Do I need permits, Visas or a
passport to enter Rocky Point, and to go back to the USA? (THIS
IS THE MOST POPULAR QUESTION).
Effective June 1, 2009, The
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began enforcing the Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), legislation passed by Congress. This
mandates that anyone crossing the border into the United States must have proof
of citizenship. The passport or passport card (either or) are currently the only documents that satisfies this
requirement.
Passports are granted by the
U.S. State Department. For details on obtaining a passport, visit their website
by
clicking here.
For a list of passport acceptance facilities in your area, visit
http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/.
Download an application for a
passport here.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html.
Follow the instructions on the page and consult with the above link for
additional instructions. Photos for passports can be obtained at selected USPS
locations, AAA offices and many major drug store chains.
Fees for passports
- New, replacement or renewal of a
passport book: $110 if age 16 and older; $80 if under the age of 16.
New replacement or renewal of a passport card: $30 if age 16 and older;
$15 if under the age of 16.
Here's a
summary:
LAND AND SEA
DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS STARTING JANUARY, 31 2008
Beginning
January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 years and older
who enter the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within
the Western Hemisphere will need to present government-issued
photo ID, such as a driver's license as proof of identify, along
with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate of
naturalization certified, or a passport. children age 18
and under will be able to enter with proof of citizenship.
Verbal claims of citizenship and identify alone will not be
sufficient to establish identify and citizenship for entry into
the United States. Please be sure to visit
CBP.gov
for updated on travel documents and details as to when new
requirements will into effect.
How long does it take to get to Rocky Point?
From either Phoenix or Tucson, a scenic four-hour drive through
Organ Pipe National Monument and the town of Lukeville, Arizona,
will have you in Rocky Point.
Can you provide directions and maps?
Sure.
CLICK HERE.
In what Time Zone
is Rocky Point located?
It is Arizona or
Mountain Time.
Can you guarantee
a certain unit or special accommodations?
We can place the
request; however, every condo is individually owned and
decorated and all requests are based on availability. We can not
guarantee a specific unit if it is not available either.
Do I need Mexican
car insurance?
Absolutely,
it's Mexican law!
This topic is discussed, in detail, below. You can purchase your
policy
here.
What do I need
to bring for my vacation?
You will need your own beach towels, beach chairs, sunscreen,
coffee, coolers, camera/film, charcoal, Frisbee, food.
Do you provide sheets and towels?
Sheets and towels are provided to be used in the condo. However,
you need to bring your own beach towels. Please do not take your
condo towels to the beach, as they will charge you.
Do you provide beach chairs?
No. You have to bring your own beach chair(s). There are chairs
around the pool area; however, they cannot be moved to the
beach.
Do you provide cribs?
All condos are individually owned and no cribs or playpens are
provided.
Is there golf in the area?
Las Palomas private golf course is now open.
Laguna del Mar and
a Jack Nicklaus design golf course is only 4 miles from Sandy
Beach.
Where can I find information on the water sports and many
activities?
Please contact the
respective resort representative for more information.
What if we have
car trouble on the highway?
Mexico has traveling mechanics called
"Angeles Verdes" (Green Angels)
that will help motorists in distress. They drive green and white
pickup trucks. The road leading to Rocky Point is very
safe. From the border to Rocky Point is only one hour away (60
miles).
Is Rocky Point safe?
Rocky Point is very safe.
The locals depend on tourism to survive; which is their primary
source of revenue. At the same time, use your common sense and
judgment. Respect the local customs and culture. Remember, you
are only driving one hour inside of Mexico from the U.S. border.
In Rocky Point, life runs slower than some of us are used to in
the United States and sometimes tourists become impatient with
the slow traffic. Be cognizant of the local customs and
culture (...when in Rome). Besides, shouldn't you slow
down while enjoying yourself here?
Do you allow pets or fireworks?
Absolutely no pets of any kind, breed or size.
We get this question quite frequently and cannot make an
exception. We are obligated to enforce the rules and
regulations, per the the owners of the resorts we represent. You
may see people walking their dogs. That is because those are
owners, not renters.
Any renter found with a pet will be evicted, will not receive
a refund and will forfeit their entire security deposit.
If you are found using fireworks you will be evicted without
a refund as well.
Do you have
occupancy limitations in your units?
Absolutely!
All units have occupancy limitations (check on the "rates"
section for more information). If you are found to have more
people than it is recorded on your reservation, or exceed the
occupancy limitations, you will be evicted without a refund.
