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Mexico Safety & City Guides for Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Playa del Carmen, Acapulco, Mazatlan, Cancun, Zihuatenejo/Ixtapa

K&PFitz

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"or East St. Louis, where any free way exit taken could/probably would result in your being robbed and the car stripped, and maybe more"

Now, PStreet1, you're hitting a little close to home there. The killings usually don't really get going until after midnight. ;)

Whenever we're going to downtown St. Louis, we take an ESL exit towards the Casino Queen, and cross the historic Eads Bridge. In fact, for Rams games, we've parked at the Casino (in ESL) and walked across the bridge.

I drive through ESL many times during the day. I would be very reluctant though, to stop anywhere, even at a well lighted gas station after midnight, as there have been a number of random crimes recently.

Thanks for the info on Tijuana. We have an acquaintance in San Diego who says to avoid it, but it sounds like he doesn't have the full story.
 

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I think San Diego people are among the worst sources of information. They get the American news hype with a double whammy, and many of them are suprisingly afraid of Mexico. We have a San Diego friend I "met" on line when she was afraid to cross the border. They have now purchased a beautiful condo here and spend as much time in Mexico as they spend in San Diego. The media really is hurting Mexico badly----and of course, you have to add in American ignorance of Mexican geography and the tendency to assume that if something happened "in Mexico" that means it's happening everywhere.

If you really want to be afraid, check out the google map of homicides in Chicago----now that's scary!
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...d=113815459076713258356.000463b77495ac9c316f8.
This one is out of date by a year or two, but other sites that are up-to-date don't have the map, and the map really helps point out the numbers. There were 50 in May, 2012.
 
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T_R_Oglodyte

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midnight1

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travel from phoenix airport to san carlos

has anyone rented a car in phoenix airport to drive to san carlos mexico?

can you do it?

how long of a drive?

how good are the roads?

how difficult crossing the border?

insurance?

is it a safe drive?

tia - midnight
 

Passepartout

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It will take the better part of a day- 6-8 hours with breaks to cross the border and to see stuff. Border crossing is not a big thing, but you have to see 2-3 different desks/buildings. Customs, immigration, fruit/veggie inspection, car insurance/licensing.

It's freeway to Nogales, and good 2 lane highway inside Mexico. Do not drive it at night. There is open range (animals wandering loose) and HUMONGOUS speed bumps that are not well marked. They will take the bottom out of a car.

Other than that, it's not a bad drive. Yes, special Mexican insurance is required.

Jim
 
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mav

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I am presently on my 14th or 15th trip to Mexico, and the only scary thing I have ever encountered here has been the timeshare salesmen. Or the occasional stupid drunk, obnoxious American or Canadian judging from the accents. Can't figure out why people drink and then LOUDLY use vulgar language in conversation with their friends in hotel/timeshare lobbies????? WOW! Last night in the lobby of the Royal Caribbean 4 to 6 guys were disgusting. Stupid drunk and cursing LOUDLY in conversion to each other. I felt really bad for the staff.
 
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pittle

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We drive there each year, but use our own vehicle

has anyone rented a car in phoenix airport to drive to san carlos mexico?

Check this link as it will give you the most current information about traveling to San Carlos.

can you do it? I understand that a few rental agencies will allow you to go to San Carlos. It is in the "No Hassle" zone which means that you do not need to get a "sticker" for your vehicle - but you do need the Mexican insurance. I imagine that getting it through the rental companies it will be more expensive than what we pay. You would have to get the tourist visa if you are there more than 7 days. We do not need one when we go to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) - there is no place to get one there. You could just drive on through if you are there for a week. No one takes our Tourist Card back when we come home. Just need your USA Passport to go through the Nogales crossing on the way home and that does take about an hour.

how long of a drive? From the airport, it would be about 2-1/2 hours to the Nogales Customs & Immigration stop. Take the Truck Route road. It is a 4 lane divided highway - Toll road without a lot of traffic. You stay on Hwy 15 Cuenta all the way until you see the Guaymas/San Carlos exit. You will go through the town of Hermosillo on your way down. It is about 8 hours depending on how long it takes to get the paperwork.

how good are the roads? The Toll Road is good. They keep working on it. We have driven down to Mazatlan 5 times and the roads are significantly better now. We stop in San Carlos on the way down to Mazatlan.

how difficult crossing the border? I pretty much answered that above. Since we have to get the vehicle permit, it takes a while as we have to have lots of paperwork showing that we need copies for.

insurance? You will have to get that from the rental car company because you are not the owner of the car.

is it a safe drive? Yes
 

Passepartout

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Here is a link to car rental agencies in Phoenix (some may be off-airport (an even better deal) that allow cars to go as much as 250 miles into Mexico: http://www.puerto-penasco.com/cars.html There is info here on insurance, border crossing, etc.

