Driving from the united states through mexico?

Question

I was wondering if anyone has driven from the US to south america?

My friend and I want to drive through and visit really cool places along the way.

I was wondering if the stories of robberies and other such things are blown out of proportion.

What is the best way to do it?

Any tips?

As much information as possible will be awesome.

I'm looking for people who have actually done the trip or have a vast knowledge of the trip or area.

Thanks!

Answer 1

All info  About driving rules in Mexico

http://www.mexonline.com/drivemex.htm

Downsides: ugly

Mexico City and some large towns  Crime is rampant there along the U.S.-Mexico border.Baja California  Ciudad Juarez and state of Chihuahua. across the border from El Paso, Texas fairly high levels of crime, most of it petty, but armed robbery and even rape is not unknown,

Upside Pretty

In contrast though major tourist locations such as Cancun Cozumel 'Maya Riviera', esp. Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen.  on Caribbean coast and Chichen Itza are more protected. As usual take special care in busy places like bus and metro stations, when using ATMs and at night.

Money:

Mexican currency is the peso, usually marked as $, though in major tourist attractions they distinguish between the two by marking pesos as MN [moneda nacional] and dollars as Dlls.

Small peso change is useful but hard to come by so hoard it.

Banks and casas de cambio [exchange offices] give similar rates of exchange but always check rates first and precise money received immediately

$100 bills are tricky to unload, $1 bills excellent.

ATMs work well but take care, especially in Mexico City, at night, or both.

Credit Cards are widely accepted though some establishments add a hefty surcharge when paying by card.

Tipping:

Many service personnel in Mexico depend on tips so assuming their service is adequate you should tip waiters in the region of 15%, bellboys and porters up to $1 per bag. Taxi drivers do not require tipping.

Electricity advice:

110v, 2 flat pins [same as USA, Canada]

Mexican Visa Guidelines:

Passports are necessary even for USA citizens driving across the border. Officials then issue a FMT [Tourist Permit] from 30 to 180 days. If you want a 180 days then say so

Answer 2

I have done the trip from the north of mexico to the south of mexico (that by the way is in north america too not south america) and it is pretty safe, the only things you may encounter dangerous are non pay highways and really poor towns.

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