Our Van Was Taken By Mexican Police + The end of van life for us

In this video, we share the story of our van being taken by Mexican police and how it led to the end of van life for us. Watch to learn about our experience and the Mexico travel warning we want to share with fellow van lifers. #vanlife #MexicoTravelWarning #TenajAndTino ‪@sectur_mx1248‬ ‪@ClaudiaSheinbaumP‬
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Our van was taken by the Mexican Police and we were told that we are not getting it back. Is this the end of van life for us.... Subscribe for more content.
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[@vidajohnson3712]

I agree with another person's comment- DO NOT go back to Mexico for your van. Your personal safety is more important

[@lesliewheeler4785]

Agree..do not..

[@lisa196409]

I think everyone should boycott going anywhere near Mexico because they're going crazy. They have no control over their citizens they are being corrupt so why would you go there I keep telling everybody when you want to get answers and you want to wake up the government boycott.

[@glenroyscott2350]

Why go to that corrupt banana republic they don't even respect their own laws

[@LisaLightning]

That’s just silly, this whole thing wouldn’t have happened if they had gotten the proper documentation in the first place. All of Mexico is not looking to hurt you.

[@amazonqueen3767]

@@LisaLightning That is true, but after all that has happened and all the back and forth, I just think I wouldn't want to go back anymore. I'm sure they wish they had done things in a different way. but I would probably just be too traumatized to go back, but I agree with you, not all of Mexico is bad.

[@jamesberryman5605]

So sorry to hear that you fell victim to the corruption of Mexico... I'm a retired American and I've been living in Mexico for 17 years... Because of the very small social security pension that I live on I'm not able to contribute financially, but if you need a free comfortable place to stay when you return to sort things out, I live in Cholula Puebla, and you are very willing to stay here at my house.

[@TenajTino]

Wow…Ty if we need place we will be in touch. Please subscribe so that we can find you again.

[@joyparker5896]

This guy is a true American!

[@bobdees6428]

I know several people and family members who vacation and have properties there and I tell each of them the same story. I had friends who worked in the government and dealt with law enforcement in Mexico and they told me story after story of robberies , assaults , rapes …. While they were in Mexico , 1 person in particular always bragged that I have family and connections over there. While driving her entire family to the beach in her new truck she was stopped by police and robbed, left on the side of the toll road. Needless to say she doesn’t brag and boast anymore , it’s a sad situation no one believes until it happens to them and then they act surprised…🤯

[@kimberlymarie3651]

My son and 3 friends were in Mexico for spring break . They were walking back to their motel from a bar and police stopped and told them its illegal to be walking to their motel and said they should've called a taxi . The police patted them all down and took all the cash they had in their pockets , police took hundreds of dollars !!! Thank god it wasn't all their money. They then kept their cash in their shoes ! The police take advantage of people obviously not from Mexico. Americans easily stand out and Mexicans think all Americans are rich and money grows on trees in America !! But, it's not true. Who's policing the ( corrupt) Mexican police ?!

[@harmlessdove1980]

​@@joyparker5896if you mean rude and ugly then that would be a true statement. But united states citizens who are not native Americans or natives of the americas are everything else negative but hospitable💯

[@EdwinCV-dh8qc]

I have heard to many stories,so I'm not traveling to Mexico anytime this century.But thanks to God that you are safe.

[@TenajTino]

I understand ❤️

[@exquisitecaribbeanqueen7198]

Mee too, I am praying for them .. please don't go back... You can recover and replace the van...

[@joyparker5896]

There is a lesson here. Please don’t go back.

[@TenajTino]

🙏🏽👍🏽

[@TenajTino]

🙏🏽👍🏽

[@celiamassiah689]

In the name of Jesus I pray for Tenaj & Tino. to bless and comfort them in their hurt and have their vehicle return to them. blessings to you both

[@TenajTino]

Thank you so much for the prayer 🙏🏽

[@childofgodpsalm255]

Sis I know this maybe the last thing you want to here. I seen every ounce of sweat you and hubby put in that van. But going back to Mexico is not a good option. Your lives are not replaceable but the van is replaceable. You have a social media family that Loves you both and will help you get another van. Please Don’t Go Back. God Blessed you to get the first van and He will Bless you to get another one. Do a Go fund for a new van and set a goal amount and let us all support your new build. There is a guy I know that builds vans on youtube. I will DM you his link and channel. Let’s Move Forward!! Let’s make this happen!!!

[@childofgodpsalm255]

DualEx KZbinr van builder

[@aprilg.382]

DualEx is awesome!!

[@melinda3196]

I'm new here, but that was my first thought. I pray they have a new start. I see them bigger, better and PHENOMENAL!

[@callmepj4333]

DO NOT GO BACK FOR THAT VAN, it is gone.

[@Dancing_in_the_rain007]

That’s easy for you to say BUT she want her friggen van back that was stolen.

[@crystalfrancis218]

So sorry! Just one ounce of compassion from one human could have changed everything. My heart goes out! Much love!

[@TenajTino]

You are so right. We would not be here

[@RDAnys]

Hi. I just found your channel. I've lived in Mexico for 15 years. For the first 6 or 7 I had 'Temporary' resident status. (Requirements have changed since then). I had a US plated car all those years. Each year I would drive back to NY to see friends for a week. Then I decided to get 'Permanante' status because that gave me certain benefits. Returning from a trip to NY I crossed the border at Nogales and went through Customs and each of the 5 Aduana windows with my papers. I knew the routine by heart. At window 3 the Agent said "You can't bring that US plated car into Mexico (which had all my worldly belongings in because I had closed my home in NY) "because you're a Mexican now, and Mexicans can't drive or own US cars!" The Agent was helpful, and called a local Importer, but I had to stay in a local hotel for several weeks as the importer did the paperwork to convert my US car into a Mexican car. So I know how you feel But I can't understand how you got the van from the US/Mexico border all the way south without having the TIP. It's amazing you didn't have the problem on your way south!

