We drive down every Christmas to spend time with the family we have been blessed and always had good trips we are family of 6 we drive about 38 hours from Virginia to our destination in Mexico 🇲🇽 ❤️ and we love because of this we go every year and will be building our retirement home down there.
38 HOURS!! you guys are tough! I wish all americans would go to the non tourist parts of mexico and learn the culture. I understand so much more why my mexican friends want to come and work and provide for their families back in mexico. I know they leave everything they love just for opportunity. I would love to retire in mexico but cant decide where. I hope i can represent mexico well in these vidoes. thanks for the comment
@@maricelamorales3372 Hello, we're planning to visit Queretaro from Houston, Tx this August my mom was born there and all family is there. It's been almost 28 years since her last time there. How safe is it to drive out there? we're afraid to take our vehicle, many say it's too much of a truck to take driving through Mexico :( . But there is nothing better than having your own transportation to move around. Planes are too expensive we're a family of 2 adults and 4 children.
@@abbyTeran16 To be honest we drive everytime as long as you stay on hey that has tool booths you should be fine lot people make the mistake of going on teh road with out toll booths in December we drove 2021 truck and nobody bothered us ...wish you the best of luck ..
I just cannot understand why anyone would even want to or attempt to drive in Mexico these days. It does not sound like fun at all to me and there are plenty of interesting and beautiful places to see and enjoy right here in the U.S. Taking my kids there would never even enter my mind. I like Mexico, lived in El Paso five years, loved visiting Juarez weekly, but that was 50 years ago and the times they are a-changing drastically.
I spent 10 weeks in Mexico after that crappy day. We loved every minute of it. I can't wait to go back. I never felt in danger and the people were amazing
Mexican here. It all depends on where you go. Like every country in the world, some places are safer than others. You just have to learn what to avoid. For the most part, the more dangerous roads are to the north of the country.
Also, if you don't feel safe driving down, you can always get on an airplane. I really recommend coming to Michoacán, especially during the summer. There are places to avoid here but I can surely recommend cities that are relatively safe. Those are: Morelia, Pátzcuaro/ Janitzio and the Monarch Butterfly Reserve (this one you might want to visit from November-March since that is when the Monarch Butterflies come to survive the winter each year).
Good down to earth reporting on your experience. Thanks for sharing. I’m looking into driving to Central America in a few weeks maybe. Trying to plan it out so it’s safe, low stress and enjoyable. Glad I saw this. Hope you all have a nice journey.
Everything south of chihuahua got less stressful. We're in puebla now and I have no stress at all. Just loving this amazing country. Do the trip! Life will not wait for you.
I think you’ll stay in Mazatlán, it’s a beautiful city. I love Mexico and have made that trip through Nogales every year at least once for the last 18 years. The first time was a little new and adventurous but friends told us about km 21 for visas and car permit so all went well for my wife and I. I have never had any issues with check points and border crossing, just don’t be doing anything illegal and you are all good. I drive from Canada and the US border is more of a hassle then any border I have crossed into Mexico. Mexico is filled with 99.99999 % beautiful people. We feel relief when we cross the border into Mexico. I hope you enjoy many more years now that you have learned a few things. Thanks for sharing your video. You’ll love Mazatlán ❤️
I need to check out km 21, that would have been nice to package it all together. yes the poeple of mexico are amazing. I was just super nervous being my first time. a few weeks into mexico and i had forgotten about all that stress. had to pay one more brib to a bad cop but all in all thats not that big of a deal. thanks for wathcing
@@travelwith6589 I think next time for you will be a much smoother start. I watched the rest of your videos on the big screen and you do an awesome job of showing Mexico. My wife and I have a place in Mazatlán but we have done all the trips to and around Mexico City and I agree Guanajuato is our favourite place to visit. It’s such a cool city. But Mazatlán is our home base. Thanks so much for the amazing tour and explanations. Brought back good memories.
Mexico has very modern highways, such as 57, the Pan-American Highway and many more, which are some of the most important in North America. In the 3 countries of North America, more products, goods and money move than in the entire European Union.
