At the office of the Mexico Travel Monthly Report, we frequently receive questions from travelers in the United States and Canada regarding their concerns about travel in Mexico. The following are the 10 most frequently asked questions:
1. We have heard about the assassination of the future president of Mexico, and the uprising in Chiapas. Is is safe to travel in Mexico and are there areas to avoid?
Mexico is probably safer then many places in the United States. Our members travel from three to six months all over the country, and their letters to us reveal that common sense applies. Stay off the highways at night. Don't drink on the streets. Don't try to take a gun into the country, and make sure that you are informed about traffic laws if you will be driving. If you take an RV into Mexico, take your business to one of the many excellent RV parks rather then going for a deserted beach. Chiapas is one of the most beautiful areas of Mexico, but we recommend you check with the US State Department for a travel advisory before you schedule a trip to this area. Our reports indicate that there is very little tourism in the Chiapas area, and those who have been there recently had no problems to report.
2. I don't speak a word of Spanish. Ok, maybe si and gracias. Will this be a problem?
Except for the most rural areas, many of the peoples of Mexico speak some English, so if you are going to a place like Cabo San Lucas, or one of the popular resort cities you will find Mexicans who speak very good English. A good Spanish dictionary won't hurt, and the Mexicans appreciate a gringo's attempts at speaking their language.
3. What about the water and food? Can I expect to have Montezumas Revenge?
Did you know that Mexican nationals get sick on our water? Bottled water is readily available throughout the country, and by law, ice must be purified. We recommend you brush your teeth in bottled water, and forget singing in the shower. Taco stands located on most streets in Mexico may not be safe because it is difficult to know how long the food may have been sitting out or how fresh it may be. It smells wonderful, though. If you request your meals be served hot, and avoid fresh salads (that may not have been washed in bottled water) you probably won't experience any unnecessary problems. Many tourists get sick because they drink too much tequila. Mexico has a wonderful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, and if you are going to be in the country for any length of time, you will want to shop at the mercados and peel the fruits or boil vegetables.
4. What kind of paper work do I need to enter and exit the country?
If you are flying in and out of Mexico, all you need is a picture ID such as a driver's license or passport. All airports that are gateway cites have a form you will be required to fill out called an FMT that asks for information such as your address, city, state, country and must be signed by you and will be given to an Immigration Officer at the airport in Mexico. Upon your return, you will be required to fill out a Customs Form declaring your purchases in Mexico.
If you are driving into Mexico, going 15 miles past the border, (other than Baja California Page 2- Mexico
which is considered a free zone, you will be required to carry your title to your vehicle and current registration. You will also be required to post a bond either by credit card, or cash bond or a bond on the value of your vehicle if is is older then a 1988 model. You will have to sign a form promising to return the vehicle to the country of origin, and you must pay a $10.00 fee. You will also fill out the FMT form which authorizes you to stay in Mexico for six months with multiple entry. There is an Official Guide to Driving a Car In Mexico published by the Sectretaria of Turismo that you can obtain from the Mexican Government Tourism Office in all major cities in the US and Canada. There is no charge for the Guide. When exiting Mexico, you will be required to turn in all your forms at the border. It may sound complicated, but it's really quite easy and the forms are very simple and in English.
5. We will be driving in Mexico and would like to take our dogs. Is this possible?
Of course you can take your pets to Mexico. You will need an International Health Certificate from your vet. We must tell you that most hotels to not accept pets. If you decide to take the ferry to or from Baja California your pet must remain in the vehicle during the trip, and we have heard this has had tragic consequences. Mexicans do not place the same value on pets that we do so you will have to accept there will be many places your pet cannot go.
