Frequently Asked Questions

Crossing into Mexico

The border at Lukeville/Sonoyta is closed between midnight and 6am

When you cross Mexican customs you have the obligation to declare if you have other merchandise besides your luggage. If this is the case you need to declare what you have and pay the corresponding taxes. You will also need to cross the fiscal traffic light that will determine the following:

  • Green Light: You are free to pass through without an inspection
  • Red Light: You get stopped and they inspect you stuff

DO NOT BRING GUNS INTO MEXICO.

Permits Needed to Enter Mexico

No permits are needed to enter Mexico if you remain in the Free Zone, which includes Puerto Peñasco. But if you’re bringing ATV’s, Jet skis, boats, or other recreational vehicles be sure to have the ownership documents.

Insurance

Mexican law states that you must have Mexican insurance while driving into Mexico. US policies are not recognized in Mexico.

The minimum you need is liability but full coverage is recommended. You may get insurance over the internet, phone, and mail or stop by various Insurance Agencies in the way to Rocky Point.

Telephone Instructions

To call Mexico from the US & Canada

Dial 011-52-638-and the 7 digit local number

To call USA/Canada from Mexico

Dial 001-area code-phone number

To call collect from Mexico to USA

Dial 090 – bilingual operator

To call AT&T Operator

Dial 001-800-462-4240 with your calling card

To dial 800 numbers

For 800 numbers dial 95-880 and then the 7-digit number.

For 888 numbers dial 001-880 and then the 7-digit number.

For other numbers dial 001, then the area code and the number.

Using US cell phones in Mexico

You can use your US cell phone by going to a Telcel or Movistar office and have it programmed for a Mexican number. Then you can switch back and forth whenever you cross the border. You can buy time by increments at Telcel (they will sell you a temporary credit card) follow the instructions on the back When you run out of time they’ll let you know. It is bilingual.

U.S. Consulate

The U.S. Consulate is located in Nogales, Mexico and helps U.S. citizens with any problems that may arise during visit.

From Mexico (01-631)313-4820

Fax (01-631)313-4652

From U.S. (011-52-631)313-4820

Fax from U.S. Fax (011-52-631)313-4652

ATM Machines

ATM’s are located at the local banks and have 24 hour access.

Money Exchange, Checks and Credit Cards

All merchants accept USD. If you would like to exchange your dollars into pesos, you can go to a bank or the money exchange houses. Some businesses accept credit cards and checks.

Medical Emergencies

The Cruz Roja (Red Cross) offers help to all at no charge. 3-22-66 A service called AirEvac will fly seriously injured persons back to the U.S. The Mexican phone number is 95-880-321-9522. From the U.S. it’s 1-800-321-9522.

Animals you can bring

Pets (only dogs and cats) as long as you can verify that the animal is free of disease with a valid vaccine certificate. Keep an eye on your animals as many are lost in Rocky Point due to fireworks and unfamiliar surroundings.

Camping

All RV parks offer tent camping. You can make reservations in advance. There are a few places to camp on the beach, but nowhere in city limits.

Dental Services

Several dentists in Puerto Peñasco welcome American patients.

We personally recommend DDS Sergio Lizarraga with 25 years of experience. Contact him: (If calling from the U.S. add 011-52) Office 638-383-7474, Cell 044-638-3851158, email sergioLDDS@prodigy.net.mx.

ATV Riding Rules

  • Do not ride in beaches
  • Must where helmet
  • 2 riders per bike
  • Speed limit 25mph
  • No rider under the age of 16

Scientific Attractions

CEDO (Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans) is open daily with educational exhibits and lectures Tuesday at 2:00 and Saturday at 4:00. It’s located in Las Conchas. Cet-Mar Aquariums, also located in Las Conchas, features exhibits of local sea life. Pinacate, approached by a road going west from the highway into Rocky Point, is a volcanic area that has been used by NASA astronauts to simulate moon landings. It’s part of the Biosphere Reserve, an ecological site supported by the U.S., Mexico, and the Tohono O’Odham nation.

Public Transportation

There is a private bus service in Ajo that goes from Phoenix and Tucson to Rocky Point. Mota’s transportation service makes daily trips between Phoenix and Sonoyta. There is a public bus between Sonoyta and Puerto Peñasco.

Rental Cars in Rocky Point

Not all rental car companies permit taking their cars across the border. Enterprise Car Rental is one we know of that does permit it. But you can rent cars in Rocky Point, take taxi or Limo Taxi.

How Much Liquor or Shrimp can be brought to the U.S. duty-free?

Each adult over 21 may bring up to 1 liter of alcoholic beverage per month and up to 5 kg (11,02 pounds) of fish

Do You Allow Pets in the Units?

Just in some units!