Well when I finally got back to the border it was pretty easy. I got bribed for 150$ to get through. My van was over some weight limit that complicated it. No computer. I would get the fmf online before you get to the border
Thank you so much for your candor in telling us your story! We would like to take a road trip to Mexico and are currently trying to gather all the information we can! Can’t believe all the trolls on here being negative though about your experience. 🙄 I appreciate you sharing so we can learn through you!
I can tell you now after 3 months in Mexico. I was a scared nieve American. The people are great. Don't drive at night and study where your going. Just like the US don't go to bad areas. We visited Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru and Panama but Mexico was hands down the best. Enjoy
I don't know where you live, but if it doesn't take you too long, I would definitely recommend you to choose Nogales. It has a very safe and comfortable passage. The city is not dangerous like other mexican cities. There is no situation that requires you to experience fear. Also, at certain checkpoints, the police may deliberately search your vehicle. Don't be afraid of it, they usually take a long time to search for this vehicle to get bribes. You don't have to bribe. After all, they give up and leave you. Do not be intimidated by such situations, be extremely relaxed and patient.
I just crossed the border 10 days ago. I can understand the negative comments to this guy. You have to do a bit of research to see what you need to do, and get. If he can made UA-cam videos, he knows how to use the internet.
After spending close to 2 months in Mexico I had it all wrong. I was scared to death that day but never felt any danger after that. The media got me scared. I can't wait to go again. Mexico is amazing and the people are even better
Thanks for your story. I understand respectful concerns in different countries.I wonder what one should do if they knew they needed a permit and boarder said nah just go on through? Not move till they got one???
No question I was an idiot. I think I was just hyper afraid because of media and people saying how dangerous mexico is. My next trip to mexico was issue free because I knew what to do. Hopefully this video will help someone not make the mistakes I did.
As someone (American) that’s done Colorado to Maz, you’re full of crap. You’re over exaggerating this , especially with Villa Ahumada and it’s burrito stands, this road between Juarez and Chihuahua is awesome, ive done Mazatlan to Juarez in 12 hours non stop, grow up
I appreciate your spirit of adventure and your videos. However, a good lesson to be taken from is one is the importance of educating yourself thoroughly on the requirements to visit a foreign country before actually leaving on your trip. And if you do commit a federal crime like bribery, it’s probably best not to admit to it on a public forum like UA-cam.
I knew everything I needed but they told me at border to just go ahead, so I did. The biggest problem was my vehicle weight, wich I didn't know about. I debated about talking about it but this video is to help the next guy. I absolutely love mexico it's just to bad there is corruption like that. Thanks for watching and commenting
I agree I was very lucky. The officer that pulled me over was very honest and kind, but that's when I felt so venerable driving 3 hours back to the border through all the checkpoints. I'm back in Mexico now with all my paperwork and feel great
My parents are moving to Mexico and I’m tagging along. An suv w a trailer/uhaul. I’m very scared with all the cartels. Have you experience any such activities?
I spent 8 weeks in Mexico and I feel bad for making that video. The people are so nice and giving. Be careful where you go just like in the US. Just cross the border and hit the gas. The border towns are the most dangerous. Stay on toll roads and don't drive at night. I'm jelous
Google maps is terrible in other countries. We used the Waze app for navigation. It doesn't have the earth map but it's way better at knowing the one way streets
Thank you so much for your video! However, you weren't prepaid and just crossed initially without knowing the risks not having the permit and then you got nervous... Obviously you didn't do your research ahead in time...
Nowadays it’s even more dangerous to drive thru mexico with the new gang trying to take control over senora I can’t even go visit my great grandpa and grandm
Not true. The Baja and certain parts of Senora do not require a TIP. Likewise with the border 'buffer' area which I believe extends 12 miles (21 KM) into Mexico.
😅😅Mexico has very modern highways, such as 57, the Pan-American Highway and many more, which are some of the most important in North America. In the 3 countries of North America, more products, goods and money move than in the entire European Union.
The key is to bring plenty of $20 dollar bills. Tell them that's all you have. Speak a bit of Spanish to them. Show them you love their people and country .... and that's easy to do because the Mexican people are amazing. The military and cops and EVERYONE is a family oriented person in Mexico.
