Winter Van Life ln Mexico! Is It Safe?

The biggest question we get about camping in Mexico is - IS IT SAFE?! Today, our roving Reporter Brian Gifford and his friend, JP, answer your most pressing questions! Brian and JP have been going to Baja, Mexico and camping on the beaches for many years.
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Thanks for watching!

[@HorseLuvr101]

Safety in Mexico is different if you’re a woman. I’d like to hear a solo woman’s opinion-especially a young woman

[@IbHustln]

check out the channel 'Eva Zu Beck', she was just in Mexico recently and in the past. Might have a video on that...

[@tkendall]

Safety ANYWHERE is different for women than men.

[@dlewis895]

CARAVAN SAFETY IN NUMBERS

[@kaitlyn_resonant_wizard_6867]

Ya no kidding! me and my son are in south Texas near the border and I'd love to go explore Mexico but I don't know enough about how safe it would be for us. So I'm hesitant to say the least.

[@rachelcress]

Could you have this conversation with a panel of women who’ve traveled there either with groups or alone. Thank you for all this great information! I’m looking forward to a trip to Baja in my future. 😎🚙

[@dakota1992]

I was going to post the same comment. Need to have a woman's perspective, thoughts and feelings regarding safety. It's a different experience for men.

[@alicial6072]

great question I was thinking that as well.

[@smisplacedalaskan1762]

I was just thinking this..

[@YesClearly]

Yes! Great idea to get woman's perspective.

[@tinamcclure7984]

I lived in Ensenada for 10 years.

[@kevinwelsh7490]

changing your own tire: make sure your tire wrench has a long handle for leverage or slip a pipe over it to extend it longer. If the wrench handle is short, even a strong man may find it difficult to undo a nut

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

Lots of great tips! I'd love to hear this same post from solo women travelers in Baja/Mexico. Any different experiences?

[@karenoberg4260]

Thank you this is very helpful I'd love to go but as a single woman I was always worried about safety

[@alchristensen8121]

A handy thing few first time Mexico visitors know about is that when a semi knows you're behind them and trying to get around them, they will turn on their left turn signal when it's safe to pass.

[@davethompson9776]

Hey, I would like to know where the best crossing is from western AZ, and maybe a rough dot to dot of highways and towns where a newbie on a budget can go. Thanks for this great info, keep it up.

[@reneekennedy716]

Great tips. I have family that live in San Felipe , Baja and it's beautiful. I think your tip to "not" drive in the dark - whether early morning or evening/night is very real. Those roads are narrow - sometimes totally giving way to the desert with erosion, animals on the road and people sometimes put rocks on the road when repairing a tire, etc. and forget to take it off the road. Check out the FMM requirement for entry/visiting. Rules for making sure your passport is valid for at least 6 (six) months from the date they intend to arrive in Mexico. If you are driving - I would make sure and get insurance there for same. And of course - medical insurance for travel there. A lot of folk speak English but I do believe the effort to communicate in Spanish is appreciated.

[@AdventuresInNoMadness]

Very informative! We spent all last winter traveling in mainland Mexico all the way to the Yucatán. We’re excited to travel in Baja this year!

[@johnputt6029]

I've camped in Baja when surfing with pals and with my children as they were growing up..The .BEST thing?...Hands down, are the wonderful PEOPLE in the rural Baja!

[@conchscooter]

Dogs can thrive in Mexico. Mexican dogs look like strays but most are just let loose on the street each morning and they wander around checking their own neighborhood. If they gang up on your dog just bend down like you are picking up a stone and they will scatter. They are used to Mexicans stoning them and they don’t like it.

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

Lots of great tips, loved the reminder about letting air out of the tires…what about: Visa? Van insurance? money exchange? Dogs? Suggestions to organize a caravan from the RTR…? I look forward to it!

[@jazziered142]

I watched a video years and years ago on KZbin on how to change a tire. It has stood me well.

[@ShannonFerguson]

Great info! Thank you! Good to know about the gas and water situation.

[@alicial6072]

you talked about guns and bullets how about bear spray, knives, pepper spray or similar products?

[@nancycain4434]

Thanks guys, you answered all of my questions

[@bigjoe4705]

I lived in Rocky point for a year! I love Baja!!! Well I actually lived in a small village called “Chola Bay” I love JJ’s Cantina!

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Puerto Peñasco, not Rocky Point.

[@bigjoe4705]

Haha yeppers you are 100% correct!

[@bocadelcieloplaya3852]

i worked with sum guys from el paso, they called it rocky point too.

