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Driving Into Mexico

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ontariocold
  9/28/2016 18:28 EST

I would like to drive my vehicle into Mexico this fall from Canada. I know I have to have Mexican insurance to enter. What I would like to know is: My vehicle ownership is in the name of the Lessor and my personal name., will I be able to enter Mexico legally with this vehicle?

RVGRINGO
  9/28/2016 18:35 EST

If the lessor will give you permission to take the car to Mexico, and if you purchase Mexican insurance, you should have no problem. Juts be sure the registration and credit card are in the exact same name & format as your license, passport, and Importada Temporal.. Mexico is a stickler for accurate names & fails to understand our naming system; especially for married women.

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imorcombe
  9/28/2016 18:54 EST

My husband and I are also driving from Orlando to Queretaro early December. We will only stay for a week. Do we need to get Mexican insurance?
Thank you

harddazeknight
  9/28/2016 19:07 EST

Not unless you value your freedom and assets.

nelsonokelmgmailcom
  9/28/2016 19:09 EST

Well said harddazeknight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JohnPS
  9/29/2016 08:55 EST

I need to drive a U.S.-plated car from Ajijic to Las Vegas, Nevada, and then to Rosarito, Baja Norte. However, the car is registered in my husband's name and he is not traveling with me.

What documentation do I need in order to take his car into the U.S. and then back into Mexico. Would the Certificate of Marriage be sufficient?

Also we will no longer need the TIP after moving to Rosarito. Will I be able to turn in his TIP at Nogales and collect his deposit? Or perhaps I wait until I get to Rosarito and let him drive the 20 km to the border to turn in the TIP - if I won't get into troublle for not turning it in before I leave Mexico at Nogales?

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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RVGRINGO
  9/29/2016 12:25 EST

Definitely turn in the TIP as you exit Mexico at Nogales. It would be difficult or impossible later. You will not need a TIP from San Diego to Rosarito.
Should you want to return to the interior of Mexico with his car, you will not be able to get an Importada Temporal in your name; so that is a caution.

JohnPS
  9/29/2016 14:33 EST

But can I turn it in if my name isn't on the TIP or on the title? Thanks.

Plumeau1
  9/29/2016 15:39 EST

All they will do at the border, you'll just have to remove the TIP from the windshield with the chip and give it back to them so they can send the credit back unto your credit card, in exchange they will give you a slip stating that you returned it to them

JohnPS
  9/29/2016 15:48 EST

So I take it they don't care if a different person is driving the car out of the country?

RVGRINGO
  9/29/2016 17:09 EST

As long as the driver has the original Importada Temporal forms, and the sticker is on the car, they will be able to have Banjercito remove the sticker and get a receipt. If there is a deposit refund due, it will go back to the same credit card with which it was originally paid; no options on that. The original importer should keep the receipt forever. Anyone who can legally drive your car in Mexico can do this.

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

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Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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JohnPS
  9/29/2016 17:32 EST

What if the credit card account has been closed, or reissued with a new account number due to fraudulent activity on the card?

JohnPS
  9/29/2016 17:34 EST

Also, it was a bank debit card, not a credit card.

RVGRINGO
  9/29/2016 20:23 EST

Hopefully, your bank will get the funds to the correct account. Mexico will not; it will go to the original number, or if you paid cash, you would get cash back, etc. They are not flexible and the folks at the border have no control over the system, so do not even bother to ask.

ticabelle2
  9/30/2016 13:35 EST

When we drove our vehicle into Mexico last year, we had a leased vehicle with KIA Motor Finance. We had to get a letter from them giving us permission to drive it to a foreign country. They did not check at the border but it would still be a good idea to have it.

RVGRINGO
  9/30/2016 14:12 EST

Ticabelle,
You should read from the top: They are driving out of Mexico, not into Mexico. Later, they will enter another part of Mexico, where an Importada Temporal is not required. They are way beyond being concerned about having a leased vehicle.

JohnPS
  9/30/2016 18:36 EST

Also, it isn't leased or financed. Their is no lien-, holder.

lilbeaver
  10/3/2016 08:23 EST

We are planning to drive to Mexico as well .Leaving from Ontario.I have being told that leave from Laredo and take toll road to Guardalavaca We are going to stay in Lake Chapala area.When do you actually plan on Crossing the border?

lilbeaver
  10/3/2016 08:31 EST

Oh something new --I guess I should have known about this but what is aTIP that goes on your car when going into Mexico???

RVGRINGO
  10/3/2016 12:50 EST

Yes, from Laredo you can take the toll roads (Cuota = Toll) to Guadalajara, then follow the Aeropuerto signs, pass the airport and stay on the road to Chapala.
The term, “TIP“ refers to Temporary Importation Permit, Importada Temporal, for your car. There will be a fee + a deposit of $200-$400 USD on your credit card. It is tied to your tourist permit (FMM visitante) and your passport. Keep all the documents safe for when you depart, to get the deposit credited back to your card. Never lose your FMM either.

lilbeaver
  10/4/2016 07:30 EST

Thank you --did not know about the $200.00 to $400.00 deposit.
In your opinion is that the best and safest way to travel to Guadalajara.I have heard different ways to travel there.

lilbeaver
  10/4/2016 07:58 EST

thank you

lilbeaver
  10/4/2016 08:01 EST

Planning on leaving on November 30 --Our rental at Lake Chapala area starts December 1st

RVGRINGO
  10/4/2016 13:05 EST

The route from Laredo is pretty easy. Many folks stop for the night at Las Palmas hotel in Matahuela, which is about half way. Get a new copy of the Guia Roji Gran Atlas de Carreteras, which can be ordered online. It is invaluable for travel in Mexico.

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