6. I have heard that prices are quite high in Mexico. Will I go broke on my vacation?
It really depends on how you like to spend money. The Gran Turismo Hotels in the resort cites run well over $150.00 per night though you can get a better deal in the low season (April-November). There are many smaller hotels that are not associated with the major chains and can be found for all budgets, some as low as $25.00 per night. It is well worth the investment to purchase a good guide book that will not only enlighten you on the area you plan to visit, but will also price hotels. You can expect to pay about the same price for your meals that you would in the US. If you seek out the more modestly priced restaurants that the Mexicans frequent you will naturally find cheaper prices. Most major hotels have wonderful buffet breakfasts and you can expect to pay between $10-13 per person. The tourist attractions (museums, bullfights, rodeos, art galleries) are all moderately priced. There are usually cover charges at the discos and these can run between $1-$5 per person. Taxis are union, and so you'll find the prices don't vary between taxi drivers. It's a good idea to ask the price, prior to taking a ride. Bus travel is how most Mexicans get around, and while some say they are noisy and dirty, we think the bus is a great inexpensive means of getting around and getting to know the people.
If you are driving into Mexico, you can expect to pay $1.55 per gallon for Magna Sin in US dollars or NP$1.33 per litre. Magna Sin is the equivalent to unleaded gasoline. You can expect to pay rather high toll charges. There are millions of miles of new highways in Mexico that have been privately built, and Mexicans and tourists must pay the fees.
The peso exchange rate as of July 25, 1994 is $3.36 NP (new pesos) to $1.00 US.
7. I am a widow and would like to see Mexico. How safe is it for a woman traveling
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alone and what are the prospects of meeting other single people?
The publisher of the Mexico Travel Monthly Report is a single woman, and travels frequently in Mexico. She says "I generally start out with some anxieties because I am not sure what to expect when I visit a new place. The Mexicans are very friendly and helpful and usually make me feel at ease. I am cautious, though. I don't wear any expensive jewelry; I don't frequent bars alone and I check my windows in hotel rooms. I like to carry American Express Travelers Checks, and carry plenty of pesos that I exchange at the airport." If you are going to be in Mexico for any length of time, you can check the local library and newspapers for single groups, or retirees.
8. I want to work in Mexico. What kinds of employment can I find?
You won't be able to take a job that a Mexican National can fill. If you have a special technical skill, or you are an artist or writer, you can seek permission for a Business permit from the Mexican Consulate in many US cities. The permit is valid for thirty days. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for an FM3 permit that will allow you to stay for up to one year before it must be renewed. You will have to pay a fee and provide all the necessary documents to the Mexican Consulate. You will not be able to import your furniture.
9. What about sports? My husband likes golf and I play a little tennis. What's available?
There are many par excellent golf courses in Mexico designed by Jack Nicholas and other famous pros. The Los Cabos area in Baja California has more golf courses then any other resort in Mexico. Green fees and club rentals can be high, unless your hotel can offer you a package. There are many resorts that have tennis courts for their guests. There is a wide variety of sports available from banana boat rides, windsurfing, parasailing and deep sea fishing.
10. We are thinking about retiring in Mexico. What information can you give us?
Many people, even those much younger then the usual retirement age, can afford to live in Mexico on a smaller budget then in the US. There are certain cities that have proven to be most popular with US and Canadians such as Lake Chapala near Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende near Mexico City and in Baja California in the Ensenada/Rosarito Beach area and East Cape at the tip of the peninsula. There are reasonably priced apartments and maid service along with good doctors in most areas where retirees have settled. Picking the right spot involves visiting the area to determine if the climate and accessibility to services meets your needs. There are many subjects concerning this area and we recommend you consider John Howells and Don Merwins book 'Choose Mexico-How to Retire on $800 a Month' as an excellent resource.
The Mexico Travel Monthly Report features articles written by popular well known authors who frequently travel in Mexico and report on many subjects of interest. Regular features include sportfishing in Baja California, retiring in Mexico, Carl Franz's reports on the Copper
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Canyon and information on the roads less traveled, plus ways to save money. The report is an attractive, 3-hole punched monthly, with graphics and photos. Annual subscription is $18 for US and $26 for Mexico and Canada. A membership is available for $35.00 per year that enables the members to purchase Mexican automobile insurance for as low as $53.00 per year. Write to MTA, P.O. Box 1498, Imperial Beach, Ca. 91933 or call (619) 429-6566. Address E-mail to Mex Files for complimentary issue.
