This year is a bit different driving to Mexico. As many still have to drive to Mexico even with travel restrictions in place for the U.S. - Mexico border, extra precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of COVID19 and keep informed of local updates. Being prepared is essential for a successful trip and having the most updated information at hand gives you the opportunity to make decisions based on road conditions, traffic, services etc. Thanks to smartphones, we are able to have many resources at hand when we need the information on the road with mobile apps that can make a world difference while traveling. Here is our list of essential apps for your road trip to Mexico in 2020. Download them before crossing the border.
Waze - Travel/maps
Community-based traffic and navigation app. This is our favorite app and is widely used in Mexico! It helps you with real time traffic and road alerts, calculates routes, saves you time, and gives you options to get to your destination. You can calculate the route from the U.S. to your destination in Mexico; you will need to refresh your app as soon as you cross the border as each country works on different servers.
Guia Pemex- Travel/location
Find the nearest Pemex gas station as well as services offered at each location.
XE Currency- Exchange rates
Get the most current exchange rates and convert from pesos to dollars and vice-versa.
COVID-19MX - Health
Stay informed with the latest official information from the government of Mexico about COVID19.
Roadtrippers- Travel
Your road trip, your travel, your log. Create your route, upload pictures, save your trip and share with other road-trippers. Great way to document and share your road trip.
The Weather Channel- Weather
Plan and prepare with the most popular weather app
Whatsapp - Texting Service
Whatsapp is the most popular and preferred text messaging service used in Mexico mostly because it doesn't require for you to use your cellular service, and you can text with this app using wifi to any cell phone using the app even if they are in a different country. You will find that within the country everyone will refer to sending you a text message as "sending you a whats," so be prepared and download Whatsapp to your iPhone or Android phone.
Messenger - Facebook Messaging application
Requires a Facebook account. You are able to connect with friends and businesses via message, phone call, or video chat without the need of saved contacts on your phone.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram -
Social media platforms that will help you stay in touch with groups, family and friends, and information of businesses along your road trip.
CBP Border Wait times- Travel
Border crossing wait times at various ports of entry into the U.S. from Mexico and Canada. Find open lane status and estimated wait times to cross the border.
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