Escaping to a low-cost, high-beauty beach is everybody’s dream. But what about RVing in Mexico?
It only makes sense to go further south if you’re searching for warmer temps.
In fact, Mexico is known for it’s low cost of living and laid-back beach communities.
But, before you begin planning your south-of-the-border vacation, you may want to consider these 5 reasons to avoid RVing in Mexico.
Let’s dive in!
1. Safety Concerns
The most obvious reason to avoid an RV trip to Mexico is for safety concerns. There are many ways to make traveling to Mexico safer, but it can be dangerous if you’re unprepared.
Trip planning is essential, especially if the language barrier is challenging for you. Carrying large amounts of money or valuable equipment may draw unwanted attention your way. And border towns, even though they’re closer to the USA, have higher crime rates.
If you’re unfamiliar with the language, culture, and road system, you’ll be a more vulnerable target.
The best way to overcome the safety issue is by traveling with a group. You can put together your own group of friends or higher professions. We recommend the latter.
Escapees RV Club hosts Mexico caravans every winter. These trips even include police escorts across the border.
2. Mexico Vehicle Insurance
Wintering in Mexico is cheap, but you’ll need to get added vehicle insurance before you make the trip. Depending on your length of stay, you can purchase this added insurance for days, weeks, or months.
Also, Mexican RV insurance is only provided by Mexican companies. Your USA insurance company won’t provide it (however, they may point you in the right direction).
How Much is RV Insurance in Mexico?
Obviously, the answer is “it depends.” But, a good starting point is $175-$350 per month. A six-month contract will save you money, and a daily contract will cost a little bit more.
The cost isn’t a deal breaker. However, it’s one more small headache that may discourage you from RVing in Mexico.
Pro Tip: It’s important to know your RV systems. Repairing small issues yourself will save you time and money. Here’s what an RV mechanic says will break first.
3. The Roads Can Get Sketchy
As Americans, we can take our interstate roadways for granted. Even the heavily worn and trafficked miles of USA interstate often outshine Mexican roadways.
If you choose to drive in Mexico, we suggest driving defensively. This means drive slower and watch the road for changing conditions. You should even use Google Maps Satellite View to look for any major road damage.
Unlike the States, a heavily damaged road in Mexico may not be repaired for months or years. Your RV and/or tow vehicle will likely experience a lot of wear and tear.
This is another reason to travel with a professional caravan group. They know which roads are good for RV travel.
4. Campgrounds Aren’t Up To The Same Standards
Let’s get one thing straight, it’s not hard to find RV parking in Mexico. Finding an RV campground up to your standards may be a different story.
Electricity isn’t as reliable.
You should always travel with a surge guard to protect your electric equipment. At Mexican campgrounds, it’s more likely to have underpowered electrical hook-ups. It’s also more likely you’ll experience power outages.
You’ll want to consider business turn-over when booking your RV park. Campgrounds go in and out of business often. Make sure you have the most up to date info on campground availability.
5. Documents for Days
The last reason to avoid RVing in Mexico is all the documents you’ll need. Ironically, many of these documents are only needed when re-entering the USA.
Here’s a list of the basic documents:
- Passport
- Valid vehicle registration
- Valid driver’s license
- credit card in the name of the driver of the vehicle
- Mexican RV insurance
- Pet Records
We haven’t mentioned pets yet…but you can take them with you. You’ll need pretty much every piece of paperwork the vet every gave you. Your pet will also need to be recent on all vaccinations.
The list of documents above is only the basics. You may have other documents to bring along depending on your unique situation.
RVing in Mexico Isn’t All Bad
There are many great reasons for RVing in Mexico. Yes, it may be intimidating. But know that thousands of RVers do it every year.
Mexico provides beautiful weather and extremely low prices.
Many RVers take part in the medical tourism aspect of this international travel.
And during such a stressful time in America, seeking beach-side refuge in a small Mexican town doesn’t sound too bad!
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In Mexico, your recently purchased Mexican insurance is only good in the one state. As you travel into different states or regions you may be forced to purchase additional insurance. It is not like the US.
