🚘 HOW TO DRIVE FROM MCALLEN TX TO MONTERREY 🚘 Tollway | DRIVING IN MEXICO 

Thank you! I am from Brownsville but also moving to MTY. Subscribe to my channel, I'll be posting videos about MTY and surrounding areas.

@@MonterreyLiving Subscribed!

Today is the day. I’m following these exact instructions! Let’s see how it goes! 😅

How can you be a native regio if you weren't raised in Monterrey lol, i was raised in Mty and i live in Texass yeahh i doo this trip once a month i love it

@@mro_macI think he/she was born in Monterrey and went to Texas

That's awesome! You'll love it.

Feel free to ask me anything, I'd be happy to answer your questions.

@@MonterreyLiving ...what do you need to rent a car in Mexico? Also, I have heard that the highway between Reynosa and Monterrey is dangerous, is this true?

Do it! And let us know how it goes.

You can always have the video play slower

Will be posting more vids soon!

I’m from Laredo and I honestly can’t tell if you’re joking or not

@@Vergu2 I'm afraid I'm not. According to other bus travelers they said hijacks crossing the bridge were a common thing.

Dam I was thinking about making this exact trip for the weekend.

The trip on the way back..was it at night?

@@connieg7692 nope. It was 2 in the afternoon.

Monterrey is awesome! We go back and forth every 3 weeks with no problems. Just follow the video. And if you can drive in Houston, Texas then traffic is a bit similar. Just don't expect folks to use their blinkers, and don't mind motorcycles driving in between lanes and stuff lol.

@@MonterreyLiving haha noted! I’ve only flown into the city but i prefer road-trips oddly enough 😂

2nd

Metropolitan área, the City is 3, inegi report update

Well at least the Toll Roads :) The drive from McAllen to MTY is pretty good.

Hi! Glad you enjoyed the video. If you are traveling further down away from the border then you need to stop by at immigration office in customs to get a travel permit. If you are a U.S citizen crossing back to the U.S you will need your passport.

In the northern states of Mexico its normal to drive trucks and mid size vehicles. I personally like small because you can fit anywhere. For example in Monterrey many people drive mid-size SUVs and mid size to full size pickup trucks. However, when it comes to parking, that's where you'd appreciate a midsize or a small vehicle because the parking spaces are not that big. I drive a Rav4, its small, but its a solid vehicle and handles the potholes and rough terrain from some of the streets in Monterrey. I'm thinking of trading in for a Tacoma though.

If you are traveling further south of border then yes you need to go to immigration at customs and get your "permit".

I'm sorry! I'm not from McAllen, all I know is that I exit off the expressway right on either Bryon or Bryan and then make left turn and go straight towards the bridge. But anyways, i hope the rest of the video was useful.

Yes! Many foreigners live in Mty and am sure you will love it. Eco tourism is becoming popular in Mty and Santiago NL.

No way you dont know the road obviously 2 hours San Antonio to Laredo 2.5 hours to Monterey

As soon as you cross the border you'll take the "declare" lane and find parking space. Look for an office called "Banjercito". The actual permit costs $50.00US and they require a $400.00US deposit which is refunded back when you return from trip. You need to show original registration (registration renewal form is fine), your immigration travel permit and US passport.

Santa Catarina is a safe area, in fact the US Consulate is located there and all govt employees are required to live in the Santa Catarina or San Pedro area. You'll be just fine. You don't need to take a bus tour if you have your own car. I recommend that you download the app Pasaporte Nuevo Leon Extraordinario so you can get info on the outdoor activities and make reservations (if required).

@@MonterreyLiving Thank you for the app recommendation and the information about the neighborhood! I really appreciate it. :)

hi! how was your trip? i plan on driving solo with my dog from houston to monterray (santa catarina). were u by yourself? did u drive? thanks 🙏🏼

@@jenpop7 I ended up taking the bus from Houston to Monterrey. The bus ride was perfectly fine. 9 HR ride. We stopped for food along the way at a restaraunt that had an agreement with the bus company. Then once the bus crossed at the boarder past Laredo we did have to get out the bus on the Mexico side. Pay for a tourist visa (if you didn't have one) and have luggage go through a scanner like at the airport. The trip to Monterrey was really great. There is great hiking and mountain climbing in the area. I can suggest a guide that speaks English if you need one. It is also VERY hot there so be aware to stay hydrated.