[@LisaLightning]

Interesting about your car. Yeah I would not mess around with documentation while in another country.

[@elpanylasal1]

I am Mexican and I don’t have good news for you guys. It pains me to say it but it is not that you cannot ever get you RV back, but it will be so expensive that it might be cheaper to get a new one. Don’t hate me but bare in mind that Customs did the legal thing. A foreign vehicle driving outside the free zone without a TIP is ilegal. And the punishment is the permanent confiscation of the vehicle. So they are not doing anything shady or anything of that kind: they acted within the law. It is a super harsh law but it is the law. Now, if I were you I wouldn’t give up. At least I’d try to see if a “customs agent” (agente aduanal) Can do something. Releasing stuff confiscated by Customs is what an Agente Aduanal does. I once shipped from India a rug and Mexican customs confiscated it. It took me months to get it back and I had to pay more than what it cost. That’s because Customs not only charge you with a fine that often amounts to the 80% of the value of the item confiscated but also charge you a fee for everyday that your stuff was held. I know it is nuts but it is legal unfortunately. So, find a Customs Agent and someone who translates for you. Talk to different ones and hear what they have to say. Don’t trust anyone who tells you it is easy or if they promise to get it done. I’d trust the agent who tells me that it can take months and cost you more that your RV costs but that if you want to pay that much, he can do it. I am so sorry to be the one sharing the news with you but based on what I know from my own experience with Customs and from other people I know, most people usually find that is cheaper to lose what was confiscated and buy it again than to get it back. I wished it wasn’t like this. But it is. And it is legal. This particular law is so harsh that feels extremely unfair but it is the law 😢 If you want to have a call, do reach out. I know an agent - I don’t know if he can or will take this but at least I trust him to give you an honest advice. For everyone else reading this: do get your TIP at the border cause yeah, Customs can permanently confiscate it and you’ll pay double it’s worth to get it back.. if you do. So sorry.

[@TenajTino]

Wow…this story was a lot and helpful. It sounds like you went thru some stuff we were told by sone agents. Yes, we would like to speak to your friend. Do you have Instagram? Can you msg us on their or via email. Everything sounds like it’s gonna be expensive. 😢😡😭[e-mail]

[@MimiMcWil]

Wow…what a nice place to visit…🙄

[@GringosRUs]

This is exactly true. I will never understand why Q Roo is a free zone when you can NOT get there without driving through states that require a TIP. You should always have a TIP unless you are in border states, BC, or BCS. I'm so sorry this has happened to you @TenajTino. The only time we were stopped in almost 2 years and asked for our TIP was by police in Tobasco last week who legally have no right to ask for it, but we showed it to him anyway. When he could not find any reason to ticket us for a bribe, he just outright said that he wanted CASH, in English. We paid 500 pesos and left. Tune into Retired Life in Mexico NO BULL tonight during his Ask Me Anything live stream, and see if the host has any advice on the situation. He's knowledgeable and has some contacts.

[@zLigHt44]

My TIP,Stay away,till the place treats people with Respect.

[@yahsgrace6608]

Sorry you went through all this after the van was taken..Yes, anything below the state of Sonora you need a TIP...

[@Patty747]

I went to Mexico once, as part of a cruise to Cozemel. It was an eye opening experience and I will never go back to Mexico again. We went on an excursion, arranged through the cruise industry. We were given a 'dune' buggy, which was really a very old convertible made to look like a dune buggy. It was stick shift, which I have driven many times. This was the worse maintained vehicle I ever drove and there was not even a working speedometer. Very unsafe speeds and I was told, don't stop for anything because someone could try to get in the car. We passed hotels with armed guards out front. Very frightening! I will never go to a country like that again.

[@TenajTino]

Understandable..plz subscribe..if you haven’t it will help us out a lot.

[@tolowreading6807]

As a 69 year old woman who frequently visits various parts of Mexico... You don't know what you are missing!

[@TenajTino]

Mexico has so many different areas and they are not all the same 💯

[@tolowreading6807]

For sure.Saying you'll never return to Mexico because of an excursion in Cozumel is like saying you'll never go back to the United States after visiting Galveston.@@TenajTino

[@TenajTino]

Agreed. I mention that yesterday to someone. Because of crime in NYC doesn’t make Troy, Alabama a bad place to live in the US.

[@letsvanglamp]

This is horrible, heartbreaking and hard to watch you in tears Tenaj. Glad you both are back home & safe.

[@TenajTino]

We are glad to be home. 🙏🏽

[@caseptlabailey9017]

🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯💯🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯🙏🏾💯💯💯🛐

[@millyslife9170]

@@TenajTino is so scary, but am so glad you both are ok.

[@TenajTino]

So are we ❤️🙏🏽💯💯🙏🏽❤️

[@Keicha504]

This entire ordeal is crazy to say the least. Praying that you guys are able to get your van back. Glad to hear that you are home & safe. ❤

[@TenajTino]

Fingers crossed!

[@skyluv420]

damn! I'm so sorry. I just started RV life and being Latina I already know I don't want go into Mexico. Im' sorry and y'all just solidified it for me. Thank yo for sharing. I really hope things work out.

[@TenajTino]

Tanks for commenting. Plz subscribe and don’t skip Baja it’s better for RV life than mainland Mexico.

[@imasage1]

Yes, that Country has found a creative way to acquire Vehicles for free!

[@TenajTino]

👍🏽

[@ZanakinzMedia]

Imo this is an ignorant or racist response. Try taking your foreign plated car into the USA and see what happens when you don’t have any legal paperwork. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

[@TenajTino]

👍🏽

[@Alex-mc5yn]

@@ZanakinzMedia how is that racist? Doesn't America pride itself as a cultural melting pot with racially diverse population? Are you going to try to shoot down any legitimate criticism by crying racism now? If something like this happened in my Eastern European shithole, it would have been a nation-wide scandal.