Jim
 

Passepartout

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Here are some rental agencies that allow it: http://www.puerto-penasco.com/cars.html

It will take the better part of a day- 6-8 hours with breaks to cross the border and to see stuff. Border crossing is not a big thing, but you have to see 2-3 different desks/buildings. Customs, immigration, fruit/veggie inspection, car insurance/licensing.

It's freeway to Nogales, and good 2 lane highway inside Mexico. Do not drive it at night. There is open range (animals wandering loose) and HUMONGOUS speed bumps that are not well marked. They will take the bottom out of a car.

Other than that, it's not a bad drive. Yes, special Mexican insurance is required.

Jim

Edited to correct.
 

PStreet1

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Here's a very informative site for information on safety in Mexico:

www.howsafeismexico.com

Be sure to note the comparisons on the left hand side. AND bear in mind that what little violence there is occurs between members of the cartels--and while that is regretable, it has absolutely nothing to do with me or anyone visiting Mexico; don't make contacts to buy/traffic drugs and you won't encounter any cartel violence at all.
 

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I have vacationed a few times in Mexico always had a great time. Never ever felt at risk. Every times I read on it Problem seems to be centered around border towns!
Haha Zoom forward a few years and I am in San Diego this December with my family (7 and 10 year old) I am planning on doing a round trip boarder crossing on foot during the day?(an experience for the kids) I feel totally vulnerable with two kids.
Am I off my rocker. Or am I letting the hyped get to me? Sorry I didn't read through the 13 pages! I did post a pic of us!
 

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easyrider

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Recently medical safety has been on my mind regarding the places we like to travel to in the winter months. Here are some medical facilities links for the Puerto Vallarta area. If you have a medical safety idea for the Puerto Vallarta area please post it on this thread.

In the USA we use 911 for emergencies. In Mexico the emergency number is 060.

Puerto Vallarta has many medical facilities. After looking at web sites for hospitals it looks like Cornerstone Hospital might be a good choice as this facility was built to the same standards as the Cornerstone Hospitals in Texas and they accept most American insurance plans. From what I can tell these two medical facilities can provide care for heart issues, strokes and major trauma.

Cornerstone Hospital Puerto Vallarta
Address: Av. de los Tules # 136, Col. Diaz Ordaz, Puerto Vallarta (beside Plaza Caracol)
Phone: +52 (322) 226-3700
http://hcornerstone.mx

San Javier Hospital Puerto Vallarta
Address: Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2760, North Hotel Zone, C.P. 48333, Puerto Vallarta
Phone: +52 (322) 226-1010
Website: http://www.sanjavier.com.mx

A smaller clinic called Amerimed would be able to provide help with many health issues. They are located across the street from San Javier Hospital.
Address: Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 3970, Col. Villa las Flores, Puerto Vallarta.
Phone: +52 (322) 226-2080
Website: http://www.amerimed.com.mx


If your in Nuevo Vallarta there is a San Javier Hospital near Paradise Village and across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel near the Grand Oddesey Casino.
Address: Paseo De Los Cocoteros 55, Naútico Turístico, 63732 Nuevo Vallarta, Nay., Mexico
Phone: +52 322 226 8181
http://www.sanjavier.com.mx/hospitales/riviera-nayarit/

Air Ambulance to the USA from Puerto Vallarta companies.

Air Critical Air
https://aircriticalcare.com/air-ambulance/north-america/mexico/puerto-vallarta

Air Care 1
http://www.airambulanceone.com/mexico-air-ambulance-service/


It is a good idea to purchase trip insurance with medical care included, imo. I usually purchase this when I purchase my air fare.

Hospital & Health tips while in Puerto Vallarta
  1. If your personal insurance does not cover health problems outside USA or Canada, consider purchasing travel & health insurance.
  2. Medicare does not cover medical hospitals and medical care in Vallarta or anywhere else in Mexico.
  3. Carry your insurance information and/or card in your wallet at all times.
  4. You'll be required to pay a deposit upon admission at a Puerto Vallarta Hospital, it can be paid in cash or with a credit card.
  5. Inform the staff of any allergies you may have and tell them of any medication or prescription drugs you are taking at the time.
  6. The hospital admission should contact the local consulate and inform them you are in a hospital

Bill
 

easyrider

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Medical facilities in Southern Baja from Loreto to Cabo are mainly in the larger cities with the largest hospital located in La Paz. While there are cardiologists in Southern Baja I think most tourist that need help regarding heart attack or stroke are flown to Guadalajara, Ensenada or San Diego. I have an ex-pat American friend that lives in San Jose that went to San Diego for his sudden heart attack. He used an air ambulance.

Amerimed in Cabo has a cath lab and their webpage includes cardiac surgery.

Amerimed Cabo
Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n, Edificio Pioneros L-5, Col. El Médano, Cabo San Lucas, 23410, Baja California Sur, México
+52 624 105 8500
https://www.health-tourism.com/medical-centers/amerimed-american-hospitals/
http://www.amerimed.com.mx/

Amerimed San Jose del Cabo
SJD: +52(624) 105-8550

The largest regional State hospital is in La Paz.

