AboutMexico Mike Expertise I cannot answer car permit questions. I can intelligently answer just about any question about driving in mainland Mexico, living in Mexico and hot springs in Mexico. I do not recommend specific hotels, there are quidebooks for that.
I am not a Baja expert. That is a different part of the country and there are plenty of people who know more about it than I do.
Naturally, I have a web site (www.mexicomike.com) and make a living with personal consultations, but am here to offer good advice for general topics for free. But please understand that I can't answer detailed questions about moving or extensive driving trips to Mexico here without being unfair to my paying clients. And please, no car permit questions.
Experience Driving Mexico -- I have been driving to Mexico since 1968 and writing travel guides for drivers to Mexico since 1984. I frequently drive the country and have a reputation for honesty and integrity. I will tell people the plusses and minuses of traveling in and living in Mexico.
Living in Mexico -- I have lived and done business in Mexico. My book, 'Live Better South of the Border' has been in print since 1997 and speaks to people of all ages, not just retirees.
Hot springs of Mexico -- I have been researching and enjoying Mexican hot sprigs since the lsat 1980's. My book 'Spas & Hot Springs of Mexico' was the first book on Mexico's hot springs. It is now out of print, but selling for $60 or so on Amazon as a collector's item.
Organizations Chamber of Commerce, McAllen TX
International Committee, Chamber of Commerce, McAllen, TX
Publications Frommers, Fommers, Insight Guides, Dallas Morning News, Mexico Business Magazine, McAllen Monitor, Mexico City News, San Miguel de Allende paper 'Atencion' and so on
Education/Credentials As the author of more than a dozen books on Mexico and psychology, I believe that speaks for my being educated.
Awards and Honors NY Times -- Profiled for writing about driving Mexico.
Wall Street Journal -- Profiled for writing about driving Mexico.
Texas Monthly -- ditto.
Former Mecia Spokesman (1997) for the Mexican Tourimm Ministry
Question What is the best way to drive from Los Angeles Ca To Veracruz Mex, my daughter has a tennis match there how much is gas in mex. on the way?
Answer Cary,
That is a deceptively simple question. First of all, there are many things about driving in Mexico you need to learn before taking off. The other is that 'best' is a relative term. The most effective and method is to drive to McAllen TX (not Brownsville as most people thing), cross the border and follow highways 97 to 101 to 180. You could also go other routes, depending on what you wanted to do. That is just the most common.
Most importantly, please don't be one of those people who just drives from Point A to Point B via the toll roads and misses what Mexico has to offer. (Fortunately, there are almost no toll roads on the route you will take, but the free highways are just fine). There are some fascinating areas along your trip. And you could return via a completely different route where you could see things you cannot even imagine.
Also, you cannot, I repeat, cannot, plan your trip like you would in the USA. You should not expect to make the same time you do here. Please don't try to drive more than 8 hours a day at the very most, preferably taking at least two days to get from the border to Veracruz city. And never drive at night. There are NO banditos or anything like that, but there is loose livestock, broken down cars without warning lights, lots of truck traffic.
Gas prices do not fluctuate as they do here. However, the peso does change a bit day to day, but generally unleaded regular gas is around $2.15-$2.30 a gallon, depending on the dollar exchange. I updated my price page today and although the peso price per liter (7.72) has not changed since Feb., the exchange rate has improved for the peso, so today, you'd pay (in US dollars) $2.25. Premium gas costs $2.79 a gallon. Diesel, however increases 5 centavos a month. It is around $2.34 a gallon today. Please note that prices are different in the interior of Mexico than in Baja or on the border, so you may see different prices on the Internet, but most people do not explain that fact. You can access my monthly updated price list from www.mexicomike.com with an obvious text link.
But, you cannot depend on the free internet maps to be accurate. That is why I both make maps and road logs (detailed directions and advice). You also need Mexican auto insurance as your US insurance is no good in Mexico.
I strongly suggest you go to my site, www.mexicomike.com and learn about your adventure first, so it won't be a misadventure. Even if you don't want my maps, there is plenty of accurate and free info there. And of course, I am available for consultations and trip-planning.
And please, rate my answer. Too many people ask for advice and we spend our time giving it and they never say thank you. Thank you.