[@TenajTino]

❤️👍🏽

[@dorrishaynes8349]

I'm just finding you and this is too sad. Please don't ever go back to Mexico. Extremely dangerous. I almost can't finish watching thus. So stressful. Im just happy your lives were not taken. ❤

[@TenajTino]

Thank you. We are safe now. ❤️ hope you subscribed ❤️

[@renee6511]

My advice, file a theft of the vehicle with your insurance. Please don’t go back bc you’re home safety. God will provide you a better van. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for the advice 👍🏽

[@monicadenise3393]

I'm so happy you guys are safe. please, universe, protect them at all cost ✨️💜✨️

[@TenajTino]

Yes we’re safe., ty ❤️

[@Onica-73]

I was born in Mexico and I don't even drive my nice car when I go there, i fly in and out. Be careful, be safe 🙏

[@TenajTino]

We’ve learned a few valuable lesson here. Plz subscribe that would help us ❤️

[@winterzbreeze]

My dear friends, I'm praying that yall are able to regain possession of your van. I'm saddened by all the events that took place but, I'm happy yall are hear to give your testimony. 🙏🏾💜🙏🏾

[@TenajTino]

Thank you for your prayers 🙏🏽

[@thomasinagoss5904]

I think you can kiss that van goodbye. That why I don’t won’t to go to Mexico. Your luck to be alive. Think for sharing a story all in all I hope everything works out for the best for you.

[@TenajTino]

Well Ty..plz don’t forget to subscribe to see what happens.

[@TheQueenLioness100]

I just saw a video about Mexicans being prejudice especially in Mexico. Wow, I’m sorry you all had a bad experience. I see the hurt and pain on you guys face

[@Ron4Life2]

This was a real live nightmare. My heart goes out to you and I pray that you are able to get your van back. I too built out a van and it is basic compared to yours; be encouraged because I believe that you two passed one of life’s most daunting test!

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for that ❤️

[@arleenhennessey4047]

My heart goes out to you guys, and Gypsy for having gone through this nightmare. I love Mexico but would never go over in a car/van or even rent one there. Luckily, I have Mexican friends who've warned me of these issues. There are such lovely peope there, but sadly, it's corrupt in this way. I pray you get your van back but I'm so comforted knowing you're all safe. You guys are truly lucky as it could have gone very differently. Sending love your way! ❤

[@TenajTino]

Yes, thank you for the prayers and thoughts. ❤️

[@soniayoung7531]

So sorry for what you're going through ,I pray you get your van back will keep you in my prayers, stay blessed

[@TenajTino]

Thank you so much, we are praying as well.

[@SisterSherryDoingStuff]

My GAWD?!? I'll wait for the vlog of you two getting your van back! What a nightmare?!

[@TenajTino]

Thank you 🙏🏽 for supporting us. Hope you subscribed to see what happens. ❤️

[@dwalker6868]

Sounds awful. My heart goes out to you sending prayers that it won’t be much longer before you get your van back and peace in your life.

[@TenajTino]

Ty so much 🙏🏽 for the prayers ❤️

[@Skye-so1kh]

what an ordeal - thank god you made it home safe - wow! sending love and positive vibes for an outcome of you all being reunited and drive into that sunset!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TenajTino]

Your love and positivity has been recognized ❤️🙏🏽

[@maymaydances]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤❤ This is sad! I hope you're able to get your van back. Leave Gypsie with your family when you go back for your Van. So you don't have to pay extra fees. I am glad you both are safe!❤

[@TenajTino]

Yes..that’s the plan as soon as we get more information on what to do next.

[@Starfish2145]

Why don’t you talk to the American consulate? That is why they are there.

[@TenajTino]

They were not that helpful.

[@LESHAUNWILL]

😢 OMG I just happened to come across your video. I live in Merida and I’m crying for you. I’m so sorry this happened to you guys. I sent a little something to your GoFundMe I’m a KZbinr as well so I will share this in my community too. Mexico has its beauty but the corruption is real. I have been stopped twice while driving and it’s scary. I was with a Mexican and he told them I worked for the embassy so they wouldn’t try to shake me down. This video makes me so angry. Because we come here and spend our money just to be harassed by the police. I hope ya’ll get the van back without putting yourself in any danger. Damn I’m not even done the video and I just had to message you 😢 Sidebar I have a shaved side too 😘

[@TenajTino]

Hey 👋🏽 just subbed…thanks for the donation and sharing our story. We might pass thru Merida to get our van back!

[@Thaitea222]

Just found your channel today and my heart broke hearing this story. My partner and I just started bus life and planned on heading to Mexico next winter. Hearing this horror story makes me ensure we plan plan plan ahead as best as we can. I just donated to your go fund me, liked & subscribed. I wish you both & Gypsy so much good health, sending over so much positive energy and putting out incredible intentions that you will be given the resources to get your van back. Please keep your heads up, keep fighting & take care✨

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for the donation and we hope you learn from our experience. I would recommend sticking to Baja side of Mexico. Mainland Mexico is not Van/Camper Friendly.

[@EnhancedSimplicity]

Lovely & perfect words💛 Well said

[@TenajTino]

Ty

[@anitasmith7764]

No please please don’t. (This story is God telling you “caution”.. One of my best friends went years ago and was caught w weed and the cop told her if she didn’t sleep with him he’d put her in jail. There are to many beautiful places here in the states! Please don’t risk it! Prayers for a safe trip.

[@TenajTino]

🙏🏽❤️👍🏽

[@Justin_Leah]

Holy sh*t family! I am so sorry you all had to go through this! We are sending you hugs from across the world. We are so glad you're home safely.

[@TenajTino]

Thank you so much! Hug’s received 🙏🏽❤️

[@flyingcaddy8620]

I am so sorry to hear about this. We are keeping y'all in our prayers.

