Although NPR's Click and Clack, the funny mechanical gurus who are my role models might say, "What, are you out of your mind?" driving Mexico is actually very safe and a whole lot easier than it used to be when I was a wee nipper. Actually they do endorse driving Mexico.

The toll roads compare with (and are actually better than many) Interstates in the States). But driving in Mexico takes certain skills. Fortunately, you can learn from my years of experience (and only one accident). My Pappy used to say that God takes care of fools and the United States, so I don't take too much credit for that. Anyway, read the overview of driving and follow the menu down the yellow brick road.

Mexican maps have traditionally been often long on pretty and short on accuracy. Some are way better than others, though none are perfect. In my humble opinion, the European-made maps of Mexico are useless. See my recommendations for all-purpose maps of Mexico, as well as my own driving maps with touristic details. I give you recommended routes and shortcuts for cars and RV's and tell you what routes Class A motorhomes and towed units should avoid. I also provide mileages and realistic drying times. I'll suggest stops for scenic, little-known attractions you might otherwise miss. My road logs will give you a wealth of detail on driving routes in Mexico. For those who don't appreciate my inimitable writing style, a condensed version is available in database format -- just the facts (oh heck, with a little literary licence).

I'm amazed at people who fly 22 hours (if there are no delays) to Asia for medical procedures when excellent doctors are available as close as Cd. Juarez, across from El Paso, TX. If you are underinsured, or like me, wouldn't know a health insurance policy if it bit you, Mexican doctors and dentists can save you a fortune, and more importantly, your life. But don't pick one by the size of her ... web site. I did once and tell you the story. I've been using Mexican doctors and dentists for years and so have thousands of other Americans. I've chosen doctors and dentists that I know (or who were recommended by a friend who's used them) to recommend. If you need a doctor or surgery see Cd. Juarez doctors.

If all you need is a dentist in Mexico, I recommend some I know in Reynosa and Progreso (though gringos spell it Progresso), both on the South Texas border. I can also recommend an oral surgeon in Cd. Juarez, across from El Paso Texas.

moving for the wrong reason. Yes, Mexico is less expensive than living in the United States, but not as inexpensive as some web sites and books tell you. I can think of one web site in particular whose owners should be shot. What's more important is that you want to live in Mexico because you like the people and the country. If all you see are dollar signs (or peso signs), you will be unhappy and should stay home. You can live in Arkansas, south Texas and other places in the States for less than you can in gringo enclaves. Ugly Americans (or unattractive Canadians) should stay home.

Now, if you're still reading, you're my kind of person. Mexico offers soul, culture and an easy-going lifestyle. If you are on a fixed income, your money will go farther and yes, you can live less expensively, but more importantly, you can live a fuller live. See the good and bad points about living in Mexico, then follow the links for details about living in Mexico.

There are several visa choices for Mexico. A tourist needs an FMT. To take your car into Mexico, your car needs a car permit from Hacienda. To live in Mexico for an extended period, you need an FM3. There are 13 types of FM3's including one that allows you to work in Mexico. An FM2 is something you don't even need to think about until you've lived in Mexico for 5 years. Some swear by it, but it limits the amount of time you can spend out of the country.

Fuel prices in Mexico. Updated monthly. The cost of gasoline and diesel in Mexico is considerably less than gasoline and diesel prices in the United States. The fuel prices here are for the prices in the interior of Mexico. While fuel is less expensive on the Mexican border, it is hardly worth your time to drive across the border just to fuel up if you are not driving to the interior of Mexico. I saw a blog entry that encouraged RV'ers to drive across the border to fill up with diesel, which is a dollar or more less in Mexico. The poster forgot that you need Mexican insurance for your RV or car just to drive across the border and you will wait in line for an hour or so to get back. Plus you are subject to US customs inspection and need a birth certificate or passport. Don't do it.

Mexican spas are bargains. I've selected 3 that I like. All are first-class. All are less expensive than spas in the USA. Spas of Mexico. Spas included are Villa Bejar, Rio Caliente and Hosteria Las Quintas.

"Mexico" Mike stories are heartwarming, funny and always teach you something (even if only that you should have better taste in literature). Be the first to read his new novel.

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