Do buy Mexican Auto Insurance before crossing the border and obey traffic laws including wearing your seat belt.
Do fill your gas tank long before you are running on empty.
Do carry photo ID on you at all times.
Do have patience. Life runs at a much slower pace in Mexico and escaping the 'rat race' is one of the reasons you came here!
Do recognize customs are different from those you may be used to.
Do consider Baja California safe. We had 18 million people visit us last year who are now home, safe and sound!
Do lock your car and hotel room. Just because Rosarito & Puerto Nuevo are safe, you cannot assume there are no evil people out there.
Do take advantage of the opportunity to practice your language skills. You have a whole country of Spanish teachers at your disposal who are ever so patient and gracious in their instructions regardless of how badly you may mangle this lovely, flowing language!
Do comply with soldiers at Military Checkpoints even if they want to search your vehicle.
Do be wary of any restaurant that does not have a bathroom or running water.
Do call your cellular company and ask about your coverage area.
Do bring sufficient cash or traveler's cheques.
Do bring your Visa or MasterCard. You can leave your American Express/Discovery/Diner's Club/etc. at home as the majority of businesses in this area do not accept them.
If using a credit card issued in any country other than Mexico, keep in mind that Mexican businesses working with Mexican banks charge in pesos. Exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis and your credit card company will use the exchange rate on the date it receives the charge which may be several days after you made the transaction so expect that the charge on your statement not to be exactly the same as the cash price in the establishment. Additionally, some banks/credit card companies charge a 'Foreign Money Exchange Fee' that may be added to your statement.
Do enjoy your visit! We want to see you back soon!
DON'Ts:
Do not drink and drive (or drink and walk either). Public drunkenness is a fine-able offense.
Do not make an 'infield payment' of any fines if you do get a ticket. Fines are payable at the local police station and it is a crime to offer or accept a bribe.
Do not expect to find a gas station open 24/7 around every corner.
Do not expect your restaurant bill to be placed on your table at the end of your meal. Mexicans consider this inhospitable, rude and tantamount to asking you to leave. Your waiter will wait for you to ask for your check.
Do not get involved in the purchase or sale of illegal substances, period.
If you have prescription, bring it in the bottle it came in. Some prescription drugs are available over the counter in Mexico but you will need your prescription to return with them back to the US.
Do not bring firearms or ammunition into Mexico.
Do not be alarmed by the Military Checkpoints. They are looking for illegal drugs and firearms -- they're not looking for you.
Do not assume your cell phone is capable of roaming in another country regardless of how close to the border you are.
Do not be afraid of the food and water in any established restaurant or hotel. If you have a sensitive stomach, a week or two prior to your visit start taking acidophiles pills (found in any health food or vitamin store) or eat lots of yogurt to build up the flora that live naturally in your intestines. A healthy gut can handle just about anything you throw at it!
Do not expect US dollars to be dispensed from a Mexican bank's ATM machine.
Unless you want to 'just because', you needn't bother to exchange money when visiting this area of Baja. Local businesses readily accept US dollars at a favorable exchange rate.
