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New Haven · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 52 Location: Merida, Mexico

Dear All:

I am returning this fall to Merida, MX after a 2 year hiatus in the States. I had previously spent 3 years in Merida teaching EFL at a language school as well as several unis and intend to take up this career again. I am planning to drive down, hopefully with one of my brothers but possibly with another female if my brother can't get the time off. I have some safety concerns with regard to crossing the border (probably at Brownsville) and wondered if anyone could speak to this. When I drove down with a couple of friends in January we were hassled by the police in Tampico and had to pay a $1,000 mp propina in order to be allowed to continue on our way. I speak Spanish well enough to get by, so was able to bargain down from $3,000 pesos. I am not too concerned about this type of scenario, but am thinking more about real physical danger in border towns. Again, any info, insights, caveats, etc. would be appreciated.

Sharon

Dragonlady · Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 10:05 pm Post subject:

Sangre Frito · Joined: 12 May 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Brownsville, Texas

I live in Brownsville, and have travelled in Mexico for the last 20 years. The route your planning on going is not safe by bus or car. 180 bodies were recently dug up in San Fernando.I strongly urge you to consider another route.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

If it were me doing it, I think I would fly and then buy a car here in Mexico, with local license plates. Less stressful that way. You can sell the car whenever you decide to leave Mexico.

BadBeagleBad · Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 10:35 pm Post subject:

New Haven · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 52 Location: Merida, Mexico

Thank you one and all for your responses. You've given me a lot to think about. My impression is that all (most) of the border crossing areas are problematic, mostly because of turf battles between narco gangs. It seems, at least in Tamaulipas which is on my route, that the victims are all Mexicans. In other words, I haven't found evidence of gringos being targeted. Has anyone come across information to the contrary?

Thanks again.

Sharon

BadBeagleBad · Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 5:51 pm Post subject:

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

The fake check-stops on the highways are the biggest concern these days, IMHO. They can take place at any time, anywhere. Some travelers get robbed at gunpoint, others lose their cars (and contents). This sometimes make the news, sometimes not.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City