@@theluxuryvagabond thank u for the info! what bus line? were any dogs on board?

No checkpoint, just a booth to pay and that's it. :)

Sometimes Customs will have a checkpoint set up just before the toll booth.

Well, if you are closer to Nuevo Laredo then you can go through there just be sure to take toll roads all the way. From what I know there are many American expats that live in Monterrey and cross through Nuevo Laredo wi/out a problem. Just go during the day and take the tolls and you should be fine.

@@MonterreyLiving This was going to be my exact question too. I am considering going from west Houston to Monterrey and the GPS shows Nuevo Laredo is faster. Any idea the toll amounts going that route? This video has been very helpful. It is taking away my fear of driving across the border for the first time.

@@theluxuryvagabond I'm not exactly sure but I usually spend about $700 pesos coming from McAllen. So take $1000 pesos just to be on the safe side.

@@theluxuryvagabond drove from pasadena texas to Monterey, through anzalduas. Really safe crossing and straight to Monterey. Just got back last week and used the same bridge, fast and easy! Safe travels

@@a.m.c6252 Thanks Chris! The comments on this video are really making me feel better about making this trip. Is it a scenic trip once you cross the boarder?

I've heard from many Americans that they take the Colombia - Laredo International Bridge to go to Monterrey.

This was last month (June) . The information I have is only for the state of Tamaulipas, MX: The governor is not allowing US citizens to cross into Mexico unless its for an emergency or if you work for a manufacturing company. However, as far as I know, you can enter Mexico through the Hidalgo, TX / Reynosa International Bridge and not have a problem. If you're driving beyond the border into Mexico don't forget to get your Vehicle Import Permit.

Yes, at any inspection point you can get the visa. As soon as you "cross" over to customs area look for a lane that reads something about "declare or declarar" and find parking. All the offices you'll need are there such as immigration and Banjercito where you go to get the temporary vehicle import permit.

Not anymore, at least not in my case. I travel often, at least once a month between Monterrey and McAllen and have not encountered any problems. In fact, the national guard has taken up the major highways/roads to make everything more safe. As long as you take the toll road (quota) then you should be fine. Also follow through with my video by using Anzanduas International bridge that way you avoid having to go through Reynosa, it puts you on the outskirt directly to the road to Monterrey.

Thanks for responding.

There are many things you can do. Right now some places are closed due to COVId but they're gradually reopening. The tourism in Monterrey is mainly Eco-Tourism and outdoors activities like visiting state parks or Macro Plaza, hiking, rivers and waterfalls. I'm just going to share this page from trip advisor for more info. Oh and you have to eat baby goat (cabrito) because its a big deal since Nuevo Leon is king for cabrito. www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g150782-Activities-zft11306-Monterrey_Northern_Mexico.html

@@MonterreyLiving Are they close to the bus station or would we have to take an Uber away from it.

​@@antaje407 You will need Uber. The only places that can or may be walkable within the same area is Macro Plaza (Downtown), Parque Fundidora, Santa Lucia Riverwalk and Barrio Antiguo (old downtown), everything else you'll need Uber since a lot of restaurants and attractions are located outside of Monterrey like in the town of Garcia, Santiago or San Pedro Garza Garcia (The rich and trendy side). If you're staying in a hotel in downtown chances are they may have tour info so that a tour company can pick you guys up.

Only TIP but i'd prefer to go in person at Banjercito office ar Mexican Customs.

texas use to be mexico

As long as you are not driving a Ferrari, Lambo, McLaren or similar then you should be fine. Just be sure to get an additional plate so you can put in the front window (your not obligated but its preferred). It is common for Texas folks to drive BMW, Mercedes or Audis into Monterrey so if you're driving a similar vehicle then you're definitely fine. Those models are actually common in the rich side of Monterrey. If you don't have front plates you might get the attention of the cops ,maybe they'll pull you over, but they can't do anything since you are not from Monterrey. Just be sure to get your Temporary Import Permit for your car so you won't have any problems.