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for your prayers 🙏🏽

[@Sageandgold]

After 3 years vanlife. I got stranded with my kids once and learned from that. I don't travel with anything I'm not willing to sacrifice including this truck. I keep a travel bag that fits my tab and papers. I realized that anything could happen

[@TenajTino]

U right…thank you for the heads up.

[@davis314family7]

I love mexico resorts, excursions and travel cost but its a very scary place. I follow many of you van lifers and never hear these truthful stories. Thank you two for sharing ❤ im so thankful to the lord that you all made it back HOME SAFELY 💯🙏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Good job Gypsy doing good on the flight.

[@TenajTino]

I can imagine. It’s difficult to pick up a camera and record when your at your worst. We thank you for your thought and please subscribe ❤️

[@kiabeverly1601]

First time on your channel. I’m so sorry this happened to you and I pray you get your van back.

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for stopping by and subscribing ❤️👋🏽

[@legacy4487]

I’m so sorry you all went/are going through this! We were shaken down by the cops just last weekend in another part of Mexico, but nothing like this. Praying this all works out in your favor. 🙏🏾

[@TenajTino]

Sorry to hear that 🙏🏽 we hope they didn’t get much from you. How unfortunate this keeps happening. Plz subscribe ❤️

[@cindikato1]

Do not go back to Mexico!! They gave you a run around the first time, what would a Mexican attorney help. You will not get your van back, they just want more $$$$. Please just be happy that all 3 of you made it back to the US safe and sound. The van is not worth the risks you’re taking. You can re coup the financial loss in not time… you’re both young. Please do not go back there !!

[@TenajTino]

We have to go back! We don’t have money like that to re-coup. Please subscribe and share our story that will help us tremendously ❤️

[@Christadatesmx]

I am so SO sorry this happened to you. Sending you both the best and praying everything works out. 🙏🏾❤️

[@TenajTino]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@livingawesome9856]

I’m so sorry this happened. Just sent a little donation. I’ve never seen any of your videos before, this just popped up on my feed. Sending you so much love and am thankful you’re all safe.

[@TenajTino]

Ty so much! Plz subscribe that also helps us. ❤️

[@amieweymouth992]

Same never saw this channel before.

[@TenajTino]

Wow. We’ve been getting a lot of that lately. 😢

[@lifewith9cats153]

Sounds like a nightmare. Sorry for your troubles. Best wishes for a happy ending. 🕊️🙏

[@TenajTino]

🙏🏽

[@brownhoney187]

So sorry you all had this bad experience, sending prayers!🙏🏼 Happy you made it back home!

[@TenajTino]

Thank you so much! 😊 prayers received 🙏🏽

[@jacquelinewilliams375]

Oh my God. I just tuned in and watched your video. Terrible what you two had to go through. I pray you get your van back but if not you have one another to lean on. I feel it is not your fault you wanted to be safe and I would have done the same thing, such a scary situation.

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for sharing. Please subscribe that would help us tremendously. Thanks for prayers❤️

[@anonymousgirl799]

New subscriber....shaking my head. Deepest prayers that things rebound for such a beautiful couple. I couldn't believe this story...it is too, too much. You both held it together recounting the story. Please stay in faith. My heart goes out to you!!!!!

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for subscribing..welcome to the family. It’s been tough ❤️your prayers have been appreciated 🙏🏽

[@michaelcollins7792]

OMG you are such a beautiful couple “you have such beautiful spirits”. I am so sorry that you had that experience. How can people be so damn cruel and corrupt. Most of the embassy personnel aren’t worth “the salt that goes in bread”. I hope and pray you get your van returned.

[@TenajTino]

Thank you so much 😊 we really appreciate your kind words and prayers. ❤️

[@Nature.Lover.1016]

I'm so sorry for the ordeal you experienced @Tenaj & Tino Travels. Prayers that all goes well and you get your van back asap. There is a man who may be able to help, in terms of information and how things work in Mexico. His name is Ernie Baca, Retired Life In Mexico No Bull channel. He has integrity, he and his wife live there and he is former federal law enforcement in the u.s.a. He seems to know a lot about Mexico - I'm always impressed by his videos, especially his live Q&As. If he can't help you, he may know of someone who can. Prayers you are both uplifted and that all is resolved to your wishes. Blessings yo you both and your sweet pup.🙏🙏🙏

[@TenajTino]

Thank you for the support and information we are looking him up at this very moment. Thanks for the prayers as well. Please stay with us to see what happens next.

[@sparksessence]

O wpw! The shakedown of it all! BTW I subscribe to Dual Ex! I just discovered your channel!!!! You are in my prayers.

[@TenajTino]

Ty 🙏🏽❤️

[@pinecone1321]

I just found your channel today. I thought GFM ( just donated) the whole storyline. Y'all are good storytellers together. I am so sorry.... Really glad you're alive.

[@TenajTino]

Welcome aboard! Ty so much! We are working on getting it back some how!

[@Shihtzu99]

Ugh so sorry to hear your experience. I will never travel to Mexico now.

[@TenajTino]

Understandable, thank you so much for commenting plz subscribe ❤️

[@mrs.yelloweagle]

Awwww don’t cry baby. When life gives us lemons, we make lemonade. I know that this situation left you aghast but you two have a lot of support from the KZbin community. I don’t have much to offer but if it helps, l will definitely subscribe. Relax your minds and keep your head up. My prayers are with you!❤

[@TenajTino]

Oh Ty for subscribing ❤️ it’s well appreciated ❤️ yes, we’ve been depleted

[@IGet2Garden]

I pray you get your van back. This is outrageous!

[@TenajTino]

Us as well 🙏🏽

[@sarahreid8801]

Reading your story 3:00am in the morning. Heart broken for you family. Prayer up please do not go back. Thankful your home and safe😢

[@TenajTino]

Thank you so much! We have to go back. We have to get our van/home.

