Mexico is often a great place to get away to for us Texans, as an effective road trip idea. However, Mexico is a dramatically different place than the USA. Driving in Mexico is a wildly different experience than in the States, so it’s important that if you aren’t already informed of the process, and different conditions of Mexico that you become familiar so you can travel like an expert!
First and foremost, you must get what is known as a “Temporary import permit”. This will essentially allow you to travel with your vehicle in Mexico without any issue. You will need to obtain this permit from a Customs office. There are a few things you should bring with you in order to get a permit. These are:
- Your Drivers License
- Vehicle Registration
- One form of identification, examples are: Passport/Birth Certificate
- Some form of credit card, which is in your name
- If leasing the car, provide the contract for the vehicle
- Your immigration form
When you are done signing up, and receiving your temporary import permit, you will be ready to travel to Mexico.
After you make it through the border and travel into Mexico there are a few things that you should consider because Mexico is a very different place from the US. The things you need to be aware of, or at least consider are:
1. Anything can happen
When driving in Mexico, anything can happen. Some of the traffic regulations in Mexico aren’t enforced in some places, so it’s important to always assume that the other drivers simply will not follow them. Only go at an intersection whenever you are absolutely sure it is clear. The key here is to be cautious.
2. Roads aren’t maintained
The roads can be virtually any condition in Mexico and are typically nowhere near as nice as the roads in the USA. Some of the most notable differences are:
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A. The speed bumps, better known and marked as “tope”, or “Topes” are not marked or painted yellow. This makes it very easy to drive over them and be jarred when you drive over them without notice.
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B. Potholes are another common issue and can be large enough to get large vehicles trapped in them. The recommended approach here is to be vigilant and drive around them as a precaution.
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C. Highways have dedicated spots for U-turns, just in case you miss your exit and need to turn around.
3. Drive Cautiously
It is crucial to make yourself look the least appealing. Due to the dangers which exist in Mexico, be sure to drive the car that will not draw any attention. Also, you must always maintain distance from other vehicles in case you need to escape a dangerous situation.
Contact Us
If you have any more questions about driving in Mexico or wish to purchase insurance for when you are in Mexico please feel free to contact us at (512) 445-5555 or through our online contact form to speak with one of our team members today!