Driving trip and safety

[nowell]

My sister and I are both in our 60s and plan to drive from Seattle to Ixtapa with a side-trip to Mexico City. We will be going through Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. She has a 2008 Ford Escort that gets good mileage, but we are unsure about the condition of the roads. We have a month or so to make the trip and will be leaving at the end of September.

We are alarmed by all the publicity about crime, particularly around the U.S. borders and near Mazatlan. We plan to enter Mexico through Mexicali. Should we be fearful and is the trip safe?

Also, is there any cell service along the route, or only in the larger cities?

Thanks for any advice you can give us.

[oliver]

I have not personally driven through Mexico but I have been told if you stay on the major highway and stay at the hotels along the road you will be OK.
I have spent much time in Mazatlan and have never encountered any "crime" problems. I (female) walk around at night alone, take the bus and pulmanias alone. I found the citizens to be very friendly and helpful.

[tepetapan]

The cell service is much like the US, probably 90% of Mexico has a signal. When you are in the mountains and down in valleys you may drop a signal but will pick it back up not too far down the road. The biggest problem you may encounter is the service you are using from up north, some claim to work but in reality sometimes they don´t. Check the service plan with your company carefully...beware of the roaming charges (usually in fine print) can be very expensive roaming Mexico

[joaquinx]

Originally Posted by nowell

Also, is there any cell service along the route, or only in the larger cities?

If you have an unblocked cellphone, you can buy a chip from one of the cellphone providers. Telcel or Movistar. It is reported that Movistar has the best rates from calls to the US. If you give that number to friends or family in the states so they can call you, remember the number for them to call would look like: +52 1 123 123 1234. That's the calling sequence for Telcel. If you opt for another provider, ask for the calling sequence.

[Scott Lunt]

I have driven from Nogales to San Blas, Nayarit (just before PV) on Mex Highway 15. That was about seven years ago and if you take the toll-road it is really nice all the way to Mazatlan. There wasn't a lot of traffic on the toll road, and the tolls aren't too bad unless you are driving an RV.

From Mazatlan to San Blas was two lane highway but it wasn't that bad. Very scenic. We do drive from Nogales to San Carlos and Guaymas quite a bit, and though the toll road needed some work it is still not bad. I think it is safe as well, just don't drive at night and always be alert. Occasionally, there might be rocks on the road or livestock. There are lots of PEMEX gas stations and other places to stop along the way. Going through Hermosillo may seem a little crazy but follow the signs and you'll get through it quickly.

I have not driven in Mexicali, but I have driven Mex Highway 2 which would be the road you would take to get over to 15 from Mexicali. I've had a few white-knuckle moments because it is heavily used by truckers and buses which will sometimes pass you at the worst time. Also, there is no shoulder. Again, it's not too bad but if you want a safer alternative take Interstate 8 in the U.S. from Yuma east to Tucson and cross at Nogales. You can take the truck bypass and eliminate the need to drive through the city of Nogales.

I have not driven in Mexico City, but it looks adventurous.

Good luck. You will have the time of your life!

[poolds]

I live here in Mazatlan and yes, the violence has been up lately, but it is narcos vs narcos. They are not targeting normal citizens, tourists, or expats. It is possible, of course, to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, but not real likely. We just got back from a Mazatlan to Guadalajara road trip and the toll road is almost complete between here and there. It is a beautiful drive this time of year! Anyway, use the same precautions you would use anywhere, be observant and don't do anything stupid, and you should be fine!! Have fun on your trip!

[SukiLu]

My husband and I have driven the entire country of Mexico. Most important enjoy your trip. Be diligent but don't let anxiety ruin your trip.

Use the autopistas and stop driving before dark. Watch for scams at Pemex stations. If you are scammed at Pemex get the station number on the sign and report to Pemex and Profeco (the Mexican Consumer Protection Agency.) Be alert to your surroundings and you will be just fine.

A poster was correct in their comments that current violence is cartel against cartel.

We have crossed the border from the U.S. at Nogales, Arizona, Antelope Wells, New Mexico, St. Theresa, New Mexico and Yuma, Arizona many times with no problems.

The autopista to Mazatlan is higher in cost than the route on the eastern part of the country. Take plenty of pesos for the trip. The best exchange rate to be had is once you are in Mexico. We live in Estado de Mexico and get the best rate at Banorte Banco. I don't know if this is true in other areas.

The Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Mazatlan is a great place to stay with reasonable rates directly on the beach.

[joaquinx]

If you are scammed at Pemex get the station number on the sign and report to Pemex and Profeco (the Mexican Consumer Protection Agency.) Be alert to your surroundings and you will be just fine.

One of the biggest scams is when you ask for, say, 200pesos of gasoline. The attendant will put in 100 pesos and then clear the meter. Get out of the car, stand by the filler, note the amount on the meter (it should be 0.00) and make sure the attendant puts in the amount you asked for. You can tip the attendant 5 pesos for cleaning your windows. Sometimes, they will stop the meter short of the amount requested by 4 or 5 pesos. That's ok, but ask for them to clean the windows.

[CunBalam]

When you're driving be aware of the "Tope" (speed bumps) signs!
Now I see many people talk about scams at the Pemex gas stations, and someone posted something about reporting it to PROFECO which is really fine. In my experience living in Mexico practically all gas stations have this modern pumps and they don't dispense any gas unless it is in "zeros" so don't worry about the atendant charging you more that what was actually served.

On the other hand, be aware of your change! Once you get into Mexico exchange your money for Pesos and become familiar with the bills and coins. Also keep in mind the average exchange rate so you have an idea of how much it is costing you in your own money.

As everyone else, I also recommend to drive during the day and find a place to stay at the night not because of your safety, because you'll be safe, but for the simple reason that it's better to see where you are and where you're going. Plan your route ahead of time and try to stick to your plan.

And most important... enjoy the trip and have fun!

[SukiLu]

Your statement to the person about Pemex was inaccurate. We live in Mexico full time. The pumps can be rigged. We were scammed last week in Veracruz with just such a deal. The Yucatan is notorious for such scams. The Tulum forum also notes such practices from unscrupulous owners
I feel your post may have led someone to believe there is not a concern when the concern exists.
People should not travel in fear but they need to be aware.