[@juliebrinkley4064]

You’ll get your Van back. This is crazy that they’re seemingly holding your van hostage. Literally smh 🤦‍♀️🤨🙏🏾❤️

[@TenajTino]

We hope we get it back as well 🙏🏽

[@joannegibson-lucas3791]

What a story!!! Someday, you will laugh about this fiasco when you are old. In the meantime, be thankful you made it home safely. On another note, you are beautiful and should be a model.

[@TenajTino]

Ty so much 😊 plz subscribe it will help up. We’ve been thru a lot and have laughed at our pass. I’m sure that will happen but not ANYTIME sone. 😢

[@dylanflynn1]

I can't imagine laughing about this experience ever. It's very traumatic and tragic. It's their home. I think I would need therapy for help me deal with it.

[@TenajTino]

I’m sure we will laugh in day.

[@tortugalisa4748]

My heart broke for the 3 of you😔 First time watching your channel and I've learned so much. (Also binge watched a few of your other videos, no Yucatan for me☺️) I can't believe in 2001 I actually drove to Chihuahua Chihuahua with a mexican boyfriend I had at the time to meet his family and experience mexico, got to the Arizona Mexico border, I didn't know anything about crossing or mexico for that matter and they asked for I think my passport and I whipped out my drivers licence and my current at the time military ID card and said thats all I had (my ex husband was in the military, it was my spousal military card) and the lady at the window quickly picked that card up and said oh this works, it's perfect and sent me on my way. Filling up at gas stations were weird because the numbers showed differently on the pump when pumping and the few tolls I went through I never knew about before going through. I still have the little ticket stubs from the tolls. The scariest experience for me was driving down a long empty road miles and miles long and up ahead in the distance I could see men standing in the same uniforms with assult rifles strapped around their shoulders standing next to a small fold out table, a couple trucks parked to the side. They had me stop and pop my trunk and we had to step out and wait a moment while they went through our bags in the car, our luggage in the trunk and with mirrors attatched to long sticks, checked under the car. Then they were done and waved us on. My best experience from that drive was stopping at the roadside mom and pop taco stands for their yummy tacos with all the various delicious homemade salsas and fresh cold pico de galo to top off the hot chiva tacos. I'm so sorry for ALL that went wrong on your re route. Sounds like someone really just wants to steal your van and hide behind all the red tape of it all. My thoughts and prayers go out to you that you get your van back asap and as financially painless as possible. You two are a lovely and positive couple❣️ 🌟New Subscriber🌟

[@TenajTino]

Wow…what a story. Thanks for sharing and thanks for subbing and joining the family. ❤️

[@Lifecombing]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Good luck. It sounds like you made mistakes due to lack of homework. Mexico is not the USA. And I can tell you that moving to the USA is just the same. Money, running from A to B for paperwork, plane trip, paperwork, queue, redo, queue, paperwork, more money, more paperwork. Almost deported for misunderstanding paperwork. Horror show.

[@TenajTino]

Correct 👍🏽

[@silentriver8488]

If I ever go into that country wo a rental. This is such learning by experience. Sorry this happened. I would xbxe devastated, poor puppy too,

[@TenajTino]

You are completely correct. Renting a vehicle there is easier and cheaper than in the US and the rental agency provides all the documentation.

[@gbates2955]

Moral to the story, stay out of Mexico , I wouldn’t give that country my time or a dime of my money , and how funny that there’s people that complain about cops and things here in the US . If your a citizen here you should count your lucky stars, there’s plenty of cool stuff to see and do here.

[@Valerygallery]

Very sad story. But maybe the other way you were going to go could have been worse. At least you weren't physically harmed. I hope your van comes back.❤

[@TenajTino]

Yes..who knows what could have happened if we would have gone the worst way 😯

[@tabletlingua9385]

Expensive stressful lesson learned. It’s important to understand the laws of a country before visiting.

[@TenajTino]

U right 💯 plz subscribe that would help us ❤️

[@tabletlingua9385]

@@TenajTino just out of interest how did you get your van to Quintana Roo without the TIP?

[@TenajTino]

@tabletlingua9385 drive

[@summertime8199]

Sorry this happened to you guys. I’ve heard plenty of stories of people driving to and from Mexico and all has been a nightmare. I pray things work out for you and that you’re able to recover your van soon.

[@TenajTino]

We are praying as well. Thank you. Please subscribe that would help us tremendously ❤️

[@lindahurley5642]

Wow, I’m so sorry for you two. I’m sending you positive thoughts. This will get solved. My best friend moved to Mexico to retire and she gave me a really hard time when I said I wouldn’t go there to visit her. No way in heck. Me and my van are staying north of the border. Stay positive. At least you got yourselves and Gypsy home safe.

[@TenajTino]

Thank you so much 😊positive thoughts have been received…thanks for subscribing

[@LisaLightning]

Well if you do the proper paperwork you’ll probably be fine. Then again if you drive to Chicago you might get your van stolen.

[@TenajTino]

Ok

[@glenna-jeanwilson5180]

God Bless you. Praying for your safety. Please take care.

[@TenajTino]

Yes, thank you 🙏🏽 plz subscribe as well, that would be great

[@lesliehunter1823]

So this is why my son refuses to let us holiday in Mexico.

[@TenajTino]

Well…it depends. If your going to vaca on a resort then return home then your safe. If you stay in the tourist areas, your safe, Quintana’s Roo. If you drive anywhere else…probably not.

[@Lori2540]

It’s dangerous period

[@TenajTino]

😳

[@yz2538]

Were praying with you that God will find away to get your van back and resolve this. You guys are great people and will be blessed 🙏♥️

[@TenajTino]

Thank you so much for your prayers 🙏🏽 please subscribe to see what happens next

[@purplegiraffe8194]

I just Came across you channel and was curious about your van. I watched the entire video and Am so sorry you’ll Went thru so much. I would like to say I expected Gypsy to be a Great Dane the way these hotels were acting .. imagine my shock when you show her near the end of the video .