[@charlottewilson4680]

This was great information.

[@jessiehead6525]

Lots of helpful info - thank you. I like the bit about the walkie talkies, I need to get those.

[@findinway7013]

Thanks guys! Would love to hear about how to keep your dog safe while traveling in Baja.

[@mbd6054]

Baja looks just beautiful, guys. Thank you.

[@brianleonard6885]

Great stuff right here!

[@p.i.e.management9245]

Great tips guys..

[@RubyRhu]

Great info guys!

[@carlmills5956]

I would like to see more Baja vids info on auto insurance and length of stay permits

[@buckjones6334]

I appreciate how beautiful Baja is and I have been down there numerous times! For me at my age I’m perfectly happy to continue to explore the US of A! In an emergency I want to be in familiar surroundings! I very much enjoyed your discussion, and it is very informative! Thank you both very much!

[@Debrasvantasticjourney]

DO NOT surrender your drivers license. I lived in a tiny town just North of Cabo for three years.

[@brindlekintales]

How on earth can you avoid surrendering your license if la policia insist you do? I sound naive as I've never been to Mexico by car.

[@tdgdbs1]

@@brindlekintales You ask for the ticket and follow them to the police station. They can remove your plates and you have to come to the station to pay the fine to recollect them.

[@mikeym.1461]

Great info guys !! Crossing the border info along with staying safe info.... Cheers boys !

[@susanmboudreau]

I was wondering about bringing a dog or dogs is that acceptable and what is the protocol

[@noname-zg8lh]

Might want to add a section on automobile insurance in Mexico (I believe you MUST purchase it at the border and your US insurance is NO GOOD there).

[@noname-zg8lh]

Also international medical insurance. You may want to get a rider on your policy.

[@mitchweber7868]

Wow that's crazy I'm guessing that's not going to be cheap

[@FidoHouse]

Also, whether or not you are allowed to bring a tow vehicle. Thanks.

[@tinamcclure7984]

The prices are crazy high at the border. I get mine from Elena Brett's in Ensenada

[@BeingMeRV]

No it doesn’t need to be at the border. I get mine from either Lewis & Lewis or BajaBound. Both can be purchased online before you arrive.

[@miamisammy4020]

Great content. I appreciated the tips for road travel, check points. I'd like to hear more about pre-trip prepping.

[@morrisshepherd1637]

Great video on traveling in Baja

[@lorax1968]

Would love to see what towns are good to camp near, campground reviews, places to camp, etc…great info guys!

[@ingewelch3560]

Good info.

[@seanh4841]

Great advice, applicable to any country, especially about gas and water

[@markkimmerling4251]

Excellent video!

[@RVingwithLuck]

Great info

[@AhJodie]

Thank you.

[@utahredrock1]

JP! Just seeing this one. Another great vid Brian. : ) Having just done the cruise ship around Mexico last week, which was fun, I am definitely missing RV life at the moment. Don't worry, I'll be back (but on a break presently).

[@thewildokierose]

Definitely do not drive at night. Had a wild white stallion leap out in front of us. We slammed on the breaks, honked the horn, that scared him, he reered up on back legs it was incredible and frightening at the same time. Lots of wild animals at night!!

[@jeremytorgersen]

Great tips! Wish I was headed to the RTR and Baja, perhaps next year!

[@YesClearly]

Wonderful video ... thank you! I've been fantasizing about Baja especially since we are heavily undated with rain in the bay area. It would be an exciting escape. Would love to hear more. I won't be at the RTR, but would love to stream your talk, if that is a possibility. 😎🌴🔆

[@frankc-k3q]

I enjoy people enjoying life! Thank you guys 🎉

[@gulaiymnurbolotova986]

Super video

[@alberthowell5246]

I have been following Mr Bob from the very beginning and have really enjoyed all his blogs and videos and appreciate all he has try to do I would really love to see some videos on what people plan on doing when they can't enjoy this lifestyle anymore

[@selena0ldenoughtoknowbette244]

What would change in your recommendations for women.

[@7884golfguru]

Was there in 83 absolutely beautiful place,a long way from my home down under New Zealand people were friendly as ❤❤❤

[@waynek3366]

My dream is to camp and explore the down under but money isn't there.

[@lateepiphany]

Wow! Great advice. You have a new follower😉

[@hoss1003]

I'm glad you two haven't had or seen any trouble down in the ol' Mexico.. But, if I can't carry an equalizer, I'm not going..

