tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post3483037454867077906..comments2024-02-23T02:48:33.276-06:00Comments on BABSBLOG: By Request, Driving to Mexico and San MIguel de AllendeBabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-2296010433365883812016-09-20T10:13:01.770-05:002016-09-20T10:13:01.770-05:00I know a company here in San Miguel, Bajiogo that ...I know a company here in San Miguel, Bajiogo that would send a driver and a van.<br />www.bajigo.com It will be very expensive. You contact them.<br /><br />You can also go by bus, ETN from Nuevo Laredo. It is about a 12 hour trip with one stop in Monterrey for just a few minutes. The bus takes you to Queretaro where you could have a driver or taxi bring you to San Miguel for about 400 pesos which is $20USD.<br /><br />Other then that, I've never had a request like this. Safe travels.Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-13086787648840743322016-09-20T09:59:16.954-05:002016-09-20T09:59:16.954-05:00We wish to travel from Laredo,Tx to SMA. We are l...We wish to travel from Laredo,Tx to SMA. We are looking for a service that will provide road transportation and a driver for the trip. We are traveling with a few personal items and a small dog. Do you have any suggestionsAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05333852467421893816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-49718723533492544832016-07-11T12:36:21.445-05:002016-07-11T12:36:21.445-05:00Hi Babs,
Thanks for this post- it helped me a lot...Hi Babs,<br /><br />Thanks for this post- it helped me a lot. I have been touring Mexico for nearly a month now with my car and dog, and having a great time. I am getting ready to start slowly going back up north, and was wondering if you had any info on returning your car permit. Do you need to go back into the Banjercito building to do it? I am travelling with my dog, so I need to plan around him, since I can't leave him in the car. <br /><br />Thanks for your help! Ms. Dunnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10031641117400774943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-80248007344707914912014-06-07T07:48:40.274-05:002014-06-07T07:48:40.274-05:00The house you are thinking of is near the busy hig...The house you are thinking of is near the busy highway with tons of noise and traffic.<br /><br />It is a LONG walk from there to centro. At least 40 to 45 minutes.<br /><br />As far as the area being safe, I would think so. We have hardly any crime here in San Miguel. I feel safe every where I go.<br /><br />Good luck with your decision. Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-57190804867263973612014-06-06T21:44:39.752-05:002014-06-06T21:44:39.752-05:00The address is on the Calle Jerico 2, just a coupl...The address is on the Calle Jerico 2, just a couple houses from Highway 111. It is called CARACOL area, kind of SOUTH of the CENTRO. Please look up under Google Maps. The house website: www.jerico2.com - owners are extremely nice and friendly Mexican couple.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01479128065139200902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-12711097517335667102014-06-04T14:01:23.817-05:002014-06-04T14:01:23.817-05:00Sorry, I don't know where Hwy 111 is. If you ...Sorry, I don't know where Hwy 111 is. If you give me more info, I'll try to help. If you're thinking of buying a house sight unseen, I certainly don't recommend that, wherever it is......<br />Thanks for writing.Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-2501877348632863062014-06-04T12:18:04.224-05:002014-06-04T12:18:04.224-05:00Is the area between CARACOL, ALLENDE and TRES CRUC...Is the area between CARACOL, ALLENDE and TRES CRUCES on Hwy 111 (Calle Jerico) safe to buy a house at and walk from/to the Historic Center of SMA? Thanks!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01479128065139200902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-81163904156156883822014-05-06T19:01:41.217-05:002014-05-06T19:01:41.217-05:00PA, I'm still speechless at your experience. ...PA, I'm still speechless at your experience. Have never heard anything like it coming from US Customs. Wish you had gotten their names and badge numbers..........Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-3812988630156004552014-05-06T18:40:38.645-05:002014-05-06T18:40:38.645-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.PAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17190157284662446133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-52580300960326999412014-05-06T18:40:37.426-05:002014-05-06T18:40:37.426-05:00Thanks so much for your view. I did love the driv...Thanks so much for your view. I did love the drive until I got to the US border agents. At one point 4 of the US agents were speaking to each other in Spanish and one looked at me and asked, do you speak Spanish? My Spanish is not robust so I said no. He then asked me what I was doing in Mexico if I don't speak Spanish! I was very nice to them all because I don't want to disappear into a homeland security prison. I have to say it was scary. I'm going to put that out of my head and look forward to another beautiful drive thru Mexico and cross on the Columbia bridge. The country reminds me so much of how beautiful Southern California was when I was a child there!PAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17190157284662446133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-2780425160705080622014-05-06T12:59:44.808-05:002014-05-06T12:59:44.808-05:00Diane Guercio.. Your vet in the USA will know wha...Diane Guercio.. Your vet in the USA will know what form must be completed within 10 days of crossing the border. Be sure to get this form. Although, they might not ask for it, if they do you'll have to have it.