That's all changed via airplane. I would suggest going by Land. Entering into Reynosa would be advisable.

Hello! We actually drove this weekend into MTY from McAllen, and we leave Sunday. We been doing this route quite a bit actually and honestly we consider it pretty safe. I always recommend to simply drive during the day, take all tollroads and that's it. As long as you follow video you should be fine. My only main recommendation is to not have tinted windows in front since its sorta illegal. You can only have the manufacturer tinted windows in the back. Feel free to ask anything, wishing you a fun trip.

No, no credit cards, just cash or a special etag that you can buy at an oxxo.

Never

Glad you made it safe! Enjoy Monterrey.

So you didn't have to pay for your vehicle permit? Didn't you have to get a permit for yourself, entry into the country at the border? That costs around 33 bucks.

@@emioli8990 nope, nothing. i was prepared to stop and obtain everything needed but they just waved me through without stopping. i did obtain the $33 permit for myself online before i drove down (as well as mexico car insurance) but they didnt even check me for it, didnt have to roll down my window or anything, just waved me through 🤷‍♀️

@@jenpop7 Because they don't tell you to get a permit. If you had been stopped and they asked for your documents, and you did not have them, they could have seized your vehicle. Even the FMM still has to be stamped by immigration.

well shit.. they should probably stop all vehicles so idiots like me are directed to the right place. what should i do? i am leaving this weekend and dont want any trouble leaving

The Colombia international crossing is in Tamaulipas. Many people take that because it leads to toll roads to Monterrey since its safer. You should be fine.

Cool thanks!

@@MonterreyLiving Actually it is in Neuvo Leon

@@knerduno5942 You are absolutely right, its in Anahuac, NL. Thanks for the correction.

If you manage to get it online then you shouldn't have a problem and you can simply drive through. Last time i got a permit (last year) i received the permit with QR code by email.

Generally no, but every now and then they do.

On the government website it does allow for online application, but, to be honest it will force you to resubmit in person. So basically, whenever you cross the border to the Mexican side, you need to make sure you enter the "declare lane" and park somewhere in their parking lot. Look for the office that say "Banjercito" and that's where you get the permit. Since I moved permanently with my wife we decided to just buy a car in Mexico by taking out a personal loan with our U.S bank. Since we're both dual citizen the process was easier, but, i think as a permanent resident you can buy a car too. Feel free to ask away!

@@MonterreyLiving you’re awesome! I sincerely enjoyed your video and subscribed! Thanks for an incredible video and very valuable information! We are so torn we consider doing the same just buying a car in Mexico as well.

@@bigskyblessing Just noticed you have videos too! Going to subscribe. Queretaro is amazing btw, definitely my top 3 cities in Mexico.

@@MonterreyLiving thanks! I have been doing videos up in Alaska and a few in Mexico. I am an airline pilot and will be commuting to and from us on the airlines for work. I have plans to spruce up my channel and bring good content hopefully. I am in training for the next 3 weeks so not much time for anything. Once we are settled in better I plan to do more. Thanks again

You need to check with your service provider, you may have to pay an additional fee so you can use roaming. Also check your phone settings and make sure roaming is turned on.

If you have AT&T it will work without issue.

If you're going to drive from McAllen, TX to Monterrey and if you follow this video then you should be fine. Every day Texans drive from McAllen to Mty. I drive twice a month back and forth and no problems at all. I've been doing it for a year now. There are other routes you can take but so far i think this one is the safer one.

Hello, I have driven 13 times this year from McAllen to MTY and have not encountered any problems. I take toll roads all the way. Just be sure to take the Anzandua bridge like in the video so you can avoid driving through Reynosa. I heared Laredo is complicated right.now.

My brother did,he got pulled over and they asked him to give them 500 dls..

