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Old 04-26-2025, 01:13 PM   #1
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Mexico Bound Canadian Snowbirds 2025/6 Winter Q's

We've wanted to RV in Mexico for many years, but alas got put off exponentially by the naysayers we've all heard the stories of and about. We are aware of many precautions such as, getting away from the border towns asap after crossing and not driving into remote areas ideally or at night. We are still naturally very nervous but at the same time we know to avoid the Bronx or certain areas of Miami over the years and so on so .........

As Canadians we are a little dispondent about returning back to the USA for several months as we did last winter and are now preparing for crossing down to Mexico avoiding the 30 day new rules in USA etc. So 3 weeks down and 3 weeks back to the border is the plan of our time being in the USA so not over the 30 day rule at any one juncture.

We initially thought of the Baja as a first tester of our competence doing so, but are totally open to other areas mainland if one feels more appropriate. I can't stand excessive heat or humidity but also want to be warmish during the winter months and I also have a bad allergic reaction to being bitten by insects (Florida nightmare for me ). Any suggestions on best areas to travel to and stay for a couple weeks or month and move on over say a 4 month stay would be appreciated. I love to walk along beaches, boardwalks, marinas, and enjoy flat walking around cute towns with enjoyable bakeries/cafes to people watch. Hubby loves his fishing so ...... If we are anchored down in one area for a month or longer would like to be where there is plenty to explore/see do in the area including architecture we enjoy whilst walking. We are not die hard hikers but love walking up to an hour at a time or more with stop and starts of course.

CELL PHONE PLAN: We have a Rogers unlimited everything USA/Canada plan that has served us well for a few years when travelling in the USA, but doesn't cover Mexico and for several weeks/months would be cost prohibitive on the Roam Like Home plan at $16/Day. To that end we are looking for what other Canadians have been using when spending long durations down in Mexico for Data/Text/phone calls home? I have an iPhone 12 Pro as reference. I would consider even a pocket hotspot set up to connect to so please share what you've found the best options and how I can obtain pricing etc.

Best border to cross for ease and safety into Mexico from the USA side? We were led to believe "if" we are Baja bound that the Tecate crossing is the best but would love experienced others sharing with us.

How much of an issue is being stopped by police and how do you handle that knowing which are genuine etc? How much money do you keep in your wallets and what about credit cards etc. Any advice on handling monies whilst in Mexico appreciated as well.

Thanks for your input and kindly sharing what has worked best for you and of course anything we might not have considered to be aware of to make our first trip an enjoyable one
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Old 04-27-2025, 09:41 AM   #2
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Hi there ; if you're not already a member you may find some answers at the Canadian Snowbird Association web site .

www.snowbirds.org

Safe travels
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Old 04-29-2025, 10:22 AM   #3
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Thanks for the response Skip, unfortunately that link doesn't cover much for me on the questions of local experiences etc. Appreciate it.
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Old 05-04-2025, 04:50 AM   #4
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Check out Pu
erto Penasco/Rocky Point-Cross at Lukeville AZ and only 90 miles down to Sea of Cortez. Good place to start out as Mexican Guest.
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Old 05-04-2025, 04:19 PM   #5
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Thanks Larry I will check that out as you suggested. Still trying to also source experiences of others ideally from Canada that have been down last winter ideally or winter before. When talking to folks locally up here in Alberta they comment on flying in and how many Canadians they meet down there but I guess they are typically just fly drive going to one resort location for the most part.

I'll keep digging. Thanks again for any and all personal experiences from recent times RVing down there
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Old 05-04-2025, 04:42 PM   #6
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Have you read this blog? It has recent posts. Ask your questions there.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/pana...3852829653470/
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Old 05-04-2025, 04:57 PM   #7
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It's disappointing

I think I understand your hesitancy to spend your winter here, and I don't blame you for it. But, please know that it's only one guy making the waves. The vast majority of us still strive to be polite and considerate. A great many of us know that you are great neighbors and value the friendships that we make with you.

On a brighter note for you maybe. It seems possible that the exchange rate will get better for you.
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Old 05-04-2025, 05:26 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by twogypsies View Post
Have you read this blog? It has recent posts. Ask your questions there.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/pana...3852829653470/
Thanks for the link 2G's. Also MTranch please know, and I speak for many many Canadian RVers and travellers = we really do adore our American neighbours and many many friends we have there, equally as we do our Canadian ones for the most part. There's always an odd one or two that make life a bit more challenging shall we say, no matter where we are in the world

Hugs to all and safe travels and keep your Mexican RVing experiences for several months spent there coming. So look forward to reading them
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Old 05-06-2025, 07:01 AM   #9
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Our first Baja RV trip

Hi
Our first RV trip to the Baja was with a RV caravan company from Vancouver.
That was 13 years ago and we have RVd in Mexico every winter since then. Most of the trips are by ourselves or maybe another couple.
The group trip the first time gave us the confidence to go on our own from then on. It’s not hard but it’s good to know that process for crossing the border and getting the proper paperwork required.
Mike
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Old 05-06-2025, 07:16 AM   #10
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I'll second what Mike said. Go with a group for your first time to learn the ropes. Then decide if you have the desire to go it on your own.
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Old 05-06-2025, 07:37 AM   #11
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How is your Spanish?
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Old 05-06-2025, 07:42 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by m0v1 View Post
How is your Spanish?
With the translator apps now available it's easier to communicate in another language, although it's still good to know the basics without getting your phone out.
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Old 05-06-2025, 08:13 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by bigb56 View Post
With the translator apps now available it's easier to communicate in another language, although it's still good to know the basics without getting your phone out.

Through luck or misfortune (still trying to figure out which) back in 2011 I promoted to VP and then COO of a international mining coming which required me to travel to Spain and Bolivia. I spoke zero Spanish. I found out that I could not depend on computer generated translators or people. I was taken advantage of and with that probably will never travel internationally again. No real loss but just a word of warning to others.
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Old 05-06-2025, 09:22 AM   #14
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I speak Spanish, but do not look like I do. It comes in handy much more than you would think. When the people around you do not think you can understand them things get interesting often.
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