Tag Archives: Mexico

Pope to Mexico! What you need to visit Mexico.

It’s somewhat official! Pope Francis intends on visiting Mexico, preferably in the coming new year.

It was also mentioned, though not confirmed by the EL Paso Times newspaper, that Cd. Juarez may be on the Popes itinerary.

Our local Catholic Bishop, Mark J. Seitz, is said to be “cautiously optimistic” about a visit to Cd. Juarez.

What a marvelous opportunity to witness this world event. If you plan on seeing the Pope while he is in Mexico, then you have to plan for your visit to Mexico.

If you are traveling by car, and the border area is on his itinerary, then the requirements are very simple.

* Everyone must posses a valid Passport from their country of citizenship to return through U.S.
* The driver or operator of the vehicle must posses a valid Drivers License from their home country
* You must posses an auto insurance policy from a legally licensed and authorized Mexico insurance company (Mexico does not recognize U.S. auto insurance)

If you intend on viewing Pope Francis if he travels to Chihuahua, CHIH. then you will be traveling into what is termed the interior of Mexico. The requirements are the same above with a few additional requirements:

Upon returning to the U.S. from Chihuahua you must, and this is really important, you must have the vehicle permit removed, no exceptions. If you do not, then your name is not removed from their entry computer system and the next time you travel into Mexico, it could cause you real headaches.

We would be delighted to answer your questions, comments or concerns.

Remember, for all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

U.S. Ex Pats taxes in Mexico

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I honestly had no idea there was so much, and so little about U.S. Ex Pats and their taxable consequences both to the U.S. and to the country they now live.

I found a wonderful article, and author, who appears to have fulfilled quite a niche as far as Mexico is concerned.

They basically cover questions such as bank accounts, Mexican Customs, and sales tax, or IVA (16%) as it is called in Mexico. No wonder so many Mexican citizens “flee” to the border cities of the U.S. (El Paso, Laredo, Brownsville, etc.) to shop.

The Frontera (frontier or border) use to impose a 11% tax, now the country has implemented a level sales tax rate of 16% sales tax. WOW, remarkably high! There is possibly 5-7 million people who live on the Mexico/U.S. border and who knows how many have a Tourist Visa to avoid this tax by shopping in the U.S.?

The name of the article that contains great information about the Mexican Tax code as well as other important and timely information is “New 2014 Tax Laws for Mexico that Affect Expats and Foreigners”.

IRS Tax Issues for Americans Living and Working Abroad in Mexico – Master Article

You can find more information about the above at:
YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.© Steven M. Fry

Hope this might help you if you are considering moving to Mexico.

Best Value in Mexico Insurance

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Like the commercial says, “if we all saved as much as such and such insurance. we would have saved a bucket of money”, blah blah blah.

When it comes to Mexico Tourist Auto insurance, it means way more than just saving money. There is or can be tremendous value in your policy.

You see, Mexico treats a collision, bodily injury, differently than in the U.S. Even if it is your own injury and you are not at fault, they handle it under the rule and laws of their own sovereign country.

Additionally, Mexico does not recognize your U.S. auto insurance! I don’t care what anyone says, they don’t or they do not have to. If you wish to pay the Piper (mordida, the bite, bribe, etc.) wink, wink, go for it. Technically, they only recognize insurance as underwritten by a Mexican insurance company. Um, because of all of the ambulance chasing abogados (attorneys) out there, do not take the paying a bribe seriously. Just a joke…

What would you appreciate more? Let’s say you are visiting friends, relatives, or just cruising through Mexico to get to your favorite tourist destination or street vending taco stand. Would you be better off by not purchasing a Mexico Tourist Auto policy prior to your trip down Mexico way? OR, would you just count on the coverage as promised by your local insurance agent, you know, the Mexico Endorsement to your personal auto policy? Who you gonna call if (something) hits the fan? No it’s not your U.S. insurance agent, cause there is nothing he can do. In Mexico, they address car claims, injuries or property damage right there on the spot…and typically right away. How about being able to contact the Claims Center of your Mexico Tourist Auto insurance company? You better hope so, especially if you find yourself in something more than a fender bender.

Here is where the service of your Mexico claims center of your Mexico Tourist Auto insurance comes in. Some Mexico insurance companies don’t answer that call right away. Some might not answer at all. Yet there are some who take pride in themselves, their products, and service. Guess what? They are not all priced the same, and they certainly do not all provide the same service.