Also a good assortment of tools and extra fuel filters. Sometimes fuel is of questionable age and quality.
Consult with your cell carrier to sure your cell phone will work in Mexico, most places take US dollars so not much need to exchange before you cross which is safer so you don’t get spotted and tagged exchanging large amounts of money.
Make sure relatives or friends or both know when you are going and your itinerary. Most importantly your expected return time frame. If your are going in caravan fashion try and enlist an RV savvy person for breakdown help.
Do not stop for strangers.
Do NOT Take firearms of any sort to Mexico. DO NOT!!
We have traveled in our Northern Lite truck camper to Baja, Mx. for years.
I could give you 10 positive reasons for travel south of the border. But I will not there is enough R.V. travelers in Baja. My advice is prepare, do your homework.
Oh by the way we travel on our own.
But I would not advise that for everyone.
Deb. B.
You lost me at a police escort at the border crossing!!! We stopped going to Mexico after the 2nd time the local police hit us up for bribes. Talking to others on the plane, it seems they had a regular racket going on – many others had the same experience. The last words we heard from the “officer”, after we refused to play his “game” were “Get out of my country!” We will be taking our nice American cash elsewhere.
This is partly true and mostly exaggerated. I have gone (solo) to Baja two winters in a row and have brought my dog then adopted a second dog in Mexico. The border guard didn’t even care about their papers going back to the USA and the crossing back was quite easy compared with the inspection going into Mexico. The campgrounds I have stayed at all had good electricity (if they had it) and the ones closer to the US are $30-40 but farther south they drop to $10-15, mostly because they don’t have power. The biggest problem I have had was the police, they are crooked and will pull you over for nothing just to try and scare you into paying them a bribe. Don’t get scared and stand your ground. I have been pulled a dozen times and have never paid a bribe or gotten a ticket. I would suggest you lock anything you leave outside but that goes for the US too. I have had more thefts in the US than in Mexico. Potholes are bad and if the September hurricanes destroy the road it can take months to repair so have good tires and shocks on your rig. The roads are narrow and no shoulder to pull off in most places. La Paz has a huge campground with full hookups for $600/month and its a big city with Walmart and other American stores. Cabo has zero RV parks. Enjoy!
As a property owner and frequent travel to Mexico, there are a few inaccuracies.
Passports are NOT required when entering either country but ground or water (driving or cruises).
Pets are limited to 2 by Mx law although it’s not always enforced.
If you’re looking for insurance, contact English speaking companies in Expat zones – think Ajijic, MX, who Can get you much more affordable insurance than quoted above.
One thing you got very right is the roads. Opt for toll roads. Not only for better quality, but less “trouble”. One thing I would add to the driving part is to look up bribes while driving. It’s not if, but when. And it’s a personal choice on whether you pay or not. It is illegal but it’s still done. Depending on your vehicle, clothing, jewelry, etc will depend on what they start at. Honestly though, we’ve given anywhere from $5USD to absolutely nothing and told them we wanted to go before a judge (after being threatened with jail). Which most of the time they just won’t do. They’re looking to make extra money, not spend all day processing you. While I never have before, I would suggest being an English to Spanish book with you and look up every word you need. You’ll either find someone who speaks English or they will pass on you because it’s too time consuming.
With all that said, we absolutely ADORE the people and culture of Mexico.
Happy RVing!!
This is a great resource.Thank you.
My in-laws use to put their RV on a train with all the other’s and all unloaded at the same place and went to the campground and returned the same way. No border stops and the pictures looked great. The campground had everything and taxis for town shopping.
Dragging or driving a nice rig into Mexico would b like waving a flag that says “I have money and I am stupid. Rob me please!”
Anyone crossing into Mexico in an RV is at risk of never returning. I grew up in Mexico and the country is unrecognizable from just 20 years ago. There is no law. Don’t go to Mexico RV or not.
Been there done that! Must say you lost me at higher professions. Not in the habit of taking advice from illiterates.