I Have travel extensively over the few years to Mexico. I Love Mexico for its friendly people, amazing locations and wonderful food.
I have gained a wealth of knowledge that I am eager to share with all of you, if you’re interested.
If you are considering embarking on a Baja trip, I wholeheartedly recommend it. However, it is important to thoroughly conduct your research beforehand.
There are numerous videos out there similar to this one. I invite you to watch them all, as I am here to share my personal experience and have a comprehensive list of topics to cover.
I cannot stress enough the importance of starting off with pre-planning. Having worked a career on cruise ships, I have witnessed unfortunate incidents where individuals had to be airlifted off with hefty medical bills that reached half a million dollars.
Travel Insurance to Ensure Your Safety And Peace of Mind
It is highly recommended that you acquire travel insurance to ensure your safety and peace of mind while traveling. The cost may vary depending on your specific coverage needs, but rest assured that investing in this protection is worth it. For instance, by paying an affordable amount, such as 500 US dollars, you can enjoy coverage for six months anywhere in the world.
You have the option to conveniently purchase vehicle insurance either online or at the border towns before embarking on your journey across the border.
It’s important to be aware that if your vehicle is 20 years old or older, you will only be eligible for liability coverage and not collision or comprehensive coverage. However, in the unfortunate event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in injury or fatality, at least you can take comfort knowing that you are covered.
Another important factor to take into consideration is the language barrier. Even though it’s called Baja California and is located just across the border, I have noticed that around 80 percent of the people I meet do not speak English. This can pose a challenge in terms of communication and might require extra efforts to bridge this gap.
It would be highly advisable to consider learning some fundamental Spanish skills. Being proficient in Spanish is a valuable asset, and I am fortunate to have the ability to speak the language.
Learn the Language and Implement it Into Your Daily Routine.
Before you go ahead and cross that off your to-do list, consider incorporating language learning into your daily routine. It’s a unique and engaging way to learn a new language as you can enhance your skills by watching television shows. This allows for an enjoyable and immersive learning experience.
Watching shows like “Mexican Food Tour” can be a delightful way to spend your time. Not only are they entertaining, but they also play a significant role in supporting and promoting restaurants in Mexico. By showcasing the diverse culinary culture of the country, these shows help generate awareness and appreciation for Mexico’s vibrant restaurant scene.
I would kindly suggest rewatching the episode with a focused mindset in order to better understand the dialogue and conversation. It might be helpful to take notes or even record the episode, allowing you to revisit certain parts at your convenience. By doing so, you’ll have the opportunity to absorb more information and gain a deeper comprehension of the content.
English is known for its speed and efficiency. Additionally, if you encounter unfamiliar words while reading or listening, you can conveniently click on the subtitles to understand their meaning.
When it comes to crossing the border, you may come across information suggesting that a passport is not required to enter Baja. While this may be true, I strongly advise against traveling without a passport. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when visiting another country and have your passport with you, even if it is not strictly necessary.
If you’re in a motorhome, they may want to inspect it and go through its contents. They might also verify the VIN number to ensure it matches your insurance details.
When crossing the border, it is important to have an FMM card, which functions as a tourist visa for stays longer than one week. You can obtain this card either through your insurance or directly at the border. It is crucial to ensure that you acquire it before departing.
When you need to leave your vehicle unattended, it’s important to take precautions. Either have someone stay inside the vehicle or ensure that it is securely locked. This will prevent anyone from gaining unauthorized access and potentially stealing your belongings.
Once you have gone through the necessary clearance and completed all the required procedures at the border, it is advisable to move away from border cities. The only city where you might encounter potential risks is within the immediate vicinity of the border.
When planning your trip to either San Felipe or Ensenada, it’s important to consider which side of the peninsula you’ll be exploring. Once you arrive in these towns, remember to exchange your currency for Mexican pesos. It’s a common mistake that people make – driving without having any local money on hand.
Many small towns lack access to electricity, which means they also do not have banks or ATMs. It’s important to be prepared and carry enough cash with you when visiting these areas. When using an ATM, it will prompt you to choose whether you want to withdraw pesos or a specific amount in US dollars, typically equivalent to around 4,000 pesos or $225.
When dealing with currency exchange.
It’s important to be cautious. Some banks may charge exorbitant conversion fees which can significantly impact your funds. It’s advisable to carefully consider your options and choose a reliable provider that offers fair rates to avoid falling victim to any potential scams or excessive charges.
When traveling, it’s wise to distribute your funds across various locations in your vehicle. This way, regardless of the amount you decide to withdraw, you’ll always have access to money at different points along the journey. Instead of withdrawing a large sum like 40,000 pesos when leaving a city, it’s recommended to withdraw an amount that will suffice for the next few weeks. Of course, aim to withdraw as much as possible within reason and your needs.