@@travelwith6589 You can use dallors on the border and border cities, but notrepublic of Mexico, the interior, you must exchange at a Mexican bank for pesos, the stores and restaurants and hotels will not except your dollars or you can use your credit card, the credit card company will make the exchange in your statement or Pesos or you can use you Credit cards the credit card company will make the exchange when they bill you
Sounds like you were freaking out for not reading and knowing the rules ahead of time, for a second I thought you had ran into cartels or something. I'm glad it all worked out for you and your family.
Not the toll reads, that becouse you did not go through the proper's procedure to drive your car into Mexico, its easy, you stop at the entrance to the Mexican border in Mexico and get a tag on your car, its you
Many people drive at night, all night, stop exaggerating, the biggest problem is not being robbed, its having your car brake down in the meddle of nowhere, those roads don't look like washboards to me but its faster on the toll reads, becouse you can go around big trucks, don't need to dress poor, I live in Tijuana for over 40 years, I see most people are well dressed and have nice cars, your still green behind the ears, or you have some resentment
I was born in Mexico but legally raised in California. My last visit to Mexico was 2010 I think or 2009.. will never go back... Although we built a really nice huge home with security and top of the line furnace on mind, I never went back to enjoy it once it was done. I love Mexico but I don't agree with many things including political issues that makes it insecure for so many people who visit our country. I'm use to the life here in California. Anyway enjoy your stay whenever you visit Mexico. Be safe and stay aware...
I absolutely loved mexico but yes it was a little scary at times. I don't want this to be a negative thing for the country. I just want to help people get there and what to be prepared for. I think its worth the hassle to see that amazing country. Thanks
@@spartanracer Been improving for many years, never improve? that's a joke, don't know where you got that? Oh, I do, U.S. reporters and the U.S. news media, who sell fear, exaggeration and sensationalism, I love Mexico, the way it is, you better worry about the U.S., you need to improve your knowing of Mexico, that's what need improvement
Total miss info......nobody can go into other country with out permit.......you don't have the correct info I hope next time ...get better God bless tou
it seems that all he did on this video was complaining about everything. we need to be informed about requirements, laws and responsabilities before you crossed any border. specially if you don't speak the language. I'm sorry he went thrue a nightmare for a full day, but a little research before a trip won't hurt anyone.
Sou brasileiro; e amo o México em toda sua essência! belo povo; belo país!
We drive down every Christmas to spend time with the family we have been blessed and always had good trips we are family of 6 we drive about 38 hours from Virginia to our destination in Mexico 🇲🇽 ❤️ and we love because of this we go every year and will be building our retirement home down there.
38 HOURS!! you guys are tough! I wish all americans would go to the non tourist parts of mexico and learn the culture. I understand so much more why my mexican friends want to come and work and provide for their families back in mexico. I know they leave everything they love just for opportunity. I would love to retire in mexico but cant decide where. I hope i can represent mexico well in these vidoes. thanks for the comment
@@travelwith6589 Queretaro is very nice place this where my husband family is from ..appreciate your response..
@@maricelamorales3372 Hello, we're planning to visit Queretaro from Houston, Tx this August my mom was born there and all family is there. It's been almost 28 years since her last time there. How safe is it to drive out there? we're afraid to take our vehicle, many say it's too much of a truck to take driving through Mexico :( . But there is nothing better than having your own transportation to move around. Planes are too expensive we're a family of 2 adults and 4 children.
@@abbyTeran16 To be honest we drive everytime as long as you stay on hey that has tool booths you should be fine lot people make the mistake of going on teh road with out toll booths in December we drove 2021 truck and nobody bothered us ...wish you the best of luck ..
Sorry my spelling with autospell sucks 😔
I just cannot understand why anyone would even want to or attempt to drive in Mexico these days. It does not sound like fun at all to me and there are plenty of interesting and beautiful places to see and enjoy right here in the U.S. Taking my kids there would never even enter my mind. I like Mexico, lived in El Paso five years, loved visiting Juarez weekly, but that was 50 years ago and the times they are a-changing drastically.
I spent 10 weeks in Mexico after that crappy day. We loved every minute of it. I can't wait to go back. I never felt in danger and the people were amazing
Mexican here. It all depends on where you go. Like every country in the world, some places are safer than others. You just have to learn what to avoid. For the most part, the more dangerous roads are to the north of the country.