That is where a good Mexico insurance company comes in. Though the companies we represent are certainly competitive, they are more than that. They each make a commitment to provide the best service in their industry. That doesn’t mean you will have an Adjustor at your vehicle within 30 minutes, or even an hour. The Adjustors are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are also on call for their native, auto insurance customers as well. Think of it, if you are in Mexico City on a Friday afternoon and have an accident, you will find out that Mexico City is huge, and that you are not the only one to be involved in an accident at any given time. Not an excuse, reality.

The absolute best thing you can do in respect to vehicle travel in Mexico is to familiarize yourself with your policies Claims Instructions, and then follow them. It really is quite simple. If you have difficulty with providing your location to a Claims Center, then ask someone. Common sense, right?

We enjoy posting these tidbits for you, and hope that you too enjoy them. If you have any feedback, we would love to see it. If it is interesting, or provides help or service to those who are traveling South of the Border, we will certainly consider them.

Sierra Tarahumara Chihuahua, México (Video)

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Back in 1992 I was fortunate to be President of Caravanas Voyagers, an RV Tour Operator out of EL Paso Texas. We specialized in organizing RV tours throughout the world, however specializing in the Republic of Mexico!

One of our most popular tours was one that incorporated the use of the Mexican Railroad, or what is now called the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico. We would load, depending upon each RV’s length, from 15 to 22+ RV’s onto railway flatcars. We would have a Wagonmaster (an experienced leader of the group) and a tailgunner (one who was generally mechanically gifted) who trailed the caravan. Also included was a “guide”, one who was legally licensed with the proper permits for this vocation. We generally ran about 4-6 different routes a season, which of course ran during the winter months, so we could count on a larger RVing crowd from all over North America – Snow Birds! Those who left the North to enjoy the more sunny and warm temperatures of the South during the Winter.

The Copper Canyon, to me, is one of the most unique areas of the world. Traveling by Mexican train was also, obviously unique. I have many, stories but not enough room or time, to relish. Some sad, many funny, and some downright hysterical.

The canyon itself has over 400+ miles with 39 bridges, and 86 tunnels. I remember going into one tunnel, and looking back to see the end of the train coming out of the other tunnel. It is said, the size of the canyon is over 4 and a half times larger than our own Grand Canyon. I personally have been a passenger 3 times, and found every trip to by unique, fun, and remarkable trip.

There are waterfalls, rivers, huge canyons, and Tarahumarans, native Indians to Mexico. These are the peoples who you might have seen on documentaries, who are famous for their long distant running prowess.

I have gone on way to far…for now.

Please take the time to relax, and enjoy one of the most unique landscapes in the world GOD has created. AND, pay special attention to the credits of the gentleman who produced this wonderful video at the end of the film. His name is Carlos Rangel, pictures by Manuel Chávez. It’s about 9+ minutes long, but hey, trust me, there is nothing on t.v. anyway and the scenery will blow your mind.

For all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business

3-Day Holiday Weekend

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We just found out that Mexico has a 3-day holiday this weekend to celebrate the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution. Beginning today and until Monday, November 18^th, the Green Angels, which are part of the Department of Tourism in Mexico, will be offering road assistance 24 hours a day to those tourists who drive on all national tow roads. This will also be a coordinated effort with emergency services from the Red Cross, Federal Police and Federal Roads and Bridges.

To avoid setbacks this weekend, the Green Angels recommend that you check your vehicle before hitting the road. Make sure your breaks are okay, check air pressure, use your seatbelts (they do save lives), obey traffic signs, avoid driving when tired and be extra cautious when driving in the rain. Refrain from using your electronic devises while driving.

The Green Angels don’t charge for providing service, but tipping is permisseable; the drivers are responsible for parts, oil and gas.

Happy travels!!!

Do I need a Visa or Passport to travel to Mexico?

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Yes and NO!

If you intend on staying in Mexico for 180 days or less, you will not need a Visa. If you intend on staying in Mexico past the normal “Tourist” limit of 180 days, you will then need a Visa, and possibly a Permit, dependent upon your intent. For instance, are you planning on becoming a Non-Resident and living in Mexico as an Ex-Pat? OR, do you travel frequently on business and need to visit manufacturing or office locations in Mexico. This will determine whether you need an FM-1 or FM-2 permit.

However, you will ALWAYS require a U.S. Passport if you are a U.S. citizen and are leaving the country. This requirement was implemented in July of 2009. Prior to this, you did not need to possess a U.S. Passport when traveling to Mexico. The purpose of the U.S. Passport is to allow you back into the U.S. upon your return. It is a basically a Homeland Security issue, and is strictly enforced.