[@TenajTino]

Ty for the kind words..hope u subscribed for our follow up ❤️

[@Reign_in_Motion]

You two have been through a lot! We all have days in our lives where no matter how smart we are, negativity follows! I subscribed and I hope things are better moving forward. ❤❤ people can be very judgmental when it’s not them. Peace, Reign

[@TenajTino]

Yes we have. Ty for subscribing and joint the family. Yes…ppl are judgmental…there’s so many layer’s involved in life.

[@jackshea4470]

This us a learning experience. The US embasdy should've offered direction. With that said the whole ordeal sounded lije poor planning. TIP should've been obtained no matter where in Mexico you are traveling. I hope you get you van back.

[@TenajTino]

You are correct in all your statement…we feel the same way. Please subscribe that will greatly help us. ❤️

[@davidsebastianelli1326]

Your vid popped up on my feed and I felt I should leave a note. You should have done your homework. Jack is right when he said poor planning. The law is stated very clearly, if you don't have a TIP your vehicle "will be confiscated". It's something you should have been well aware of before you traveled to a different country. You should have gotten your Temporary Import Permit when you left Baja. If you came across on the ferry there are multiple signs everywhere that tell you need to have a TIP to travel on the mainland. I'm surprised you weren't stopped sooner. The irony of it is that the fee for your TIP is fully refundable when you leave Mexico so it wouldn't have cost you anything if you had just followed their laws. What you went through has nothing to do with the corruption in Mexico, it was a rude awakening to the bureaucracy in Mexico.The Custom officers were just doing their job. Lesson learned the hard way and I hope things work out for you two. Mucha suerte desde la hermosa Ensenada!

[@Sta_Sta]

@@davidsebastianelli1326don’t be so quick to give Mexico a clean slate because their failure to answer phone calls or even respond to their lawyer is definitely a form of corruption.

[@TenajTino]

Hello, we didn’t cross at Baja nor on a ferry. We drove across through Matamoros. Yes, it’s our fault. Wv’ve mentioned that as well.

[@TenajTino]

I would say yes to that.

[@Sandra.Sandy.Robinson]

Prayers and hugs and lots of love 🙏🙏🙏

[@TenajTino]

Ty 🙏🏽

[@nboogii]

I'm so sorry you guys went through this, but I'm glad you made it back home

[@TenajTino]

Ty..we are so happy to not be stranded anymore.

[@mgardnersmith]

I’ve gone to Mexico a couple of times and have never felt comfortable there. I don’t go there anymore!

[@TenajTino]

Understandable 🙏🏽

[@rosaglem1905]

So sorry about what happened to you guys, truly heartbreaking. This is why putting too much value into anything material will end us as a people. Feel the hurt and let it go, you will rebuild and live and learn and find your joy again. You 3 are ahead of many of as you have each other to love on and. I love Mexico for many reasons, but, their law non-enforcement pretty much is non-existent when it comes to matters of money and material goods. I have been visiting for the past 5 years, always flew in and after this story, I wouldn't ever travel through Mexico by any type of vehicle other than by air. I too would be devastated had what happened to you would have happened to me. I have had some serious bad things happen to me over the years, but, I have learned to mourn it for a little while and take a deep breath and move on, not talking the death of loved ones, we never get over those events, but, we do work through it. Happy you all made it with your life and limbs in tack. Speaking of Mexico, I am here right as I type and will likely be here for at least another 4 months.

[@TenajTino]

We thought the same thing…I would never drive thru again I’d rather fly in and fly out. 💯 plz subscribe that would help us🙏🏽

[@rosemaryromero3567]

Prayers for you 💞🙏

[@TenajTino]

Thank you. Please subscribe ❤️

[@TheMikeyStory]

I pray that you get the answers for getting the van back and continue your journey to better things

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for the prayers and hope so as well 🙏🏽

[@TheMikeyStory]

@@TenajTino I know the feeling your going thru , especially when it involves officials

[@TenajTino]

Ty 🙏🏽

[@TALAfan11]

Wow!!! Glad you are ok

[@TenajTino]

Us too! We are safe now. Still working thru this.

[@Elaine-hq5rq]

I can’t even imagine going through all that! Yikes, wishing you both better luck.

[@TenajTino]

Thank you so much. We would never want this to happen to them. Plz subscribe

[@dsherwood3889]

I feel for this couple but it triggered my anxiety. My daughter and I are very different in these type of situations. I am very anxious and try to prepare for all things that could or might happen good and bad by researching to the nth degree, whereas her motto is "Relax It'll be fine". Listening to them reminds me of listening to my daughter talk about her drama filled experiences. It's scary to hear but also super frustrating coming from a parent's point of view. We forgot the TIP, we forgot the money, we forgot the vet address etc. These guys need to stay close to home and create a check list of things they need before they leave the house.

[@JNante]

Give them some grace, outside of not getting the TIP anything else they forgot could easily be because of the extreme stress from the ordeal they were going through.

[@TenajTino]

We actually balance each other out and create checklist and also go with the flow. Some of our decisions were not the best…especially forgetting.

[@debrandw246]

I can't exspress to you how sorry I am. I pray 🙏 this will work out. Please keep us ipdated. Blessings and love. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for the blessings. Please subscribe ❤️🙏🏽

[@gracechase5574]

It seems like you guys were set up for them to take your vehicle. What the world!!! When they come into America they don't have any trouble at all. It was definitely a mission to destory all your efforts to take your Mercedes for profit. They were looking at you guys as a cash cow. This is what Mexico is about taken people's money. It seems to be they're MOTO. I'm pray that you guys get your van back.

[@Locd4life707]

Facts! They prey on tourist. They befriend you then set you up. They work as a group, it's not an individual person doing this. It's a large team/group.