When traveling in Mexico with an RV, it is generally recommended to stay in campgrounds and RV parks for convenience. It’s worth noting that many of these places do not allow advanced bookings, so you may need to simply show up and check for availability. The cost of staying at these locations can range from six dollars to forty dollars, depending on factors such as the specific location and whether or not you require hookups.
If you have set up your accommodations to be off the grid, it’s likely that you’ll be paying around 100 to 300 pesos per night. While many of these places provide access to water, it’s important to test the quality before use. Some locations may have filtered ocean water, which can still be quite salty.
Many of the campgrounds located on the beaches offer convenient services. You will find people who rent out kayaks and other equipment. These individuals typically have a large water tank in the back of their truck. For a small fee, usually around 100 pesos, they will happily pump clean and fresh water directly into your tank.
Many campgrounds offer designated areas where you can conveniently empty your tanks. Some even have a service where someone will come to your location, whether it’s on the beach or elsewhere, with a mobile tank to take care of it for you. This ensures a hassle-free experience during your camping trip.
When it comes to free camping, safety should always be a priority. It is advisable to choose locations where there are other people staying nearby. While it may seem like the location doesn’t matter whether it’s a free campsite or a paid one, it’s important to keep in mind that certain areas can become lively on Sundays, especially in Mexico, with locals enjoying the beach. Although they are not there to disturb or steal from you, their presence might take over your campsite as they enjoy their time at the beach.
During my drive, I observed numerous military checkpoints along the way. However, there is no need to be concerned as these checkpoints are quite common, and you can expect to encounter several of them as you travel down the peninsula.
I personally have not encountered any issues with the police. In order to avoid any potential problems, it is advisable to refrain from giving them a reason to pull you over. This can be achieved by avoiding distractions such as using your phone while driving, ensuring that you come to a complete stop at stop signs, and adhering to the speed limits. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the likelihood of encountering any difficulties with law enforcement.
To resolve your ticket, it is recommended that you make the payment at the station. In Mexico, this is typically the standard procedure. You will be escorted to the police station where you can pay your ticket conveniently and promptly.
The speed limit in this area is typically set at either 80 or 100 kilometers per hour. From my observation, I haven’t witnessed any instances where the speed limit has exceeded 80 kilometers per hour in this location.
For just a hundred pesos, you can acquire a local cell SIM card. And for 500 pesos, you’ll have access to unlimited talk and text in North America, as well as unlimited usage on most social media platforms. Additionally, you’ll enjoy six gigs of data for your connectivity needs.
It is commonly advised not to consume tap water in Mexico due to the presence of old lead pipes. Even the local residents avoid drinking it. Fortunately, there are water filtration facilities available in every town where you can refill your jugs with safe and clean drinking water.
When you come across signs that say “Lava” or “Lavendera,” you’ll know that you’ve stumbled upon laundromats. These places offer a convenient service where you can simply drop off your laundry and have it taken care of for a reasonable fee of about 100 pesos for a big load. The staff will handle all the washing, drying, and folding for you, allowing you to pick up your freshly cleaned clothes on the same day in just a few hours.
Based on my extensive travels to various countries, I can confidently share that perceptions of danger can be found in almost any destination. However, it is important to note that such risks often arise when actively seeking out dangerous situations or intentionally putting oneself at risk.
Indeed, it is true that Mexico has a significantly higher concentration of poverty. Consequently, it is inevitable that certain situations may be perceived as dangerous by some individuals.
In my personal opinion, mainland Mexico might have a different situation, but here in Baja, I haven’t felt endangered so far. As long as you avoid putting yourself in harmful situations, it is likely that you won’t encounter any problems.
Doing thorough research is crucial as it helps you make informed decisions. It’s important to prioritize your safety and show kindness to others. Remember, investing time in researching will take you far and open doors to various opportunities. Are you prepared to embark on this journey?
It is highly recommended to be proactive and install motion lights on the outside of your RV rig before crossing into Mexico. This safety measure will help enhance visibility and deter potential intruders, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience during your travels.
Make sure to cover your boat and bike, keeping them out of sight when not in use. Additionally, remember to secure all compartments at night for added protection. However, above all, don’t let these minor concerns hinder you from planning an exciting trip anywhere in the world that you’ve been dreaming of.
I sincerely hope that you have been enjoying this video of Baja California, Mexico.
I sincerely hope that this video has helped to strengthen your confidence in possibly embarking on a Baja trip. Above all, I want to express my gratitude for your support and for taking the time to watch. Thank you, everyone.
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Great video! I like the information. Many good tips on how to save money. 💰
thank you for your positive comment!