[@coffeeseven]

Na-PO-lays LOL. It's Nopales. You still get a thumbs up for the good info. I love Mexico.

[@rhondamontiel3827]

For sure want to go in the next few yrs. My concerns mostly are about finding a group to go with and getting Insurance on my vehicle

[@e1369e]

Never once mentioned bandits.?

[@tinamcclure7984]

There are bandits everywhere. Just always be vigilant

[@RVwithTito]

Hey JP 👋 Great info

[@karolruttan2396]

Sounds nice

[@perrymahnke886]

Great video & information, what is recommended for health & auto insurance? Also, I assume US currency is excepted for purchasing items? Thank you for sharing your experience & knowledge.

[@sred5856]

Great tips. I was looking for actual places to go and camp - maybe you have those covered elsewhere?

[@kccorliss3922]

Reviews of towns and camping areas would be great

[@outtherebound5259]

Love me some Baja! Our favorites are Mulege & Los Barriles & everything in between. Retirement plan is to lease land & split time between there & our Oregon coast home. Love your videos, Brian!

[@tinamcclure7984]

My maps on my phone worked pretty good in Ensenada. But having that book is great

[@charlottewilson4680]

The traveling at night was helpful and also all of the tips.

[@johnnysirois1537]

Perhaps an explanation as to How to cross the border and what papers you have to have and what papers you need to get along with the cost.

[@planetsaver1]

Great tips! Please let us know some specific beach camping sites you recommend that you consider safe and what the cost is?

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

All excellent in info! One thing, don't drink and drive! ✌️😎

[@bque9444]

If one can't handle jalapenos and similar spicy/hot food, are there other food choices? If one is vegetarian, what food choices are there? Perhaps explain the difference between a "tow" rope/strap vs "recovery" rope/strap.

[@nevysadventuresllc9074]

Should you convert money and how much money should you convert?

[@plattapuss5844]

I was traveling to Gonzaga bay. My friend couldn’t get his act together so we could leave early and not drive in the dark. Got dark about 2 hrs out. I was following a friend with a large trailer. Saw him go around large rocks. I hit them. Broke my drive shaft. Spent the night on the road.

[@598victor]

Is diesel, not ultra low sulfur, plentiful in Baja? For those that have black tank equipped RVs are there plenty of dump stations? For those with cassette toilets are there public restrooms or somewhere to dump those? TIA

[@tammiepulley7167]

Will the RTR presentation be available on KZbin? Thanks so much.

[@colleencarr3470]

The new iPhones have emergency satellite service included. Thx for sharing.

[@fadingveil]

I’m curious to know more about cell coverage services, auto insurance, any required documentation, food costs , camping costs etc . Thanks!

[@garycoloradosprings3947]

Any tips/warnings for making it back across the border to the US?

[@MarlenaWieseman]

Would love to find a caravan to head down in a few months once I'm done at digikey ! Don't wanna travel alone ....

[@xhippiewanderer]

What info you have for woman alone or caravan with another lady doing vehicle camping as you guys do?

[@decastring]

Totally understand the warning about guns and ammo. What about a bow and arrows? Will that get me into trouble? Thanks!

[@CleaningLady1972]

Great video but still not a place I would likely go. Too sketchy and there are just so many places in the US to see but thank you again for the talk. Maybe someday.

[@jacqueanderson7427]

What about telling the US state department that I am traveling in Mexico as a solo female van lifer ,that way if anything happens the state department will know your itinerary. #justaceforShacquellaRobinson

[@SophiasGramma]

I didn't make the RTR presentation because of the weather & I wasn't feeling well. Seeing your comments at the end of this video, I really wish I would have, since I'm planning to head to Baja now & would really love to have some ideas on destinations.

[@MrJimpurvis]

I felt very safe lived in La paz two years

[@blueskies00]

You wonderful guys helping the rv community. Hoping u can think about the recent kidnapping of Americans and if you could do a follow up to this vid suggesting people wait for now to until going to Mexico. Thank u for all you do....

[@randomyoutubevideos.1102]

Any info on traveling the east coast of Mexico ? along the Gulf of Mexico to Yucatan and Belize ?

[@deangrande7207]

How often do you see any creepy crawlers of any kind

[@jchiliw]

Is it safe to use credit or debit cards? What about cash? Mexican money? U.S. money? Exchange rate?

