Elliott Moore
Apr 30, 2002, 4:39 PM
Post #5 of 6
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I understand from your previous postings that you
will probably enter on the Texas border and go
to a place near Guaymas. That puts you out of the
border zone or free trade zone, and into Mexico
proper.<p>A good place to read about the present (this
month) requirements is:
http://www.sanbornsinsurance.com/mexcustoms.html
This does NOT mean I am endorsing their insurance
plan - there is cheaper and better elsewhere.
While there, download the forms you will need to
fill out eventually to cross the border.<p>Without a credit or debit card, you will post a
cash bond in the amount of US$200 to $400,
depending on the age of your vehicle. For this,
you will be able to take your vehicle for a
maximum of six months into mainland Mexico;
legally you cannot re-enter Mexico with your
vehicle for another six months, altho cases have
been observed where this was allowed. The purpose
of these bonds is to ensure that you will not sell
your vehicle in Mexico, where it is probably worth
several times its U.S. value.<p>At the border you will also get your FMT tourist
card, which is approximately US$22 at present -
or 195 Mexican pesos, if you have it. <p>Both these transactions can be carried out right
at the border - you go to one or two offices to
fill out paperwork, pay a visit to the special
bank office at the border to pay, then return to
the first offices to finish off and get your
vehicle permit and FMT. <p>If you arrive early in the morning, highly
desirable, you may be on your way by afternoon.
Arriving with as many papers filled out as possible will somewhat expedite the process,
but you will still stand in line a long time
with your filled-out papers in hand.<p>It is highly desirable also to have Mexican auto
insurance. Mexican police have this lovely habit
of throwing you in jail for months while they sort
out what happened; you really don't want to live
in a Mexican jail for a minor fender-bender.
There are better deals around than Sanborn's,
particularly if you're planning to be in Mexico
for more than a few days. Car insurance is NOT
required in Mexico, but it is a very good idea.<p>Do carefully read through the Sanborn's material.
It is much more up-to-date than the guidebooks.<p>Does it sound like the Mexican authorities are
trying to keep you from bringing in your car?
Of course! They're trying to protect a fledgling
Mexican car industry from cheap foreign imports.
The U.S. did the same thing until just a few
decades ago.<p>Hope this info and link help you to have a great
trip!<p>Elliott Moore
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