Before You Go South

If you are heading to Baja or Mexico we suggest you check out some of the important rules, information and restrictions such:

1. Driving Tips
2. Mexican Car Insurance
3. Police, Military and the law in Mexico
4. Mexican Money
5. Telephoning to and from Mexico

Driving Tips: Click here for detailed tips

Mexican Car Insurance: Never go to Mexico without it! Even if you have great US insurance you need a Mexican policy that covers the days you will be there. If you are planning frequent trips a year long policy is very cost effective. Most people assume all insurance policies are the same and wait until the last minute to purchase a policy at the border.  We suggest you do some online research and but your policy before you go so you have time to read it and make sure it gives you the coverage you need. Most online insurance can be printed out and off you go!
Here are a few sites you can purchase insurance online:

1. www.mexbound.com
2. www.aaamexinsurance.com (Automobile Club of Southern California)
3. www.mexadventure.com

Mexican Money: The currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso. U.S. dollars are widely accepted. We recommend paying cash whenever possible.

1. Use caution with bank or credit cards as information can be copied by unscrupulous vendors. Ask to swipe your card yourself or make every effort to ensure that it is only run through once. Make sure you obtain your copy of the transaction slip.
2. If you use an ATM while in Mexico, do so during business hours at a location inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

Google Currency Calculator - Dollars to Pecos

Police, Military and the law in Mexico: Most police are helpful and appreciate the presence of foreigners but there are still problems with corruption from time to time. If you get pulled over by the police, DO NOT give them a hard time.  If you are accused of a violation ask them to write you a ticket or mail you a ticket. It is your right as a foreigner. DO NOT give or offer money which is a federal crime.  If you did commit a violation they will give you a ticket, if you did not and they are attempting to get money, be firm but polite and they will usually let you move on. The more easily you are to intimidate the more likely you are to get taken advantage of so be direct, make eye contact.
If your vehicle is searched at a military check point - they are searching for drugs – the same rules apply. Be respectful and cooperative. In either case, if your car is searched do not turn your attention away or allow yourself to be distracted. Most of the police and military come from very poor families and it is not unheard of for personal items to be taken while you are not watching. Being relaxed and confident will get you on the road faster.
The law in Mexico assumes you are guilty until proven innocent (Napoleonic Justice - opposite of the US) so be a good guest in their country and do even think about bring or purchasing drugs while you are there. It is a fast way to bring a fun trip to a screeching halt. Of all the places to see in your life you never want to see the inside of a Mexican jail.
US Consulate Tijuana

Telephoning to and from Mexico:

The best way to make a call while you are in Mexico is with your cell phone. Check to see if your carrier has a reasonable Mexico plan. The next best thing to purchase a pre-paid calling card. The Telmex Traveler Phone Card is the prepaid phone card from Telmex USA that allows you to call from Mexico to the U.S., Canada and the rest of the world at competitive rates. The Telmex Traveler Phone Card works from any touchtone phone by dialing a toll free access number, your PIN and it is supported by bilingual personal assistance 24 hours a day. Do not use the phones in most hotel rooms as phone rates can be shocking.

1. To call from the United States to Mexico, you must dial 011-52, the city area code, followed by the seven-digit local Phone number. It’s easy once you get the hang of it.
   
   For Example:
   To call the number 684-5555 in Mexico from The United States, dial 011(international access code) + 52(Mexico's country code) + (City area code) + 684-5555 (Phone number you are trying to reach).

2. Calling from Mexico to Any Part of the World:
   
   For Example:
   1) U.S.A. -  001 + area code + 6 or 7 digit number
   2) Mexican cell phone – 01 + 44 + area code + 7 digit number
   3) Mexico - 01 + area code + 7 digit number
   4) Rest of the world -  001 + country code + number
   5) For collect calls to the U.S.A dial - 091 +city code + number (020 or 090 for operator assistance)

3. To call for local information (bilingual operator) dial: 040