ATM Service
Banking in Mexico
Driving in Mexico
Auto insurance in Mexico
The Tran Peninsular Highway
Buying Gas in Mexico
Highway Signs in Mexico
Gauging Distance in Baja
The Military Checkpoints

Police Authorities in Mexico
Corruption - "La Mordida"
Taxes
Moving Your Pets to Mexico
Baja California Weather
Health Care in Mexico
Buying Prescription Drugs in Mexico
Healthy Living in Mexico
AA and Other 12 Step Programs

ATM SERVICE
Banamex, Bancomer and Bital have 24-hour-a-day ATMs that accept most U.S. bank cards all along the Tijuana - Rosarito Beach - Ensenada corridor. Only pesos are dispensed from these machines. Your account in the U.S. is charged that day’s Peso rate of exchange. Your account will also have about a $3.50 service fee deducted. Bital also has a ATM machine (Pesos only) in the AM/PM 24 hours Pemex Station on south end of Rosarito Beach.
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BANKING IN MEXICO
You may open a dollar account or a peso account in any bank. You will need a copy of your passport and verification of where you live such as your utility bill, lease or Bank Trust with a minimum deposit of $1,000.00 in cash. You can save a lot in ATM fees by having a Mexican account. Most banks in Mexico today offer modern conveniences like online banking, bill pay, etc. You should have no problem finding personnel at the banks in Rosarito Beach and Ensenada who speak English.
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DRIVING IN MEXICO
The main thing to remember in Mexico is that the traffic laws are basically the same here as in the USA. Don’t speed, don’t run stop lights or stop signs, don’t make illegal turns or fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians. And of course DON'T DRINK & DRIVE! If you wouldn’t do it north of the border, don’t do it south of the border either. Rosarito Beach has begun using checkpoints for drunk drivers on weekends and holidays and you won't get off with just a wink and 50 pesos. If for any reason you are stopped by law enforcement, always be polite, cooperate and you will find that most officers will treat you the same way. You may be stopped for driving with missing or expired tags - the officer only wants to see your ID and registration to verify that the car is not stolen. Cooperate and you will most likely be back on your way in minutes.  
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AUTO INSURANCE IN MEXICO
Under Mexican law U.S. insurance is not recognized by the state, therefore it is imperative if you're bringing your vehicle to Mexico that you obtain Mexican auto insurance. Be careful with some American policies that state they cover you in Mexico - they may not be recognized. Your best bet is to buy insurance from the reputable agencies before crossing the border into Mexico. If you forget, there are many agencies in Tijuana and Rosarito Beach that can help you.
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THE TRAN PENINSULAR HIGHWAY
This is the highway between the northern and southern states of Baja California peninsula. The highway has been vastly improved in recent years with better maintenance as well as added lanes along many stretches of the highway. If you are planning a driving trip along this highway it is important that you always take the time to plan your trip for fuel, accommodations and unexpected emergencies that might occur. There are very long strips of lonely highway. 
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FUEL IN MEXICO
The nationally owned "Petroleos Mexicanos" (Pemex), is the only formal seller of fuel in Baja. You can buy regular (magna) or supreme and feel confident that the quality is equivalent to gas purchased in the US. However keep a small calculator handy if your paying in dollars – sometimes the attendant pumping your gas “miscalculates” the exchange rate. If they clean your windows, check your tires, etc., a small tip of 50 cents to a dollar is always appreciated. The AM/PM station at the south end of Rosarito Beach before the toll booth is always quite busy. You may find it is better to fill up at one of the station along the boulevard before heading south towards Ensenada.
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HIGHWAY SIGNS IN MEXICO
With the exception of the Tijuana - Rosarito Beach - Ensenada toll road, all non-symbolic highway signs are in Spanish, however most are fairly easy to figure out. Best rules of thumb to avoid problems? Drive safely, stay alert and above all - Use your common sense. If you would like more information here is a webpage that gives you some help:    Highway Signs in Baja
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DISTANCES IN BAJA
You should not associate these distances with the time required to drive between the points on the highway. Road conditions in some places limit speeds to well below what might be expected on many two-lane highways in the States. Kilometers is the standard of measure. A good rule of thumb is to covert is 5 miles = 8 kilometers.
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THE MILITARY CHECKPOINTS
When you drive in Baja you will periodically come across Military Check Points. Most of the time they will just wave you through. It may seem quite intimidating with their machine guns, but actually, they're very nice young men and their main job is to control drug possession and fire arms which are both very illegal. Even carrying ammunition without a gun is illegal! Just remember – No Guns, Ammo or Drugs in your car and you won't need to worry!
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POLICE AUTHORITIES IN MEXICO

Municipal Police: These are the uniformed Police (Policia) that drive the blue and white cars. They provide surveillance, prevent crime and assist citizens.

