Government's Consular Webpage

Green Angels
The Green Angels (ángeles verdes) are Mexico's free bilingual roadside service for vehicle breakdowns. The Green Angels are constantly patrolling the Mexican roadways in search of those in need of assistance. You can also call them at (01) (55) 5250-8221.

Emergency:
The Mexican equivalent of 911 is 060. Either put this to memory or write is down for reference.

Phone Card:
Most telephone in Mexico do not accept change, always travel with a prepaid phone card.

Getting fuel:
Always fuel up at every gas station, you never know when you could get lost. If you do run out of fuel, not panic, just ask the locals for help. Pemex is Mexico's government fuel monopoly, you must carry pesos in order to pay (normally they take no other payment method).

Watch for Speed Bumps:
Speed Bumps (topes) are located virtually everywhere in Mexico. There are even unmarked speed bumps right in the middle of the freeway. While some of the speed bumps are small vibration pads, keep a look out for large speed bumps which could end up being more like a ramp if you are going too fast.

In case of an accident:
In the event of an accident or loss always report the claim to the authorities immediately. Do not wait until you get back to the states. Your claim will be denied if you do not report your claim in Mexico.

You don't have to drive through town:
Most towns in Mexico have a bypass road right outside of town. Keep in mind that many of the city streets in Mexico were made for burro traffic, not your suburban or RV.

General Driving Suggestions in Mexico:
In Mexico do not make a left turn when there is no turn lane. If you are hit, the accident will be your fault.
When ever possible, drive on toll roads. These roads are much better and much safer.
To avoid confusion, park your car on the edge of town and call a taxi.
Avoid driving at night.
Be on the lookout for slow moving vehicle and don't assume the other vehicle has working brake or tail lights.

Register your travel plans with the State Department:
You can register your travel plans with the State Department at https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, you will be letting the State Department know how to reach you in an emergency. Registration is quick and free but is not mandatory. The United States consular officers are available to assist Americans who are in need financially, medically or legally. You can reach the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs for emergencies and assistance at 1-888-407-4747. For a list of entry requirements to Mexico look at the U.S. Department of State entry requirements website http://www.embassyofmexico.org/eng/

Leave your itinerary with a friend:
Always leave a copy of your passport and itinerary with a friend. If something happens you will have an advocate in the U.S. to help you.

Tourist Card (FM-T):
If you will be traveling in Mexico for a period longer then 72 hours or further than 20 to 30 kilometers of the U.S. border you will need to pay a fee for a tourist card called FM-T. The tourist cards are available from the Mexican border crossing, Mexican tourism offices, airports and consulates.

Vehicle Permit:
You will need a temporary import permit to travel with your car past the Mexico border zone or your vehicle may be confiscated by the Mexican customs. In order to receive your temporary import permit (there is a fee for this) you will need your vehicle title, registration, driver's license and evidence of citizenship.

Mexican law states that the vehicle owner must be in the vehicle upon entering Mexico. If the owner of the vehicle is not present the vehicle may be confiscated by Mexican customs.

Mexico Travel Information:
Before you leave check with the Department of State travel.state.gov for and public announcements, warnings and any consular information. You can also get the consular information sheets by fax, just call (202) 647-3000 or by telephone (888)407-4747

Medical Coverage:
You should call your health insurance carrier to verify that they will cover your emergency needs and/or evacuation if necessary.

Declare upon return:
Always declare everything you purchased abroad. This includes items purchased in duty free shops. Items purchased for personal use may be exempt from duty. Never attempt to return to the U.S. with items made in Cuba. Finally, you will be denied entrance with many food items.

Things to bring when traveling in Mexico:
Your driver’s license
If you rent or lease you vehicle: bring your contract
Your vehicle registration
Proof of citizenship – either your birth certificate or passport
An international credit card (call you credit card company before you leave)
Your tourist card
Your evidence of Mexico insurance card

Mexico Information:
Modulo de Control Vehicular: Here you will show all of your documents. The owner of the vehicle must be present. In addition, this is where you post the required return guarantee bond which is based on the value of the vehicle. You may also get this certificate in advance with Mexico consulate for $35.20. If your car is in Mexico beyond the listed time it will be confiscated.

Border crossings availability:
Arizona Border Crossings
San Luis Rio Colorado 24 hours seven days
Sonoyta 24 hours seven days
Agua Prieta 24 hours seven days
Naco 8:00 am to 12:00 am
Nogales 24 hours seven days
California Border Crossings
Mexicali 24 hours seven days
Otay Mesa 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tecate seven days 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tijuana Monday through Friday 8:00am -10:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Texas Border Crossings
Ciudad Acuña 24 hours seven days
Ciudad Juarez 24 hours seven days
Ciudad Miguel Alemán 24 hours seven days
Columbia Monday to Friday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
General Rodrigo M. Quevedo 24 hours seven days
Matamoros 24 hours seven days
Nuevo Laredo 24 hours seven days
Ojinaga Monday to Friday, 7:30 am - 9:00 pm, Saturday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, Sunday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Piedras Negras 24 hours seven days
Reynosa 24 hours seven days

United States and Canada Insurance is not valid in Mexico. If you do not purchase Mexico auto insurance and are in an accident you will spend time in jail while the authorities decide who is at fault. Do not, under any circumstance, drive in Mexico without first buying Mexico auto insurance. It is best to quote, buy and print a Mexico insurance policy online before you leave on you trip.

Mexico water:
Do not drink Mexico tap water. Bring all of the water you will need for the trip with you.

Military checkpoints:
When you are traveling northbound in Mexico, it is likely that you will be stopped at a military checkpoint. The main purpose of these checkpoints is to search for illegal drugs. The wait times at these checkpoints are usually short. South bound checkpoints are rare.