Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Danielle Murdoch, riding to Uganda - Kenya border

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Danielle Murdoch,
riding to Uganda - Kenya border



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Dec 2009
freewheelin frank's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 44
Security in Mexico & Central America?

I am planning on riding from Florida through Mexico & Central America to Panama for the first time in January and was wondering if there are currently any security issues to be mindful of or places to avoid in Mexico and Central America other than not riding at night.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

FF
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Dec 2009
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posts: 943
Considerations

freewheelin frank,

1. if you have not already pick up an international driving permit from your local American Automobile Association, make sure it is valid in the countries you plan to visit. It might be required, along with your valid Florida drivers license.

2. Buy insurance in each country you visit, it is possible but very difficult to find an individual insurance policy/company that covers you in Mexico and Central America. No vehicle insurance policy covers Nicaragua, except those sold at the border. (This is as of a couple years ago)

3. Check expirations dates on your passport, Florida drivers license, credit and debit cards.

4. Bring along a visa or debit card (visa plus) that you can use at local ATM machines in lieu of carrying more cash than you require for a day or two. Forget travelers checks, they are difficult to cash except in big city banks and American Express offices - if they are American Express travelers checks.

5. If you are riding a BMW or other European bike it is best to carry spares for parts that might need to be replaced. BMW has a good network of dealers, but due to high import duties imposed upon foreign made goods, you will pay about double what you can get the part for in the States.

6. Please read my recent posts here:

Information wanted from experienced bikers in South America

under the South and Central America and Mexico regional forum regarding selling your bike, and the absolute need for bike insurance.

7. A good quality water filter is better that buying and carrying the liters of water necessary for long treks across the Mexican desert, or continually paying more for water than you pay for gas.

8. Print out or buy current maps, sometimes up to date maps are difficult to find in Central America. Have a guide book that lists camping and inexpensive hostels.

9. Do not overpack. Most experienced over landers discover very quickly that they do not actually need many things they thought they would. Rely on the HUBB to provide proven lists of necessary gear.

10. If you will be cooking know that the gas canisters that you need may not be available and will be expensive if they are. Better to have a mountain stove that operates on the same fuel as your bike.

11. Keep close friends and family aware of your location and advise them of the existence of the Hubb as a means to contact other motorcyclists that might be able to assist in an emergency.

12. You will do fine, just keep your bike maintained plan where you will next buy fuel each day and know that some gas stations might be out of fuel.

13. Don't sweat the small stuff....

What part of Florida? I did USF and graduate work at University of Florida, Dad and my brothers live in the Tampa Bay/Clearwater area.

Eat, Drink and Be Careful xfiltrate
__________________
Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Dec 2009
freewheelin frank's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 44
Thanks for the great advice Xfiltrate! I live just north of UF on The Ichetucknee River.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Dec 2009
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posts: 943
Go Gators

Spent many a pleasant day floating down the Ichetucknee on big truck tire tubes, drinking and trying my best to seduce southern belles, wasn't that easy in those days.

Pleased to help, stay in touch and have a great ride.

Eat, Drink and Be Careful xfiltrate

www.Xfiltrate.com - Professional Motorcycle Parking - Professional Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
__________________
Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Madison Wi USA
Posts: 5
tips

Myself and 1 other KLR rider plan to go to Guatamala via texas and mexico any tips would be appreciated.We plan to cross into mexico 2nd weekend in january.Where to get a good guide book with cheap safe places to stay would be good to know about.
Rich
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Dec 2009
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 77
As far as planning your route, hotels, etc. the absoulute best resource you will find is a book called "Economical Hotels In Mexico & Central America" by Sjoerd Bakker. It is a "must have" and will answer 99% of your questions on all things to do with motorcycle travel in Mexico & CA.

My wife and I used it during a 6 month exploration of Mexico & Central America last winter and found it to be accurate and extremely helpful.

I am sitting in Puerto Vallarta right now and heading inland, still rellying on the book from Sjoerd.

