Traveling to Mexico - and why we love it!
The team of California Motorsport Adventours has been traveling Mexico and mostly Baja California for more than 5 years. Not even one single incident made us reluctant in going there. On the contrary! The hospitality and friendliness of the people and the beauty of the counrty fascinates us and doesn't let us rest. One must love Baja with its endless trails, remote beaches and untouched landscape.
US citizens need a passport or a birth certificate to cross the border into and out of Mexico. Non US citizens have to bring their passports and Visas for reentry in the USA.
Don't worry about the food. Our guides will take you to places where we have taken 100s of clients before - we have not had any complaints of unpleasant consequences in all those years. The Lobster is simply delicious. We will provide you with bottled water during the trip and you are welcome to bring any special beverages along in our cooler.Make it a family vacation. Don't worry about going to Mexico. It is a wonderful country and you will not find a better riding area only 60 minutes from San Diego.
They say Mexico is dangerous
New York reported 540 killings in 2008.
Las Vegas reported 145 killings in 2008.
Is it safe to go to New York City or Las Vegas?
We think so.
According to these number we we think it is safer to go to Mexico then to Vegas!
If not safer.
Just to put all the New's coverage in prospective.
It's just easier for the News to talk about other cities' or countries problems versus their own. We guess.
They say dont drive in Mexico
We know driving into Mexico is fine. When driving in Mexico with Car Insurance you will have nothing to worry about other than getting lost.
So find a picture map of Rosarito or Ensenda here.
But if you drive to Rosarito, Ensenada it is only one freeway. There are only 3 turns that you should know about.
That's about it. Other maps are available at local book stores and auto clubs.
I have insurance in the US
So why would I need to get Insurance for my car to drive in Baja California Mexico or any other state south of the Border?
Well, Mexico insurance laws are different than the in the US.
In case you get in an accident in Mexico both parties are at fault until proven otherwise.
That is when Mexico Driving Insurance kicks in and basically leaves a deposit with the Police (you will not have do anything, the agent will) until everything is settled.If personal injuries occur you might be subject to Police detainment until further action is taken.
Stories about getting arrested into Mexico
Most stories are true.
I myself heard a story like this with 2 of my friends. They got arrested, but they both don’t remember that part, only the waking up in jail part. I wonder if it was the cerveza and tequila or the bad Mexico Police.
In a total of 15 years of driving an estimated 100, 000 miles in Mexico, that is the only story I can tell you about.
Police
Mexican Police.
Respect them. They are the official law enforcement. No matter if you make 10 times the money they do, and you might think that your nationality is supperior to theirs, you are wrong and are a guest in their country. So act that way...with RESPECT.
At times the Police like to fix little problems on the spot. The offical way is to follow them to the Police station to receive your citation and pay it at the bank of cashier in at the station. I suggest not to pay any fine on the side of the road. Which has happend at times.
Stolen cars
The fact is that I have had more things stolen here in San Diego than in all my years in Mexico.
Many people share the same experience. I would advise you to park you car in public places such as hotel parking lots, and just use common sense when parking your car.
Military guys with machine guns
There are some military check points on the drive from Tijuana via Rosarito to Ensenda.
They are set-up on the side of the road and conduct random vehicle searches.
So I suggest you LEAVE YOUR GUN'S AND DRUGS AT HOME. So you will have again nothing to worry about.
Federales
Federales are a special Police force that is employed directly from the capital of Mexico City (the biggest city in the world).
They drive black / white cars, don’t mess with them. They are the real deal. ...like Sheriffs or SHP.
Usually Federales are very well educated and friendly. They are always willing to help.
No Passport / Visa required!
If you are a US citizen, you are only required to have a birth certificate or a passport to re-enter the US.
You will not need a visa if you go no further than 40 miles south of the USA border, or stay under 3 days in Mexico.If you have a passport, take it.
If you are not a US citizen than you must have a passport with a I-94 card to re-enter the USA. If you stay more than 3 days in Mexico, or travel further south than Ensenada, you must get a Mexican Tourist Visa for about US$ 20.00 at the border or in Ensenda as you enter the town.
Mainland
Mexico Insurance San Diego knows about Mainland Mexico. It has special rules for driving a car deeper then 40 miles from the US-border.
You must get a temporary import permit for you car. Registration, Passport and a credit card are required to get this permit as you cross into the Mainland Mexico. Not required in Baja California at all.
The mainland has so much to offer. You will find some very interesting tours and offers on our Incentive Travel site.