1Likes
|
|
3 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Holywood
Posts: 33
|
|
Insurance and visa.
Hi,
Planning on a visit to Mexico to let me put my USA Visa on hold prior to heading North.
I prob am taking insurance with Motorcycle Express on line, but wonder can I do all the Visa and bike stuff at the border?
Anyone tried this recently.
Currently crossing top of Gulf, prob to head down the west side.
William.
|
3 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
|
|
Why go all the way to the west side when there is some of the best riding in Mexico on the east side?
|
4 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Holywood
Posts: 33
|
|
I am getting lots of advice thrown t me at the lack of care and wisdom I have in trying to enter Mexico on my own; lots of bandits etc.
This has given me to think maybe the Baja peninsula would be better.
Need to decide soon, as just leaving New Orleans.
Also, really trying to find out how quick and/or easy, it is to roll up to the border and get in.
William.
|
4 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
|
|
William, the first thing about Mexico is that the international news that covers Mexico is mostly overhyped and total BS.
I have ridden here since 1978, lived here permanently since 1993 and ridden hundreds of thousands of trouble free kms both on and off road. The people giving you advice are spoiling your trip. How? Because these people have never been to Mexico or ridden a bike in Mexico, if they had they would be saying the exact same thing I am telling you.
Yes, there is narco violence here. Within a 1.5 kilometer radius of my house there have been 4 shootouts and one body dump of 35 corpses in front of a shopping mall. I feel totally safe because I am not a criminal and am not involved with narcos. Simple as that.
Ask the gringo "experts" who are giving you advice how do Mexican motorcyclists ride? Are we supposed to stay in our homes and cower in fear of what is reported on CNN, MSNBC, BBC, et al?
The good thing is you still want to ride Mexico, the Baja is beautiful and you will find to your own satisfaction and knowledge, that Mexico is safe and you will find it a place you will want to return to and will likely laugh at the bandito BS offered to you by people who have no clue about Mexico.
PM me and I will send you a ride guide for one particular section of the east coast that most people have never ridden and you could find very worthwhile to ride. Trust me, I think you'll at least find reading about and looking at the photos to be worthwhile.
Don't listen to what people are telling you, it is like getting advice about Ireland from someone in England in the 1970's and early '80's.
|
4 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,058
|
|
+1 to al Mike Mike just said.
You can indeed do all the paperwork for Mexico at any of the major border crossings from the USA.
I do not know if you can do all such things as may required for you as an Ulsterman to checkingOUT of the USA, if such is needed on the USA side..
At a number of crossings into Mexico you do not even need to do these migratory formalities at the border itself but you can do them at a special terminal located at a distance into the country far away from the city where you crossed , for example south of Nogales, south of Cd Juarez and south of Cd Acuna and Piedras Negras . At other large crossings such as Tijuana,Douglas ( well ,sort of large that one) Laredo,Reynosa and Matamoros the customs f acilities you will seek are right at the border crossing in the city.
I too have travelled the length and breadth of Mexico for over thirty years , doing trips of up to 7 weeks at a time . In that time I have never experienced actual narco violence.Although there were two roadside incidents of, in retrospect,interesting nature, I remain of the opinion that travel in Mexico as a tourist is safe and worthwhile .As long as you keep in mind the potential risks and behave in a manner to limit them , ride only during daylight, stay sober, avoid illegal activities and shady persons ,... you have little to fear.
Pick your border crossing town and I can probably give you a name of a good place to stay the first night. Hotels on the Mexican side of the border are hurting for clients since all the gringos are so paranoid they refuse to cross the line.Meanwhile the American side hotels are charging double to host the trembling hordes of snow chickens.... er.. snowbirds who want to see Mexico only on a 2 hour walk across the border to view the chintzy displays they have read about in the brochures.
The real, the friendly Mexico awaits , but you must travel beyond the frontier zone.
|
5 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 13
|
|
Hey man. Let me help you out. Listen to none of the bullshit from the US about Mexico.
I landed in Houston at the beginnng of November and crossed into Mex a few weeks ago at McAllen/Reynosa Andalzuas Bridge. I drove to Monterray, Saltillo, Zacatecas and then Guadalajara lastnight, alone. From what I was listening to from everyone and i mean everyone (cops, waitresses, military, bikers, mex americans etc etc etc) i thought that i would be gunned down before i crossed the bridge.
If you keep your wits about you, leave the bling in the USA, know some Spanish and show common courtesy and decency, perhaps more than you would at home, keep a smile on and stay away from dark neighbourhoods and strip joints/brothels etc you wont have a problem.
You need your reg docs for the bike and licence, passport etc at the customs and you will pay a tourist visa fee and a deposit on your bike for when you leave the country.
Thats it!
Besides Mexico is extremely beautiful, 99% of people are nice but you must be proactively nice to them first (esp if they look at u funny u are a novelty here) roads are both good and very bad and driving style reminds me of when i was a kid in Ireland. I love it.
Rock on bro.
|
5 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Moonshaddow78
... and driving style reminds me of when i was a kid in Ireland.
|
Great stuff!
Though I have often thought the driving was more Montreal style
For the original poster, check your email for the info I sent.
|
16 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Holywood
Posts: 33
|
|
Brilliant.