You can order the book, which fits in a tank-bag, by contacting Sjoerd at:
sjoerd47(at)hotmail.com or sending a cheque, moneygram or international money order to:

Sjoerd Bakker
RR3 Norwich, Ontario
N0J 1P0 Canada

The price was, including airmail and handling, is $15 CDN to Canadian addresses, $15 USD to US addresses and $17.50 USD for other countries. I expect it will still be close to the same price.
__________________
Bill Atchison
Red Deer, Alberta Canada
www.backroadexplorers.ca
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Copenhagen
Posts: 7
Country info, border info and insurance issues

For all of you planning to drive the Pan-American - or parts of it - have a look at
Main Page - Drive the Americas
it has lots of great information on the countries, border crossings and related matters.
Enjoy the trip - it is great(rode down from San Diego in July - currently in Ecuador)

Danish biker
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: New York City
Posts: 16
Advice for Central America

Hey guys,
Just passed through Central America, currently in Ecuador on the way down to Ushuaia. As far as Central America, I just thought I'd mention two things:
1. Get more than one International Driving Permit. If you get stopped and hassled by the police anywhere in Central America, they will almost always ask to see your Driver's License first. Then, they may tell you to go to the town, pay a "fine" if they claim you broke a traffic regulation, and return to retrieve your Driver's License. In a pinch, if you have a couple International Driving Permits, you can always drive away, and just leave the Permit with them. I only brought one, and I wish I had brought more. Just an idea.......
2. As far as security, besides taking a little extra care in El Salvador, the only place to really keep an eye on is Honduras, as they have been having some changes in government lately. It's not dangerous, but they did close the border a few times with the elections, so make sure you check that it's not closed when you are planning on crossing.
Other than that, just keep your wits about you, don't drive at night, don't get stressed out when you get stuck behind a slow, exhaust belching bus on a curvy mountain road, and you'll be fine!
Ride safe, feel free to shoot me any questions you might have, and you can check out the ol' blog at Pura Vida 2009-10 » New York to Argentina by motorcycle…… if you want some commentary.....
Obadiah
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 63
I’m in El Salvador now on my way to Argentina

I’ll add that you should start learning Spanish. I started a month or two before I left as well as took 2 weeks of classes in Mexico and I wish I had started earlier.
You can have problems anywhere. When I was in Pana, Guatemala, there was a riot about 5 blocks from my hotel. Some guy was killed and 3 girls where almost burned. However, at my hotel, you would never know anything was going on other than the locals talking about it. That can happen at any city in the world so just use your wits and you’ll be ok.
In Honduras and El Salvador the people are very friendly. I’ve had people come up and start talking while I’m filling up with gas. They are very friendly even when they find out that I can barely speak Spanish.
__________________
Moto Treks
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Dec 2009
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Make several laminated copies of your original licence and hand those over, not the original. If it's a good copy, no one will know the difference. IDPs you have to pay for and in all my travelling have never been asked for one.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Obadiah_M View Post
1. Get more than one International Driving Permit. If you get stopped and hassled by the police anywhere in Central America, they will almost always ask to see your Driver's License first. Then, they may tell you to go to the town, pay a "fine" if they claim you broke a traffic regulation, and return to retrieve your Driver's License. In a pinch, if you have a couple International Driving Permits, you can always drive away, and just leave the Permit with them. I only brought one, and I wish I had brought more. Just an idea.......
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Contacts in Mexico & Central America? freewheelin frank Central America and Mexico 3 10 Dec 2009 15:58
Security in Mexico & Central America? freewheelin frank Central America and Mexico 3 10 Dec 2009 03:15
Central America-Mexico-Usa ready2ride Travellers Seeking Travellers 3 4 Jun 2007 18:04
Mexico-Central America in Jan/02 Sig Taylor Travellers Seeking Travellers 6 24 Dec 2001 06:16

 
 

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 11:52.