What To Be Aware Of If You
Drive While Vacationing In Mexico
Driving your own vehicle through Mexico or renting one to
drive while on vacation can provide a wonderful, go-at-your-own-pace
type of experience. That being said there are several things
you should be aware off if you drive while on vacation in
Mexico.
Getting insurance for driving in Mexico is a must, whether
it is for your own car or a rental. An accident, even if you
are not at fault, will not be just an inconvenience, but could
affect the rest of your vacation. Most companies exclude coverage
in a foreign country and a policy supplied by your insurance
company may not be valid in Mexico. There are insurance vendors
on both sides of the border, but it is wise to obtain it before
you enter, as it will be quite cheaper.
If you drive your own vehicle across the border you will
need to be aware of regulations regarding bringing more than
$50 of merchandise into the country. What the border guards
are looking for are items that are being brought in that could
be sold. You can avoid most trouble if you take the tags off
of new clothing, anything in a box should be opened and taken
out and the packaging discarded, and don't have any new supplies
in shopping bags. Distribute anything new among your baggage
and you should be fine.
Driving on the highway systems will probably remind you of
many roads back home as they are, for the most part, modern
and well signed. Most of the roads are toll roads, because,
in Mexico, tolls pay to keep the roads maintained instead
of taxes. It is prudent to have a hefty handful of small bills
for this "pay as you go" system. But the cost of
tolls is definitely worth it because the highway roads are
much better than the pothole ridden two lane roads you would
have otherwise used.
It is advisable to avoid driving at night in Mexico. Many
of the smaller two-lane roads will have livestock issues that
could be dangerous and most assaults that would happen on
the roads would certainly happen at night. Be aware that most
tourist deaths that happen in Mexico involve automobile accidents.
Above all, practice defensive driving while in Mexico. Mexican
drivers, especially truck drivers and bus drivers, are very
polite and will let you pull out or pass them. But other drivers,
especially in the cities can be aggressive. You don't want
to get into an accident if you can avoid it because, if an
accident causes an injury, all cars will be impounded until
the situation can have a complete accounting. This could turn
into quite an ordeal, even if you are innocent in the matter.
Make sure that you obtain insurance that will protect you
while driving in Mexico. Try to stay on the main toll roads
and avoid rural areas where livestock might be a dangerous
hindrance. Avoid driving at night whenever possible for safe
driving and for security from possible assaults. And practicing
defensive driving at all times. All these tips will help make
your vacation safer and easier while on vacation in Mexico.
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