<br /><br />PA - In 40 years I've never heard of anyone going through such a thing! There must have been an alert for a car such as yours or something. Yes I ALWAYS go to the Columbia bridge crossing. NOT the commercial bridge, but the last bridge about 30 minutes west of Laredo. It has never taken me 30 minutes and never, even when I've had a car or van full have they ever wanted to inspect the stuff.<br />Good luck. I hope that never happens to you again. Amazing. I avoid the crossing at Laredo like the plague and have only crossed there twice in 40 years going into the USA! Both times were a pain! But, never like what you went through......Safe travels.Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-68855415612662024642014-05-06T12:32:20.587-05:002014-05-06T12:32:20.587-05:00Does anyone have any advice for driving from San M...Does anyone have any advice for driving from San Miguel to the US? I drove up in May and crossed at Laredo Bridge 2 and after an hour wait to get to the inspection booth I was detained for 2 hours. They had me remove Every item from my car. I took one thing out at a time and it was loaded with stuff. They were not impressed with how long it took me to remove the items. They physically inspected under the car and the exterior for some time then drove the car away to an X Ray machine where they drove it thru 4 times. They let the air out of my tires and then refilled them. I am a 60 year old woman, I was driving a 2005 Jetta by myself. I don't know what aroused their suspicions except that I had new tires. Anyway I need to drive back to the states in a couple of weeks and I wonder if I should cross into the US at the Columbia bridge. Any suggestions?PAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17190157284662446133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-60145151137153336132013-10-16T21:34:10.364-05:002013-10-16T21:34:10.364-05:00Please tell me where to find your post about bring...Please tell me where to find your post about bringing animals into Mexico. We're moving to SMA in a few weeks and find your blog VERY helpful and informative- and we've been visiting for 6 years. Juat finished building a home there.<br />Muchas gracias!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05987623122708185109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-70234526412382690722013-10-15T21:28:35.027-05:002013-10-15T21:28:35.027-05:00Kim, there will be TWO sighs of relief. Once you&...Kim, there will be TWO sighs of relief. Once you've gotten through the 16 km or mile checkpoint and you're heading toward Monterrey and again when you hit the road to Matehuala........then it is clear sailing........ENJOY!Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-33298527361542891352013-10-15T21:05:22.106-05:002013-10-15T21:05:22.106-05:00Barbara,
Thanks for the tip! I had been thinking ...Barbara,<br /><br />Thanks for the tip! I had been thinking of crossing at Eagle Pass and going through Monclova, but I think you've persuaded me to go through Laredo, which makes sense as I'll stop and see friends in Houston anyway. <br /><br />Saludos,<br /><br />Kim G<br />Boston, MA<br /><i>Where we're also wondering how far south of the border we need to go before heaving a sigh of relief.</i>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-58673698998710718052013-10-15T11:35:36.591-05:002013-10-15T11:35:36.591-05:00Laurie - The first time I drove down was about 30 ...Laurie - The first time I drove down was about 30 years ago with a business associate in his truck. It kinda gave me the "lay of the land" back then although we weren't coming to San Miguel. Back then there were no toll roads, everything, if I remember correctly was two lane except going around Monterrey which was four lane. It WAS an adventure.<br />After that I drove either alone or with a passenger as I moved stuff down in my Pathfinder. I've only caravaned once with some who drove most of the way at 90MPH or more and I was a nervous wreck trying to keep up with him. Over the years, I could count on one hand the number of passengers I've had in about 75 trips!Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-7333647369445824462013-10-15T11:05:43.207-05:002013-10-15T11:05:43.207-05:00Thanks Babs and others for this post and all the c...Thanks Babs and others for this post and all the comments- very helpful<br /><br />When you made your first trip down, did you drive alone or hook up with one or more other drivers for a little caravan? We are considering driving down with our dogs for a few months stay. Although we have travelled a bunch in mexico, we have never driven from the US.<br /><br />thanks for any tips for first timers.<br /><br />Laurielauriechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01989720301363942663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-65058123327725707212013-10-14T10:29:56.977-05:002013-10-14T10:29:56.977-05:00Ha, Jennifer, boring is good, I think. I take boo...Ha, Jennifer, boring is good, I think. I take books on tape, know the road, know where the potty stops are among other things........I never tire of the drive. It is so beautiful.<br />I've never had to take more then 3 books out of my car. One time when caravaning with friends they were told to unload. They had all kinds of Christmas decorations. She took one pinecone at a time out of the car. Needless to say, by pinecone four they were saying to go on. It works.<br /><br />I have had numerous acquaintances that had the proverbial shakedown in Monclovia. So I stick to the route I know doesn't have those things.........<br /><br />When I started driving in Mexico someone who was down here all the time advised not to drive at night. I did once and discovered how many vehicles do not drive with any headlights or tail lights. It wasn't worth it to me.<br />If you cross at 7:30AM, there is not ever a line........at least I've never had one. Of course, I'm not crossing close to Christmas or holidays! THAT is a whole other story.<br /><br />Thanks for your comments!Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-72474224035421250272013-10-14T09:54:47.103-05:002013-10-14T09:54:47.103-05:00I wish this blog had an editing feature. Monclova...I wish this blog had an editing feature. Monclova, not Monclovas. And, not anc. Here, not her.jennifer rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06285568306915329954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-46300302523572622012013-10-14T09:53:16.640-05:002013-10-14T09:53:16.640-05:00Eagle Pass isn't a bad route for diversion, an...Eagle Pass isn't a bad route for diversion, and Monclovas isn't all that bad. Somestimes the route from Nvo. Laredo just becomes too boring.<br /><br />The Columbis crossing is easy, but it has these drawbacks: a) limited hours, and b) aduana personnel who have just too much time on their hands. One time, I had to wait an hour at Columbia for the guy in charge to show up, never mind that I'd crossed over as soon as it opened.<br /><br />Spending the night in Laredo, I've crossed over many times at 2:30 a.m., just to avoid the heat anc crowds. The border is still hopping at that hour, because you're not the only person with that idea, but it's not as crowded as will be as the day goes on.<br /><br />Aduana staff are on to everyone's tricks. The days of engineering your load so that boxes of Tampax will be the first things they'll touch are over, although that trick did work a time or two. One time I was driving my mother down, and I had a broken leg. I tried that excuse with the customs official who wanted me to unload the Suburban, only to hear her respond with "You could drive her, you're good enough to unload the vehicle." Yeah, she made her point. jennifer rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06285568306915329954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-59617859515418220702013-10-14T08:36:15.158-05:002013-10-14T08:36:15.158-05:00Thanks Calypso. I said that it would be beneficia...Thanks Calypso. I said that it would be beneficial to have GPS in the cities.<br />Wow, we don't hear about demonstrations anywhere other then DF and on the Pacific side near Patzcuaro etc. <br />I so appreciate your advice and suggestions......truly. You are so right. I do always carry food, books and a pillow....especially since 9 times out of 10, I'm driving alone.Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-32878555684544018822013-10-14T08:30:30.540-05:002013-10-14T08:30:30.540-05:00Kim, Monclovia. You do NOT want to go through the...Kim, Monclovia. You do NOT want to go through there as I have heard of all kinds of road blocks, mordidas etc. of a lot of people. I haven't looked at a map but I believe (and could be wrong) that entering at Eagle Pass takes you through there. <br /><br />Remember, NO to Monclovia.Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-51769365087038675052013-10-14T08:29:28.403-05:002013-10-14T08:29:28.403-05:00"My method is to stop a taxi and have them le..."My method is to stop a taxi and have them lead me through and pay them on the other side! It has worked in Uruapan, Morelia, Celaya and other places. I know that will make you laugh, but it sure works."<br /><br />And you think a GPS is a guy thing. They provide much more information than a map - and they do not requiring the risk of hiring a cab driver to get you through a maze like Tampico.<br /><br />As far as the mainfestations - we have been in more than a half dozen in the last few years and have not even been close to DF. I think it is a mistake to NOT consider the possibility in spite of your good fortune in the last 40 years. <br />calypsohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04451271195865202718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-39903548669601694912013-10-14T08:16:48.224-05:002013-10-14T08:16:48.224-05:00Calypso, I don't understand the need for a GPS...Calypso, I don't understand the need for a GPS when you have a road map.<br />I think that is a "guy" thing. I've driven all over the place without one. The only time it might be nice is when you drive through a big city.<br />My method is to stop a taxi and have them lead me through and pay them on the other side! It has worked in Uruapan, Morelia, Celaya and other places. I know that will make you laugh, but it sure works.<br />I drive about 80 to 85 on the highway because often there is not a single car for about an hour, so following a bus wouldn't work for me. I've NEVER seen a demonstration in all the years I've been driving in Mexico (40 years). However, I do admit I don't drive near Mexico City.<br />When I was driving up recently with two hurricanes threatening, I contacted a fellow blogger near Monterrey who sent me the road conditions and weather conditions AND his cell phone # if I had any problems. Our blogger community is just magnificent. Then I got the website for the federal highway roadblocks etc. I posted it previously. THAT is a great way to check for road construction, etc,.<br />One last thing I do before I go on any trip is have my mechanic here in SMA check the car out. Then at the gas station both here and in Laredo, I have them check the tires, oil and water. Then I head out knowing I've done everything I can to be relatively safe!Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34246214.post-13940461517933912122013-10-14T08:09:51.196-05:002013-10-14T08:09:51.196-05:00Kim, if you want to cross at a smaller crossing, C...Kim, if you want to cross at a smaller crossing, Columbia never has more then 3 people there, at least in my experience. So, if you got there first thing in the morning and crossed by 8:30, you'd be in good shape. You want to avoid going through a town, the name of which at this moment I can't think of that is industrial (rail repair places) that is not good. It begins with an M. It will come to me today....I've been to Saltillo many times and stayed there. Have never been asked for a mordida anywhere in Mexico! Was never stopped in Saltillo.Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609157345912932083noreply@blogger.com