[@leoblumhagen644]

Must use MX money, some credit cards work but plan on using cash, last time I was there my Bank of America allowed cash withdrawal from Standader Bank at no charge with a favorable exchange rate, check with your bank or open an account that gives favorable exchange and no fee. Exchange rate varies day to day but now about 19 pesos to 1 dollar

[@tinamcclure7984]

Most tourist towns will take American dollars. But I always used pesos. You get more for your money. Always have small Bill's. If usd have 20s and lower, if pesos 200peso notes or lower. If you use your card at the atm always decline the exchange rate. Not all the small places will accept credit cards. Good luck and have a great journey

[@akfr0zen]

When you get gas, make sure they zero it out first, we almost got scammed that way.

[@brendonmasters]

I like these series but they tend to cover the same ideas over and over. Here’s a few you didn’t cover Bring small bills no 20s and certainly no 100s Learn basic Spanish hi bye thank you Leave your us laws in the United States, you’re not special Walkie talkies will get you pulled over as it is considered using a cell phone while driving There’s more but you need to find out for yourself Have fun

[@starbubbli]

Bob or Brian, what is the camp grounds you two use to work at in FL, Brian's former camp ground he recently came from and worked at for 12+ yrs. We'd like to go camping there. Thank you!

[@okiejammer2736]

There are lots of good questions in the comments. May be a good idea to film a BAJA PART 2. However, the more you two talk, the more I'm going to have to pass. Thanks.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

I would like to know more about the caravans.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

You forgot to mention You need a visa (FMM) to go to Mexico.

[@tinamcclure7984]

And a passport. Or passport card if you drove across.

[@tygershit]

do the policia shake you down for protection money? thats what i want to know.

[@mr.skipper4544]

What parts of baja would you recommend

[@lizmccaleb577]

I want to go there but getting there is the question. Is it safe to get there.

[@wxxr9095]

(9:19) If you taking the EV there is no DC fast charging (except the Ensenada Tesla Supercharger ) and you will need a TJ adapter (Tesla to J-1772) TJ adapter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqTWh2N4os14btE Ensenada Tesla Supercharger: www.plugshare.com/location/199335

[@Jim-vi4hh]

What are some tips about how much cash to carry, ATM's credit cards etc.?

[@Nemo-yn1sp]

Everything is helpful! How long can one stay in Baja? Is it the same issue at the border, maybe get 180 days, maybe not? When does it get too hot? THANKS!

[@tinamcclure7984]

Depends on where you go as for the heat. I lived in Ensenada a d we had San Diego weather. Now San Felipe and Puerto pasco get very hot in the summer months. Think of Phoenix hot.

[@conchscooter]

Baja around the sea of Cortez gets very warm starting around June. On the pacific coast the cooling sea breezes keep the coast cooler just as it does in Upper California ( in the US). The amount of time you get on your FMM (tourist card) depends on the border agent. Normally they will give you 180 days no problem. You may annoy an agent and they are free to give you less. Just be cheerful and polite and you’ll be fine.

[@guylamullins3602]

I would like to see a chiropractor in that area. Can you lease a van to live in temporarily?

[@viddachan8940]

Baja is very different from Mainland Mexico. While some of what you covered applies to both, there are aspects to traveling in Mainland Mexico that would require different perspecties, travel plans, etc. An example is the fact that the land mass is much greater, therefore where to camp there? Yes, there are beaches but further in? Can you do a video on traveling and camping in Mainland Mexico?

[@ChrisRI1000]

A little bit on areas or places to avoid or be alert to danger. Also the crime stats.

[@jamesbailey4374]

Can you take bear spray or some type of protection

[@HolyBrainBible]

Is it safe? *Dental drill begin to whine*

[@ruthfeiring2628]

You mentioned your Tracker - did you take your Class C and Tracker?

[@FidoHouse]

Good question...I'd heard tow vehicle wasn't allowed.

[@bobaloo2012]

I used to spend the winters in Baja, until last year when I was robbed of everything I had in San Felipe. The police shrugged and said "these things happen." If you read the local Baja news (in Spanish), there are constant stories of foreigners being robbed and killed, usually for their vehicles. I used to say Mexico was like the US, if you stayed out of the cities you were pretty safe, that's not the case any more I'm afraid. Little towns like Bahia de Los Angeles and Bahia Gonzaga are having murders, robberies and carjackings on a regular basis. These stories aren't covered in US news, and the online groups promoting Mexico won't allow them to be posted, since those groups are usually run by people with a financial interest in tourism. I really loved my times in Baja and wish I could go back, but I no longer feel it's worth the danger. Stay safe.