Crossing the border in Laredo, TX...? (Dallas, Canadian: car insurance, loan, hotel)

[Kimgapeach]

I agree. I would not drive into interior Mexico without my husband. I will only be crossing over the border and meeting my husband on the other side. I will not drive any further without him with me.
I have never had a problem simply crossing. I have always been treated nice and with respect.
Look into other options. Could your husband meet you right over the border like mine? If so that is the way to go. Simply cross and meet at a hotel or restuarant. Or maybe even the bus station.


Kim

[Willys]

Originally Posted by AlmaGem

Wellll I'm not positive about anything yet...but if I were to drive, I would be driving with one other person, so it would probably be 2 females in an SUV. And I am moving, so my vehicle would be packed with all of my personal stuff. Would it be better to fly and get my things shipped..?

Two females doesn't sound good either and if either one of you has blonde hair your odds get much worse.

I like the idea of flying and shipping.

[mitchdd]

Crossing the border and driving into Mexico really isn't something to worry about, so long as you follow all the correct procedures. I've crossed into RGV border cities, primarily Reynosa, over 300 times, and not once did I ever have any issue with a Mexican Customs official. Nor do I know of any person who ever had a problem with them.

Since you're planning on loading up alot of personal items, I suggest you go to the Mexican Customs section designated for vehicles making a declaration. Simply tell them that the personal belongings are being taken on a long-term visit to Queretaro, and you do not intend to sell anything.

If it were me, I'd first park my car on the U.S. side, then cross over by foot to get to the immigration office just across the bridge. Once there, I'd get my immigration pass, and then pay the bank fee (there should be a bank in the building or very close by), which will be designated by a stamp that they'll imprint on the pass. The immigration pass will state your intended destination of Queretaro, so when you return to your car to drive it over later on, it will be evident to the Mexican Customs Officer, upon presenting the tourist pass, that you are being straight with him. Don't forget to get the immigration passes for each of you paid and stamped by the Mexican bank, or you will be turned away from the border-zone checkpoint aprox. 20 miles south of the city.

As mentioned in this thread, you'll need papers for your vehicle, and that office you'll need to go to should be in the same building or nearby the immigration office. The credit card needs to be in the name of the owner of the car, or else you can give them a $200 U.S cash bond. You need to have the car present for a very quick VIN inspection.

You can likely buy auto insurance from a company very near the immigration office. Expect to pay $150-$250 for a full year. They sell shorter terms, down to the day, but you pay much more per day as such.

As you pass through Laredo, just look for the signs for the toll road (cuota)to Monterrey. Laredo is not a difficult city to get through. You'll come to a checkpoint, and you'll be asked for papers for the car and all individuals, and perhaps a question as to where you are going. They may also choose to do a quick search. I've been through this procedure 10 times or so, and never had any problem.

As you approach the Monterrey metro area, look for the signs for the periferico toll road (beltway loop for the northern half of the metro area)to Saltillo, and you can bypass Monterrey. I haven't been on the stretch from Saltillo to San Luis Potosi, but I heard that the road is fine.

Perhaps you'll come across a military check point along the way. They just like to search the vehicle and ask alot of questions, and sometimes even come across as though they want to harrass you. They may ask you for identification. Don't forget to make sure that they give it back to you. One time one of them took my drivers license and never returned it. I realized it a week later. If you're friendly, cooperative, and not bringing anything illegal with you, they'll pass you through.

I've driven the stretch between San Luis Potosi and Quretaro, and it's a good highway. Queretaro is a very pleasant city, with many nice city parks near the enjoyable downtown area, and there's a great view from the mountain in the city. I spent a very enjoyable day there 6 years ago, but there's alot to do there, so I've heard. Enjoy your stay!

[quefregados]

I live in Laredo and cross into the interior in many different ways (taxi to bus, driving, local bus to bus - alone, with my boyfriend, with multiethnic groups, with kids) and never have I had a problem BUT I have experience & can easily blend in.

I don't know what you look like but the more touristy you look, the more of a target you become, that's the case ANYWHERE.

If this is your first time, I would suggest you take the bus because Queretaro is quite a distance. With the bus, you can avoid the gas issue, car breakdown, getting robbed or getting lost on highways that are not identified. I have driven to Durango several times (by myself) and can manuever through all the "quota" highways cuz they are easy but I always, I mean always get lost in the city of Durango once I am not on the toll road. Once you get used to the roads by bus, then come back for your stuff.

Or how about renting a storage unit in Laredo (or wherever you cross) and going to Queretaro by bus - once you are more used to Mexico roads, come back for your stuff. I am assuming the car you are taking is coming back with your friend because a car permit is only good for 180 days. You can nationalize ("make a vehicle Mexican") a farm truck but its too much $$ and not worth the time. Me personally, I would take the MINIMUM and sell as much as I can, after all, you are starting in a new place and your lifestyle will be different. You don't mention how much you know about Mexico, or the Spanish language, but don't be afraid of leading your life the way you want. There are risks everywhere, some more than in other places but if this is what you want, go for it. If you need a bit of help on the border, I can help a bit - at least with providing Laredo info.