Basically a Visa generally determines the reason you are in the country, as described in above. Some countries stamp the Visa directly into your Passport, and once your reason for entering the country (Mexico) is accomplished, then it generally will be scheduled to expire and you have to return back to your Home Country.

Some countries will not allow you into their country unless you have a Visa with your valid Passport. Interesting isn’t it, all the countries of the world have entry, exit, permits, visas, and passport requirements, but if the U.S. ever wishes to enforce their own sovereign laws, as other countries do, the world community has a hissy fit. No apologies, just witness firsthand the actions of other countries, due to our involvement in this industry.

The best thing to remember is this. Never leave home without a valid Passport, generally good for at least 90 days after you return to your Home Country. Always check to make certain a Visa is or is not required for your journey.

Due to the nature of our business, insuring cars, trucks, R.V.’s, boats, Int’l Life & Health insurance for those traveling outside of their Home Country, to places like Mexico, Central & South America. We try to educate ourselves, as to what is needed, and the services we can provide our many friends we insure. We also know, through our vast experience in this industry, that there are scenarios requiring our travel to a foreign country quickly, especially Mexico, who has a huge Paisaino presence in the U.S.

We receive, unfortunately, many times, people wanting to travel to Mexico to visit a gravely ill relative, or to attend a close family members funeral, and they do not have the proper paperwork, such as an expired U.S. Passport. We also run into scenarios where someone has to take an important business trip or to travel to a best friend’s wedding in a foreign country and your Passport has expired, yesterday!

That is why we have teamed up with a remarkable company that provides a remarkable service. Travel Visas. We were researching the answers to the questions above, the ones where you need a Visa or Passport quickly, and we came upon them. Just click on this link, and it will take you to their site.

For all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Mexico Homeowners, Mexico Homeowners, Mexico Tourist Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

Ya se siente la Copa Mundial de la FIFA Brasil 2014

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Brasil-2014 Al recorrer las calles de la ciudad veo cada vez a más niños y jóvenes jugando en la calle o en el parque con un balón de futbol soccer. Se empieza a llenar el ambiente de una vibra futbolera que nos aparta de lo cotidiano y nos sumerge en un mundo de pasión en el deporte.

Y aunque estamos a casi un año de que se lleve a cabo la Copa Mundial de la FIFA Brasil 2014 que será la XX edición de la Copa Mundial de Fútbol, ya se sienten las ganas de disfrutar en familia o con los amigos de esos partidos emocionantes entre cada país calificado.

Esta será la segunda vez que se realiza este evento en Brasil después de la Copa Mundial de Fútbol de 1950, entre el 24 de junio y el 16 de julio y fue la primera edición del torneo después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, resultando la selección Uruguaya campeona en aquel mundial.

El balón oficial de la Copa Mundial de 2014, ha sido bautizado con el nombre de Adidas Brazuca. Con el término “brazuca”, los brasileños definen el orgullo nacional de su forma de ser, que se refleja en la manera cómo viven el fútbol; simboliza la emoción, el orgullo y la buena voluntad de todos.

A los que somos aficionados al futbol la espera para que inicie el próximo mundial tal vez es larga pero cuando menos lo imaginamos ya estaremos a la vuelta de la esquina vislumbrando la inauguración y los partidos se nos hacen tan cortos que se nos pasa muy rápido el mundial para cuando ya estamos pensando en del 2018.

El próximo año cuando de inicio la Copa Mundial de Fútbol, alejémonos de lo cotidiano y tratemos de disfrutar de cada partido aunque no juegue nuestro equipo favorito, mientras comemos, en el taller u oficina (si es posible 🙂 ), con los amigos, ya que el deporte nos ayuda a pasar un momento agradable y sano, alejándonos por un momento de los problemas cotidianos.

Si usted es uno de los afortunados que tendrán la oportunidad de viajar y estar en persona disfrutando de cada partido en vivo, nosotros le ofrecemos una gran gama de servicios de seguros para que disfrute al máximo y viaje con tranquilidad.

Siempre que salgo con mi familia de viaje ya sea por negocio o vacaciones, en lo primero que pienso es en un seguro para el auto y máxime si es un país extranjero el cual no conozco, en donde las leyes y los sistemas de salud son distintos al mío. Procuro comprar también un seguro de salud que proteja a mi familia en caso de que alguno se enferme y no andar preocupado por los gastos médicos que nos pueden hacer pasar un mal rato y que nuestras vacaciones no sean lo que esperábamos.

Ofrecemos planes de salud y gastos médicos internacionales muy económicos así como seguros vehiculares para todo México, Centro y Sudamérica.