@@MonterreyLiving Update. I have gone trice but have taken another route around the city. I've heard of stops asking for money but luckily I have encountered these people. fucking leeches

@@qpassionable what if you don’t have that amount??

@@karentrejo1714 They could kidnap you or steal your car, and magically disappear you 😂

From Reynosa , tolls are much cheaper.

I think its safe to drive your TX car as long as you have a temporary import permit by Mexican Customs and proper insurance. In Monterrey is common to see TX plated cars of all types. So far i've been all over Monterrey and about 45 mins south towards Santiago and Allende without a problem.

@@MonterreyLiving you for Rayados or Tigres also in Monterrey I have seen New Mexico and Arizona plates aswell as California ones

@@phantom_yt5176 No! Saraperos

Hi, if you follow trough using my route then you should be fine. I travel constantly between Monterrey and McAllen and have never encountered a problem. Lately there has been more security because the national guard are patrolling the major roads and highways.

That bridge was probably built about 6-8 years ago. Not many take it even going back to the US. You can either wait an hour at Hidalgo, or 15 at this one.

Hola amigo, la verdad nunca he viajado por Roma TX pero por lo que veo en el mapa es la ruta más corta para llegar a MTY. Lo único que puedo recomendar es que viajes por la de cuota y durante el día. No he escuchado nada malo de esa carretera entonces supongo que todo esta tranquilo. Suerte!

LOL stop doesn't always mean stop in Mexico, especially in the northern region. In Monterrey they'll honk at you for stopping and doing the "3 second rule" like in the U.S.

@@MonterreyLiving take the honk, Mexico needs leader to bring discipline in driving, please!

As long as you drive during day light and take all the tollways (autopistas) then you should be fine. Usually Google is pretty good about this. I recommend you download the Google maps just in case you loose connection. Be sure to get the temp vehicle import permit first, you'll need passport, vehcule registration, driver's license and $400 for security deposit plus $50 for the actual cost of permit. As soon as you cross the border make youe wat to Mexican Customs offices and look for Banjercito. Safe travels!

@@MonterreyLiving thanks really appreciate this but $400 security deposits for what purpose also whats Banjercito??

@@wild_taco_gonecrazycorona9112 The $400 is to insure that you return your U.S plated car back to the U.S. So when you are on your way back to the U.S. you need to stop at Mexican Customs to return the permit and they'll refund you the $400. Banjercito is a government bank that does the whole temporary vehicle importation process that's why you need to go with them.

@@wild_taco_gonecrazycorona9112 omawww.sat.gob.mx/BienvenidoaMexico/Paginas/respaldo/permiso_vehiculo_eng.html

@@MonterreyLiving Oh ok got it thanks a lot this makes sense now usa plated car i own it though lol and Happy new years 2022 best

If you are referring on the deposit for the temporary vehicle import permit then that's 400 plus the actual cost of the permit which is $50. When.you return the permit you will get refunded $400 deposit.

I'm not 100% sure since a Passport is the only international document that can validate your citizenship. Other than that, if you use your birth certicate, they MIGHT require an apostile and translation for the certificate. Your best option right now is to go to your nearest border town, cross over to a Banjercito Offices (they're there as soon as your cross) and just ask what are the requirements in your case.

Basically you'd follow the video. From Mission make your way to Anzandua's International Bridge. You have other bridges a bit closer but for safety reasons I recommend this route in my video.

No, you're better off doing it in person. Be sure to take car registration, driver license and passport. First you'd need to get a travel permit at inmigration office and then walk over to Banjercito to get your Temporary Vehicle Import Permit. These offices are right there as soon you cross over.

You need to have a passport and get a travel permit at Mexican Customs. There is an immigration office as soon as you cross over

Hi! I can't really confirm since I've only driven to MTY, however I do hear that driving to Saltillo is pretty safe. The best thing you can do is always drive through the toll roads (cerretera de quotas).

Very true! Although I think Monterrey is like a Houston but in Mexico.