Well, thanks one and all; this reminds me of all the horror stories that were circulating when I grew up in Northern Ireland.
I am in Van Horn now, so it looks like I will keep going and go down the Baja to start with.
This is really good news, as it means I will be able to see some of the winter away without burning visa time.
Thanks so much time.
However, it is a lesson I must learn; be wary of too much advice from folks who do not know whet they are talking about.
Yippee.
William.
|
16 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 8
|
|
I am looking for some advice about the ferry from La Paz to the mainland. I have ridden Baja 3 times and when entering from Arizona, there is no vehicle fee. I would like to ride to La Paz then take the ferry to ?Mazatlan? then ride east to Copper Canyon and north to Arizona.
Can I get reservations for specific dates or is it better to arrive then schedule the crossing? Will I have to pay a vehicle fee? What total cost should I be prepared to pay?
Thanks for any directions, first post on this forum.
|
16 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,058
|
|
Sweet water If you enter Mexico at a large crossing with he plan
offloatIng from Baja the mainland then get the tourist card and TVIP
( what you call the vehicle fee) looked after .Remember the cost of both is
an actual outlay and then there is a REFUNDABLE SECURITY DEPOSIT in addition ,all to be paid by creditcard
You need to find the Migracion and Banjerciti offices at the border inside
Mexico.
You can indeed get the TVIP once you get to La Paz , you must have it
before they let you On the ferry .
I say do Not try to make reservations . They suck the fun out of any trip
as you will fe el trapped and constricted , limited in time to wander.
Find the ferry sailing times and just mosey on down then book a place
on the next available sailing once you get to La Paz
Choose between the 6 hour crossing to Topolobampo or
the overnight run to Mazatlan . Prices between the two vary figure e on
around $180. US max for simple passage . My figures are several years old
Price is higher if you take an over night cabin
|
17 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 8
|
|
Thanks for that reply SB. I do get the FMM when I cross the boarder but have never dealt with the TVIP. I will research that.
It makes sense to get the ferry ticket and TVIP in La Paz in case plans change or need adjustment. I found the ferry site and the afternoon trip to Topolobampa is cheaper and yields a more direct route to Copper Canyon. I'm guessing the moto will be secured on the ship. I like what I'm seeing.
|
17 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 8
|
|
Best answers I've found so far: Motorcycle Mexico | Border
|
17 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,058
|
|
Dr Benny needs to update the info a wee bit regarding the TVIP
Security Deposit
Since 2011 the new rules are in force
ALL VEHICLES ISSUED A TVIP WILL NOW WITHOUT EXCEPTION
BE REQUIRED TO HAVE A SECURITY BOND POSTED FOR THEM
Maximum value of that bond is $ 400. US dollar value for the
most recent model years , about 5 years old . Older vehicles are assessed
at either $300 USD or $200USD . Bikes and cars pay same rate
The Security Deposit can now be paid by credit card and the refund
upon cancellation of the TVIP on orBEFORE expiry date will be
returned promptly to that same credit card.
Hope you know that you may hit some real cold weather if going
to Creel and the Copper Canyon country , maybe even snow brrrrrrrrI
If it was me I would head south from Los Mochis , find some tropical
riding and leave CC for one of the other seasons .
See the rr " Heading South " by jrzguy over on ADV , he is near Creel
right now
*
Refresh
Last edited by Sjoerd Bakker; 17 Dec 2012 at 20:13.
Reason: Add stuff
|
17 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Posts: 107
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sjoerd Bakker
Dr Benny needs to update the info a wee bit regarding the TVIP
Security Deposit
|
Done. Thanks, Sjoerd
|
19 Dec 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 8
|
|
Thanks for the weather update, I'll have to watch that since I'd like to hit La Paz for Carnaval in Feb.
Specifically for the La Paz ferry to Topolobampa/Mazatlan their email response follows:
North of La Paz is the port of Pichilingue located. Thats the place where you have to board the Ferry.
At this port Banjercito has an office where you can apply for a temporary import permit for your motorcycle.The cost is 48.84 USD for the permit and in addition to that you have to pay a refundable deposit .
You need your US-Passport and the registration of your motorcycle. Please ask our agent where you can cancel your permit when you return from Mexico to the US. It is required to cancel the permit to get a refund of the deposit.
With best regards
===========================
The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) has issued a decree which states that beginning on June 11th, 2011 anyone applying for a temporary import permit for vehicles must make a deposit in the amount determined by the following table:
Vehicle Year Model Amount to be paid in Mexican Pesos based on applicable exchange rate
2007 and later 400 USD
2001 until 2006 300 USD
2000 and earlier 200 USD
This deposit is compulsory and can be paid by credit card, debit card, or cash (in US Dollars only). Users must keep in mind that if the deposit is charged to a credit card, the charge will be made in Mexican Pesos and will be calculated based on the exchange rate of the day on which the payment is made. This deposit will be refunded to the same credit card on the next banking business day after the vehicle is fully returned and based on the exchange rate of that day.
The vehicle must be returned on time and within the time period stated on the temporary import permit. If the vehicle is returned after the stated time period, the entire deposit amount will be transferred to the Office of the Treasury on the day following the expected return date, as allowed by current law.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|