Good luck!! Viky in Laredo

[RGV]

I'm originally from Brownsville. I've driven to Monterrey, Tampico and even as far South as Mexico City without problems. Driving into Mexico is no problem for us from South Texas who are Hispanic and can speak Spanish.

But, if it's going to be two anglo women, who are not use to this area, and are in an SUV full of stuff, JUST DON'T DO IT. I'm telling you. Take a plane and save the hassles and potential problems.

[aaron210]

Your best bet would be to get a male mexican friend to tag along with you for the drive through mexico. Make sure he speaks spanish.

[Gringa girl]

Originally Posted by aaron210

You also need a permit to get your car past the mexican immigration. It costs around $35 dollars that can only be paid with a credit card. Make sure you have the title to you car and an ID.

Can I sell my car to my Mexican friend as we cross the border? How would I do that? It's a 1992.

[Lakewooder]

Google Nuevo Laredo and murder. You must be warned about the dangers.

[arivergal]

I would cross at McAllen. I have crossed there and it was pretty easy. It is a lot less busy then Laredo. Be sure and have your title to your vehicle. You should buy your insurance on line before you go, it is a lot easier and makes one less stop you have to make. At the inspection station you could get either the red or the green light. If you get the red be prepared to have the officials go thru your vehicle. I got the red light and I had to laugh. My truck was stuffed so full the guy poked around for a few minutes and waved me on. Good luck to you. I am moving from Mexico to Texas.

[Nyc01]

Hello!
my boyyfriend I where reading the procedures for registering your vehicle at the mccallen boarder... Itmentioned that once you register your vehicle.. You need to wait 72hrs in the u.s before entering otherwise we will get a$500 fine. Is this true????

Originally Posted by mitchdd

Crossing the border and driving into Mexico really isn't something to worry about, so long as you follow all the correct procedures. I've crossed into RGV border cities, primarily Reynosa, over 300 times, and not once did I ever have any issue with a Mexican Customs official. Nor do I know of any person who ever had a problem with them.

Since you're planning on loading up alot of personal items, I suggest you go to the Mexican Customs section designated for vehicles making a declaration. Simply tell them that the personal belongings are being taken on a long-term visit to Queretaro, and you do not intend to sell anything.

If it were me, I'd first park my car on the U.S. side, then cross over by foot to get to the immigration office just across the bridge. Once there, I'd get my immigration pass, and then pay the bank fee (there should be a bank in the building or very close by), which will be designated by a stamp that they'll imprint on the pass. The immigration pass will state your intended destination of Queretaro, so when you return to your car to drive it over later on, it will be evident to the Mexican Customs Officer, upon presenting the tourist pass, that you are being straight with him. Don't forget to get the immigration passes for each of you paid and stamped by the Mexican bank, or you will be turned away from the border-zone checkpoint aprox. 20 miles south of the city.

As mentioned in this thread, you'll need papers for your vehicle, and that office you'll need to go to should be in the same building or nearby the immigration office. The credit card needs to be in the name of the owner of the car, or else you can give them a $200 U.S cash bond. You need to have the car present for a very quick VIN inspection.

You can likely buy auto insurance from a company very near the immigration office. Expect to pay $150-$250 for a full year. They sell shorter terms, down to the day, but you pay much more per day as such.

As you pass through Laredo, just look for the signs for the toll road (cuota)to Monterrey. Laredo is not a difficult city to get through. You'll come to a checkpoint, and you'll be asked for papers for the car and all individuals, and perhaps a question as to where you are going. They may also choose to do a quick search. I've been through this procedure 10 times or so, and never had any problem.

As you approach the Monterrey metro area, look for the signs for the periferico toll road (beltway loop for the northern half of the metro area)to Saltillo, and you can bypass Monterrey. I haven't been on the stretch from Saltillo to San Luis Potosi, but I heard that the road is fine.

Perhaps you'll come across a military check point along the way. They just like to search the vehicle and ask alot of questions, and sometimes even come across as though they want to harrass you. They may ask you for identification. Don't forget to make sure that they give it back to you. One time one of them took my drivers license and never returned it. I realized it a week later. If you're friendly, cooperative, and not bringing anything illegal with you, they'll pass you through.

I've driven the stretch between San Luis Potosi and Quretaro, and it's a good highway. Queretaro is a very pleasant city, with many nice city parks near the enjoyable downtown area, and there's a great view from the mountain in the city. I spent a very enjoyable day there 6 years ago, but there's alot to do there, so I've heard. Enjoy your stay!