F.A.Q. So you want to go to Mexico?
Q: Is it safe?
Please read this entire FAQ first. This question is answered last.
Q: Where in Mexico does Pouring Out Hope serve?
Just south of Ensenada (Baja California Norte) is a town called Maneadero. Back in the fields is an area known as Los Flores. The Pouring Out Hope property is located at approximatly these GPS cordinates: +31°43'26.06"N, -116°33'22.31"W
Q: Coming from the Lake Elsinore/Temecula Areas, where do we meet and when?
5:00am at Starbucks 23823 Clinton Keith Rd # 101, Wildomar, CA by Albertsons (on the EAST side of 15 freeway, there is one on the west side as well which can be confusing).
Q: Coming from all other areas, where do we meet and when?
Typically the final meeting spot is 6:15am at Burger king, 91 Bonita Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910. There is a Ramada in this parking lot if you want to stay the night before.
Q: What is the contact info for the Ramada in Chula Vista?
Ramada - San Diego South
91 Bonita Raod, Chula Vista, CA 91910
619-425-9999
Q: Weather and clothing?
Wear work clothes in layers. Avoid jewelry. Bring light work gloves. Check the weather for Ensenada and dress approp.
Q: What do I bring?
Hammer (if you have one and plan to be using it), some cash, snacks, maybe some water bottles. Prescription meds should be in a prescription bottle and only few days worth max. Small chair, sun block, a hat. Baby wipes and hand sanitizer are a luxury if you can bring them!
Q: What is NOT allowed or not recommended?
Rental cars across the border (this isn't Canada!), quantities of medications, weapons of any kind, flashy clothes and/or jewerly are not recommended. I tend to leave everything i don't need at home, including extra credit cards, etc. Don't bring anything you are not willing to lose.
Q: What are the ID & passport requirements?
Currently for Adults: (Birth certificate & ID) or Passport.
Currently for Minors: Birth certificate & noterized letter from the gardian NOT WITH the child granting permission
Q: ...but I heard only passports are acceptable!
Not until June 1, 2009...
Q: Will my cell phone work?
Not well. Nextel seems to have the best coverage. If you have Verizon, call to have international service turned on (it is free) then in Chula Vista the same morning dial *228 to update roaming. This is required the same day as roaming codes change daily between the countries for security. Verizon works ok in Ensenada, Rosarito and TJ and randomly along the coastal roads.
(Dial the US from Mex by entering 001-areacode-phone number. Expect to pay at least a buck a minute and 50c a txt msg).
Q: Do they take US money in Mexico?
Yes, and sometimes without asking.
Q: What if I need a restroom?
We typically make 3 stops during the drive which is usually enough. Once in Maneadero & Los Flores, we have access to the Outhouses of several residences. This is where the hand sanitizer or babywipes come in handy if you bring some.
Q: What is the Exchange rate?
As of this writing it is about 15 pesos to 1 us dollar, it changes daily. You can check the rate here:
Q: What if I am driving?
If you drive you have to buy Mexican insurance even if your US insurance covers mexico you still have to buy it.
A tank of gas will get you there from San Diego and back no problem. . . If you drive, make sure your tags/reg is up to date. Heavy window tint is not allowed just like here. Talking on cell while driving is not legal in Baja. If you drive, you have to drive your own car not a borrowed one. Check all compartments and remove everything that isnt required. Speed limits are posted in Kilometers not MPH. Alto means STOP. If you have a Benz or fancy car consider NOT being a driver. Older Volvos are ok to drive.
All drivers are expected to follow our rules, contact POH for Details.
Yes and no. Mexico has always had a reputation for corrupt police pushing for bribes, and certain types of crime you find in most tourist communities. But lately, the media has been reporting regularly on the drug "wars" in Mexico. Although many of the reports have accurate content, the headlines draw a less than realistic picture. The chances of encountering a "war in the streets" anywhere that we will be is nearly 0.
There were an avg of 3 murders a day in Tijauna to Rosarito in 2008 out of over a million people. Your odds are higher of dying in a car accident driving to San Diego. Some of the murders were very violent (which makes headlines), but were shown to be between rival drug cartels. Both the media and our US travel advisory acknowledges American Tourists have not been targeted. The reported violence in Baja takes place primarily in Tijauna and to some extent in Rosarito. There have been kidnappings (adultnappings actually) for ransom which usually target local business persons, this has not been directed at persons living outside Mexico and victems have been shown to be specifically targeted.
The media has been encouraging people not to go to Mexico lately citing the violence. Specifically the military and spring breakers have been encouraged to avoid Mexico. The recommendation is valid as they are a high risk group that go out at night, for the under 21 drinking age, accessibility to recreational drugs and prostitution. This makes them easy targets for all types of crime - and often they are the ones commiting the crimes.
Although some risk is real, we do everything we can, and probably more than we need, to minimize any kind of risk. Here are some of the precautions:
We arrive at the border in the daylight early in the morning.
We cordinate a caravan with numbered vehicles & 2-way radios, so the drivers can communicate.
The lead driver and tail driver are persons with experience driving the route.
The main stretch of the routes are main roads and toll roads
We do not stop in Rosartio or Tijauna (except for the border crossing)
Our destination is south of Ensenada which is way past TJ and Roasarito in a rual community that has come to know us
In most cases we reach the border to return by dusk
For the spiritual readers of this information, you can safely assume this work is ordained by God and you can expect a hedge of protection and coverage of prayer (Is your faith greater than a mustard seed?).
Here is the Travel Advisory - please read it very closely and objectively and remember we are not spending our time in TJ, Juarez or any of the mentioned areas. Note also this advisory was issued early in 2008, they update the issue date every few months, much of the content is the same:
Q: What if there is a legal emergancy while in Mexico?
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at:
ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's internet address is
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.