Travel
Safety In Mexico
On
my first visit to Mexico I expected to see Pancho Villa complete
with sombrero, bullets crossing his chest and guns at the ready.
Imagine my surprise to find a Mexico that is just as modern as places
in the USA.
As
modern as some areas are, there are dangers to the unwary traveller.
Start with crossing the border. If flying you will be given paperwork
to fill out on the plane giving you a 30 day travel visa. As you
go through immigration this will be checked, along with your passport.
Make sure your passport is up to date and that your picture looks
like you. Due to terrorist threats immigration now takes a much
more pro-active approach. Once through immigration you will be sent
to an area that will give you a green light or a red light. Green
you go right through, red your bags get searched. If you are carrying
prescriptions, make sure you have a copy of your prescription form
from the pharmacy. Narcotics are tightly controlled in Mexico and
they could be confiscated. I suggest separating your medication.
Carry some in your luggage and some on your person. It is unlikely
that both would be checked and confiscated. Once pass this checkpoint
you are on your way.
If you are taking a taxi from the airport to where you are staying
be aware that some taxi drivers drive like they are competing in
the Indy 500. Learn some Spanish so that you can tell your driver,
do not drive fast. "no maneje r pidamente" If you
can't pronounce it, write it on paper and give it to the driver.
If possible ask your hotel to send a driver for you. You will then
know it is a driver you can trust.
If
you are driving into Mexico, you will need your insurance papers,
car ownership, with no liens against it, drivers license, passport
and a credit card. You will also need 3 copies of all paperwork.
Have them beforehand in case there is no photocopier at immigration.
Your credit card will be charged a fee to register it as a visitor
vehicle in Mexico and you will receive a sticker in return. Affix
this to your car window. You will need to turn it in when you go
back so do not lose it. You will also need it on your windshield
at all times while driving in Mexico. This means you brought your
car in legally. As you pass through immigration "Checkpoint
Charlie" you will go through the red light, green light scenario
as described above. Once through you are on your way.
Driving
in Mexico is just like anywhere else except that signs will be in
Spanish and speeds are posted in KM. Defensive driving is a must
in Mexico as many Mexicans are speed demons and quite reckless.
66% of Mexicans do not carry car insurance and often flee the scene
of an accident. Your car insurance for travel in Mexico should be
full coverage and include a lawyer, emergency numbers, and a bond
in case of an accident. If you have an accident in Mexico and there
are any injuries, no matter how slight, you will be arrested. This
is why you need access to a lawyer, bond and an adjuster immediately.
They will bail you out. Mexican law is Napolonic and you are guilty
until proven innocent. While driving in Mexico it is best to stay
on the toll roads. First, they are in excellent condition and secondly
there is always help available from the "Green Angles"
should you experience problems. They patrol the roads and you should
see them every hour or two.
Other
things to watch out for are people passing on hills and around curves.
It is quite common so be aware of what you might face going over
a hill or around a curve. As you drive along and see crosses on
the side of the road, these are where accidents have happened and
families have marked the spot where their loved ones spirit departed.
Cattle, horses, donkeys and goats are also familiar scenes on the
road. I do not recommended driving at night as animals often sleep
on the roads to seeks heat from the pavement. Night driving can
be a harrowing experience.
Gas
stations are few and far between. When you see one, get gas. At
gas stations, a favorite trick is to not roll back the pesos to
$0 and the attendant might try to charge you more than you actually
received. The way around this is to always ask for 200 pesos. "doscientos
pesos por favor". All stations are government owned and the
attendant always pumps your gas and may clean your windows, check
tire pressure and oil. If an attendant does these things for you,
a common tip is 5-10 pesos. These men make meager wages and appreciate
the tips. Next is bathrooms. Most gas station bathrooms in Mexico
are not very clean, to put it mildly. Before you cross the border
buy some Huggies Baby Wipes. You will need them. As I travelled
in Mexico I realized the great outdoors was far cleaner than most
bathrooms. Don't be surprised at a rest stops to have to pay for
toilet paper. It's a common practice.
The
next road tip is police. They target tourists and try to charge
them for infractions they did not commit. Don't argue with them.
They can cause you more grief than you want. Try to negotiate their
"help" in resolving the issue. Start at 50 pesos and bargain
from there. It's expected.
There
have been rumors of foreign vehicles being seized. The only authority
allowed to do this is Aduana (Customs), and Administracion Local
de Auditoria Fiscal Federal. No other authority can do this. Traffic
Police, City Police, the Federal police, or the Military have no
right to seize your car. The only way they can do anything with
foreign plated vehicles is with permission from Aduana or Administracion
Local de Auditoria Fiscal Federal.
With
this said, know your rights. These other authorities cannot even
ask for importation papers as it is not within their responsibility.
If you are threatened by these other authorities about the status
of your vehicle, or even your migratory status, record as much information
about this authority as possible. Name, badge number, date, officer's
vehicle type, officer's vehicle license and unit number, etc. The
Aduana is very clear on this and wants everyone possible to report
such issues to the proper authorities. Most of these authorities
will back off once they know they you know your rights and start
recording this information about them.
