The Green Angels started in 1960 when driving tourists were the kings of tourism. There were no toll roads, and most highways were two-lane. Gas stations were few. In response to these conditions and to improve the perception of safety (stories of banditos were plentiful, but like today, unfounded), the Secretary of Tourism started this service.
Newbies driving to Mexico ask, “What happens if I break down on the highway? “
You are more likely to be helped by someone in Mexico than in the USA. Don’t take my word for it; here is an email I received from a family I’d planned a trip for. “We arrived at our destination (San Miguel de Allende). We didn’t see or experience any crime or bad guys, just lots of police and military patrolling the highways. All the authorities we interacted with were professional and polite. We did have one problem, though. About 2 hours north of San Miguel de Allende, we cruised down the highway when the truck suddenly died. We coasted onto the shoulder, and within 20 minutes, a father and a son stopped to offer help, then two Federal Police, then two highway workers, then Green Angels.
The tourism department of Mexico has a program called Angeles Verdes. They are mechanics who drive the roads of Mexico in green and white pickups, helping stranded motorists. Our particular Green Angel, Javier, first used his pickup to push our pickup up and over a hill and down to a rest stop. Then he tested the electrical system to determine the problem, which was the alternator had died. He removed the alternator, and he and I drove into the nearby town of San Louis Potosi. Even though it was Sunday afternoon and 90% of the businesses were closed, there was an alternator repair shop open. Yes, an alternator repair shop, that’s all they do. Try to find that in the U.S. They replaced the broken parts and had us on our way within the hour. Javier drove us back to the truck and replaced the alternator. All at no charge (I gave him a hefty tip). The repaired alternator costs a third of what a new one would cost. And 4 hours after the truck died, we continued on our way to San Miguel. There is no shortage of bad guys in Mexico, but all we met were good people. Que se vayan bien, Rob”
What a great introduction to Mexico! Most importantly, based on my own 40 years of driving in Mexico and that of the thousands of people I’ve talked to, this is not an uncommon story.
How to Make a Phone Call in Mexico
If you’re heading south of the border it’s important to know how to make a phone call in Mexico. Check your international dialing and data plans before you leave for your Mexico destination!!!