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!
Question Thanks Ron. I can see where living in or near an American enclave US tags would be less of an issue. Maybe I'm being unduly concerned, but it just seems that elsewhere, especially in poor regions, having Mexican tags might add a margin of safety. ...Fred
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Planning a lenghty (6 months or longer) road trip through Baja California and possibly the mainland in my own car which, of course, has US tags. I'm concerned that US tags may be an indication of a higher level of wealth and that I may become a target. So I'm wondering if it's possible to register a car in Mexico and get Mexican tags. If anyone has ever done that, or if you can offer any leads, I'd sure appreciate it. ...Fred
Answer -
Hi I don't think you will have a problem. Approx 6,000 Americans and 8,000 Canadians live in the Chapala area and still have US/Canadian plates. To get Mexican plates the car has to be 10 years old, although some trucks can now be imported after paying the necessary taxes.
We have lived here 6 years now with foreign plates. Many Mexicans who have worked in the USA and returned, bring their US plated vehicles back with them. It is not necessary that US vehicle plates are up to date. Look around and many are out of date.
If you live here permanently it is possible to register your vehicle in South Dakota. There is a chap here who arranges it. There are so many South Dakota vehicles here now.
Best regards,
Ron
Answer Hi again, certainly you must be cautious where ever you drive. I would not park my car on an unlit street anywhere. Never drive at night due to animals on the road and poor pavement markings.
We drive extensively in Mexico, except to Mexico City. We have a brand new 2005 bright red Nissan SUV. I did lose my tire valve caps when a young lad asked if he could watch our car while we shopped in a market and I said no.
Friends of ours just returned from driving over 3,000 miles to the Yucutan (Cancun) in a 36 foot motorhome and back with no problems. My daughter and her partner drove from Puerto Vallarta thru Chiapas, and Guatemala to the coast of Honduras where they caught a barge to take their van to Roatan, an island off the coast.
We regularly shop and park in the markets in Guadalajara and drive the free roads along the coast looking for the best spots to dive and snorkel.
Occasionally we hear of Police wanting a bribe. Since they are so poorly paid, I always carry a 50 pesos note attached to my license.
If you're stuck at night finding a place to stay pull into a Pemex station or WalMart.
I can suggest 2 good books as well Carl Fanz's The People's Guide to Mexico and Don Adams Head For Mexico. Both have driving information.
