Don’t go to Mexico without knowing these 12 things

In case of emergency:
In Mexico emergency services are reached by 060 instead of 911.  You should either commit this to memory or at least write it in an easy place to find.  In addition, be sure to keep your Mexico Insurance company’s phone number in an easily accessible place.

In the event of and accident:
If your are involved in an auto accident always call the police and your Mexico auto insurance company right away.  If you wait until you get back home to call your insurance company, you claim will be denied.

Road side assistance from the Green Angels
The ángeles verdes or Green Angels are a bilingual roadside assistance service available for free to anyone with vehicle trouble. The Green Angels regularly patrol the Mexican roadways for motorists needing help.

A telephone card is required:
Nearly all Mexico pay phones will not accept change, so a prepaid phone card is absolutely mandatory.  In the event you need to call your Mexico insurance company, you will be glad you have it.

Have a full tank of fuel at all times:
If you fuel up at every gas station you won’t have to worry about running out of gas if you get lost. The main thing to remember if you do run out of fuel is Don’t Panic.  If you do run out of fuel, just ask the locals for help.  Remember to always carry pesos.  Mexico’s gasoline monopoly, Pemex, usually only accepts payment in cash.

Be on the lookout for Speed Bumps:
Topes or speed bumps are practically everywhere in Mexico. It’s not uncommon to find unmarked speed bumps right on the freeway.  While some of the road indicators are simple vibration pads, others are large speed bumps which will amount a launch pad if taken at full highway speeds.

Avoid driving through town:
When possible take the bypass road around town instead of trying to go directly though it.  Many of the city streets in Mexico were designed for burro traffic not for an SUV or RV!

Limit night driving.
Night time driving in Mexico can be dangerous.  Be on the lookout for slow moving vehicles and vehicles with improperly working tail lights.

Provide your itinerary to the State Department:
In the event of an emergency, the State Department will be able to reach you if you file your itinerary with them.  Though not mandatory, filing your itinerary with the State Department is free and easy. The United States consular office will be able to help you with financial, legal and medical difficulties.

Leave a your itinerary with a friend:
You should leave a copy of your passport, itinerary and Mexico insurance with someone back home.  If you have trouble, at least you will have the benefit of having an advocate back home.

Get an FM-T (tourist card):
When traveling over 30 kilometers into Mexico or for more than 72 hours, you must buy a tourist card for your stay.  Cards may be purchased at a Mexico tourism office, Mexico border or any airport and consulate office.

Purchase Mexico insurance:
It is illegal to drive in Mexico without Mexico insurance.  Since Mexico does not recognize any insurance, your US or Canada insurance is invalid.  If you are unable to prove financial responsibility you may be imprisoned.  Don’t wait until you get to the border to buy the insurance you need, you will always find the best deal when you shop online before your trip.