Another
major concern is what papers are necessary to carry in the vehicle.
The Aduana advises to carry only copies of all pertinent papers
concerning your migratory status and the vehicle. For example, have
a copy of your passport, your migratory status with the current
renewal date, the car importation permit, your title, registration,
and insurance papers. Never leave originals in the car in case the
car is stolen. You will need those originals.
Should
you find yourself lost in a city or town it is common practice to
hail a cab, tell him where you want to go and then follow him. For
a small fee he will take you and save you a lot of time and headaches
trying to find your way.
One
last tip for the road. If you need overnight accommodation you should
know that motels are normally used by the "hour", and
hotels are for overnight guests.
If
you are a tourist who has flown in and have now left the airport
and arrived at your destination it's time to be aware of other safety
issues.
Don't
Drink Water. No matter where you go or how safe it looks, do not
drink the water. And it's not just the water you need to be concerned
about, but the glass and how it was washed. Make sure it is dry
and as often as possible drink using a straw, also known as "uno
popote". Do not drink coke from cans or bottles. You don't
know what kind of water they have been chilled in. Normally ice
cubes that have a hole in them are safe but even then I might opt
to have no ice. Do not eat salads. You don't know what kind of water
they have been washed in. Do not eat fresh fruit. Even a banana
can have salmonella on the outside where you place your fingers
to peel and then use the same fingers to eat it. All fruit and vegetables
must have been cleaned in water treated with special chemicals to
destroy bacteria. Eggs are the next big worry. I would not order
eggs unless scrambled or boiled or looking extremely well cooked.
Do not eat from roadside stands. The chance for ecoli, salmonella
or typhoid is just too great. Eat in places that look clean, safe
and where other gringos are eating. Take plastic cutlery with you
or make very sure your cutlery is very clean. While in Mexico go
to a pharmacy and get parasite medication and when you return home
take it. It is very easy to pick up parasites in Mexico and this
is a common and easy way to stay safe once you are home. Consult
your doctor if you are not comfortable with over the counter medication.
Walking
the streets. As in all cities, the street can be a dangerous place.
Even in small towns in Mexico one should always be just as vigilant
as you would be at home. Do not be lulled into a false sense of
security because you are in a charming small town. Women should
not carry a purse. Carry only necessities in your pockets or in
a waist pouch. Do not keep all your money in one spot in case you
are robbed. The "mustard" or "ketchup" bandits
exist in Mexico just as they do in cities north of the border. Be
aware of anyone trying to help you clean something off. It may be
innocent, but be aware it may not. The same holds true for car problems.
The most common trick is to puncture a tire and then follow you
and offer assistance. While offering assistance someone else could
be robbing your items in the car.
When
in stores, try to use cash as much as possible. A lot of places
do not take credit cards and if they do, be prepared to provide
passports, drivers license and your visa documents. Don't be surprised
if your bank refuses the charges. Unless you have told them to expect
charges from Mexico they are likely to put a hold on your credit
card.
Bank
machines are another area for caution. It is common for machines
to eat your card. Try to have a second card with you if possible
or use a machine where you swipe your card and not have it actually
go into the machine. Be aware of those around you as you withdraw
cash. It is not uncommon for someone to be watching the machines
in a tourist area. Don't be surprised to also see armed guards carrying
rifles standing around the machines. It too is common practice.
Always
keep copies of all cards in your wallet and all documentation that
allowed you into the country. With copies you will find it much
easier to get them replaced if you have copies. Know exactly where
the consulate for your country is and their phone number. They can
be very helpful in an emergency.
If
you get sick while in Mexico, make sure your hotel gets you a translator
so you can converse with the doctor or hospital should it become
necessary. Know too that most hospitals will request cash or a credit
card before they treat you. Look into insurance that will fly you
out of the country to your home town should it become necessary.
I
really recommend finding a tour guide while you are in Mexico. They
don't cost much and can be enormous help to you no matter what situation
you are in, not to mention they know the best places to visit and
eat.
Due
to economic crisis Mexico is riddled with crime. Travel agents will
not tell you this so being prepared is half the battle. Last year
ABC news reported that local news cameras watched armed bandits
work in the open, using their guns to stop cars so they could rob
the passengers. On another street, a team of muggers operated with
apparent impunity, leaving a man unconscious in broad daylight.
Just 15 minutes later, the same group attacks another victim, and
during it all, a police officer stands just a few yards away. In
fact, widespread police corruption is a big part of the problem.
Mexico is actively working on this problem but it can and does happen.
This is another reason to have a guide while in country. They know
what is going on and can steer you in the right direction. The US
State Department considers the situation in Mexico City so serious
it has issued a critical public announcement warning travelers never
to hail taxies on the streets of Mexico City. At all times in Mexico,
be it the interior or the coastal vacation spots, never travel alone.
For
the most part Mexico is a wonderful, inexpensive travel destination.
Being aware of the dangers ahead of time will help to ensure a safe
and fun vacation.