Also, if you don't feel safe driving down, you can always get on an airplane. I really recommend coming to Michoacán, especially during the summer. There are places to avoid here but I can surely recommend cities that are relatively safe. Those are: Morelia, Pátzcuaro/ Janitzio and the Monarch Butterfly Reserve (this one you might want to visit from November-March since that is when the Monarch Butterflies come to survive the winter each year).
To each his own I would visit Canada maybe Bermuda. I want nothing to do with 3rd word countries ! America 1
Your weak that's clear!!!! Stay home and don't do anything the police will kill you to your so slow you don't even know what's happening
Good down to earth reporting on your experience. Thanks for sharing. I’m looking into driving to Central America in a few weeks maybe. Trying to plan it out so it’s safe, low stress and enjoyable. Glad I saw this. Hope you all have a nice journey.
Everything south of chihuahua got less stressful. We're in puebla now and I have no stress at all. Just loving this amazing country. Do the trip! Life will not wait for you.
DRIVING TO Central America? HOW? Are you shipping your vehicle?
I think you’ll stay in Mazatlán, it’s a beautiful city. I love Mexico and have made that trip through Nogales every year at least once for the last 18 years. The first time was a little new and adventurous but friends told us about km 21 for visas and car permit so all went well for my wife and I. I have never had any issues with check points and border crossing, just don’t be doing anything illegal and you are all good. I drive from Canada and the US border is more of a hassle then any border I have crossed into Mexico. Mexico is filled with 99.99999 % beautiful people. We feel relief when we cross the border into Mexico. I hope you enjoy many more years now that you have learned a few things. Thanks for sharing your video. You’ll love Mazatlán ❤️
I need to check out km 21, that would have been nice to package it all together. yes the poeple of mexico are amazing. I was just super nervous being my first time. a few weeks into mexico and i had forgotten about all that stress. had to pay one more brib to a bad cop but all in all thats not that big of a deal. thanks for wathcing
@@travelwith6589 I think next time for you will be a much smoother start. I watched the rest of your videos on the big screen and you do an awesome job of showing Mexico. My wife and I have a place in Mazatlán but we have done all the trips to and around Mexico City and I agree Guanajuato is our favourite place to visit. It’s such a cool city. But Mazatlán is our home base. Thanks so much for the amazing tour and explanations. Brought back good memories.
God Canada so fucked by trudolf and Freeland gang, can't wait to escape
Us $150 dollars? Or 150 pesos?
@@JS-jh4cy what’s the question about?
What crossing was that?
Next time make an appointment at the nearest Mexican embassy and you will be able to buy a car permit ahead of time
My next trip had no issues
Mexico has very modern highways, such as 57, the Pan-American Highway and many more, which are some of the most important in North America. In the 3 countries of North America, more products, goods and money move than in the entire European Union.
How was the FMM process? Did they just glance at your passport and snag the fee or did they scan it into their computer?
Well when I finally got back to the border it was pretty easy. I got bribed for 150$ to get through. My van was over some weight limit that complicated it. No computer. I would get the fmf online before you get to the border
Holy crap this video made it to 10,000 views. thank you all so much for watching
Thank you so much for your candor in telling us your story! We would like to take a road trip to Mexico and are currently trying to gather all the information we can! Can’t believe all the trolls on here being negative though about your experience. 🙄 I appreciate you sharing so we can learn through you!
I can tell you now after 3 months in Mexico. I was a scared nieve American. The people are great. Don't drive at night and study where your going. Just like the US don't go to bad areas. We visited Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru and Panama but Mexico was hands down the best. Enjoy
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I’m actually planning something similar and I can say that this video has giving me some confidence
I don't know where you live, but if it doesn't take you too long, I would definitely recommend you to choose Nogales. It has a very safe and comfortable passage. The city is not dangerous like other mexican cities. There is no situation that requires you to experience fear. Also, at certain checkpoints, the police may deliberately search your vehicle. Don't be afraid of it, they usually take a long time to search for this vehicle to get bribes. You don't have to bribe. After all, they give up and leave you. Do not be intimidated by such situations, be extremely relaxed and patient.
I just crossed the border 10 days ago. I can understand the negative comments to this guy. You have to do a bit of research to see what you need to do, and get. If he can made UA-cam videos, he knows how to use the internet.