@@MonterreyLiving lol what do you think the San Antonio equivalent is

The thing is that you never know if you'll get inspected, so it's a risk that you'll need to consider. If you get caught, the best case scenario is that they give you a ticket and keep your license until you pay or they can hold your car until you pay fine It's hard to know. The safe thing you can do is go by bus and travel with Uber in Mty. Sorry, i wish I can give you an exact answer.

Going by bus is actually safe, and you don't have to worry about car permit. Just your regular travel permit. Besides, if you are driving to MTY for the first time, i'd recommend not drive since driving over there is kinda crazy.

Thank you for the advice

Congrats on your move! You'll love it. The only fees are the toll road fees and that's it. I'm not sure how much you'd spend coming from Laredo but I'm guessing you'll spend close to $700 pesos so take $1000 just in case.

@@MonterreyLiving I'll be driving from Los angeles California in my 1963 Ford Galaxie I'm excited do I have to get a vehicle permit at the border? Thank you so much for this information...

American insurance is no good there. They don't accept it if you get into an accident and you could end up in jail. Just fyi.FYI. I know our insurance companies say yeah we cover you there but in MX they will say idk who that is and it could cost you.

As long as you follow my route you should be fine. You will probably encounter other Texans in the same road.

Thanks so much. First time driving into mexico, got a little anxiety about it. Thanks again, really like you videos, will keep watching.

@@johnrobbins7034 i’m going to reynosa in a few days as well. how was is it for you?

How was it for you??

Hi! I will definitely record video to answer this question since its complicated. But to give you a short answer, safety all depends on the region, state or city you will be visiting. There are different levels of safety and crime. For example, generally, the border states to the U.S tend to be dangerous because of cartel activity. Central Mexico like Mexico City and surrounding towns are generally ok in safety, you won’t see the same dangers like in the border states but you can be victim of pocket pickers or robbery if you are not street smart. But if you ever visited NYC, Chicago, Houston or LA then safety is not that much different. Southern Mexico like the whole Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche area well they’re pretty safe. Yucatan is one the safest states in all of Mexico, Merida their capital is beautiful, I couldn’t believe I was in Mexico the first time I visit Merida. Now, I frequent Monterrey because I’m making a permanent move from TX to Monterrey. I’m going to be honest; I feel a lot safer in Monterrey (despite some cartel activity) that I do in the U.S or TX, but also a lot has to do where I go within the city. Just like any other city, there are the good neighbors and the bad ones. At the end of the day you really need to research. I will elaborate more when I make my next video.

@@MonterreyLiving thank you I would appreciate that so much , I have been living in the US since I was 5 yrs old and have never been back so 30 yrs ago. I own a house in Monterrey that I inherited but to be honest I'm afraid of going, is it safe to travel in my personal vehicle or would it attract un wanted attention due to Texas license plates ? If I drive what is the safest route? What are some challenges I might encounter, what is the safest route any tips or advice would be very helpful.

@@justinkase1413 if you follow through on this video i think you will be just fine. I drive my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe with Texas plates at least 12 times out of the year because of work and fun and have not encountered any problems. Btw i'm heading down this 4th of July weekend, i'll give you a fresh update. But i recommend you watch this video because it has valuable information. As long as you take all tollways from Reynosa to MTY you will be 100% fine. Now MTY is the 2nd largest city in Mexico, and just like any large city it has its good neighborhoods and bad ones. Not sure where exactly your house is but if you can tell me a neighborhood i can tell you if its safe or not. You can also try going by bus so you wont have to worry about driving on your first visit. In MTY the taxis are safe at the bus station and there is also Uber. Great Airbnb and hotel choices too.

Yes, traveling by day is safe.

As long as you take the tollways, and have the required vehicle permit you should be fine. I always recommend traveling during the day.

@@MonterreyLiving thank you ! Looking to go from Weslaco Texas

Only Mexican pesos. You should take at least $1000 just to be on the safe side.

@@MonterreyLiving What do you mean by the safe side?

@@MaxiMaidana69 just to have extra cash in case you need to stop at the convience store or for whatever minor inconvenience you may have.