Hospital Generalaria Juan María de Salva Tierra
Paseo de Los Deportistas 5115 8 de Octubre Segunda Secc
23085 La Paz , Baja California Sur Mexico
+52 612 175 0500

There is a small hospital in Loreto. It is open 24/7 but lacks in cardiac care. If you think your having a heart attack or stroke the closest facility seems to be in La Paz. La Paz is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Loreto. Loreto has an International Airport so air ambulance is available.

Hospital de La Comunidad de Loreto

Air Ambulance in Baja. If you think you might need the air ambulance you should call the service before travel to make certain the service is available.

http://www.airambulanceone.com/mexico-air-ambulance-service/


Bill
 

easyrider

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Regarding the air ambulance services out of Mexico to the USA. If you have a trip insurance you must call them for a list of contracted air ambulance services. The requirement for the air ambulance is that the client is in stabilized condition at a medical facility. The air ambulance does a bed to bed service meaning their critical care team receives the client at the hospital bed and delivers the client to a hospital bed. It can take hours for the entire transfer to take place. The cost is quoted per flight but an estimated average cost is under $40,000.

Bill
 
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Maple_Leaf

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Regarding the air ambulance services out of Mexico to the USA ...The requirement for the air ambulance is that the client is in stabilized condition at a medical facility. The air ambulance does a bed to bed service meaning their critical care team receives the client at the hospital bed and delivers the client to a hospital bed. It can take hours for the entire transfer to take place.

Cabo sounds too risky. Air ambulance "bed-to-bed" service sounds like bed-to-cemetery service if the local hospital cannot effectively stabilise a cardiac patient. I'll stick with Puerto Vallarta when I travel to Mexico.
 

easyrider

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From what I can tell, if you are a tourist in need of medical care in Mexico, the care is available in all of the large tourist destinations and large cities at for profit type facilities. This care is somewhat expensive and usually requires an upfront payment. Credit cards can be used at many of these facilities for payment.

Trip insurance policies should be considered. Most policies need to be purchased at the time you are booking your trip. If you wait too long after the first bookings of a planned trip the policy has many exclusions such as pre-existing conditions. Most primary medical insurance you have in the USA will not provide any coverage in Mexico. Even so, it would still be worth checking into, imo.

I scuba and have DAN insurance for diving which means I am a member of the Divers Alert Network. This gives me coverage for all my dives through out the year. This membership also allows me to purchase trip insurance that covers pre-existing conditions up to 24 hours of my final trip payment.

If anyone has any good ideas of getting trip insurance for Mexico trips after the bookings to include pre-existing conditions, please chime in.

Bill
 

easyrider

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I did find trip insurance that included "sudden onset of a stable pre-existing condition" which works for me. Hopefully, I won't need to see how well these policies work. The policy provider is geobluetravelinsurance.com and the product is called Voyagers Choice. While this policy is used mainly for cruise ship passengers it can also be purchased for land based trips.

There is a real need to know where to go in case of an emergency when traveling to Mexico because there are so many pricing scams regarding treatment. Here is a recent article about a woman who was forced to pay outrageous amounts for care in Cabo. There is a link at the bottom of the article that I will link here too with a list of the good hospitals in Baja.

http://www.khq.com/story/36675166/spokane-woman-faces-medical-nightmare-while-on-vacation

https://mx.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2016/10/BajaHospitals.pdf

Bill
 

Karen G

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When someone posts an isolated crime report on Mexico, many Tuggers feel the need to jump in and respond. I've been going to Mexico for decades and have certainly been one of those "defenders". But, this keeps the thread at the top of the Mexico forum (thus, more eyeballs and more comments), even if it has nothing to do with timesharing, or the places most Tuggers go, or general travel in Mexico. Old stories get rehashed over and over.

I am NOT a proponent of censoring news, but the threads get so long and go off on tangents. If someone is scared and doesn't think Mexico is a safe place to travel, we're not going to change their mind. I'm not stupid. I KNOW Mexico has problems, but I weigh that against the rewards of travelling in a beautiful country, rich in history and culture, and countless kind and generous people.

Can we please let the posts go, and not respond? Read the posts and move on if it's just someone venting. If it's an inappropriate or egregious post, flag it for a moderator to deal with.
 

bbodb1

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PamMo,

While I understand your point, it wasn't all that long ago when I was a new member around here. While I did spend some time looking back through some threads that caught my interest, and searching for other specific items having to do with potential vacation destinations there is always the possibility that someone(s) are new around here and may be considering a possible vacation south of the border. Information like this may indeed be on point with newer members (again, those especially considering a trip to Mexico) and should give them something to consider as they consider potential vacation destinations. I agree we are not likely to change anyone's mind, but if we do cause them to become more aware of their surroundings and situations they may enter into, a greater good will be served IMO as traveling in Mexico certainly has a different set of aspects to consider.
 

klpca

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And maybe in addition to not commenting (I am guilty of this) we could report it to the moderator as ask for it to be moved to the pinned "safety" thread.
 
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