The Basics...
I wrote my second book, Cartwheels in the
Sand—Baja California, Four Women and a Motor Home largely to explode
the myth that women can’t travel safely in Mexico. I haven’t made the trip
to Cabo with only women, but I drove a motor home to San Felipe with another
single mom and our three kids a few Spring Breaks ago. I drive all over
Baja. I love making the trip to La Bufadora alone ... just me and my dogs
... singing at the top of my lungs and not bothering anyone!
First and foremost, follow my dad’s advice and remember this always: You are a guest in a foreign country. Be courteous. Be respectful. Don’t behave like a jerk. Obey the laws. But don’t be afraid. I feel safer in Mexico than most places in the U.S. Treat the people with respect and they will overwhelm you with that famous, “Baja Hospitality.” If you’re anxious about foreign travel or have heard negative stuff in the press, try picking up some Baja books. There’s a lot to learn from other Americans who’ve spent time in Mexico, understand the people, the place, the culture and love it. Do a subject search on Baja or Mexico on Amazon.com.
Identification and Other Legal
Entry Requirements...
U.S. citizens are not required to obtain a
Visa to visit Mexico for up to 180 days. If traveling only as far as Ensenada
or San Felipe in Baja, you will need a photo ID, such as a driver’s license.
If you are a citizen of another country, you will need to bring your passport
and show legal permanent residency papers at port of entry.
If you are planning to go south of Ensenada or San Felipe, you will need to purchase a Tourist Card, which costs approximately $22 and is good for six months. In addition to a Tourist Card, if you are traveling south by car, RV, bus, cruise ship, or airplane, U.S. citizens are required to have a photo ID and a certified copy of your birth certificate or a passport. If you’re flying or on a ship or other tour, the cost of the Tourist Card will be included in the price of your ticket. The airline or tour agency will provide the form and help you fill it out.
If you’re on your own, you are responsible for getting your own Tourist Card. Any consulate of Mexico, the Mexican tourism offices, some travel agencies and Discover Baja Travel Club in San Diego can issue this card. You can reach Discover Baja at 1-800-727-BAJA.
If you don’t have time to pick one up before you cross the border, you can stop in just south of the border in Tijuana to get a Tourist Card. In Ensenada, pick up a Tourist Card at the Migración—Immigration Office at the port. It’s right on your way into town on the left-hand side of the road, across from the shipyard. Afterward, you will have to go to a local bank and pay your 195 peso fee.
Minors going to Mexico alone or accompanied
by just one parent are required to present a notarized affidavit of permission
from both parents or the absent parent at their point of entry.
As of September 14, 2001, citizens of certain
specified Middle Eastern countries must apply for permission to enter Mexico
at least six to eight weeks ahead of time. These people should contact
the Mexican Consulate nearest them for more information.
Mexican Car Insurance...
Buy inexpensive Mexican car insurance at one
of the drive-through agencies in San Ysidro just before you cross the border.
All you need is a copy of your current vehicle registration and valid driver’s
license. Some U.S. car rental companies allow you to drive their cars into
Mexico, provided you purchase insurance beforehand. If you’re planning
to spend more than 10 days in Mexico, it’s cheaper to buy a year’s policy.
An online search will yield many companies that provide insurance. Also
… make sure your policy includes legal coverage, in the event of an accident.
Please, don’t cross the border without Mexican car insurance!
Fishing Licenses, etc…
If you’re planning to fish, on your own and
not through a hotel or charter outfit, contact Discover Baja Travel Club
for information at 1-800-727-BAJA or DiscoverBaja.com.
Money Matters...
The currency is the peso, which currently
exchanges at the rate of approximately 9 x 1 to the U.S. dollar. However,
dollars are accepted everywhere and there are ATMs (Cajas Permanente in
Spanish) in front of many banks and in most large grocery stores. You can
easily to withdraw money from your U.S. account, but the money will be
delivered to you in pesos.
What about Drinking the Water?
General rule of thumb is ... don’t drink tap
water, unless you’re in Todos Santos or the East Cape where the water is
pure, pure, pure. Bottled water is used throughout Mexico for drinking
water. It’s safe.
And Getting Sick?
Another of my dad’s favorite sayings is that
Montezuma’s Revenge is generally caused by: too much sun, too much booze
and too much spicy food. The bottom line here is ... moderation. Try to
avoid overdoing it. Unless you’re a seasoned traveler, you may fall prey
to First Night in Camp syndrome and find yourself benched for days. If
that happens, send someone to a farmacía—pharmacy. There are medicines
to help cut down the recovery time. Use sunscreen. Drink lots of water.
Go easy on the chiles!
Where to Find More Information on Baja