Estamos a sus órdenes y les deseamos que si a usted le gusta el futbol soccer tanto como a nosotros, disfrute de los partidos que puedan ver, y que gane el mejor. Y ojalá nos de la sorpresa un país que nunca haya ganado la copa.

Insurance Consultants International
mxici.com

New 3rd Party Liability Limits for Mexico

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Recently, we received word that Mexico has instituted new 3rd Party Liability Limits for vehicles. This includes foreign plated vehicles, most of which are vehicles registered in Canada and the U.S.

In Mexico, they have one Department of Insurance that covers all insurance matters for all 33 Mexican States. It is administered by the Federal Government. In the U.S., each State has it’s own Department of Insurance, who then has agreements with the other states when insurance law is generally applied in 3rd party liability cases. Every State has their own minimum 3rd party liability limits, as does Mexico. However, Mexico allows each State to set it’s own minimum liability limits, which is very strange since it is a Federal program.

So now we have 33 states with varying liability requirements. The new minimum limit is over $500,000 USD$ (yes that is right, and it is not pesos) in some states, and a few States with very low limits around $ 4,000 USD$. Click on this link for the latest requirements. PLEASE, do not forget, the distinct possibility of crossing into or through one Mexican State that has a higher liability requirement, as opposed to your destination, which may have a lower liability requirement. Unlike the U.S., your liability limits do not automatically adjust to the higher limits that some States require.

The problem is this, and it is the same for the U.S. You can purchase an automobile policy with the minimum limits, but that does not exclude you from having to personally pay for additional judgements against you. In Mexico, the reason for raising the limits were for crashes or collisions resulting in someones death. Though not common, it does indeed happen. Having been in this particular industry since 1989, we have unfortunately experienced a few. It is the primary reason for purchasing insurance, and that is to protect you from personal financial liability, the insurance company, if purchased correctly assumes the risk. Actually, personal risk was mentioned in the bible, where it was part of the Jewish law. Paraphrased, if you dug an unmarked well and someones livestock fell into it, you were fiscally responsible for settling the cost of the livestock with its owner.

Since each Mexican State has it’s own required limits, it is much safer to purchase a policy with $ 500,000 C.S.L. (stands for *Combined Single Limits) than to purchase one for $50,000. That is why we offer limits of $300,000 C.S.L. and $500,000 on our best insurance packages.Our standard plans do have a lower available limit, but we HIGHLY suggest the plans with the higher limits. You are talking only a few dollars more, and worth every penny…

If you have any questions regarding this or any other insurance matter as it involves Mexico, please feel free to call or write. As always, Mexico can change their laws at any time, and unfortunately, we generally do not find out about them until they are implemented. So call before you go, to find out the latest in available information.

* Combined Single Limit means that both property damage you cause others, AND bodily injury costs are taken out of the same bucket so to speak. Split limits are separated, one amount for Property Damage you cause others, and the other for Bodily Injury you cause someone.

For all of your Mexico Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

SPRING BREAK Travel Destinations

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Yes, it’s that time again. SPRING BREAK!!! Put down the books, gas up your car and head out to to visit family, or spend time with your new found school buddies. Let’s not forget our teachers and profs, as they to look forward to probably spending some quiet time without having to deal with you needy students…

Here are some travel destinations to consider. For many in the Midwest and Southwest the closest salt water and beautiful beaches are located in Puerto Penasco, or as many refer to it, Rocky Point. A beautiful village located on the Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, in the Northern part of Mexico in the State of Sonora. Getting there is easy. Head to Tuscon and take a left or right dependent upon what part of the country you are coming from on I-10.

It is a Free Zone, so border crossing is easy, and inexpensive. You do not require a vehicle permit, however you will be required to provide the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security or Customs a “Valid Passport” on your return Stateside. Have a valid Drivers License, if driving, and make certain that you do NOT wander outside of the Free Zone. Failure to observe street signs and ending up out side of the Free Zone could cost you mucho dinero or pesos if you will. It’s against Mexico’s Federal Law to operate a foreign plated vehicle without a vehicle permit outside of the Free Zone. The Hotels are awesome, food and drink plentiful. If you are going dancing or clubbing, crowds are packed into most venues.

Another popular gathering spot is in Texas, South Padre islands. Obviously you do not need to posses vehicle permits here, but if you are curious about Mexico, head over to Matamoros. You can walk or drive across. If you drive, just make sure you have Mexico Tourist Auto insurance, which we can help you with that. Mexico to satisfy your curiosity about Mexico, make sure you bring along your Passport again. If driving you do not need a vehicle permit here, as it is located on what is called the “frontera”, however if you intend on going deeper into Mexico, then you would have to purchase a vehicle permit. In ALL circumstances, you MUST cancel or turn in your Mexico Vehicle Permit upon exiting Mexico. Failure to do so could cost you time, $$$, and a lot of frustration.

