Travel Safety In Mexico

On my first visit to Mexico I expected to see Pancho Villa complete with sombrero, bullets crossing his chest and guns at the ready. Imagine my surprise to find a Mexico that is just as modern as places in the USA.

 

As modern as some areas are, there are dangers to the unwary traveller. Start with crossing the border. If flying you will be given paperwork to fill out on the plane giving you a 30 day travel visa. As you go through immigration this will be checked, along with your passport. Make sure your passport is up to date and that your picture looks like you. Due to terrorist threats immigration now takes a much more pro-active approach. Once through immigration you will be sent to an area that will give you a green light or a red light. Green you go right through, red your bags get searched. If you are carrying prescriptions, make sure you have a copy of your prescription form from the pharmacy. Narcotics are tightly controlled in Mexico and they could be confiscated. I suggest separating your medication. Carry some in your luggage and some on your person. It is unlikely that both would be checked and confiscated. Once pass this checkpoint you are on your way.

 

If you are taking a taxi from the airport to where you are staying be aware that some taxi drivers drive like they are competing in the Indy 500. Learn some Spanish so that you can tell your driver, do not drive fast. "no maneje r pidamente" If you can't pronounce it, write it on paper and give it to the driver. If possible ask your hotel to send a driver for you. You will then know it is a driver you can trust.

If you are driving into Mexico, you will need your insurance papers, car ownership, with no liens against it, drivers license, passport and a credit card. You will also need 3 copies of all paperwork. Have them beforehand in case there is no photocopier at immigration. Your credit card will be charged a fee to register it as a visitor vehicle in Mexico and you will receive a sticker in return. Affix this to your car window. You will need to turn it in when you go back so do not lose it. You will also need it on your windshield at all times while driving in Mexico. This means you brought your car in legally. As you pass through immigration "Checkpoint Charlie" you will go through the red light, green light scenario as described above. Once through you are on your way.

Driving in Mexico is just like anywhere else except that signs will be in Spanish and speeds are posted in KM. Defensive driving is a must in Mexico as many Mexicans are speed demons and quite reckless. 66% of Mexicans do not carry car insurance and often flee the scene of an accident. Your car insurance for travel in Mexico should be full coverage and include a lawyer, emergency numbers, and a bond in case of an accident. If you have an accident in Mexico and there are any injuries, no matter how slight, you will be arrested. This is why you need access to a lawyer, bond and an adjuster immediately. They will bail you out. Mexican law is Napolonic and you are guilty until proven innocent. While driving in Mexico it is best to stay on the toll roads. First, they are in excellent condition and secondly there is always help available from the "Green Angles" should you experience problems. They patrol the roads and you should see them every hour or two.

Other things to watch out for are people passing on hills and around curves. It is quite common so be aware of what you might face going over a hill or around a curve. As you drive along and see crosses on the side of the road, these are where accidents have happened and families have marked the spot where their loved ones spirit departed. Cattle, horses, donkeys and goats are also familiar scenes on the road. I do not recommended driving at night as animals often sleep on the roads to seeks heat from the pavement. Night driving can be a harrowing experience.

Gas stations are few and far between. When you see one, get gas. At gas stations, a favorite trick is to not roll back the pesos to $0 and the attendant might try to charge you more than you actually received. The way around this is to always ask for 200 pesos. "doscientos pesos por favor". All stations are government owned and the attendant always pumps your gas and may clean your windows, check tire pressure and oil. If an attendant does these things for you, a common tip is 5-10 pesos. These men make meager wages and appreciate the tips. Next is bathrooms. Most gas station bathrooms in Mexico are not very clean, to put it mildly. Before you cross the border buy some Huggies Baby Wipes. You will need them. As I travelled in Mexico I realized the great outdoors was far cleaner than most bathrooms. Don't be surprised at a rest stops to have to pay for toilet paper. It's a common practice.

The next road tip is police. They target tourists and try to charge them for infractions they did not commit. Don't argue with them. They can cause you more grief than you want. Try to negotiate their "help" in resolving the issue. Start at 50 pesos and bargain from there. It's expected.

There have been rumors of foreign vehicles being seized. The only authority allowed to do this is Aduana (Customs), and Administracion Local de Auditoria Fiscal Federal. No other authority can do this. Traffic Police, City Police, the Federal police, or the Military have no right to seize your car. The only way they can do anything with foreign plated vehicles is with permission from Aduana or Administracion Local de Auditoria Fiscal Federal.

With this said, know your rights. These other authorities cannot even ask for importation papers as it is not within their responsibility. If you are threatened by these other authorities about the status of your vehicle, or even your migratory status, record as much information about this authority as possible. Name, badge number, date, officer's vehicle type, officer's vehicle license and unit number, etc. The Aduana is very clear on this and wants everyone possible to report such issues to the proper authorities. Most of these authorities will back off once they know they you know your rights and start recording this information about them.

