Ultimate American Roadtrip

It's not the most fun you'll have, especially since y'all are not technically covered under the open-border policy, being non-US-or-Canadian citizens. If you do venture to drive across, expect to be stopped and have your vehicle searched on the way back into the US. I'm a Texas resident and still get stopped half the time myself.

The easiest way to cross, if you don't mind a little cash spent, is to stop near the border in one of the border towns and locate a taxi (they tend to congregate in parking lots near the border). These guys will usually take you from one side into the marketplace on the other for about five bucks a carload. And since they drive back-and-forth all day they tend to get waved through the border gates. To get back this way after spending an afternoon drinking cheap booze, there are usually taxi jockeys in the marketplaces who will rope one for you. On the return, they will drop you on the bridge just at the border station, where you will have to walk across the actual border and pass through US customs.

You can of course walk the bridge in both directions, but if you are trying to do so on a busy market day, or during rush hours, expect to spend over an hour on the bridge in 100-degree-90%-humidity heat.

If you do intend to drive into Mexico, keep in mind that there is one underlying rule in Mexican traffic laws (and only one) - the biggest vehicle has the right-of-way. In case of a tie, it's the one with the loudest horn. Stoplights, stop signs, speed limits, yields, right-turn-only lanes... these are all open to interpretation on the spot. Also understand that there is absolutely NO rental car company in the US which will 'allow' you to drive into Mexico - which means that if you do get into a fender-bender or it gets stolen, all of that insurance you paid for won't cover you.

A couple of other little Mexico tips - know beforehand what the exchange rate is, if you intend to buy anything. If you stick to the border towns you won't need to exchange, but nine-to-one can become seven-to-one in a hurry if they sense a tourist. Have spare change for the restrooms. Most of all, take a deep breath and shift into low gear... things over there move at a laconic pace most of the time (exception: the aforementioned traffic).

Quote:

---

As far as Mexico, Ive heard its both risky and dangerous to actually drive in to Mexico. However, thats only speculation. Has anyone actually driven in to Mexico?

---

There have been some great tips in previous posts, but the one thing to keep in mind is that Mexico is beautiful and exciting and a little challenging. Most of my in-country driving has been limited to Baja California, and I agree the last thing you want to do is get in a traffic accident. In addition, to the largest vehicle rule there is always the presumption that a Mexican citizen is in the right over any action by a visitor.

That being said, with a healthy dose of common sense you will be fine, unless you are driving a USA car rental.

Mark

I think we're, at this point, decided upon walking into Mexico. After entering Mexico, and trying to get a feel for the place, maybe then we'll drive into Mexico. As the vehicle is also going to be our home for the next year, anything that happens to the vehicle happens to our home, too.

Nonetheless, I appreciate all the good ideas and feedback.

As for Canada, we are definately going to drive into and through it. Atleast up and down Canada's westcoast as we drive to and from Alaska. Also, there is a place called Chapleau (I believe in Ontario), its the world's largest game preserve (or somethinglike that) that I'd love to visit.

Keep the ideas coming. I appreciate them all.
CHEERS!
Peter

I haven't seen it mentioned in this thread, but if you take your car into Mexico, you will have to buy car insurance before crossing the border. Your US policy will not cover you in Mexico. Mexico requires that you buy from a Mexican company. There are usualy several agencies in the border towns that can set you up, or I believe AAA also sells such insurance.

AZBuck

Thanks Buck! Duly noted.

That sounds like the #1 think on my to do list before I die. Reminds me of the Dublin to Sidney a few guys from Ireland did not too long ago.