Driving in Mexico

I've traveled extensively via bus in Mexico. Their bus system is NOT like Greyhound here in the states. The buses are actually comfy and clean. The big companies rule: Omnibus, Grupo Senda, Primera Plus, etc. They are also inexpensive. They are not chickens or crowded busses, though you can find those if thats what you're looking for. Sometimes busses get pulled over by the guard, and pull everyone off the bus to do searches with dogs, but this is a normal thing and shouldn't be feared. You won't be hassled if you're a tourist.

Don't buy the "fear Mexico" hype. It is just like here in the States; you'll be OK if you don't do anything stupid, stay away from shady people/areas, and stay away from border cities. :)

Insurance for your car is also a big issue. As far as I know, US auto insurance companies don't cover driving in Mexico. You're required to show proof of liability insurance when you cross the border. Policies are available, but they are not cheap. Collision and comprehensive are another issue.

Large bus lines are very safe. I took the greyhound to the border and a mexican bus line to where I was living. The mexican bus was far safer. I've driven around Mexico a bit, no problems on road trips on major roads.

I have had problems in more remote areas involving guns and rocks thrown at me. I have heard the drug wars are actually dying down? It's cliche but true, Mexico is a wild card. Saying its no more dangerous than the us might be statistically true (I honestly doubt it is) but the context of where you might get into trouble and why are very different. Be humble, be respectful, and be assertive all rolled into one. Roll with the off color jokes. Know that in more remote areas you will stick out like a sore thumb and that can have a definite possibly of inviting negative attention so keep your wits about you.

Edit to add:
If your car is flashy I definitely would worry a bit, you should look into the bus system. Don't worry too much about the Spanish, just go with it, it is one of the easier languages in terms of communicating basic needs in and Mexican accent is one of the easier ones to understand.

-Patrick

Probably should have read the thread before I replied. In terms of bus info, the mexican lines here in the US are also cheaper and nicer than the Greyhound. I took one from El Paso to Denver and it was quite cheap, but I can't remember the name. I'll look into it, my brother who posts here might know as well. I have crossed in Nuevo Laredo and Ciudad Juarez. I actually thought laredo seemed more sketchy.

One word of advice I wish I had known the first time I crossed, make sure you have pesos before you cross the border, otherwise you have to go wandering around a border town with a large backpack full of expensive stuff looking for an ATM or money changer, not a good scenario (I did it in Laredo).

Car insurance in Mexico is actually cheap. We payed around $100 for 6 moths. It's more if you have a new car but still way cheaper than US or Canada. You don't need to show insurance at the border, only car registration in your name but if you get stopped by federal police they might ask for it. And don't think there is no money in Mexico. If you drive in Monterrey or DF you will see a lot of nice, expensive cars. You will have the nicest car only in small and remote places.

I've always found the bus system to be fairly reliable and mostly safe.