Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Nov 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Azusa, Ca. USA
Posts: 3
Riding in Mexico

Hi
I’m starting to make some plans for next summers ride.
I have a highly experienced, meaning a lot of miles on it, BMW F650 and am thinking of riding south through Mexico, and maybe as far south as Peru before doing a U turn and heading back towards southern Calif.
One thing that concerns me. If I were to develop some serious mechanical problems I could abandon the bike and continue on in a bus, but I think that this is illegal in Mexico, and probably other countries as well.
Is this likely to cause me any difficulty coming back? Or on future trips to Mexico?
I really don’t want to be a star in “ Mexicos Most Wanted”.
Another question. What is the typical daily budget down there?
I plan to stay in the cheapest places I can find and will probably bring some camping gear.
I am used to traveling on a low budget, I’ve spent the last three summers touring south east Asia on a bicycle.
I’ll post more questions as my plans progress.
Thanks
Bill
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Nov 2005
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Taupo, New Zealand
Posts: 194
Seems like you're thinking about the worst-case scenario, but since you asked: when I was in Mexico the law was that one could leave one's bike as "a gift to the Mexican people" and exit the country without any problems (or compensation, of course). Central American customs are more anal than South American ones about paperwork, but don't let that stop you. A reasonable budget is US$30-50 per day.

Good luck,
James
__________________
James Courtier
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Nov 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Flagstaff,AZ U.S.A.
Posts: 81
with a full pre- trip servicing and basic maintenace along the way,there's no reason to assume that your BMW will breakdown beyond repair.There are good mechanics in all major cities,and FED- EX ships to almost any address on the planet.You may have some delays, and you may have to pay import taxes, but all forms of travel have some degree of risk.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Dec 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 16
This sounds familiar...
I pretty much did exactly that.
I rode down there from Canada, cruised around for 4 months, and on the way north I crashed the bike. I managed to ride it to PV (where I was meeting a friend) before giving it away there to my favorite bartender in return for tequila.
I have not been back (this was last year) since than, but im not too worried. My bike was one of those freebies, it spent two years chained to a dock before setting out on my mission.
I admit, i could have had my bike fixed there for cheap, but it felt right to give it away. I had a fair bit of work done in mexico over the 12,000km and it was all good work, cheap, and always got you to the next better place to break down in.
Go for it man, mexico is still my favorite country to have ever ridden. The people will never fail you. I camped everywhere outside the citys, and never any problems to speak of. Renegade camping is still IMHO the only way to truly experience a land. The rising sun over agave fields high in the mountains give you a breath of life no hotel or campground ever could.
Im starting to ramble a bit now, but when i think of those empty backcountry roads, I want to be there. Right now.

Good luck,

Dean
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Dec 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Danbury CT USA
Posts: 105
Dean, you are missing the issue. What you did is exactly what the Mexican government does not want you to do. They want to make sure you leave the country with your bike, otherwise you have imported and sold your bike without paying the tariff. As others on this site have found, you can leave the country without your bike, but if you ever try to reenter Mexico with a motor vehicle (past the commercial zone near the U.S. border), the customs computer is going to say no way, because you haven't checked out the last vehicle you brought in.

When you leave Mexico, you must go to customs and have them record that you left the country with your vehicle. You can easily cross the bridge back into the U.S. without doing this, but if you ever return with a motor vehicle, you will have a problem that is dificult or impossible to resolve.

Bill, in Mexico, premium gasoline is now $2.60 U.S. gallon. Hotels, except in the big cities, are $15-24 night (single).

In Guatemala and Honduras, premium is $3.50 gallon, and hotels are $8-17. Rooms with a shared bath are $3. Food costs in the markets or roadside restaurants are very low. Hopefully this info will help you budget.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Dec 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 16
Mike,
Yes you are right, I know. It was a chance I had to decide to take. I looked into trying to prove my bike was in no shape to leave the country, but customs at the airport had no idea how this was to be done. I didnt try at the marina, but the customs thought that because the bike was very old, and not even worth $300, that next time I cross into mexico this will be taken into account. But I will have to cross this bridge when it comes. And I am sure this will not be easy, but what is done is done.

Obviously going through the correct procedures is the best way, sometimes they are just not practical in terms of what you require at that moment.

C'est la vie.

Cheers,

Dean
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Dec 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
If your bike is toast and it's not rideable, get an Official to give you a paper saying just that. Remove the Temp Vehicle Importation sticker from your bike. Take all paperwork to Customs at the border. A few pictures might be useful, also. Do this upon your exit, not a few years later. Keep the return receipt papers in case you have problems re-entering at some other date.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Dec 2005
smitty's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Bayou Vista, Texas, u.s.a.
Posts: 90
Check out "Mexico Online" where you can get advice from some pretty knowledgeable people that live there. You will also find numerous horror stories from people who failed to follow the rules. Had their vehicles impounded and are trying to get them back. Fines imposed on their credit cards. Ouch! Just because so and so made a trip without incident doesn't mean you will be so lucky. You may or may not be a good schmoozer. Schmoozin is part of the art of traveling. Your best bet however is to have your paperwork in order. You can ride into Mexico with no paperwork, and possibly not get stopped and checked. Turn around and ride back out. My last trip was uneventful, I never got stopped, the bike was never checked and I could have made the entire trip with no paperwork and gotten away with it. It can be done. But why would I want that spinning in my brain the entire trip? You can download on Mexico Online the 20 pages or so in English and Espanol all the rules for entry into Mexico pertaining to every kind of vehicle, what you can and cannot bring in (did you know you are not allowed to bring "Garbage Can Kids" dolls into Mexico?)(whatever the hell they are if someone can enlighten me), camping gear, fishing gear, etc.,etc. Do it right and you will have a more enjoyable trip. Buena suerte.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Jan 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: richmond, CA, USA
Posts: 6
On a side note about gear, I rode through mexico in octo '05 with full camping gear(tent, stove, cookware, inflatable mattress, etc.) and was stopped and had my luggage searched over a dozen times. I don't think there is any problem bringing in this gear, however it is something I would never recomme nd. I used the gear once and that one time it saved me 5 dollars off the price of a room. It did, however, weigh a lot and take up a lot of room. In Central America I didn't use it once. South America may be different, but I've read in other posts that hotels are cheap there as well. I would also recommend strongly a lonely planet guidebook. I did not hav one until Puerto Vallarta, and it is one of the most useful articles I had. I had a different type of book for central america, and it was one of the most useless articles I had. to have maps, locations and prices of hotels after a long day of riding while in an unfamiliar town with no street signs and all your gear on your bike wjile you leave it on the street to inquire about rooms is difficult enough without a guidebook. Your trip is sure to be amazing.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 3 Jan 2006
Forsellini's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Columbia, MO usa
Posts: 108
Here is a post that gives recent information:
http://calebdykstra.bravejournal.com/entry/15404
Apparently you must put down a bond for your vehicle when entering Mexico (based on age or value of the machine) which is refunded when leaving.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 4 Jan 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: new england, usa
Posts: 30
a cash bond/deposit is required if you do not have a credit card or for whatever reason choose not to use a credit card.

[This message has been edited by Narelz (edited 04 January 2006).]
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:58.