Tips for a first RV trip to Mexico

Our collaborators, Alex and Vale from Prêts pour la route, are on their third RV experience in Mexico and have recently produced a live event to share with us everything a beginner needs to know. 

Here is some information taken from the paid video available here (in French): LE GUIDE MEXIQUE EN VR

Preparing your vehicle

(1)

Because there will be a lot of road to cover and in conditions that are not always optimal, it is important to tune up your vehicle so that it is in good order (maintenance, oil change).

Make sure your vehicle is equipped with quality tires that provide good traction for uneven roads, especially when you move away from urban centers.

You will then find yourself on unpaved dirt, sandy, rocky roads, with significant differences in level.

Always have a spare tire and a repair kit, even if there are small tire repair stations on the side of most roads.

(2)

Beware of vehicles that do not have a high ground clearance. In this case, always be vigilant; staying on the highway is better. Otherwise, when possible, cross the speed bumps diagonally and slowly to reduce stress on the vehicle.

Also, try to avoid driving at night for all the reasons mentioned above and many others such as the fact that there are no fences along the roads to prevent animals from crossing.

(3)

Consider getting an RV surge protector to avoid damaging the vehicle’s electrical system.

(4)

An ACUVA water filter can be a very smart purchase because, as we know, the water in Mexico is not drinkable and this will avoid having to buy bottled water constantly.

Mexico insurance

Because you will probably appreciate having explanations in your mother tongue before leaving and crossing the border with your Mexican insurance contract in hand (one less hassle), call Orbit Insurance Services which has a long-standing partnership with an experienced and trusted Mexican insurer.

Call us at 1 800 567-0927 or use our online request form.

The Mexican border

Crossing the Mexican border for the first time can be an anxiety-provoking situation for many people.

It’s important to remember that the Mexican border is nothing like the Canada/United States border. There is no mandatory stop or discussion with a customs officer, except for the occasional random search of a vehicle.

Pre-inspection of RVs or vehicles towing a trailer

Usually, when you arrive at the border, you are asked to submit to a pre-inspection during which agents - dressed in military uniform and armed to the teeth - search your vehicle for drugs, firearms and other contraband.

But rest assured, despite their uniforms, they are often very friendly.

An important fact to also mention is that customs officers are NOT bilingual. They often use a translation tool to assist tourists.

Visa (tourist card)

In Mexico, it is up to each person to go to the immigration office (a building called CIITEV) to get their visa.

No one is forcing you to get one, but if you find yourself in Mexican lands without this document and you have to face the police, you might get into trouble.

Temporary Import Permit

To be able to drive your RV in Mexico, you need a temporary import permit (TIP) from the Banjército government agency. 

You will need a photocopy of your passport, driver's license, vehicle registration, visa (obtained a few minutes before) and Mexico insurance contract. Helpful tip: Make a photocopy of the documents already in hand before leaving. All that will be left is the photocopy of the visa.

You will have to provide a deposit (the amount varies), which you will get back when you leave the country... if you have kept the receipt, of course! (Watch out for the "TIP Return" sign or the instructions to this effect.)

The TIP costs $60 US and is valid for 6 months. However, in the case of an RV, it can be good for 10 years. Ask for more information about this.

Important: Some large vehicles may be refused at some border crossings because they are considered commercial vehicles. To avoid that kind of problem, go to the Nuevo Laredo border crossing.

A small peculiarity regarding Laredo; when tourists have finished completing the required steps, they are escorted by the authorities to the highway. However, to do this, they wait until there are enough vehicles. This is undoubtedly a means to ensure everyone’s safety.

The best time to cross the border

Ideally, you should choose weekdays and arrive very early in the morning. This will give yourself more time if, for example, it is a very busy day at the border crossing.  It will also give you some time to get away from border regions that are less secure.

Have some cash

When you cross the border, bring at least 5,000 to 10,000 pesos with you to eat and pay the first tolls.

Once in the country, you can withdraw a larger amount, but again, be careful with your money. Find hiding places; don't leave everything on you.

Note that some tolls in Mexico are surprisingly more expensive than what we are used to. Sometimes, they can be up to $50 for a few hours of driving.

Roads

Mexicans are very patient on the road. They rarely honk their horns. However, they have excellent reflexes and if you leave a space between you and the vehicle in front, don't be surprised to see them slip through.

It is best for you to model your driving style on theirs if you are comfortable doing so. Otherwise, you may have difficulty getting where you want to go and on time.