Another awesome Spring Break destination is Cancun, Mexico. One of my favorite places. Clear water, awesome food, and fantastic weather. A bit pricier, especially for college students, but well worth it if your parents or you can afford it. For older, say more mature travelers, this time of year is generally not great in Cancun. Unless of course you don’t mind the noise, and watching people throwing up. I’d pick any other time to go to Cancun. I’d pick any other time to go to any of these destinations, if you are a seasoned traveler.

You will still need a U.S. passport, though driving to Cancun can be an adventure, most people will want to fly. You will also require a Visa that is provided by your airline.

We can provide you with Mexico Tourist Auto insurance and Int’l Health & Accident if your destination is Mexico or anywhere else outside of the continental U.S. Laws in Mexico differ substantially than the U.S. If you have any questions about it, please feel free to call or contact us via E Mail or this blog.

Stay safe, have fun, and watch out for each other. You want fond memories, not bad ones!

What happens if we cannot turn in our Mexican Temporary Import Permit or TIP?

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Unfortunately, that is one of the pitfalls of operating a foreign vehicle in Mexico. There are obviously circumstances that occur where this might affect your ability to turn in the TIP.

One such scenario includes the possibility of your vehicle being stolen while in Mexico. If that occurs, then you obviously no longer posses the TIP, as it is with the car. That is why it is important, I would suggest critical, that you do a few logical things to help you in as many differing scenarios as possible.

For example, use your Smart phone, I Phone or whatever phone you posses that has photographic capabilities to photograph:

All of the necessary documents needed to personally travel in Mexico. Your Visas and U.S. Passport for example.
The same for all of your Vehicle documents, including a copy of your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit or TIP as it is called.
A copy of your Mexico Tourist Auto insurance

I would send this file (copies of documents) to your E Mail account as well. If you lose the phone, or the vehicle containing all of the paperwork, you still would have access to the documents.

If your vehicle is stolen, then you will need to contact the local police and request a physical hard copy of the Theft Report. If the vehicle is suffers a total loss, you will still need a Police Report, and hopefully you can have them or your Mexico insurance adjustor to scrap off the vehicle permit. Do not lose the TIP. You MUST still visit the Aduana / Banjercito office that issues these TIP, hopefully the same one you acquired your TIP at.

You must then provide them with a copy of the Police Report, copies of the aforementioned documents, and an Adjustors Report. When you go through the process of turning in your TIP, make absolutely certain that you get an original receipt from the Aduana / Banjercito office that you turned in (cancelled) your TIP.

If you don’t turn it in, you will forfeit your “Bond” you most likely paid with your credit card, the amount which is determined by your vehicles manufactured date:

Vehicle Year Model
2007 and later	400 USD $
2001 until 2006	300 USD $
2000 and earlier	200 USD $

You are also subject to possible fines, and permanent duties that Aduana might levy. There is also the probability that you will not be allowed to apply for a TIP on a future vehicle you may want to take again into Mexico, until you get the current one “cancelled”.

You may think, that Aduana will not know from one Port to another if you have an outstanding non cancelled TIP. Wrong! They, like every other nation, are networked nationwide. They go by your Passport, which is unique only to you.

If, for whatever reason you have not achieved any resolution to this requirement, or if you have forgotten to “cancel” the TIP and are in the U.S. you should be able to get the needed help by calling:

Within Mexico 01 – 800 – 463 – 6728 Don’t forget the 0 before the 1. Must use a Mexican phone to call this #

From the U.S. 1 – 877 – 448 – 8728 Be sure to follow the prompts, for TIP, 7, 2, 2, 1, 1

We hope this helps you! Please feel free to call us with any questions you may have regarding this process.

Everything Mexico

Useful travel information about Mexico

Tag Archives: Mexico

Pope to Mexico! What you need to visit Mexico.

U.S. Ex Pats taxes in Mexico

Best Value in Mexico Insurance

Sierra Tarahumara Chihuahua, México (Video)

3-Day Holiday Weekend

Do I need a Visa or Passport to travel to Mexico?

Ya se siente la Copa Mundial de la FIFA Brasil 2014

New 3rd Party Liability Limits for Mexico

SPRING BREAK Travel Destinations

What happens if we cannot turn in our Mexican Temporary Import Permit or TIP?