guide". It is available at most Laredo motels at the desk. Before you start out across the border the guide has handy maps that will help you navigate once you cross the bridge. Things you will need to get your vehicle into Mexico are:

Car title or pink slip
Lien release or written authorization by your lien holder to take the car to Mexico
Mexican liability Insurance
A major credit or debit card
The vehicle has to be in the name of the driver
The drivers must have valid drivers licenses
Valid identification or passport

If you plan on spending the night in Laredo the hotels/motels are on your right. The access road on the right is one way. If you pass your turn off, exit the expressway to the access road and turn right at the next stop light, go one block and turn right again and travel that street until you either find a motel or get back to about the area that you missed the turn. Two rights will get you back on the one way access road. A cambia is next to the McDonalds to exchange your greenbacks.

Next Crossing the Border