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Planning & Logistics
Before the rubber hits the road, there’s paperwork, permits, and a few quirks to figure out. From border crossings to insurance and all the bureaucracy in between, this is where I share what I wish I’d known before rolling south. Think of it as a rider’s toolkit for smoother travels.


Can You Sell a Foreign-Plated Motorcycle in Mexico? Here’s the Real Deal
One of the most common questions I get from riders heading south is: “Can I sell my motorcycle in Mexico?” The short answer? No . Not legally, anyway. Foreign-plated vehicles that enter Mexico on a Temporary Import Permit (TIP or TVIP) are strictly for temporary use . The rules are clear: you can ride it, but you can’t sell it. Try to, and you risk fines, confiscation, and getting banned from future permits. So what happens if you fall in love with Mexico, have decided to t
Antonia Issa
Oct 303 min read


Exiting Mexico: How to Cancel Your TVIP (and Get Your Deposit Back)
Canceling your Mexico TVIP is the last, crucial step before you roll north. Do it right and you’ll get your deposit back—do it wrong and you could lose it, or end up blocked from future permits. This guide shows you exactly where to cancel (with the latest Banjercito IITV list), what to expect at the border , and the small details that trip people up, like limited office hours and locations that don’t process returns. I’ll also share which crossings feel calmer after thousan
Antonia Issa
Oct 307 min read


Smart Traveller FAQ: Mexico’s Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP)
Central Mexico, unknown location. Here's a quick and dirty of FAQs I've personally asked regarding the TIP (TVIP/IITV). For the full article and step by step guide click here . Q1. Can I apply for a TIP at any border crossing? No. Not every border has a Banjercito or CIITEV module. Some are 20–30 km inside Mexico, not directly at the booth. Always check Google Maps or call ahead to confirm which crossings process TIPs. Q2. Can I receive my refund at any Banjercito or border c
Antonia Issa
Oct 293 min read


Motorcycle Insurance in Mexico: Why “Liability Only” Isn’t the Whole Story
Crossing the border on two wheels comes with plenty of unknowns: potholes, paperwork, and the occasional cow in the road. But there’s one thing you can control: your insurance. If you’ve ever tried to buy motorcycle coverage for Mexico and wondered why every quote says “liability only,” you’re not alone. The answer is buried somewhere between outdated databases, cautious underwriters, and the magic of calling the right human being at the right moment. Liability Insurance: Th
Antonia Issa
Oct 273 min read


Tipping in Mexico: A Motorcycle Traveller’s Guide to Respect and Pesos
I’ve been asked many times about tipping culture in Mexico. Visitors sometimes say they feel pressured by people offering help. To be...
Antonia Issa
Sep 243 min read


Medical Care in Mexico: Cheap, Easy, and Sometimes Even Fun
Nobody plans to get sick on a motorcycle trip, but it happens. The bad news? Grandma isn’t here to make you chicken soup (but consider...
Antonia Issa
Sep 233 min read


The Million-Dollar Question: What Should I Ride?
The TL;DR: Ride your ride. Ride what’s comfortable. Ride your level. Young man and his motorcycle in a village near El Cuyo, Yucatàn I...
Antonia Issa
Sep 195 min read


Accommodation in Mexico: Safe Budget-Friendly Sleeps for Riders
Part of the adventure when riding in Mexico happens off the bike. After a long day on the roads, you'll need to find a place to eat,...
Antonia Issa
Sep 154 min read


No Surprises at the Border: The Essential Mexico Checklist for Solo Riders
The Mexico side of the US/Mexico border at Agua Prieta Crossing into Mexico on a motorcycle can feel overwhelming the first time —...
Antonia Issa
Sep 92 min read


The Truth About Mexico Border Crossings No One Tells You
The night before I crossed into Mexico for the first time on my motorcycle, I was camped out in the cutest little Airstream hotel in...
Antonia Issa
Sep 94 min read


The Insurance Mistake That Could Cost You Everything in Mexico
A Canadian or U.S.-plated bike in Mexico must have Mexican vehicle insurance in addition to your local (Canadian or U.S.) insurance. Your domestic policy does not cover liability in Mexico. No valid Mexican policy = uninsured under Mexican law , which can lead to serious legal and financial consequences in the event of an accident. Fortunately, there are many reputable insurance providers to choose from, offering everything from liability-only to full coverage with roadside
Antonia Issa
Sep 83 min read


The Real Villain of Riding Mexico? Hint: It’s Not the Cartels
Mexico isn’t without its challenges, and it’s not for the faint of heart! What’s my biggest fear when riding in Mexico? Dealing with the...
Antonia Issa
Sep 32 min read


Temporary Vehicle Import Permit: TVIP /IITV Mexico -Your Step-by-Step Guide (That No One Explains Clearly)
Welcome to one of the least exciting—but most important—parts of driving or motorcycling into Mexico. Whether you’re crossing from Arizona, Texas, or Belize, understanding your TVIP (Temporary Import Permit, also called TIP) is non-negotiable . This piece of paper determines whether your bike or vehicle is in Mexico legally, and whether you’ll get your deposit back when you leave. Let’s break it down once and for all. ⚠️ Important: If you’re applying online, do it at least
Antonia Issa
Aug 2910 min read


Border Crossing: 10 Things I Learned the Hard Way
Travelling to Mexico on a motorcycle is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, but I definitely learned a few lessons the hard...
Antonia Issa
Aug 274 min read
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