Mexico Adventure

Your Mexico Information Connection

---

 

General Information about Mexico

Click Here for Lake Chapala and Guadalajara Retirement Tours and Consulting

The basic facts about Mexico:

• Population: 100,349,766   

• Area:  761,603 Square Miles

• Religion:  Roman Catholic

• Capital City:  Mexico City

• Currency:  The Peso

• Languages:  Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages.

Mexico is a wonderful country, full of rich traditions and a colorful history.  Its people are some of the kindest you will encounter anywhere, but rumors persist about Mexico, and many foreigners are concerned about traveling in this third world country.  When foreigners see negative publicity about Mexico they often assume that all of Mexico is dangerous or unstable.  The truth is that Mexico is a large and diverse country and an incident in one area of the country should not be taken as an indictment of the entire country. 

You may take your automobile into Mexico, but you will need Mexican automobile insurance.  This can be purchased at any border entry town.  DO NOT drive in Mexico without it.  If you are stopped and do not have it, you may find yourself in jail.  All makes and models of cars are seen throughout Mexico, but cars less than ten years old cannot get Mexican license plates.  Gasoline is plentiful and found only at government-run Pemex stations; it is generally more expensive than in the U.S.  Watch out for gas attendants who do not run the gas gauge back to $0.00 when they begin filling your tank.

Mexico is a country that runs by bus.  It is possible to get virtually anywhere on Mexico's bus system, and although some buses look as if they are held together with chewing gum and shoestring, most are reliable and run (somewhat) on time.  They are also very inexpensive.  There are three classes of buses; the executive class runs between cities and offers closed-circuit television; first class buses have assigned seats and run between towns; second class and local buses are often standing-room only and an experience!  You may want to try Mexico's train system as well, although "system" is a generous term.  Trains are not nearly as reliable as the buses and are generally for people not afraid of a little adventure!

You may take your pets (cats and dogs) into Mexico, and they will not be quarantined.  They do need to be up-to-date on their shots and be in good health upon entering, and you will need current papers from your veterinarian stating that.

Americans can  buy property in Mexico and receive a title deed.  The Mexican government will not take the land away from you; it is yours to sell or will to your children, just as in the United States. There are restrictions on buying, and keep in mind that realtors in Mexico are not licensed.  Buy from a reputable company and use a notary (lawyer), and you should have no problems.  

Safety in Mexico is always a concern for foreign travelers.  Crime has increased in this country during the past few years, and visitors to Mexico need to be aware of safety issues and exercise caution at all times.  If you use common sense and keep a low profile (do not make everyone aware that you are a "rich gringo"), you should be completely safe.  Some things to keep in mind:  Do not drive at night.  Do not use buses at night.  Do not use ATMS at night.  Do not walk alone at night.  Do not flash large amounts of money.  Do not wear expensive jewelry.  Do not hail taxis on the street, particularly in large cities.