Driving in MEXICO. Tips

#Mexico #Travel #Tijuana #Mexicali #Tacos
Watch my video for advise on how to maximize your experience when driving across the border into #Mexico. These are some do's and don'ts that will save you #money, #time and #headaches. I have driven back and forth into Mexico for almost 30 years and have seen all these #topics mentioned in my video be the #recurring factors to a great or not so good experience. Mexico is a #safe, #affordable place for vacationing and Mexican border #towns have tons to #offer not just cheap #beer, lol! Please comment and like my video and SUBSCRIBE! Subscribers wanted! All of my videos are recorded and edited with my old Galaxy S7 and apps like VivaVideo and PicsArt so cut me some slack for the technical shortcomings.
For more info visit:
www.san-felipemexico.com
www.rosaritoinfo.com
www.mexicodesconocido.com
www.cbp.gov
www.sat.gob.mx

Пікірлер: 105

  • @notgoodtosee33
    @notgoodtosee338 ай бұрын

    I have crossed the Sani Ysidro border into MX and back into USA many times over the years. Today was the worst experience for my wife and I. There is a lot of road construction on the main road just prior to the border. We use Sentri lanes, today I was making a turn on to the right lane and a guy who appeared to look like a official traffic director flagged us over. Requested my drivers license. Took it and walked away and then returned threatening me to pay 1000 dollars or go to jail. This debate contined for a half hour and would not return my license. I told my wfe to video him. Then he pointed at her phone and put my license in a note book, handed it to me and said put money in it. I ended up getting taken for 200.00 USD to get out. Corruption and harashment. SHAME on you ! Frustrated and violated Canadian.

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    8 ай бұрын

    I’m sad to hear this. Unfortunately what you’re telling me is very believable. It’s a shame that cops in Mexico are so corrupt. I’m sure there are good ones but this is the typical story of a tourist being robbed in broad daylight by those who are supposed to care for our safety. I’ve never a bad experience. At least not to that extent but I’ve heard countless stories similar to this one. I’ll pin your comment, I hope you don’t mind.

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    8 ай бұрын

    BTW, I’ve learned to navigate in Mexico for years of living there and going back and forth. These guys want money. Carry minimal amounts of it. If they threaten you with taking you in, go in with them. It usually means following them to the police station where you get to pay for the infraction. This is a waste of time for them and they will usually let you go because they are losing money on the trip. “Good” cops that saw you committing a traffic violation will follow through but my guess is that whatever you did wouldn’t had cost you $200. If they threaten to keep your license, let them have it. Get another one, report it stolen. I’d say that this is just another day at work for them and won’t escalate to anything else than a very unpleasant experience.

  • @notgoodtosee33

    @notgoodtosee33

    8 ай бұрын

    @@JuanCarlosLTO Thank you. It's helpful information, that might encourage me to return to a beautiful country with good people.

  • @pamenhernandez9120
    @pamenhernandez91204 жыл бұрын

    Veamos tu lista!!!! Recordemis tus pasos tío!!! Un abrazo🌷

  • @liliagarcia45
    @liliagarcia455 жыл бұрын

    Muy buena información , thank you for your advise

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching my videos

  • @1995arv
    @1995arv5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks JC can you also please do a video on road conditions and paying tolls look forward to it

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    5 жыл бұрын

    Coming up buddy! Thanks for your comment

  • @joeybigler9413
    @joeybigler94133 жыл бұрын

    Mexico is our brother. 🇺🇸

  • @ldstiesto
    @ldstiesto3 жыл бұрын

    Vídeo buenísimo, gracias x el info 👍🏽👍🏽

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    3 жыл бұрын

    Gracias tocayo

  • @IbeSyke
    @IbeSyke6 ай бұрын

    Do you have a video driving back into the US ? Driving back the signs suck so bad i always stress out and get lost or go on the wrong lane

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    6 ай бұрын

    Welcome to the club! 🤣. No. I don’t and I always take the wrong exit, access, entry, street. 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • @vibras.positivas
    @vibras.positivas3 жыл бұрын

    What a helpful information 😃 🙏

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Kris!

  • @philmadriaga4521
    @philmadriaga45213 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff. Thanks

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Phil!

  • @NinaSofia_
    @NinaSofia_3 жыл бұрын

    Gracias Juan Carlos

  • @markschneider1824
    @markschneider18242 жыл бұрын

    Good one. Thanks

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Mark!

  • @markvillenas3570
    @markvillenas35704 жыл бұрын

    Really good video.I gotta remember to get Mexican insurance next time i go.

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, it’s actually super cheap. When I used to go more often I’d buy it for the year but you can also get per day, etc for peace of mind

  • @thegreypenguin5097
    @thegreypenguin50974 жыл бұрын

    You can use Google Translate offline but YOU HAVE TO DOWNLOAD THE LANGUGE WHILE ONLINE. I would download Spanish before crossing the border from 🇺🇸 to 🇲🇽.