Bus ride is totally safe since they take toll roads which are secure and monitored.

How was your bus ride? Did you go through the McAllen border or Laredo??

That's awsome! You guys will love MTY. As long as you drive during the day and take all tollways then you should be fine. The road from Reynosa to MTY is pretty safe. I drive once every other month back and forth and have never had any problems. Just take a full tank of gas, check tire presures and grab some munchies. Oh and don't forget your temporary vehicle importation permit in case you are driving a U.S plated car.

@@MonterreyLiving Thanks for the speedy response!! That’s makes it that much more comforting 😂. Okay well is there a way to get there walk across and maybe rent a car in Reynosa? We plan on taking a rental but not sure if we can drive one from enterprise and than drop that off in Mexico.

@@martinezcarlos2063 you're only option is to get a Taxi from McAllen to take you to airport and rent a car there. You need to rent a Mexican car because you are not allowed to drive a leased American plated car. There is nothing walking distance crossing to Reynosa and you're only best and safe option is going to Reynosa Airport and rent a car there.

@@MonterreyLiving ok cool! Do you have any recommendations of what safe taxi companies can take us to the airport to rent a car there?

@@martinezcarlos2063 i'd check with Taxis in McAllen first to see if they can take u (normally they do). If not, then your best optiion is crossing by foot at the Hidalgo bridge and take the Taxis from there.

I can't guarantee that all tolls take card, but, I did pay with card one time at the Guadalupe toll as I was leaving MTY. I always recommend to take at least 1000 pesos just in case.

@Monterrey Living i think my final question lol- i want to bring my large 27” mac computer to do some studying while visiting.. will bringing it be an issue u think?

For insurance I've always used www.mexpro.com/mexico/auto/ Fortunately I've never had a problem but you never know.

You won't have a problem taking your mac since its your personal item. Btw, don't feel bad about asking questions, i'm happy to help. Soon i'll be posting more videos on Monterrey. I recently opened an IG page: @mtyliving will be posting stuff there too.

@@MonterreyLiving awesome! thank u :) you have really help give me peace about my solo travels! thank u so much for ur help/work. safe travels friend!

@@MonterreyLiving how is phone service there? on the drive? i have cricket i think they work off at&t towers. really dont want to lose service but know the possibility of it happening like it does in the middle of nowhere on road trips throughout texas.

Like any goods that may be required to pay a customs fee. Like let's say you purchase a furniture set that's over $200 dls then MX customs will charge an X amount. Or if you are crossing with alcohol then that's something that must be declared and pay a tax. I have never paid anything because I rarely cross with stuff that requires me to pay. If you are simply going for vacation you should be fine.

Correct! And it recently became 2nd largest city in Mexico.

I have both citizenships, but i live in Texas. Looking to check out life in Mexico soon as an expat.

Oh ok

That's how long it took last year to cross back in the US in all 3 bridges from Matamoros. CBP officers had hours reduced and only 1 lane or 2 at the most. Omg I once did 4 hours!

That’s terrible!!! We all have lives, and s___ we have to take care of, and when we have wait times like that, and these customs mofos closing lanes whenever the hell they feel like, and acting rude toward people. I feel like it’s a violation of the most basic of human rights (just my nickel), weather you’re an “American Citizen” or not....whatever the hell that means.... because even if you were born in México, Canada, Venezuela or El Salvador; you were still born in the Continents of the Americas.

@@jdrs4214 Oh it’s very frustrating. If I can cross in under an hour in Matamoros or anywhere else really, I count it a blessing. Anything above that is long but not surprising.

We frequent this road to MTY and so far no problems at all. In 2 weeks we have another trip, so we'll see.

@@MonterreyLiving thanks for the reply. We are planning to take this drive in June. Please update me after your next trip.

@@justscrolledin Will do! Just remind me please :) Btw i'll be posting video of our trip back from MTY to Reynosa, hopefully this weekend.

any update guys?

Just got back right now and road to and from is secure. Lots of Texans btw.