One Thing You Need To Know To Rv In Mexico

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com

Apart from my workout and chores around the house, I have spent time reading Mexico blogs and Mexico YouTuber videos or vlogs.  One thing keeps coming up over and over again.  People get into trouble because they don't understand the language, the money, and the system.  Granted, if you're a first-timer or an old-timer, that doesn't mean you have to be culturally literate and speak 100% Spanish.

But let's get one thing straight.  Most Mexicans speak little to no English especially in the places rvers tend to frequent.  What are those places?  Small towns, out of the way places such as RV parks on the outermost limits of cities, and in rural and secluded beach areas. 

Does it really matter?  Most people move around the planet waving, pointing, and in most cases screaming thinking they will make themselves understood.  We all know that at least in Mexico, unscrupulous Mexicans can see a gringo coming a mile away.  And I'm sure some of you will raise the flag and say, "we speak enough to get by", "we meet or know lots of Mexicans who speak English".  

Recently, I guess it doesn't matter if the people I am going to reference read this or not.  My true circle of true Mexico rving friends is very limited although I would love for it to be bigger and be able to, as always, help more people enjoy Mexico via rv.

A couple returning to the border recently had a breakdown on the highway.  They couldn't say the following basic phrases or words in Spanish which led them to not receiving help and having to take very dangerous measures to repair the problem; GPS, flat tire, jack and lug nut wrench, coordinates, etc.  It is very difficult to carry on a phone conversation and use the same phone to rapidly look up words especially if there isn't any internet signal.

So let's take a test of these phrases and see if you pass.  This isn't an I'll show you how good my Spanish is or that you're not prepared for Mexico travel.  We each need to develop a basic dictionary that fits our situations meaning, where do we normally travel and what are the basic geographical surroundings, types of RVs and equipment since rvs are not common in Mexico, medical issues, medicines, foods, and supplies, etc.   Good grief, it's not like any of us have to go back to work tomorrow as most of us are here for long stays or are retired and have more than enough time to travel.

• GPS
• FLAT TIRE
• CAR JACK AND LUG NUT WRENCH
• HERE, NAME YOUR MEDICAL PROBLEM, HOW TO DESCRIBE IT
• NAMES OF MEDICATIONS YOU TAKE 
• BASIC CAR OR TRUCK PARTS COMMON TO YOU
• GREEN ANGELS
• GPS COORDINATES
• NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, AND WEST
• DENOMINATIONS OF MEXICAN PESOS
• BASIC NUMBERS FROM 1 TO 500 
• HOW TO SPELL YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR DOCUMENTS AND ISSUES
• FMM
• TIP
• TIRE REPAIR

Add to this list for your own needs as this is just an example.  Think about food in the restaurant. How many times have you ordered something only to get another dish or not what you wanted and then piss and moan or even worse, scream at the person?

This is a cultural fact.  Remember this.  Piss off a Mexican and they will raise the barrier and cut you off.  It has happened to us when we were with other gringos and it was not only embarrassing for us but for the Mexican.