Wow that’s incredible. Was it worth it? Would you do it again I’m sure that questions been asked thanks for the video.
After spending close to 2 months in Mexico I had it all wrong. I was scared to death that day but never felt any danger after that. The media got me scared. I can't wait to go again. Mexico is amazing and the people are even better
@@travelwith6589 That's how I felt in NYC. I'm from bumfuck Illinois and Newark and Stanten Island was a whole new world. I never wanna go back lmao
Thanks for your story. I understand respectful concerns in different countries.I wonder what one should do if they knew they needed a permit and boarder said nah just go on through? Not move till they got one???
No question I was an idiot. I think I was just hyper afraid because of media and people saying how dangerous mexico is. My next trip to mexico was issue free because I knew what to do. Hopefully this video will help someone not make the mistakes I did.
O thanks so much for this. One question. In addition to vehicle permit, do you need car insurance also?
Yes you need Mexico car insurance. I can't remember which one we bought. I also bought world nomad travel insurance for worst case cenerio
You can't get permit without proof of Mexico insurance
As someone (American) that’s done Colorado to Maz, you’re full of crap. You’re over exaggerating this , especially with Villa Ahumada and it’s burrito stands, this road between Juarez and Chihuahua is awesome, ive done Mazatlan to Juarez in 12 hours non stop, grow up
Please everyone watching, get your permit before you cross to Mexico.
What kind of permits? Or how many?
Where you get that in USA? Can you buy that in the internet?
What border crossing was that?
Santa Teresa near El paso
@@travelwith6589 ty
I appreciate your spirit of adventure and your videos. However, a good lesson to be taken from is one is the importance of educating yourself thoroughly on the requirements to visit a foreign country before actually leaving on your trip. And if you do commit a federal crime like bribery, it’s probably best not to admit to it on a public forum like UA-cam.
I knew everything I needed but they told me at border to just go ahead, so I did. The biggest problem was my vehicle weight, wich I didn't know about. I debated about talking about it but this video is to help the next guy. I absolutely love mexico it's just to bad there is corruption like that. Thanks for watching and commenting
I agree I was very lucky. The officer that pulled me over was very honest and kind, but that's when I felt so venerable driving 3 hours back to the border through all the checkpoints. I'm back in Mexico now with all my paperwork and feel great
Did they scan your passport in Mexico?
Nope
They were just interested in the vehicle permit
My parents are moving to Mexico and I’m tagging along. An suv w a trailer/uhaul. I’m very scared with all the cartels. Have you experience any such activities?
I spent 8 weeks in Mexico and I feel bad for making that video. The people are so nice and giving. Be careful where you go just like in the US. Just cross the border and hit the gas. The border towns are the most dangerous. Stay on toll roads and don't drive at night. I'm jelous
Can you use a garmin gps ir Google maps in Mexico?
Google maps is terrible in other countries. We used the Waze app for navigation. It doesn't have the earth map but it's way better at knowing the one way streets
Thank you so much for your video!
However, you weren't prepaid and just crossed initially without knowing the risks not having the permit and then you got nervous... Obviously you didn't do your research ahead in time...
I did prepay fir the imf. The problem was the permit for my van because it was over some weight limit. I asked them ask they said just ho
Nowadays it’s even more dangerous to drive thru mexico with the new gang trying to take control over senora I can’t even go visit my great grandpa and grandm
You always have to get a vehicle permit.
Not true. The Baja and certain parts of Senora do not require a TIP. Likewise with the border 'buffer' area which I believe extends 12 miles (21 KM) into Mexico.
Did they scan your passport when driving through the boarder?
Yes when I returned. I really screwed up the first entry
they didn't even ask for mine. Drove 18 hours into Mexico. Had to pay a few dirty cops $20 or $40 along the way.
Mexico isn't Canada, you can't just drive through without the proper knowledge. You gotta know what you're doing when driving in Mexico.
😅😅Mexico has very modern highways, such as 57, the Pan-American Highway and many more, which are some of the most important in North America. In the 3 countries of North America, more products, goods and money move than in the entire European Union.
