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lancetailor

Dec 2, 2011, 12:19 PM

Post #1 of 6 (1410 views)

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Colombia or Laredo?

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What do you all suggest? It's my first time driving to Mexico and I have a friend who has done it several times in the past and has strongly suggested that I cross as Colombia crossing. I have read several posts on this forum suggesting that the Laredo crossing is better overall. I am also worried about safety on the highway back to Nuevo Laredo like false checkpoints or crooked cops. Any suggestions will help. We are planning on staying in Mexico for up to 18 months and thus have a truck with topper loaded down with all our belongings so I'm extra worried about the experience of crossing the border. Thanks!!

RickS

Dec 2, 2011, 2:27 PM

Post #2 of 6 (1386 views)

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Re: [lancetailor] Colombia or Laredo?

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Lance, I'll try and summarize what has been posted in the last few months about crossing in those areas.....

+ One thing to remember is that there have been no incidents which directly address gringos making those crossings.
+ There have been thousands of people cross at either of those borders on a daily basis
+ If one is looking for a guaranteed 'safe' place to cross, one should probably try the Canadian border ;>)
+ In the past, many gringos have recommended the Colombia crossing as it was seemingly quicker and maybe less hastle. BUT in the last 6 months at least one person (Altahabana), who lives and works in that area, has recommended NOT crossing there as that rural area of Mexican Hiway 2 is often used by the Zetas. He recommends using Bridge II in Laredo. Others report that they have used Colombia with no negative consequences.

As far as the 'highway back to Nuevo Laredo', I think you said that would be in 18 months. No one has that good of a crystal ball. I would suggest visiting this site much closer to when you depart and not worry about something that remote.

With regards to the loaded down truck w/topper..... beginning about now or surely by next week, you will find yourself in the majority as there will be hundreds (thousands?) of Mexican residents living NOB who will be streaming down into Mexico for Christmas. Your truck will probably look like "child's play" compared to what those trucks will look like with their luggage and Christmas presents for family SOB.

My last thought is to............ relax!

As always, your mileage may vary.

P.S. I'll be making a similar crossing in 3 days..... up at Piedras Negras. I'm not anticipating any problems and look forward to spending some quality time in Mexico.

P.P.S. Can't help you with the pesos problem but I would bet that your chances are much better at the Laredo crossing than out in the boonies at Colombia.

Altahabana

Dec 2, 2011, 4:12 PM

Post #3 of 6 (1363 views)

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Re: [lancetailor] Colombia or Laredo?

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There are no delays crossing from the US to Mexico at either Columbia or Laredo unless you are trying to cross the week before Christmas. Shorter lines and the proximity of the migracion/vehicle permit station seem to be why people on ex-pat and travel boards recommend Columbia. There is minimal if any delay crossing into Mexico and if you can't find the CIITEV/migracion station in Nuevo Laredo heaven help you navigating through the rest of Mexico.

I see little utility in crossing at Columbia but cross where you want. As for other considerations I am not interested in getting dragged into a debate with people whose only exposure to the rural Tamaulipas frontera is in 40 minute doses two or three times a year. Although security wise it is relatively calm just now, but only because army and marine operations have kept them from moving around as much.

careyeroslib

Dec 2, 2011, 8:27 PM

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Re: [Altahabana] Colombia or Laredo?

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From personal experience, I would not again cross at Columbia during quiet times, like Sunday mornings when the factories are closed. In April 2009, on a Sunday morning, it was silent and eerie and about 5 corrupt Transito vehicles were hitting up everyone for bribes. Before that, we had crossed during factory hours without incident.

Since that experience we prefer to cross during busy times, and, quite frankly, we wouldn´t bother with Columbia again. We like busy crossings, actually. Even at Columbia, during uneventful crossings, it was often eery. We were the ONLY ones there. Our cars were politely searched, but, come to think of it, we were the only cars there. On the approach to Columbia too. Some people like that isolation because you don´t have to wait in line.

lancetailor

Dec 2, 2011, 10:03 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1325 views)

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Re: [RickS] Colombia or Laredo?

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Thanks all for your responses. We may decide to cross in Laredo after reading all your comments. Thanks again!

lancetailor

Dec 6, 2011, 7:53 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1167 views)

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Re: [lancetailor] Colombia or Laredo?

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Well we too the many suggestions to cross at Laredo and I'm glad I listened. It was a breeze and we were waved on at every checkpoint. Thanks again for all your help! Puerto Vallarta is as beautiful as I remembered the last time I was here. Gracias!!