Planning Your Drive
1. Make the list of everything you’re bringing
Print the list in English and Spanish. Make 5 copies of each to put in 5 separate binders. Label the boxes/suitcases/luggage according to the list. Put estimated (market) value of items in total for each box.
2. Organization is key
When we crossed the border and customs saw our Dodge Caliber filled to the brim with things they pulled us to the side to inspect our belongings. While we waited we saw a pickup truck next to us with customs officers pulling literally everything out from the back so that it could be inspected. We both sighed and thought, “This is going to take forever how are we going to get all of our stuff back into the car by playing Tetris?” A few minutes later a customs officer approached us and had me come to the trunk, open it and take one of the suitcases out from the car. He then asked me to unzip it so he could what was in it. At this point I handed him our spreadsheet of all of our items and their market value so he could see what we have. We had forgotten to put a total of all the items at the bottom of our spreadsheet so he asked us how much we stuff we were bringing in terms of dollars. I said about $5,000. I think he was thrilled that we were at least this prepared so he asked us if there rest of our car was packed like this and that they were filled with household items and clothes too? We answered, “yes” and he said, “$1000? ok.” wrote how much we should pay in import taxes which was around $50 and we were on our way.
3. Know and research your route
Your GPS is like your bible but you need to use common sense too. No matter what direction you’re heading DO NOT depend on your phone. Will lose reception and drive through dead zones at some points, a GPS will not. You can get a GPS for $100 – $200. We bought a GARMIN. from Best Buy.. Be sure do purchase the map for Mexico if it is not already included. Make sure it is already set up before you head out on your journey.
4. Paperwork
Be organized, 5 copies of everything in 5 different binders
- Insurance for the U.S. and tourist vehicle insurance
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Car registration
- Title or lease
- Marriage License – if the car is in your name only and your spouse will be driving too
You will need to give copies to Immigration, Banjercito, and Customs
5. Currency
Go to your bank at least 2 weeks before and exchange money into Mexican Pesos. At the time our example would’ve been $500USD is $10,000MXP. This may seem like a lot of cash but some places only take Pesos and some places do not take credit cards. It is always better to have more than enough rather than not enough. Don’t keep all of it in one place just in case. Even though we didn’t experience any issues we always prepare for anything. Just like going anywhere new, it is better to use your common sense. Put your money in different places. We spread the wealth to empty tampon boxes, socks, perfume boxes, fast food bags (Mandy’s favorites).
P.S.
Some gas stations along the way do not have toilet paper or seats. You may want to bring your own. We found this out the hard way, lol!!!
Mandy is a genius and always packs tissues and baby wipes in the glovebox. This came in really “handy”.