Instructor: Al Filliger (6/96)

The 1997 class was broader in scope than the one a year earlier. The instructor has a company which takes tours to Baja California and mainland Mexico -- all the way to the Yucatan, and his talk was about the places he has gone leading these tours. He was especially concerned about some misconceptions tourists have about travel here. He stressed that while there is crime in Mexico, as everywhere else, "bandidos" do not lurk behind each bush, and that, especially in caravans, it is really quite safe. Language is not a problem in large cities, border towns or tourist towns. The climate, the beaches, the shopping are unique. It is accessible to large RVs. The adventure of Mexico is worth the trip.

He had some health tips for travel in Mexico. Drink purified water. This is available from machine in most of the cities and towns. Hook up to Mexican water and use it for other purposes, such as showers. Garlic tablets ward off intestinal bugs. Sprinkle lime juice over all vegetables and fruits; the combination also wards off intestinal trouble. If your fruit is not served with limes, ask for it. "SkyMed" is an insurance program which provides a flight out of the country if you need emergency assistance.

As to vehicle insurance, he recommends full coverage, with minimum liability. If you are going to stay longer than 14 days, you are better off with an annual policy. Proof of insurance is a "get out of jail free" card, since without it, you very well may wind up in a Mexican jail. With it, you won't.

Fuel. Availability varies and it is wise to keep your rig at least half full at all times. Generally gas purchases must be cash purchases.

This was a class to make you think about an immediate trip south. The pictures shown from some of his trips were spectacular, and the instructor well informed. His last few pictures were of the only "bandidos" he has ever seen, children of elementary school age -- certain to steal your heart.

Related 1996 Topic: Retiring in Mexico

Instructor: Tom Magee

The instructor lives in Baja California, and has experienced all of the conceptions and misconceptions that RVers have about Mexico. He does a one hour weekly syndicated radio show about retiring and living in Mexico. The class is not about where to go or where to stay -- but rather to provide a cultural insight into traveling in Mexico, and to reduce the "fear factor" about travel in Mexico.

What Mexicans don't like about US citizens: The number one dislike is "arrogance" -- a sort of holier than thou attitude. Number two is a lack of patience -- it annoys the Mexican people. The third item is a constant "comparing to home" -- and not attempting simply to enjoy this different culture. They perceive we have a disrespect for their customs and cultures. They also perceive us as having very short time horizons -- a lack of a longer term perspective.

Machismo -- male bravado and pride -- still exists. Women's role is changing, but more slowly. On the whole traditional family values exist more in Mexico than in this country. The male may be macho, but the mother is the "queen" for life.

Body spacing -- Mexicans like to stand very close, and even embrace. We tend to want our space, and can be offended by not understanding this cultural difference. In Mexico, people tend to "hint" about things, rather than be forthright about what they think or want. It's essential to listen carefully to what they say, because there is a lot to learn.

Money: You can go to a Mexican bank with a Visa card, put it into the ATM machine, and pesos will come out. Western Union is often used to send money to Mexico. It's a good idea to exchange currency and have some pesos when you go into Mexico. As one gets further from the border, you'll begin to need them. Banks have strange hours, so you may need to use money changers and pay the commission.

Mexico has a different legal system. It is a civil law jurisdiction. There is no jury system. Their civil code governs everything, and "case law" means nothing. Everything, in Mexican law, needs to be in writing to be legal. Documents also need to be notarized, so that they become a matter of public record.

You MUST have Mexican auto insurance. Failure to have it will result in your going to jail! This, despite the fact that in Mexico one is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Where there is an accident between a US citizen and a Mexican citizen, expect some bias in favor of the local person.

Real estate has been difficult for Americans to understand, and there have been many problems in the past. Today Americans can purchase property everywhere except within the "restricted zone", which is near the borders, or within 50 miles of the coast. One can get title insurance as well. Real estate taxes on the instructor's 3,500 foot house are $200 per year. Utilities cost him $60/month. It's better to rent a house in Mexico before deciding to buy a house there.

Slander is a crime in Mexico. This reflects the Mexican cultural priority on "respect". If one calls someone a "liar and a cheat", he could go to jail in Mexico.

Why do people retire there? Usually for the tranquility. But the significantly lower cost of living is also a factor. Many appreciate the fact that they can buy prescriptions in Mexico for approximately one-fifth of the cost in the U.S. This alone attracts some retirees. In some areas of Mexico there are good medical services; in other places it is lacking. There are many "evacuation services" to bring people to the U.S. for medical treatment.

One also needs to be in Mexico legally. There are actually quite a few "illegals" (Americans) in Mexico. To protect yourself and your property, you should do it legally. Basically they will want proof that you are getting a source of income (salaries, pensions, etc.) of at least $1,500 per month.

As a first timer, take a caravan. If you've already been, join a travel club such as Vagabundos. This provides, among other advantages, a highly discounted Mexican auto insurance. You can find out current road conditions through travel clubs. They also have excellent newsletters which will serve as great travel guides.

RV Parks 1/800/552-MEXICO get the list of RV parks in Mexico.

Tip: Avoid the San Ysidro border -- it's the busiest in the world. Ask your travel club which is the best border crossing at the time you plan to travel there.