Travelling to mexico in a month possibly?

Question

ok so i am thinking of driving down to mexico in my car from missouri(yes long way) to veracruz(cordoba or orizaba maybe) what precautions should i take and what necessities should a bring,and also,what is needed and does anyone have any input to what i would go through at the border or customs or whatnot(i plan on going through brownsville matamoros crossing) and also,what i should not bring with me,and not bring back?

Answer 1

Crossing into Mexico is easy...of course don't bring any weapons with you...but chances are you will just drive straight through over the border without anyone stopping or checking you.  I didn't even have to show an ID until I filled out the form for my FM-T.  The only reason you would need to stop is if you brought an excessive amount of electronics with you.  People drive crazy in Mexico, be warned :>).  If you have a nice car I would definately consider NOT taking it as Mexican roads are not well maintained.  And they've managed to put a speed bump it seems like every mile or so in the road...a few I have seen are about 2 feet tall and no matter how you go over them you are going to scrape the h**l out of the bottom of your car.  (You'll have to buy Mexican car insurance before you go...read it carefully and it will have a disclamer that says something to the effect of it does not cover any damage to the underside of the car....THAT should tell you something.)  It's almost guaranteed that anytime you park your car in public the people beside you will hit your car with their doors.  It happens at least 90% of the time.  I have so many dents on the sides of my car now that I can't even count them all.  Anyways, usually you will have two choices of roads between cities.  One being a "cuota" and the other being "libre".  The cuota will cost anywhere from about $2.00 - $14.00 to use but it is much safer and is just like an Interstate in the U.S.  One the other hand, a libre road is like the most hellish backroad you've ever seen and you'll definately get stuck behind a load of tractor and trailers going about 30 miles and hour and you'll have to pass them in some very questionable places.  They're not very safe, just take my word.  Coming back to the U.S. is a different story.  Just don't bring back any foods, animals, plants, etc. and you'll be just fine!!!

Good luck!