[@mangolust]

Omg. Thank God you guys were together. I couldn’t imagine going through this alone. Wow. I’m glad you guys are back home

[@TenajTino]

So are we. Ty so much for caring

[@TUPELO_HUNNY]

Of course they take your vehicle when you fail to get a Temporary Import Permit aka TIP. IT'S THE LAW.

[@TenajTino]

Right

[@Em-mr6wu]

And now they're asking for $10,000 for them breaking the law. Scammers?

[@TenajTino]

👍🏽

[@shirleymuhammad8936]

I am so sorry this happened to you. My maintenance guy told me not to go to Mexico right now. He says they get a junk car, put a good engine in it to be able to move around. He said otherwise, they will take your car.

[@Tennessee2012]

Why do people go to Mexico?

[@TenajTino]

To live.

[@leesureleetrippin7079]

To VACATION! 🤷‍♀️

[@wildishco.2246]

Exactly

[@millyslife9170]

Is a leaning experience and am glad you guys are ok.

[@TenajTino]

🙏🏽❤️

[@awesomeniecy9242]

I assume the people from Mexico that gave you that advice didn't know you didn't have a TIP card.... just hearing you say save zones and Cartels... give me chills 😮

[@TenajTino]

U are 💯% correct. 👍🏽

[@CarlaRFowler]

Mexico is on the US travel band

[@TenajTino]

Certain states are

[@hevinamber]

My prayers are with you guys ❤. I would love to hear more from the husband too

[@TenajTino]

👍🏽

[@cspann33]

After watching the movie “Man on Fire” with Denzel Washington, I vowed never to visit that country and most people’s experiences on KZbin solidified my feelings. Praying someone with integrity will release your van to you. May those thieves not be able to sell your property or use it for their wicked deeds! Keep praying!

[@TenajTino]

Ty so much. That was an excellent movie. Ty for the kind words. Hope you subscribed

[@cspann33]

@@TenajTino You’re welcome! Yes. I will and share.

[@Sassygagirl]

Unfortunately, most countries operate just like this. Once you leave your own country, your lives are literally in these foreign countries hands. They make up laws for travelers, on the $pot..It's all about the profit

[@TenajTino]

@Sassygagirl possibly

[@jeanpayne2823]

I’m so sorry you had to go through that,I really hope you get your van back.sending hugs

[@TenajTino]

Hugs received 🤗

[@whitnibattle4315]

That's why you have to do research. You need the temporary vehicle import permit for the entire route you took before getting to Quintana Roo, so you got away with crossing through at least 4 large states illegally and then tried to get away with it again and got caught. The permit is like 50 dollars and good for ten years on a motorhome, and super easy to get online. Stories like this make people think Mexico is out to get people, but the reality is you can't expect to travel all around another country breaking the laws without it catching up with you.

[@TenajTino]

😞

[@boslvdy]

Sorrryyyy, Mexico is a Beautiful been there before but I feel uneasy not fully speaking the language or knowing the laws. I just think not having paperwork was a bad idea, and driving in a RV through Mexico you took a big chance. Hope you get it back though.

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for stopping by. Plz subscribe and see what happens next.

[@theherrerafamily926]

Thank God you all made it home safe!! 😮

[@TenajTino]

Yes! Thank you!

[@baberuth37]

I am sorry for your experience. It's fearsome. I've been in Mexico before and, definitively, I will never return. It's too corrupt. We, as Americans, do Not understand all the nuances and narrow minded people of Mexico's government and other cultures. No judgement here. As I think of the possibility of Van Life, my beautiful Mom once told me.....why explore what you are NOT familiar with? Why take the risk? She educated me in understanding that discovering the USA can, in and of itself, take a lifetime. Again, no judgement. You've convinced me that IF I take up this challenge, I will stay in the USA. I know this country, I was born into this country, and I can navigate it. You, myself and MANY others do not know how to navigate primitive countries. Take care.....❤

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for commenting. We have driven around the US and Canada, to be honest I love being in those two countries in a camper, the infrastructure is better and it’s easier getting help when you’re stuck. The bad part of RV camping in the US and Canada are the prices of camping. It’s expensive really expensive. Before you go plz subscribe 🙏🏽

[@baberuth37]

@@TenajTino Hi. I have subscribed per your suggestion❤️. So, I totally understand balancing finances. Everyone knows better for themselves. Just take care of both of yourselves and your fur baby.

[@TenajTino]

Oh Ty for the support ❤️

[@bethatperson516]

“What Not to do or expect when traveling through a foreign country sans proper documentation”. First thing to know when traveling through Mexico with a foreign vehicle is to pay the TIP fee upon entry to the country. The checkpoints are meant to check for undocumented migration and make sure vehicles are legit and you’ve paid for TIP fees which is a Travel Import Permit. They literally run your title and confirm ownership as well as make sure you’ve not tampered with your vehicle to import/export any illegal substances or contraband. AND when you leave the country you get the money back after they’ve checked your vehicle! Is there still corruption with some shady officials? Absolutely! But that doesn’t take away from foreigners having to follow the laws. Laws in other countries do NOT mirror those of the states. And we shouldn’t expect that they will do things the way we’re accustomed to in our country. Mexico does not have to treat you any better than anyone else or “bend the laws”because you failed to do what you were supposed to do. You basically broke their laws by attempting to drive without the proper documentation for your vehicle and they confiscated it. Then you even drove back to Guatemala without your van to try and pay the TIP and have it back dated!!? You know the US wouldn’t do that why’d you think Guatemala government should or would? You guys added the word “travel” to your channel and you failed to check the laws for traveling through Mexico and went on advice of people telling you to take a different path to be “safe”… all the while failing to get permission to drive your vehicle and you probably didn’t have Mexican car insurance either. US insurance does not cover Mexico travel/accidents, etc. The Mexico City law about driving on certain days is NOT a shakedown it’s the law because of pollution. They have rules on how much traffic they want on any given day due to the smog and it’s controlled by license plate numbers on specific days. That they asked you for a payoff was definitely corruption but they knew you’d pay! When checking into any hotel that says they’re “pet friendly” you HAVE to confirm at check in or over the phone that they are truly pet friendly. I’ve seen it on hotel websites too and we’ve then been told over the phone that my (late) 9lb dog could not stay bc they were NOT pet friendly. Please do your research as it will save you time and reduce unnecessary stress. And if you’re stressed out at the time be sure to write everything down including names for reference even though in other countries that doesn’t always hold any water. It’s really sad to see someone crying and hopefully this will be resolved. But please plan your travels better moving forward. PS My Mexican husband and I traveled throughout Mexico (Cancun-Texas) with a small dog and We were stopped more times than I’d like to count for the missing tags on the front of the vehicle but we had our TIP and all our docs in order thankfully.

