AboutRon Russell Expertise I lived full time in the Chapala-Ajijic area for 7 years, and now Manzanillo area 4 years. During that time I provided information (health care, working papers, immigration, driving, cost of living, insurance, culture, divorce in Mexico, trusts vs direct deed,etc) to help people make the decision about whether the area was right for them, either full or part-time.
Now living north of Manzanillo on the Pacific Coast. I live legally in Mexico.
Experience Founding partner of a facilitation company for people thinking about relocating to the Lake Chapala area of Mexico. I am no longer involved in this company's activities.
Have driven extensively in the area, to the coast (Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Colima),to Patzcuaro, etc. Bused to Mexico City, flew to Chiapas. Also driven in Honduras, from Ontario Canada through border crossings at Laredo and Reynosa Texas to Lakeside. Can provide instructions and border crossing info. Publications: DISCOVER MEXICO, HEAD FOR MEXICO-THE RENEGADE GUIDE BY DON ADAMS. Video and MM production specialist. I do NOT sell real estate!
Lynn told me you gave her some great info / directions about the border crossing at Nogales and the trip down to Chapala / Ajijic. However, she could not copy them and sent them to me. Could you please share the same info with me?
Thanks,
Keith
Answer Hola Keith,
Driving to Mexico – General Information
Driving a distance of 600 km per day is a good goal. Be nice to your navigator, you will need him/her.
Your USA auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. For Mexican Auto Insurance contact Nancy Hicks at Mexican Insurance Professionals 1-888-467-4639 or email mexicoinsurance@aol.com. Or contact Raquel Reyes in Chapala at rachelin@prodigy.net.mx. Given enough time either agent can fax a policy to you. A faxed copy is legal in Mexico
Estimate the day you will be crossing the border and make the insurance effective from that date.
Important Spanish:
Cuota and Autopista refer to TOLL roads with the letter D after highway number
Libre (Free Roads)
Aduanes is Customs
Periferico is a bypass around a city
At Pemex stations, ask for Magna (regular unleaded gasoline) and lleno (pronounced yeno meaning full).
THINGS TO BRING:
If you don't have pesos get them on the US side of the border or find an ATM in Mexico. The Pemex stations and the Toll Booths in Mexico will not take dollars. Count on having about 1000 pesos for tolls and gasoline to reach Chapala. Check at Wal-Mart for a book of Mexico maps that includes city maps, it could come in handy. Fill up on gasoline, drinking water and snacks - we buy breakfast bars for the trip. In Mexico fill up with gas whenever you get to half full. Phone Booths do not take cash, buy a phone card at a convenience store or Pemex.
It's also a good idea to carry some toilet paper and wet naps. Be prepared for no seats on the toilets. As well as your regular auto emergency kit carry a full size spare tire, extra serpentine belt, flash light and a 12 volt air compressor or aerosol tire repair kit.
Most Mexican motels/hotels have standards of hygiene that you will find satisfactory, but be sure to ask to see the room. It is prudent to drink bottled water on your trip.
As you cross the border a red light/green light system is used at the Aduanas but you should declare any newer items over $50. If stopped explain you are carrying only personal items and that everything you have is for the trip, all used goods.
The Aduanas and Car Permit Offices are open 24 hours. It can take 3 hours to get the necessary paper work but on a weekday, early in the morning, you might get through in 30 minutes. Patience is a virtue in Mexico. We cross at 6:00 am.
When you enter the building get your Tourist Visas first for each person in the vehicle. You will need your passport. Be sure to ask for the full 6 months on the visa. Then get your car permit.
For the car permit you will need (originals and copies) of your auto registration, driver's license, tourist visa or FM3, passport, and credit card. The Tourist Visa costs about $12 US and the Car Permit $40? US. The car permit charge is put on your credit card. The car sticker is put on the inside left (driver's) side of the windshield. There is a form to sign promising to take your car out of Mexico within six months and to return the car permit.
Remember the main Aduanes (Customs) is 26 km inside the border. A Red/Green Light system is used. Hope for a green. If you get Red they will check your vehicle but just tell them you are visiting Chapala for the winter and bringing in only your own personal items.
Do not drive at night in Mexico. The hazards include animals on the road and vehicles driving without headlamps. As you drive through villages or peublos, watch carefully for topes...these are major speed bumps. DO NOT drive over them at any speed other than dead slow!
You will probably be stopped at Mexican army checkpoints looking for illegal drugs and perhaps at agricultural checkpoints concerned with the spread of insects between Mexican states. Be courteous as they do their job.
Nogales, Texas to Lake Chapala (1760 km or 30 hours driving)
Mex. 15, also called the Pacific or West Coast Highway, is generally good. However, pavement width ranges from modest to narrow on some two-lane sections.
Mex. 15-D is a controlled-access, four-lane divided toll road.
Side Trip - Mex. 200 to Puerto Vallarta veers south at Tepic and winds through steep curves from Las Varas to Bucerias. Fully paved, the 117 miles (188 km) can be driven in about 2 1/2 hours.
Mex. 15 twists through mountains, ravines and tropical valleys to Guadalajara. (side trip - From Mex. 15 at Chapalilla Mex. 200-D (toll) provides a shortcut for traffic between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta).
At Guadalajara the Periferico affords a bypass around most of the city. However, the Periferico is a very busy, truck route, which we usually avoid.
The other option is to stay on 15 which becomes Lazaro Cardenas. Drive right through the city until you see signs for Chapala or the airport. Follow 23 (Chapala Carretara) over the mountain to Lakeside.
If taking the Periferico south watch for signs to Chapala or the airport which will take you to Mex. 44 / 23 which runs past the airport and up the mountains to Chapala/Ajijic. If lost, best to ask Police who are very polite and help.
