Comments by "Javier Flores" (@JJFlores197) on "What to do if you miss last U-turn exit before crossing the border" video.

  1. For one thing, you're entering another country. Some people get anxious about that especially if they don't know the language and/or customs. Coming back into the US can be a hassle and take many hours depending on how long the border crossing line is. If you don't have your passport on you, you will most likely be able to come back, but it can be a headache dealing with that. Also, if you don't have vehicle travel insurance for Mexico and are unfortunate enough to get into an accident in Mexico, it can be very bad. Cops over there are corrupt and you can be arrested even if its not your fault. They don't care. Your car can be impounded and your insurance in the US won't cover anything. You're out of luck and out of a car. Driving in Mexico is chaotic. Drivers over there don't follow a lot of the rules of the road nor are they considerate. It is stressful driving over there. Another big thing I just remembered. Guns are legal in the US. If you happen to have a weapon with you (even if its legal in the US) and you cross into Mexico, you will have an extremely bad time. Their customs/immigration agents will likely interpret that as you trying to smuggle weapons into Mexico and they don't like that... Just search on google "what happens if I take a gun to Mexico".
    3
  2. Well for one, some people are nervous about entering a different country especially if they don't know the language. I don't know about Canada, but in Mexico, your US-based car insurance is not valid unless you buy international coverage. If you are unfortunate enough to get into a car crash over there, your US insurance won't cover you. Cops in Mexico can arrest you and confiscate your car and you have no real recourse. There is a lot of corruption over there so if they see your license plate is from a US-state, they can pull you over and come up with some bogus excuse to try to get money from you. And driving in Mexico can be pretty stressful. A lot of drivers don't really care about the rules of the road; they cut you off and don't care. Crossing back into the US without your documents is doable, but can be a massive headache dealing with the border agent. You also have to factor in the time you may be waiting in line. You can be waiting hours depending on how busy the crossing is.
    3
  3. I will say, compared to Mexico, the road signs are significantly better in the USA.
    1
  4. Mexico's border security is fairly lax compared to the USA. I don't recall much about Tijuana, but when we cross into Mexico from Nogales, Arizona, you get a small traffic light. If you get a green light, you're free to go. There is no other check point after that that I recall.
    1
  5. Technically, yes you do need a passport to visit Mexico. But they don't necessarily check your documents when you arrive in Mexico by car. When we have crossed into Nogales Sonora, you get stopped at a small traffic light. If you get a green light, you're good to go. If you get a red light, you get stopped for 'inspection'.
    1
  6. I highly doubt that will happen with the current administration.
    1
  7. Crossing into Mexico is usually not a problem regarding customs. Coming back into the USA can be another can of worms especially if you don't have your passport on you.
    1
  8. Mexico's border patrol is significantly more lenient than the US ones. In the past nearly 8 years we've gone driving to Mexico through Nogales Arizona, we've only been stopped once for inspection. And I believe the only reason they did that is because my sister who was 19 at the time (and looks younger) wanted to drive our van across. I suppose they saw that a bit suspicious and we got flagged.
    1
  9. Some people can get very stressed out about going into a new country especially if they don't know the language well or at all. Coming back into the USA can be a multi-hour wait depending on how long the lines are at the border crossing. And if you don't have your valid documentation, it can be a massive headache dealing with the US border agents. Another issue is insurance. Your US-based car insurance is not valid in Mexico unless you specifically purchase traveler's insurance. If you are unfortunate enough to get into a car crash and you don't have valid insurance, things can get very bad. There's a lot of corruption in Mexico and the cops can arrest and/or confiscate your vehicle and/or ask for a bribe. And you don't have any real recourse. As a matter of fact, police can pull you over and make up some bogus reason just because they see you have California plates and may expect a bribe. People down there drive without manners. I know US drivers aren't know for being good drivers, but down in Mexico, its a whole different game. People don't respect driving rules very much.
    1
  10. lmao. If you think this is terrible, you haven't seen Mexico's terrible road signs.
    1
  11. Well the issue, depending on the person, is that you're entering another country. The signs are all in Spanish (though some may be in English). Drivers suck there. Your US-based insurance won't cover you in Mexico. So if you're unlucky to get into a car crash, you may be out of luck. The police in Mexico can arrest you and/or impound your car OR maybe looking for a bribe. And if you don't have your passport on you, coming back to the USA can be a massive PITA, let alone the potentially multi-hour wait time to come back.
    1
  12.  @isaac_aren  Technically you're supposed to have your passport when driving into Mexico. But chances are that they won't ask for anything. When I've driven into Nogales Sonora, they've never asked me for anything. I've gotten a green light at their 'vehicle inspection' and just pass through.
    1