State Judicial Police: This branch is part of the State Attorney General's office and are responsible for investigating crimes and carrying out arrest warrants. These Police don't wear uniforms and drive unmarked cars.

Federal Highway Police: These Police monitor traffic and proper vehicle documents. They investigate accidents on Federal Highways and supervise ports and areas. They are Federal uniformed police officers and drive the Black & White cars.

Federal Judicial Police: This branch is part of the Attorney General's Office and investigate crimes contained in the Federal Penal Code. These officials are not uniformed and operate both on a National & Interstate level.

Public Treasury Police: This police department is in charge of verifying the legal entrance of merchandise and vehicles coming into Mexico. These "guys" drive those new royal-blue Dodge Ram Pickup trucks at the border. In case you DON'T stop when the red light gets you, these trucks will be right behind you!
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CORRUPTION - "LA MORDIDA"
Most police officers in Tijuana, Rosarito Beach and Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico are not bad people, but they are also not very vigilant regarding traffic violations, especially compared to the US and Europe, where you can be sure they will pull you over for such an inoffensive (in the Mexican perspective) offense like speeding or "rolling" a stop sign. If you are pulled over, there is a chance that the officer will suggest that you avoid the hassle of going "down to the station" ("a la delegacion") by paying him a small sum ("una modica suma"). The going rate is about $100 pesos for running a red light, making an incorrect turn, or something similarly uneventful. They might see your bewildered face and ask for more; don't give them more than $200 pesos (20 dollars) The government of the Federal District is trying to place more of the blame for street corruption on the general population, saying that, by offering bribes, it is inducing this kind of behavior. This is, of course, a cop-out (excuse the pun) with which they hope to divert attention from their cowardly inability to bring the corrupt middle officials to justice.
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TAXES
Never a pleasant subject in any country, but expect a sales tax of 10%. This applies to restaurants, goods, services, tolls, gasoline, hotels, etc. This tax is called I.V.A. “Sales Tax” as we know it. Real Estate Taxes are a very low amount of maybe $200.00 (+ or -) annually, as an average. A 2% transfer tax at the time of closing is a one-time tax when title is passed. This is collected by the NOTARIO (a very high position and only 18 Notaries serve Tijuana & Rosarito Beach residents) and paid to the Mexican Government. Income Tax in Mexico is applicable to income earned in Mexico. It is a high rate, but deductions are allowed. If you work in Mexico, and are not a Mexican citizen, you must do so under the FM-3 permit, with special working specifications, that outline the activities you are permitted to perform. Foreigners cannot take any jobs that a Mexican National can do, with a few special exceptions.
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MOVING YOUR PETS TO MEXICO
It is easy moving to Mexico with your pets - contrary to what some may tell you, there is no quarantine requirement. There are official documents that are technically required to transport your pet to and fro across the Mexican border, although we have never seen a customs official ask to see these documents. Officially: within 30 days of your departure to Mexico, take your pet to your local veterinarian and get an international health certificate that confirms that your pet is healthy and up to date with its vaccinations and immunizations. Keep this piece of paper handy when you go through Mexican customs.
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BAJA CALIFORNIA WEATHER
Baja California weather is described as "Mediterranean." Ensenada and Rosarito Beach's climate is very similar to San Diego, and people there think it is just about perfect. Baja California Temperatures rarely go above 85 degrees F., or below 50 degrees F., year round. The cool Pacific waters moderate temperatures along the coast, but go inland a few miles and temperatures can climb quite high in the Summer.
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HEALTH CARE IN MEXICO