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    4 жыл бұрын

    I’m going to try it! Thanks for the tip.

  • @ItsKanye
    @ItsKanye3 жыл бұрын

    Gracias hermano

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    3 жыл бұрын

    De nada! Gracias por ver mi video

  • @joeking7894
    @joeking78943 жыл бұрын

    Good video. I use my card in Mex and exchange dollars into pesos because in Mexico they pay better for exchanging dollars. I live right on the border so this video is good but only for those that are not familiar in who things really work down on the border.

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    3 жыл бұрын

    You are right! I usually take 1 card with me. And you are right about the exchange rates. I sometimes feel "safer" exchanging the money on the north side of the border but the rates are slightly better in Mexico as you say. I made this video a long time ago and since, the GPS on my phone worked perfectly in TJ last month, unlike back then. Thank you for your comment Joe.

  • @onedge70moparsuperbee23
    @onedge70moparsuperbee233 жыл бұрын

    👍😎

  • @jamescc2010
    @jamescc201010 ай бұрын

    GPS does not work well in Mexico? Any one can confirm that? Can you do good driving video on driving back to USA border from Rosarito or TJ ? I do not see go driving videos much out there.

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    10 ай бұрын

    It does now! I went to Valle de Guadalupe last year and it worked most of the way. Way better than when I made this video. Coming back it’s kind of tricky because of poor/confusing road signs 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • @simplyclean4907
    @simplyclean49073 жыл бұрын

    How to get rob in tijuana take a luxury car

  • @maykatamayo7666
    @maykatamayo76664 жыл бұрын

    Estupendo vídeo amigo! Saluditos 👍💜

  • @RA_77846
    @RA_778467 ай бұрын

    Google maps works everywhere...

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    7 ай бұрын

    Now it does. It was spotty back then.

  • @RA_77846

    @RA_77846

    7 ай бұрын

    @@JuanCarlosLTO I'm planning a road trip to michoacan, is it safe to take my own car or would suggest a rental? Is it common to see American license plates?

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    7 ай бұрын

    @@RA_77846 very common. People do it all the time. I used to drive to Zacatecas years ago and never had an issue. If I had the choice to do it again in a rental I’d probably rent the car IN Mexico with Mexican plates. If you’re driving your own, I wouldn’t drive anything too flashy etc to avoid attention from bad guys. 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • @RA_77846

    @RA_77846

    7 ай бұрын

    @@JuanCarlosLTO thanks 👍🏼

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    7 ай бұрын

    Oh, and I’m sure you have looked into this. You need to get a temporary imputation permit for your car to be able to drive it all the way there not to cross the border but to go beyond a certain point you will need that permit it’s not expensive, but you must have it And you get that once you cross the border at the customs complex

  • @begeezy831
    @begeezy8314 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I have a question for you please. Looking to move to Mexico but my daughter lives her in Solana Beach with her mom. I’ll have to cross 2 times a weekend Friday and Sunday around 7pm to Sd is this a good time on those days. Also what’s the safest cities close to the border maybe 30 minutes in max. Looking at Rosarito so far want to spend max $900 a month for rent. Thank you very much subscribed looking forward to check out more of your videos and hearing from you.

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes those are reasonably good times to cross into the USA but waiting times have gotten crazy in the last few years. You should look into getting a SENTRI card... day and night. A 2 hour wait time turns into 15 minutes.. As far as where to live in TJ. I know of many Americans that like Playas de Tijuana as it is near the port of entry and is a nice neighborhood. Rosarito is doable as well specially if you say you’ll only be crossing twice a week. Thanks for your comment and I’ll check out your content as well.

  • @begeezy831

    @begeezy831

    4 жыл бұрын

    El Tio Juan Carlos awesome thank you one last question lol. What should I tell the guard when crossing (looking for a dentist) (vacationing). I was thinking of getting a part time part time job lol just to get a work visa and not have the hassle of reupping the temporary pass. I work from home so I could just get a job working an extra few hours a week in Mexico even if a tech job like in the states.

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    4 жыл бұрын

    I see... I don’t know. I know foreigners have to get working visas etc but I’m really unfamiliar with the process. I don’t know what Americans do to extend their stays in Mexico or if it’s even an issue. I do remember my niece being unable to work in Mexico because she was an American and couldn’t get a visa or something, but honestly I don’t know how it works

  • @begeezy831

    @begeezy831

    4 жыл бұрын

    El Tio Juan Carlos no worries thank you again I’ll continue to ask around. Have a blessed weekend.

