|
|
 |
RV in Mexico
 |
| Bill and Dot Bell |
Dot and Bill Bell are Mexican RV experts and have taught and led seminars about camping in Mexico throughout Canada and the US. Their website, is considered the most up-to-date source about camping and RVing south of the border.
Questions this issue:
Pemex Boondocking
VOIP
Cost of fuel
Hi guys,
I have never been to Mexico but am looking forward to my first trip. I want to do this as inexpensively as possible and am considering sleeping in my car as I tour the country. Is it safe? -- Gary via email
Dear Gary,
We are glad you wrote because we don't think this is a great idea for you. This is definitely not like Wal-Mart camping at home. Most stations are not open 24 hours a day so washroom access and security is limited. Large trucks and traffic will keep you awake and in a car you are vulnerable to anyone who may see you sleeping.
Having said this, many RVers swear by the occasional overnight stay. Certainly for long haul trips with quick stopovers, sleeping overnight in a Pemex station is preferable to driving at night. However even the most experienced RVer will usually caution you to stay away from large cities and border towns. We don't recommend any RVer boondock anywhere without the company of a few other rigs.
We are not trying to promote fear and anxiety. We just believe from the hundreds of letters we receive that the best and safest way to camp is at secure campsites. We have heard tales of woe of theft and break-ins and we have pictures of accidents to those trying to get away at night. In a car you would be that much more vulnerable.
 |
| Many Pemex gas stations can be used to stay over for the night, but check with the operator first |
Most RV camping costs approximately $15 to 20 a night. Tenting is usually at least half of that. You will have companionship and an opportunity to talk to old hands experienced at traveling in Mexico. They can really assist you with local bargains and good places to see. The campgrounds also have washrooms, showers and you can prepare your own meals. Please reconsider your plans.
Dear Bill and Dot,
What do you do to phone people or stay in touch via the phone while you are gone? I am expecting some calls from my son regarding my mother's health and need to have some kind of availability while on the road. -- Cheryl
Hi Cheryl,
There are a number of ways to keep in touch over the phone. If you are a destination camper, that is you travel to one location and stay there for the majority of your trip, your campground host will likely allow you to use their phone for incoming emergency numbers.
If you are traveling most of the time, you can purchase an inexpensive cell phone and have relatives and friends call you wherever you are. The phone plans include a pay as you go option so you are not stuck with a contract or expensive monthly plans.
A third option is to get a VOIP phone service ? a phone service that you are connected to if you are connected to high speed internet. Type in VOIP and you will see a number of providers that offer different services. Vonage, Iconnect, and Crystal Voice are a few. We have tried many and the one we like the most so far is SKYPE. We pay less than $15 for three months and get a US area code phone number and voicemail system. That means that people pay long distance only to our area code in the US when they call us. When we call their phone it costs us two cents a minute to reach just about anywhere in the world. We use a headset with a microphone instead of a handset.
While sometimes there is static, it usually is caused by poor bandwidth. We find the service best in the morning or in the evening when fewer people are using the internet. It is also better in calm weather.
(While we mention we like SKYPE the best we also want to mention that they are one of our advertisers. Even if they weren't, we would still promote them. There is no self serving interest here; just about every VOIP service has an advertising or referral program.)
Dear Editor,
Gas and diesel prices are going crazy. What is the cost of diesel in Mexico? -- Carole
Hey Carole,
 |
| Gas prices in Mexico are are reasonable, the real deal is in diesel |
All things considered, the fuel prices in Mexico are cheaper by comparison. Pemex, the one and only gas station in Mexico, is highly regulated by the government and prices go up gradually; usually two cents per litre at the end of the month. Right now you can expect to pay 6.34 pesos per litre for regular gas, 7.49 pesos for premium gas and 5.34 pesos for Diesel per liter.
Converting to gallons and US dollars, expect to pay $2.23 US per gallon for gas, $2.61 for premium and $1.89 per gallon for diesel. In Canadian Dollars that works out to $.69 CD for gas per liter, $.85 for premium and $.60 for diesel.
For more information about RVing and exploring Mexico, go to The Bell's Website or to ask your question about RVing in Mexico write editor@ontheroadin.com .
For a big selection of books about RVing in Mexico visit RVbookstore.com.com
Dot and Bill will be teaching 4 1/2 hour extensive courses in RV travel to Mexico in in Seattle (Edmonds), Vancouver and Tucson areas in the fall 2005. Email them for information or to reserve a space.
|
|
|
Traveling
to Mexico?
If you're headed to Mexico with your RV, check out the big selection of
books and DVDs about traveling and RV camping south of the (USA) border.
RV
Boondocking Basics
Learn all about RV camping without plugging into public utilities in
best selling guidebook. Not only does boondocking afford freedom, it saves money!
Learn
more.
Learn
all about Full-Time RVing
New 90-minute DVD interviews actual fulltime RVers who tell about how
they do it. If you're thinking of going full-time, don't miss this. Learn
more.
Locate
Wal-Mart stores
Use this directory to plan free overnight stays. Get easy driving directions
to every Wal-Mart in America. Learn
more or order the Wal-Mart Locator. 20% Off.
Explorer
RV — Insurance Designed To Protect And Save.
Owners of motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and medium duty tow vehicles
save up to 15% over our largest competitors by tailoring their coverage from
over a dozen options.
Buying
an RV?
Get online prices
from dealers in your area & SAVE! In less than 60 seconds, request quotes
on new or used RVs from up to three dealers in your area. Compare quotes to
find your best deal! No charge, no obligation. Learn
more or get quotes.
Do
you tow dinghy behind your motorhome?
Then you need Protect-a-Tow to protect it from flying debris. Also protects
hitch, wiring, safety cables & more. Get
information.
Shopping
for an Extended Warranty for your RV?
The Good Sam Club's Continued Service Plan covers your coach, engine, appliances,
and accessories in your RV and even tow vehicle! Get
an online quote.
Don't Pay to Stay:
Camp for free in your RV
Learn where to camp for free or nearly free in your RV across the USA.
Camping
At Casinos.
Learn which casinos have RV parks and which offer free overnight stays
in their parking lots.
Exciting Jobs for RVers!
Workamper® News has helped more than 60,000 people find great jobs in
great places since 1987.
|
|
