The West Coast of Mexico

Tips For The Traveler IN MEXICO

Tourist cards and automobile permits for American motorists starting down Mexico's West Coast Highway are obtainable at the Mexican Customs at Nogales, Sonora, which is open 24 hours a day. A tourist card (tarjeta de turista) is good for a period of 180 days, costs $3.05. These cards are also issued at Mexican consulates in the U.S. If the motorist is a naturalized citizen of the United States, he should have his citizenship papers with him in case his citizenship is questioned by U.S. authorities upon his return to this country. Motorists entering Mexico must have license ownership registration, proof of ownership, driver's license and cards of identification. The automobile permits are good for 180 days and must be returned to Mexican customs for cancellation at end of the trip. Baggage must be inspected and sealed at the Mexican Customs.

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Baggage seals should not be broken until the traveler passes two Federal Inspection Stations south of Nogales (at 14 and 26 miles). Blue-capped porters at the Mexican Customs are very helpful and for a small charge per piece of equipment will speed the process of legally crossing the border. Evidence of smallpox vaccination (within 3 years) must be shown to U.S. Quarantine officers on returning to the U.S. It is also recommended that travelers be inoculated for typhoid fever before entering Mexico. It is very wise for the motorist to consult his insurance agent, travel agent, A.A.A. representative or his travel club representative about his automobile insurance for his Mexican trip. Automobile accidents in Mexico are handled by the authorities from a criminal rather than a civil standpoint. Even a minor accident could cause delay and bother for the uninsured. Furthermore, Mexican authorities do not recognize policies issued by American companies not authorized to do business in Mexico. To be fully protected it is important for motorists to take out insurance-including liability and property damage-in an authorized company. Authorized Mexican companies have agencies in Nogales, so it would be well to double check to be sure one is fully protected. Before starting south from Nogales one should consult with the Nogales Chamber of Commerce, the Pemex Oil Company's Travel Club and the fine American Travel Service Bureau for travel information, travel brochures, and hotel recommendations.