The highways in Mexico are in excellent condition and driving is easy and pleasant. However, on non-toll roads (secondary roads), speed bumps (called "tope") are very popular. Sometimes they are visible; other times, not at all. Always be on your guard. It takes vigilance from both the driver and the passenger.

On some roads, you have to drive one wheel on the shoulder and one wheel in the center lane. If you don't follow this rule, you risk being honked at.

This way of doing things allows overtaking. However, be careful of the risk of head-on collisions because you may want to overtake and the person coming from the opposite direction may want to as well.

Some roads have side and fast lanes separated by a median. With an RV, you have to position yourself at the far right (right-side lane). The middle lanes are for faster vehicles.

If you want to turn left, you have to wait for the traffic light to allow you to do so and you will have to cut across the other lanes.

It's a very different way of driving for us Canadians, but once we understand the principle, we adapt.

Tip: If your vehicle is over 28 feet long, it is best to stay on the main roads unless you have to get to your campsite.

Beware of traffic violations! Learn about the rules of the road that are different from what you are used to.

By the way, no traffic ticket should be paid directly to the police officer; it should be paid at the police station. Do not encourage bribery, but if you feel a certain threat, make an informed decision. You can contact the Canadian Embassy if necessary.

Campgrounds

To find campgrounds, it is suggested that you use the iOverlander app. The app allows you to access all types of campgrounds and read reviews.

It is more difficult in Mexico to find places to dump wastewater and get fresh water. That is why you have to use water sparingly.

If you do not find a campsite for the night, do not panic. According to Alex and Vale - who have been known to ask permission to spend the night in the parking lot of a restaurant or a gas station – Mexicans are very helpful.

Spanish

Of course, it is best to have a basic knowledge of Spanish when you travel to Mexico. To do this, a platform like Duolingo can help you.

Learn, at the very least, the most important words that allow you to practice the rules of politeness (hello, how are you, thank you).

Nevertheless, Alex and Vale confirm that it is possible to get by with rather minimal knowledge if you use translation applications.

Also, do not hesitate to show your interest in communicating in Spanish. By doing so, Mexicans will be more inclined to want to help you. They will speak more slowly and use signs to make themselves better understood.

Regions to visit

When you think of Mexico, you probably imagine tropical beaches, palm trees and scorching heat, but Mexico offers a wide variety of climates and landscapes.

For example, on their last trip, Alex and Vale visited the central section of Mexico, and in the mountains, sweatshirts and long pants were required.

Be aware that the mercury can sometimes drop to 5 °C during the night. There is even snow on the tops of some mountains!

The West Coast of Mexico

On the west side of Mexico, we find Baja California, which, according to Alex and Vale, is the most appropriate region to learn about Mexican culture. There are magnificent landscapes and incredible beaches. On one side, is the Pacific Ocean and on the other, the Sea of Cortez.

Note that the temporary vehicle importation permit (TIP) is not necessary in this region.

The central part of Mexico ("Mainland")

The "Mainland" is very mountainous, therefore, cooler. Ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

Alex and Vale loved Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende and Bernal. They are very colourful places.

Watch LE MEXIQUE EN VAN (FILM COMPLET).

The Eastern part of Mexico

In the Northeast, we find the Huasteca Potosina, a region full of tropical forests, turquoise-blue rivers and waterfalls. It is a perfect place for swimming and the temperature there is great.

It is also one of the favourite regions of our friends from Prêts pour la route who say this place is different from all the others.

Food

Mexican cuisine is known for being delicious because, first of all, it is very tasty.

Almost everywhere in the streets, you will find food stands that allow you to eat at any time, day or night.

Obviously, in Mexico it is more difficult to find food that is not Mexican food - like sushi, for example - unless you go to a grocery store and make your own dish.

However, well-known fast-food restaurants such as McDo, Burger King, Subway, and other popular chains are also readily available.

But if you like eating Mexican food, know that it is very affordable, even in large restaurants.

Note:  The Mexican people are known for being a very festive people; everything is a reason to party and that is why you should prepare to hear fireworks.

Internet

If you want to access the Internet almost everywhere and at any time, Starlink is a must.

However, as soon as there is obstruction due to vegetation, Starlink will be of little use to you.

The solution, in this case, is either to get a Canada-International package from your Internet provider or to buy a Telcel SIM card in Mexico. 

Finally, if you have some doubts and fears about making your first trip to Mexico in an RV, you can always consider the option of caravan tours. You will travel in a group with experienced organizers.

It is also a way to meet other RV and Mexico enthusiasts.