Health Care in Tijuana - Rosarito Beach - Ensenada - San Felipe
Health Care can be one of our primary concerns when considering a move to Baja California.. Fortunately, you will find that in general, health care in Mexico is very good and in many places it is excellent. Most doctors and dentists in Mexico received at least part of their training in the U.S. Many of them continue to go to the U.S. or Europe for ongoing training. Every mid-size to large city in Mexico has at least one first-rate hospital. Tijuana has a new hospital “Hospital de Los Angeles” that is very modern and on par with most modern US hospitals in its facilities as well as its care and attention to patients. And a big plus is that the cost of health care in Mexico is generally one-half or less what you might expect to pay in the U.S. and the same goes for prescription drugs. Prescription drugs manufactured in Mexico cost, on average, about 50 percent less than the same drugs in the U.S.

Health Insurance In Mexico
One of the primary questions retirees have about Mexico is the quality of health care and insurance coverage.  Contrary to popular belief, the health care in Mexico is very good.  Many doctors have trained in the U.S. and are bilingual. It is true that Medicare and Medicaid are not accepted outside of the U.S., but many supplemental plans are accepted.  And many expatriates choose to join the MSS (Mexican Social Security) plan which costs about $225 USD a year and covers medical, dental and vision.  Regarding dental care, Americans and others have been coming to Mexico for dental procedures for years; typically, dental care in Mexico is one third the price of similar care in the United States.

Rosarito Beach And Ensenada Medical Facilities
In both Rosarito Beach and Ensenada there are well-equipped medical facilities staffed with highly skilled, experienced professionals ready to deliver high quality care; most of them speak English. Prices are very reasonable as compared to those in other countries.

Alternative Health Care
In nearly every Mexican town, you will find healers and medicine men and women (curanderos and brujos) offering natural and herbal remedies and treatments from chiropractic, Reiki and massage to homeopathy and more. In indigenous areas, shamans are the most revered of community leaders. and quite often they are willing to take on foreign clients. Mexico also has abundant natural hot springs and spas offering nutritional, relaxation and body cleansing programs and more, at a fraction of what you would pay for similar programs at home. In general, you may feel healthier living in Mexico. Fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy seafood, and most importantly - a lack of stress may work to contribute to an overall sense of healthy well-being.
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BUYING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS IN MEXICO
Prescription drug prices may be 20% to 30% cheaper than the United States, but the Mexican Federal Penal Code (Codigo Federal, Articulo 195) does not allow the importation, possession, exportation or sale of prescription (controlled) medicine (without authorization). The penalties are determined by the quantity, type of drug and danger to the public. However, the law also indicates that possession on one occasion for personal use and medical reasons is allowed. Naturally there is no problem purchasing the medicine at the Mexican pharmacy with a prescription from a Mexican doctor and taking the medication during the trip. If an American decides to cross the border back into the US with the medication purchased in the Mexican pharmacies without a prescription, albeit for personal use, it is a technical violation of U.S. law. What happens at the border varies based on the agent you encounter. Be prepared for the possibility of consequences including substantial delays, a thorough search, and the seizure of the drugs. Whether the possession is for personal use becomes the border agent's discretionary decision and the DEA is often consulted. Think it over before attempting…
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HEALTHY LIVING IN MEXICO
Mexico is a healthier place to live because of the food.  Fresh fruit and vegetables are always in season and taste so much better in Mexico that you eat more of them. In fact, Americans have better health in Mexico because unlike North American produce that is picked green and allowed to ripen in transit, Mexican produce is picked at its peak and sold in the market the very next day. Little or no preservatives are used in processed food which means you're ingesting fewer chemicals. Of course quitting smoking would certainly help and save you some money too!
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AA AND OTHER 12-STEP PROGRAMS
Every town of any size in Mexico has an Alcoholics Anonymous chapter, and many also have Narcotics Anonymous and other 12-step programs. Alanon, for instance, is almost everywhere. In some places with large foreign populations, such as Tijuana and Rosarito, AA meetings are even held in English. Playas de Tijuana has a great English speaking NA meeting too. Even if they are in Spanish, however, you will be welcomed and encouraged. Look for the AA or NA symbol inside a triangle or diamond and a circle, usually on a blue background. Look in the local newspaper (Gringo Gazette) or phone book for time and place of meetings. Keep coming back!
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Rosarito Beach, Baja California Mexico