Another major concern is what papers are necessary to carry in the vehicle. The Aduana advises to carry only copies of all pertinent papers concerning your migratory status and the vehicle. For example, have a copy of your passport, your migratory status with the current renewal date, the car importation permit, your title, registration, and insurance papers. Never leave originals in the car in case the car is stolen. You will need those originals.

Should you find yourself lost in a city or town it is common practice to hail a cab, tell him where you want to go and then follow him. For a small fee he will take you and save you a lot of time and headaches trying to find your way.

One last tip for the road. If you need overnight accommodation you should know that motels are normally used by the "hour", and hotels are for overnight guests.

If you are a tourist who has flown in and have now left the airport and arrived at your destination it's time to be aware of other safety issues.

Don't Drink Water. No matter where you go or how safe it looks, do not drink the water. And it's not just the water you need to be concerned about, but the glass and how it was washed. Make sure it is dry and as often as possible drink using a straw, also known as "uno popote". Do not drink coke from cans or bottles. You don't know what kind of water they have been chilled in. Normally ice cubes that have a hole in them are safe but even then I might opt to have no ice. Do not eat salads. You don't know what kind of water they have been washed in. Do not eat fresh fruit. Even a banana can have salmonella on the outside where you place your fingers to peel and then use the same fingers to eat it. All fruit and vegetables must have been cleaned in water treated with special chemicals to destroy bacteria. Eggs are the next big worry. I would not order eggs unless scrambled or boiled or looking extremely well cooked. Do not eat from roadside stands. The chance for ecoli, salmonella or typhoid is just too great. Eat in places that look clean, safe and where other gringos are eating. Take plastic cutlery with you or make very sure your cutlery is very clean. While in Mexico go to a pharmacy and get parasite medication and when you return home take it. It is very easy to pick up parasites in Mexico and this is a common and easy way to stay safe once you are home. Consult your doctor if you are not comfortable with over the counter medication.

Walking the streets. As in all cities, the street can be a dangerous place. Even in small towns in Mexico one should always be just as vigilant as you would be at home. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security because you are in a charming small town. Women should not carry a purse. Carry only necessities in your pockets or in a waist pouch. Do not keep all your money in one spot in case you are robbed. The "mustard" or "ketchup" bandits exist in Mexico just as they do in cities north of the border. Be aware of anyone trying to help you clean something off. It may be innocent, but be aware it may not. The same holds true for car problems. The most common trick is to puncture a tire and then follow you and offer assistance. While offering assistance someone else could be robbing your items in the car.

When in stores, try to use cash as much as possible. A lot of places do not take credit cards and if they do, be prepared to provide passports, drivers license and your visa documents. Don't be surprised if your bank refuses the charges. Unless you have told them to expect charges from Mexico they are likely to put a hold on your credit card.

Bank machines are another area for caution. It is common for machines to eat your card. Try to have a second card with you if possible or use a machine where you swipe your card and not have it actually go into the machine. Be aware of those around you as you withdraw cash. It is not uncommon for someone to be watching the machines in a tourist area. Don't be surprised to also see armed guards carrying rifles standing around the machines. It too is common practice.

Always keep copies of all cards in your wallet and all documentation that allowed you into the country. With copies you will find it much easier to get them replaced if you have copies. Know exactly where the consulate for your country is and their phone number. They can be very helpful in an emergency.

If you get sick while in Mexico, make sure your hotel gets you a translator so you can converse with the doctor or hospital should it become necessary. Know too that most hospitals will request cash or a credit card before they treat you. Look into insurance that will fly you out of the country to your home town should it become necessary.

I really recommend finding a tour guide while you are in Mexico. They don't cost much and can be enormous help to you no matter what situation you are in, not to mention they know the best places to visit and eat.

Due to economic crisis Mexico is riddled with crime. Travel agents will not tell you this so being prepared is half the battle. Last year ABC news reported that local news cameras watched armed bandits work in the open, using their guns to stop cars so they could rob the passengers. On another street, a team of muggers operated with apparent impunity, leaving a man unconscious in broad daylight. Just 15 minutes later, the same group attacks another victim, and during it all, a police officer stands just a few yards away. In fact, widespread police corruption is a big part of the problem. Mexico is actively working on this problem but it can and does happen. This is another reason to have a guide while in country. They know what is going on and can steer you in the right direction. The US State Department considers the situation in Mexico City so serious it has issued a critical public announcement warning travelers never to hail taxies on the streets of Mexico City. At all times in Mexico, be it the interior or the coastal vacation spots, never travel alone.

For the most part Mexico is a wonderful, inexpensive travel destination. Being aware of the dangers ahead of time will help to ensure a safe and fun vacation.