The key is to bring plenty of $20 dollar bills. Tell them that's all you have. Speak a bit of Spanish to them. Show them you love their people and country .... and that's easy to do because the Mexican people are amazing. The military and cops and EVERYONE is a family oriented person in Mexico.
The best thing we can do is stop paying bribes. Just ask for the ticket they won't give it to you
@@travelwith6589 thank you
$400 toll or 400 pesos?
Oh no that's 400$ dollars. But that was only because I screwed up and drove back and forth all day
400 pesos, 20 bucks
Dallors
@@travelwith6589 You can use dallors on the border and border cities, but notrepublic of Mexico, the interior, you must exchange at a Mexican bank for pesos, the stores and restaurants and hotels will not except your dollars or you can use your credit card, the credit card company will make the exchange in your statement or Pesos or you can use you Credit cards the credit card company will make the exchange when they bill you
I'm learning all the ways now. Thanks for the tips
$400 in tolls????? Outrageous!
Very nice video!
Thank you
Adventure that's what you were thinking
Sounds like you were freaking out for not reading and knowing the rules ahead of time, for a second I thought you had ran into cartels or something. I'm glad it all worked out for you and your family.
I was a scared nieve American. After 2 months in Mexico I don't have any worries. People are great. Just like the USA there's places you don't go
Not the toll reads, that becouse you did not go through the proper's procedure to drive your car into Mexico, its easy, you stop at the entrance to the Mexican border in Mexico and get a tag on your car, its you
(We are about to drive through Mexico, what tag?)
I explained, go into the immigration office as soon as you cross the border into Mexico
There has not been a vehicle tags for several years. It is all paperwork these days.
Been their before
Now I'm sitting on my couch in the US wishing I was in Mexico
The takeaway:
DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
I thought I did but clearly I wasn't prepared
@@travelwith6589 No worries. Clearly you survived!
Many people drive at night, all night, stop exaggerating, the biggest problem is not being robbed, its having your car brake down in the meddle of nowhere, those roads don't look like washboards to me but its faster on the toll reads, becouse you can go around big trucks, don't need to dress poor, I live in Tijuana for over 40 years, I see most people are well dressed and have nice cars, your still green behind the ears, or you have some resentment
I was born in Mexico but legally raised in California. My last visit to Mexico was 2010 I think or 2009.. will never go back... Although we built a really nice huge home with security and top of the line furnace on mind, I never went back to enjoy it once it was done. I love Mexico but I don't agree with many things including political issues that makes it insecure for so many people who visit our country. I'm use to the life here in California. Anyway enjoy your stay whenever you visit Mexico. Be safe and stay aware...
I absolutely loved mexico but yes it was a little scary at times. I don't want this to be a negative thing for the country. I just want to help people get there and what to be prepared for. I think its worth the hassle to see that amazing country. Thanks
Funny you live in the U.S. and worried about Mexico? Pocha, I don't care where you where born, born and growing up in, is 2 different things
Your loss , I don't think you'll be missed 😂
@@geraldarnoult well somebody has to care about mexico. otherwise it’ll never improve. you ain’t representing us any better.
@@spartanracer Been improving for many years, never improve? that's a joke, don't know where you got that? Oh, I do, U.S. reporters and the U.S. news media, who sell fear, exaggeration and sensationalism, I love Mexico, the way it is, you better worry about the U.S., you need to improve your knowing of Mexico, that's what need improvement
SALUDOS AMIGO
Total miss info......nobody can go into other country with out permit.......you don't have the correct info I hope next time ...get better God bless tou
I know how to do it now but that was not a fun day
it seems that all he did on this video was complaining about everything.
we need to be informed about requirements, laws and responsabilities before you crossed any border.
specially if you don't speak the language.
I'm sorry he went thrue a nightmare
for a full day, but a little research before a trip won't hurt anyone.
You make it more difficult. I've driven for years. Show some huevos
That’s why he has not driven chill Superman🤣🤣🤣
No paperwork????
Hahahaaa
Hey we all have to start somewhere!
@@travelwith6589 you should’ve checked UA-cam first…
Ironic
Best wishes
Get a grip.
I agree. I put that video up before I understood mexico. 2 months in Mexico after that video my view is very different
@@travelwith6589 love your videos. Welcome to Mexico