Notes to a Gringa, Part 4: Driving
Today my gringa wanted to know about driving and cars in Mexico. After I answered all these questions, I sent her another e-mail telling her not to sweat any of this — public transportation is a perfectly fine option, especially in the beginning when you're getting oriented.
I think that it's better/cheaper/easier to buy a car there than to bring one from the States. Correct?
If you bring a U.S. car, you either have to nationalize it (get Mexican plates, which you can only do it you have your migration status settled) or you have to observe very strict rules about driving it in certain states. Like, in Mexico City, you can't drive a U.S.-plated car between 5 and 11 a.m., weekdays. (THIS IS WAY RECENT.) So yes, buying here is easier.
I think that it's better/cheaper/easier to buy a car there than to bring one from the States. Correct?
If you bring a U.S. car, you either have to nationalize it (get Mexican plates, which you can only do it you have your migration status settled) or you have to observe very strict rules about driving it in certain states. Like, in Mexico City, you can't drive a U.S.-plated car between 5 and 11 a.m., weekdays. (THIS IS WAY RECENT.) So yes, buying here is easier.
Do you know how to drive standard? I don't. Is it much harder/more expensive to get an automatic car there? I recall that this can be an issue in Europe.
I do but I prefer not to. We are looking at cars right now and the new automatic is a couple thousand more than the standard. Normal. If you're talking used, I don't think you'd have a problem or much price differential. It's not like Europe.
I do but I prefer not to. We are looking at cars right now and the new automatic is a couple thousand more than the standard. Normal. If you're talking used, I don't think you'd have a problem or much price differential. It's not like Europe.
Given safety concerns or whatever you have figured out from living/driving there, what kind of car would you feel most comfortable in there? I have a smaller car now but think I'd feel better in a small SUV that it's a bit higher off the ground. Thoughts?
We are looking into a Jeep Patriot right now because it's a small SUV and it's cheap! I think a regular car would be fine but I prefer something a little higher/bigger.
We are looking into a Jeep Patriot right now because it's a small SUV and it's cheap! I think a regular car would be fine but I prefer something a little higher/bigger.
Does Mexico require people to have car insurance? If so, about how much does it cost? Is it similar in coverage to US car insurance? Roadside assistance? Am I insane? Are you thinking "OMG this super anal uptight gringa is planning to move to Mexico??!?"
It's not required but I recommend it! The coverage seems similar. I think the cost is similar or maybe a bit lower? I have it automatically deducted from my paycheck. You can get a better deal through your employer if they offer that as a benefit. Roadside assistance... never used it but Fran says we have it! One thing about the toll roads here is if you have a problem on them, they will tow you for free, at least to the next toll plaza. Also there are all these dudes in old beaters driving on the main roads who will fix a tire or whatever for probably, like, 10 bucks. (Also, don't worry — you are not that anal! Plus some time in this country will beat that right out of you anyway!)
It's not required but I recommend it! The coverage seems similar. I think the cost is similar or maybe a bit lower? I have it automatically deducted from my paycheck. You can get a better deal through your employer if they offer that as a benefit. Roadside assistance... never used it but Fran says we have it! One thing about the toll roads here is if you have a problem on them, they will tow you for free, at least to the next toll plaza. Also there are all these dudes in old beaters driving on the main roads who will fix a tire or whatever for probably, like, 10 bucks. (Also, don't worry — you are not that anal! Plus some time in this country will beat that right out of you anyway!)
Car registration/getting a license: how big of a pain is the bureacracy?
Getting a license is so easy that a blind, mute caveman who has never laid eyes on a car could do it. There's no test. I don't know about registration. You might have to have a visa? You definitely have to pay something but right now there's a lot of talk about lowering/abolishing the "tenencia."
P.S. You do not NEED a Mexican license. So long as you have a U.S. license and carry your migratory document (visa) in the vehicle, you're fine. I only got a Mexican license when my Oregon one got stolen on my honeymoon
Getting a license is so easy that a blind, mute caveman who has never laid eyes on a car could do it. There's no test. I don't know about registration. You might have to have a visa? You definitely have to pay something but right now there's a lot of talk about lowering/abolishing the "tenencia."
P.S. You do not NEED a Mexican license. So long as you have a U.S. license and carry your migratory document (visa) in the vehicle, you're fine. I only got a Mexican license when my Oregon one got stolen on my honeymoon
Does Hoy No Circula* apply to new cars? Or would I be able to circulate 7 days a week assuming I bought a new car there? I thought Hoy No Circula applied to all cars, but someone from Mexico City recently informed me that it didn't apply to his cars b/c they were "new," but I know they are not fresh-off-the-lot new, so I'm confused.
Cars can get out of HNC for the first 8 years with smogchecks once for the first year or two and then every 6 months after that.
*Hoy No Circula is a program through which cars are required to "rest" and stay off the road one day a week. It applies in Mexico City and many surrounding states.
Cars can get out of HNC for the first 8 years with smogchecks once for the first year or two and then every 6 months after that.
*Hoy No Circula is a program through which cars are required to "rest" and stay off the road one day a week. It applies in Mexico City and many surrounding states.
Driving in Mexico city is a major issue and you can consider yourself a fully adapted foreigner if you can do it well because it involves knowledge of the idiosyncrasies, security issues and magic tricks to have the best experience and get always safe to whatever your destination is. Driving in Mexico is a unique experience; some people say that if you can drive in New York, Rome and Mexico City you can drive everywhere; I would add New Delhi.
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