  • @santanaman6783
    @santanaman67832 жыл бұрын

    Hola Juan Carlos tengo pregunta.... Para viajar a Cabo de California, se ocupa o necesita un passport de los Estados Unidos o con la acta de nacimiento y licensia es suficiente??? Gracias por su tiempo y muy buen video....

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    2 жыл бұрын

    La verdad no sé! No quisiera inventarte algo sobre eso. Tengo más de 10 años que no viajo por carretera más allá de la zona libre. No me gustaría mal infórmarte. Lo que sí sé es que necesitarás un permiso de importación temporal del vehículo el cual deberá estar al nombre del conductor (entre otras cosas) Para regresar a USA esos documentos eran suficientes aunque será más tardado porque la verificación de tu identidad será más tardada a que si trajeras tu pasaporte vigente. Saludos

  • @johnvoss6646
    @johnvoss66464 жыл бұрын

    Hey I plan on visiting some friends who live in Baja. Will the GPS on my phone be able to get to to their home?

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    4 жыл бұрын

    From what I’ve heard lately, yes. I still have yet to try it myself. Thanks for your comment.

  • @Holland1994D

    @Holland1994D

    3 жыл бұрын

    Are u seriously asking if gps works in Mexico? LMAO

  • @schiomchio
    @schiomchio3 жыл бұрын

    Lmfao he was honest af about speaking English in Mexico 🤣 “ have u ever noticed...”

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your comment Schio!

  • @user-zm7xd1pf9t
    @user-zm7xd1pf9t3 жыл бұрын

    do you need a US passport to get back into the US? I’m a US citizens and have the new Texas ID with a star on it so not sure if that will work?

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    3 жыл бұрын

    It does work as means of identification, it will take you longer to get through though. Thank you for watching my video

  • @user-zm7xd1pf9t

    @user-zm7xd1pf9t

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@JuanCarlosLTO thank you very the video and information!

  • @FifaTaco
    @FifaTaco3 жыл бұрын

    Is it safe to drive in with a nice pickup truck? i’ve had multiple friends from mexico tell me not to because it will get stolen

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    3 жыл бұрын

    It’s more of a enter at your own risk 🤣. I go all the time and never had an issue but I know of things that unfortunately happen so there’s no denying of the possibility of something like that happening.

  • @jewmenomorev2611
    @jewmenomorev26112 жыл бұрын

    Why dont the locals like it when I do wheelies on my Dirtbike through town?

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    2 жыл бұрын

    Right?

  • @anthonyrios7664
    @anthonyrios76642 жыл бұрын

    Do you recommend getting insurance in mex for the weekend( Ensenada)??

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    2 жыл бұрын

    I would. Sometimes I just do like a day trip and skip doing it but what if we were to get in an accident..? 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • @itiiyt
    @itiiyt Жыл бұрын

    When you say " declare " is that on paper or can i go to the consulate near me and do that there.

  • @FROSTY420692002
    @FROSTY4206920023 жыл бұрын

    This is sad that we have to do this

  • @remi0109
    @remi01094 жыл бұрын

    Amigo. do I need a passport? Or car title? And coming back into the u.s. do I need passport or is my D.L enough?

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    4 жыл бұрын

    Mexico does NOT require you to have a passport to drive into Mexico. You do not need a car title but Mexican authorities may request a vehicle registration. Coming back you do not need a passport (granted you are an American citizen), a DL or ID will suffice. (As far as I know, of course) thank you for watching my video and commenting,

  • @boixgenius

    @boixgenius

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@JuanCarlosLTO thank you so much. I'm driving to Tijuana for a family emergency and im freaking out cus I don't have a passport lol you killed my anxiety!!

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    4 жыл бұрын

    I hope you made it back safely from your family emergency. Thanks for watching my video

  • @diytech4u

    @diytech4u

    3 жыл бұрын

    yes your DL is good enough but a passport is best

  • @remi0109

    @remi0109

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@boixgenius hey I was just curious about the trip back into the US without a passport how was it?

  • @patriotsakaalsalazar4111
    @patriotsakaalsalazar41113 жыл бұрын

    Do you think it's safe for my family to take a drive to Mexico. We are not planning on stopping anywhere except straight to the hotel. Well, may be a few stop for those yummy tacos. I am Filipino I have some Spanish words in me. My only question is the Fideralis and Narcos. I am traveling with my family and we don't wanna get kidnap.

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    3 жыл бұрын

    This is a very good question! Everything that you see in the news about public safety issues in Mexico unfortunately is true so there’s not a way to sugar coat it. Having said that, Tijuana is a city where a lot of Americans live and commute to the United States daily. I understand your concern and just because nothing bad has ever happened to me doesn’t mean that the risk isn’t there. I hope that if you decide to go, you have a great time as the vast majority of people that visit do.

