We Thought Driving Across The Border Would Involve...
Being held up at customs for missing paperwork. Or for Monet. Or for some other reason. Or just for a bribe. Most of my assumptions about what crossing into Mexico would be like were based on having watched the movie Traffic multiple times. Catherine Zeta Jones was a pro. I am not. And I was kind of anxious about the drive.
So we (Spencer) did a bunch of preparation to avoid any issues or delays at the border. He spent a large amount of time researching what we would need to seamlessly drive into Mexico, and collecting the required paperwork. We also converted dollars into pesos because most gas stations don't accept credit cards. We planned out our route using a combination of the Guia Roji (a required purchase!) and Google street views. We chose the crossing at Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras because it seemed to be the safest, most direct route to San Miguel, and all of our driving would be on toll roads. Having printed directions was essential since we were quickly out of cell service and don't carry a GPS.
So we (Spencer) did a bunch of preparation to avoid any issues or delays at the border. He spent a large amount of time researching what we would need to seamlessly drive into Mexico, and collecting the required paperwork. We also converted dollars into pesos because most gas stations don't accept credit cards. We planned out our route using a combination of the Guia Roji (a required purchase!) and Google street views. We chose the crossing at Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras because it seemed to be the safest, most direct route to San Miguel, and all of our driving would be on toll roads. Having printed directions was essential since we were quickly out of cell service and don't carry a GPS.
because we drove we needed:1. The original lien-free title for our car
2. Proof of Mexican car insurance 3. An international driving permit (AAA) 4. A temporary import permit (from your nearest Mexican consulate) 5. Passport 6. A full sized spare tire (not required, but a good idea) 7. Pesos for the toll roads |
Because we brought our dog we needed:1. Proof of a rabies shot at least 15 days before entry
2. USDA-approved letter no more than 5 days before entry 3. Updated tags 4. A record of all vaccinations because we planned an extended stay in MX:We had a very organized trip preparation list - this was key to maintaining sanity and ensuring we'd cover all of our bases for the next year of travel.
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What Actually Happened Was...
We crossed out of Eagle Pass, TX just as the sun was rising. Everything we'd heard and read cautioned against driving in the dark because the roads aren't very well lit, and there are often animals crossing. We wanted to get an early start in hopes that we could avoid any traffic at the border. There are two different places to cross at Eagle Pass - Piedras Negras bridge 1 or bridge 2. We opted for bridge 2 because it's open 24 hours a day. Driving through was a breeze - you'll end up on MEX Highway 57, which is a direct route to San Miguel.
I'm Glad I Knew:
1. That the Mexico customs building is actually not directly across the border - you'll need to drive for about 35 kilometers and look for the sign. The building is on the right side of the road (Highway 57) and is not very well marked. But you'll see it right before you pass through a second set of customs gates on the road.
2. Having all of the correct documents was key to an easy crossing. This requires preparation before departing, but it is so worth it.
3. Bring at least $5,000 pesos (small bills) for purchasing the tourist visa ($22), gas, and toll fees.
4. At the customs office no one offered to stamp my passport, so I asked them to do this. I don't know if it's required, but I'm assuming it is. I met a guy in Guatemala last year who was denied entry into Honduras because he didn't have a Mexico stamp (his previous location) upon entering Guatemala. He had to go all the way back to Mexico from Southern Guatemala to get this. I'd rather learn from that mistake than repeat it.
5. The customs officer will look at your passport and then ask how many days you'd like your visa for. Say 180 days (six months is the max you're allowed on a US passport). That's important.
6. Drive when it's light out, and stick to the toll roads. These roads are very well taken care of, and totally straightforward. We did pass through a few police check points, but luckily we were waved through.
2. Having all of the correct documents was key to an easy crossing. This requires preparation before departing, but it is so worth it.
3. Bring at least $5,000 pesos (small bills) for purchasing the tourist visa ($22), gas, and toll fees.
4. At the customs office no one offered to stamp my passport, so I asked them to do this. I don't know if it's required, but I'm assuming it is. I met a guy in Guatemala last year who was denied entry into Honduras because he didn't have a Mexico stamp (his previous location) upon entering Guatemala. He had to go all the way back to Mexico from Southern Guatemala to get this. I'd rather learn from that mistake than repeat it.
5. The customs officer will look at your passport and then ask how many days you'd like your visa for. Say 180 days (six months is the max you're allowed on a US passport). That's important.
6. Drive when it's light out, and stick to the toll roads. These roads are very well taken care of, and totally straightforward. We did pass through a few police check points, but luckily we were waved through.