Have you finally bit the bullet and decided to check out Mexico? Congratulations and get ready for an amazing adventure in a new culture. There are some things to plan and be prepared for before you take that trip so read on to learn some basics.
Travel Documents
Before you head out the door, you need to prepare a few things. First and foremost are your travel documents. Whether you are flying in, driving by car, or coming in by boat, you must bring the required documentation.
- Passport – this is the best form of identification you can have when traveling abroad. Once you are in Mexico, don’t carry it around with you. Keep a copy of it in your wallet and lock up the passport at your place of stay. For the drive back, CBP accepts a passport card, enhanced driver's licence or trusted traveler card in its Ready Lanes; the passport book is not Ready Lane eligible.
- FMM visitor permit – Mexico's visitor permit, issued by the INM.
- Driving across? See what you need before you drive into Mexico, including the vehicle permit paperwork listed by the Consulate General of Mexico in Montreal.
Travel Insurance
It is strongly advised that you purchase temporary travel insurance before your trip. The US State Department says: "We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel." If something happens to you on your trip and you require medical attention, a travel medical plan is the product built for that; for getting flown out, see our medical evacuation page.
If you are driving across, you also need temporary auto insurance: US and Canadian insurance is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law (Baja Bound FAQ), and vehicles on Mexican federal roads must carry third-party liability insurance (Ley de Caminos, Puentes y Autotransporte Federal, art. 63 Bis).
Have Fun, but Be Smart
Research where you are going and be familiar with the basics of the area. Review the US State Department website for any warnings for travelers in the area you will be visiting; it lists Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas as Level 4: Do Not Travel. Share your basic travel itinerary with someone at home, but don’t share your exact details with someone you are unfamiliar with when traveling. When going out, take your debit or credit card and enough cash for your excursion, but don’t bring all your money out with you. You can always find an ATM to get more if you need it. Think of being in another country like you would being in your own country in a big city. There are things you would and would not do and places you would and would not go during certain times of the day. Be smart and aware of your surroundings and use good judgment. In an emergency, dial 911, Mexico's emergency number (Ángeles Verdes).
Working out the budget? Get a Mexican car insurance quote.