San Ysidro Flights

Parking is an issue for those who want to drive to the border but not drive across.

Parking Lots are a big business in San Ysidro. The closer you are to the border, the more you'll have to pay for parking. Pay attention to the rates offered. You'll see big signs, $4.00, $5.00, $6.00 and $8.00, a no-brainer, right? Not exactly. At the $4.00 place it can be per hour, at the $5.00-$6.00 lot it might be for 8 hours, at the $8.00 sign you'll notice that it is for 24 hours of parking, and anything in between!

This lot is the nearest to the gate entering Mexico, on the west side of the freeway making it the most convenient place to park going in, but you'll have to walk across the bridge--over the freeway--to get back to your car upon your return to the USA. I mention this in case you plan to come back after dark and after a few drinks, in that case it might be safer to park on the east side.

Car Insurance is not compulsory in Mexico, but the issue of insurance is important when driving in Mexico.

Most US car insurance policies will not cover your car beyond US the border--some do, so check out your policy.

Many car rental companies will not allow their cars to cross the border--some do, and the price of complete coverage is tacked on to the cost of the rental almost doubling it.

The issue of car insurance will only come up in Mexico if you have been in an accident.

Mexican Law requires that a driver involved in an automobile accident must be able to meet financial responsibility requirements in the event the driver is found responsible for the accident and occurring damages, bodily injury or death of another.

In the unfortunate event of an accident, only a Mexican insurance policy will be recognized as valid.

Baja-Mex Insurance sells Mexican Insurance by the day or by the year. The rates average $14.00 (liability only) to $18.00 (full coverage) per day.

They are located on the US side of the border, next to the Plaza Las Americas at:

4575 Camino De La Plaza