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for the recap 👍🏽

[@Em-mr6wu]

@@TenajTino She's telling you you effed up.

[@TenajTino]

We already knew that it was our fault. That’s y I said thanks for the recap.

[@FunandBudget]

I am sending prayers and visualizing you 3 in your beautiful van...laughing, smiling, playing and driving anywhere and everywhere you want in peace and in love 💜

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for the prayers and we hope you are right about your story ending. ❤️ please subscribe that would help us.

[@janniejeanjellybean3803]

This is what happens when you don’t research what is Required to enter a foreign country. You just don’t drive across a border ~ Come on you didn’t even google it ??? A TIP is required on all vehicles. It doesn’t matter where you cross the border. People do your research! Ugh

[@TenajTino]

Correct.

[@amazonqueen3767]

I was scrolling on KZbin and your video popped up. I watched and subscribed. I am praying that you will get your van back and I hope you never go back there. I will definitely support and continue to pray without ceasing so you can get your van back. God bless you both.

[@TenajTino]

Omg Ty for subscribing and the prayers ❤️🙏🏽😀 we hope we get it back.

[@SuperPumpkin22]

Did you ever think you were set up from the beginning! All those people who warned you not to take the same route back home, they were locals. They knew the Mexico laws. They knew your beautiful very expensive van would be confiscated without having the TIP

[@TenajTino]

@SuperPumpkin22 we thought of that…but we also thought…if we had taken the NARCO route would something different occurred as well…there were so many variables.

[@davidsebastianelli1326]

@@SuperPumpkin22 One of their friends should have just told them to go to Guatemala and get a TIP before leaving Tulum and not risk getting their vehicle legally confiscated. The thought never crossed their mind when it seems they were well aware of the "Safe Zones" where you can safely travel without a TIP. I'm sure you've heard the phrase "Ignorance of the law is no excuse"

[@TenajTino]

👍🏽

[@cubey]

So you knowingly broke the law in another country you were a guest in and you're mad that you were punished? You drove all over instead of calling? You were constantly absent minded between the both of you about literally everything you were doing? Sounds pretty self inflicted in every way possible.

[@TenajTino]

Yep it was. We said that. No doubt about it. It was mistake. But the punishment doesn’t fit the crime. Even if it was our fault, their process of leaving ppl stranded is not acceptable. Heaven forbid your passport gets stolen in another country and you should be jailed for not having an passport on at all times as a tourist. Basically the equivalent. If our documentation was missing at the moment should have the Van been taken?

[@cubey]

​@@TenajTino If Mexicans came to the US and did that, the same thing would happen... if not worse. They'd probably get arrested and put in a concentration camp.

[@TenajTino]

No that wouldn’t happen…when u cross into the US our border procedures are done properly and well documented. There are no concentrations camps in America.

[@TenajTino]

@cubey they are censoring foolishness. They doing the right thing. U can go elsewhere with it.

[@diannalbarnes4190]

I'm new to your channel and what a horrible experience I would have probably had a heart attack and died. I can't believe you went through something like that is horrible. Send in Prayers to you hoping you can get through all this 🙏 🙏🙏😇😇

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for the prayers. We really appreciate you ❤️

[@beetrina7777]

Please stop over talking him, you can sing together but you definitely can’t talk together

[@TenajTino]

How is this comment helpful? If you can’t be helpful the least you can do is be nice…

[@Teenie-mg8xn]

@@TenajTino she did say please.

[@summaskyluvful]

@@TenajTino you know how they run US!! THEIR PRIVILEGE OVER COMES AND NOW MASSA KICKS IN!! YESSA MASSA IZA STOP TALKING CAUSE YOU SAID SO!!

[@summaskyluvful]

PLEASE STOP TELLING PEOPLE WHAT TO DO. WHO DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU ARE? OH MY FAULT KAREN YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHO YOU ARE!! PLEASE KEEP SCROLLING WHEN YOU FEEL PEOPLE ARE NOT DOING WHAT YOU THINK THEY SHOULD DO!! OMG!! ITS THE PRIVILEGE FOR ME!! GIRL GO RUN YOUR HUSBAND... OOP🤦🏽‍♀️ YA DONT HAVE ONE!!

[@summaskyluvful]

​@@Teenie-mg8xnYOIR ARE PLAYING RT?😂😅

[@phylliscarter6215]

Nuff love guys, thats one place i am not traveling to, sorry for your ordeal

[@TenajTino]

👍🏽 thanks for stopping by

[@tonijones4018]

My heart goes out to yall and praying for everything works out!!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@TenajTino]

Ty 🙏🏽

[@sherrig5256]

What a horrible ordeal! 💔 So sorry you both are enduring that nightmare! 🙏🏽

[@TenajTino]

Thanks for the prayers ❤️

[@RoseDye9031]

I’m Mexican and I’m so sorry about what happened to you guys☹️

[@TenajTino]

Ty 😔