TIPS FOR TRAVEL SOUTH OF THE BORDER

With its border only minutes away, Mexico is one of the most frequently traveled locations for Southern Californians. Travelers must remember that this is a foreign country and visitors must abide by all Mexican laws. Here are some tips to follow when traveling south of the border.

Checklist

Create a checklist of things to take on your trip:

• Driver's License/Passport/Identification
  (a passport may be required to travel beyond 70 miles south of the border)
• Road Maps
• Bottled water
  (Do not put tap water in your mouth even to brush your teeth)
• Bring a friend (Do not travel alone)
• Money (U.S. or Mexican currency)
• Sunscreen/Sun glasses
• Rain Gear
• Food/Snacks

Traveling Preparations

Remember to do the following before you leave the United States:

1. Always leave your travel plans with a roommate, friend or
    family member.

2. Keep emergency phone numbers with you:

• Roommate/friend
• Family member
• Health and auto insurance contact
• Credit card emergency contact in case of loss or theft

3. Leave most of your valuables at home. With those valuables
    that you do bring, like camera or camcorder equipment,
    do not leave them in the car (or trunk of car).

4. Do not bring any drugs across the border unless they are
    prescription drugs. Prescription drugs must be in their original
    container and clearly marked. Make sure you bring enough
    to last longer than your intended stay.

5. Bring a first-aid kit that includes aspirin, sterile bandages,
    antibiotic ointment, diarrhea medication, etc.

6. Follow all traffic signals and posted signs. Some read in kilometers
    rather than miles per hour, bring a chart to convert them
    (multiply miles by .7 to approximate kilometers and divide kilometers
    by .7 to approximate miles).

7. Get international auto insurance before you leave the U.S.
    Many policies do not include international coverage.

Understand Mexican Laws
(call the Overseas Citizens Services (202) 647-5225 for updated information)

The following list contains only a few of the laws that visitors to Mexico should know. It is your responsibility to find out any other important visitor information.

1. A person may be held in jail for 72 hours without a charge
    being filed.

2. There is no difference between possession of drugs and
    drug trafficking according to Mexican law. The penalty for this
    offense may be 5-15 years in prison.

3. Fighting is a crime. It could cost you at least one night in jail.

4. Open alcohol containers in public are illegal in Mexico as well as
    in San Diego. You may face a fine or time in jail.

5. Urinating and spitting in public are illegal. Many people have been
    arrested and had to pay hefty fines for these offenses.

6. Loud cursing, throwing bottles, littering, nudity, and other
    offensive behavior is not tolerated in Mexico.

7. Stealing and failure to pay for services are illegal and will result
    in arrest.

8. A parent or guardian must accompany all minors (17 years old and
    under) to enter Mexico legally. This applies to everyone.
    Using falsified identification can result in time spent in jail.

9. All persons under the age of 21, not accompanied by a parent,
    and traveling more than 70 miles south of the border must have
    a notarized statement signed by both parents or signed by a legal
    guardian giving permission to travel in Mexico. If one parent or
    guardian is unavailable to sign, the reason must be stated on the
    form. Travel permission forms can be obtained at any travel agency.

If Trouble Occurs

If you are arrested in Mexico, state your citizenship and ask to speak to the American Consul. The American Consul staff can assist you with legal problems. Remember to keep identification with you at all times.

Ask to speak to the chief of police if you have any questions about the appropriateness of your contact with a law officer. Note the badge number and the police patrol car number at the time of your encounter with authorities. Pay any fines at the police station. DO NOT pay an officer directly. Law officials are not authorized to take money to clear infractions.

Contact the American Consul for assistance if you find yourself in any serious medical, legal, or financial difficulty while in Mexico.

Traveling to Mexico can be an adventure. Planning ahead will help insure that your trip is both safe and fun.

Office of Overseas Citizens Services telephone numbers:
 

Toll-free hotline (8 am - 8 pm, ET, M-F)  1-888-407-4747

After hours emergencies (202) 647-5225.
 

For more information check the following web sites:

The Office of Overseas Citizens Services

Bureau of Consular Affairs

Consular Information Sheet on Mexico

Spring Break in Cancun

Written by Pam Webb, RN
Palomar College
College Health Nurse


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Last updated April 8, 2004