Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WARNING!
As of January 2014, the
US State Department
(
http://travel.state.gov
)
has issued a
travel warning about drug-trafficking violence and crime along the US-Mexico border.
Travelers should exercise extreme caution in Tijuana, avoid large-scale gatherings and
demonstrations and refrain from venturing out after dark. Cars with US license plates can
be targets for carjackings.
BUS
US-based
Greyhound
and
Greyhound México
( 01-800-710-8819;
www.greyhound.com.mx
)
have cooperative service; that is, buses run direct between main
towns in Mexico and California.
Northbound buses from Mexico can take some time to cross the US border, as US im-
migration may insist on checking every person on board.
US usually require transferring buses at the border.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
If you're driving into the USA from Canada or Mexico, bring your vehicle's registration pa-
pers, liability insurance and driver's license; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a
good supplement but is not required.
If you're renting a car or a motorcycle, ask if the agency allows its vehicles to be taken
across the Mexican or Canadian border - chances are it doesn't.
TO/FROM MEXICO
Unless you're planning an extended stay in Mexico, taking a car across the Mexican bor-
der is more trouble than it's worth. Instead take the trolley from San Diego or park your
car on the US side and walk across instead.
If you do decide to drive across, you must buy Mexican car insurance either beforehand
or at the border crossing.
Expect long border-crossing waits, especially on weekends and holidays and during
weekday commuter rush hours.
TO/FROM CANADA
Canadian auto insurance is typically valid in the USA and vice versa.