  • @patriotsakaalsalazar4111

    @patriotsakaalsalazar4111

    3 жыл бұрын

    El Tio Juan Carlos I’m thinking about going to Rosario or Ensenada. Are you still traveling to Mexico during this COVID-19?

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    3 жыл бұрын

    I haven’t traveled to Mexico since February. I hope you have a great time if you do!

  • @FROSTY420692002
    @FROSTY4206920023 жыл бұрын

    Makes it sound like it’s dangerous there

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    3 жыл бұрын

    I grew up on both sides of the border and never had an issue with public safety but that doesn’t mean is 100% safe for tourists or visitors. And it definitely helps if you do your part not being a target. Thank you for your comment

  • @Sealcala01
    @Sealcala014 жыл бұрын

    so even if your going for four days do you need insurance? if so how much does it cost? and where do you get it?

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    4 жыл бұрын

    Maybe I should have worded it differently. You don’t “need” insurance. You can make the choice not to get your vehicle insured. Mexican police doesn’t require you to have it but in case of an accident your American insurance most likely won’t cover you. As far as where you can get it, there’s plenty of places near the border as I mention in the video. Thanks for watching.

  • @thelonelytrucker9317

    @thelonelytrucker9317

    4 жыл бұрын

    You are safer to get it. If you cause an accident and don't have it, you better be ready to compensate damages or enjoy the local jail.

  • @JJFlores197

    @JJFlores197

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@thelonelytrucker9317 Totally agree. When my family and I have gone to Mexico by car, my dad always buys insurance for traveling into Mexico. Its an extra bit of expense, but well worth it for at least the piece of mind. We've never had to use it so far, but there have been some close calls over the past 3-4 years we've gone to Mexico.

  • @mardocheebouanga1890
    @mardocheebouanga18904 жыл бұрын

    To cross the border you only need your ID?

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    4 жыл бұрын

    Into México: I’ve driven mostly into Mexico lately and they haven’t asked me for any type of ID. However, a few months ago I crossed into Mexico afoot for the day and was asked to produce an American passport (Tijuana land port of entry) and was asked to state my purpose of visit and was given a little piece of paper with a stamp for free. So if you’re an American you’re asked to stand in a lane and go through that process.

  • @mardocheebouanga1890

    @mardocheebouanga1890

    4 жыл бұрын

    El Tio Juan Carlos I’m driving to Rosarito, Mexico what do I need?

  • @allisonmartinez6840
    @allisonmartinez68404 жыл бұрын

    will I get pulled over for not having a front license plate

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    4 жыл бұрын

    I’m all honesty, cops in Mexico pull you over for any reason. And they can use any excuse to pull you over. I don’t have a front license plate although California requires one but haven’t been pulled over for that. 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • @allisonmartinez6840

    @allisonmartinez6840

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@JuanCarlosLTO happy to say I made it there and back with no trouble!!

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    4 жыл бұрын

    allison martinez nice! I used to go down there all of the time and lately I do mostly for like dental work and stuff. Glad you made it back safely.

  • @EMVelez-qb1zu
    @EMVelez-qb1zu2 жыл бұрын

    Why are the captions in Korean??

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    2 жыл бұрын

    Oh, there are captions in many different languages, you just have to scroll through the options.

  • @EMVelez-qb1zu

    @EMVelez-qb1zu

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@JuanCarlosLTO Nope. This video only has the option for Korean. Very strange.

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    2 жыл бұрын

    Very! I don’t know what happened 🤔

  • @monicaambriz9121
    @monicaambriz91215 жыл бұрын

    Mi no entender nada 🙃🤔 que no se supone que hablas español en tús videos? Hello! 😎🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    5 жыл бұрын

    Ya vendrán más videos en español, verás. ¡Gracias por tu comentario!

  • @monicaambriz9121

    @monicaambriz9121

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank god! 🙏🏻

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    2 жыл бұрын

    She’s a friend and she’s just trolling me 😑🤣

  • @EMVelez-qb1zu

    @EMVelez-qb1zu

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@JuanCarlosLTO ooh! Lmao

  • @larrypatrick1
    @larrypatrick13 жыл бұрын

    I will never go back to Mexico 🇲🇽. Unless I fly in.

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    3 жыл бұрын

    Did you have a bad experience driving? I’m sorry if you did, it happens! I always fly in when we visit southern Mexico. The last time we drove miles into Mexico was back in 2009 but I wouldn’t do it again. I guess I’ve become more aware of what could happen. As far as cross border driving? We do it often without incident. Thank you for your comment Larry.

  • @CesarCinema
    @CesarCinema5 жыл бұрын

    Spanish English crossover

  • @JuanCarlosLTO

    @JuanCarlosLTO

    5 жыл бұрын

    Haha... Yes!