Even though children under are free, they are still
considered as an occupant. Please be cognizant of the
exact guest count before you book your reservation. Don't
jeopardize your vacation by exceeding occupancy limitations or
not reporting the number of occupants. You will be issued a
wristband. The number of wristbands (which allow you to be at
the resort) will be issued to the number reported on your
reservation - no exceptions. Some resorts will charge
you and some delegate us to do so.
How far are the
resorts from town?
The town of Puerto Peñasco, with its restaurants, gift shops and
bars is only 5-7 minutes away from the Sandy Beach area. Peñasco
del Sol Hotel and Pinacate Resort are right in
the center of town.
Can I barbecue
inside the condo?
No. It is a fire hazard and prohibited. However, there are
BBQs throughout the common areas in every resort. You would
have to bring your own cooking materials (i.e., charcoal,
lighter fluid, etc).
Can we use another
resort's facilities while we're staying at a different one?
No. Each resort is independent from the other. You can only use
the facilities of the resort you are staying at. However, you
can use any public establishment, no matter where you are staying
at. For example, you can dine at the Sonoran Grill
(located at the Sonoran Spa) or you can visit La Spa de Penasco
(i.e., for massages, facials, pedicures, etc.) at the Sonoran
Spa, Las Palomas restaurants, etc..
Do you provide a list of amenities
for each resort?
Absolutely.
Click Here.
Will I be able to
spot dolphins?
More than likely you will. Periodically, schools of
dolphins swim across the Sea of Cortez and even whales can be
observed in the area. Want to get even closer? Take a boat trip.
Any information on Souvenirs or Gift Shops?
Well, you can't leave Rocky Point without taking a piece of
memorabilia. There are plenty of gift shops to satisfy the
most discriminating taste and budget. However, for the price and
variety, we recommend that you stop at our favorite area.
This area is known by different names: 1. Choya Mall; 2. Rodeo
Drive or 3. Our favorite name of all:
Shacks 5th Ave.
The nicer the store, the more you will pay. And remember,
CASH IS KING!
How about the
restaurants?
There are plenty of restaurants in town to choose from. We
truly enjoy the following ones.:
1. Hacienda Las Fuentes - This is Rocky Point's newest
and nicest restaurant. The restaurant's atmosphere is everything
you expect from a nice Mexican restaurant and more. The food is
outstanding and the selection of drinks is enormous. It is
located on the way to the Las Conchas development.
2. Casa del Capitan - sits on top of a hill and overlooks
the Sea of Cortez. Offers exquisite food and a magnificent
and unparalleled view.
3. Fish - This one sits on top of the hill
also; right next to Rocky Point's lighthouse. Great food, live
music and even dancing.
4. Friendly
Dolphin -
A great place to take friends and family also. The
decorations are impressive and the atmosphere is fun fun! Don't
be surprised if Gast?,
the owner, sits down to chat and sing for you. Take a
look at all the celebrity pictures on the walls. If he does,
tell him Rocky Point Travel sent you.
5. La Curva
- This restaurant is not famous for its looks but for its
exquisite food and family atmosphere. It is a family restaurant
that has satisfied the locals' palates for decades and now it's
becoming a favorite stop for our rental clients.
Can I buy property
in Rocky Point?
Yes you can. Interested in buying a piece of paradise?
CLICK HERE.
How much alcohol &
shrimp can we bring back to the U.S.?
1 liter of Alcohol
per adult or 5 kilos of fish or shrimp.
Are there delays
crossing the border?
Transiting the
international border at the crossing in Lukeville, Arizona,
which is the one you will be using if you are driving down from
the direction of either Phoenix or Tucson, normally takes less
than a minute in either direction. There are often delays on
Sunday afternoons, due to lots of people heading back north at
the same time. Of course you could always stay an extra night
and head back north on Monday, thereby avoiding any traffic. If
you will have internet access, here is a great link provided by
US Customs. Just scroll down and find LUKEVILLE. There, you will
see the wait times (live / 10-minute delay).
CLICK HERE.
Can I take a
rental car into Mexico?
It's not an issue
with the Mexican authorities, as long as you have a valid rental
agreement in your possession, should they happen to check
(unlikely). The only company we are aware of that allows
you to take their vehicles into Mexico is
Enterprise Rent-A-Car,
provided you purchase Mexican insurance, which you would need in
any case. Other smaller and independent companies may
allow it as well. We have heard that Dollar is also
allowing their cars be taken into Mexico. Check with your
company of choice.
Do we bring Cash
or Credit Cards?
Dollars are
universally accepted in Rocky Point and there is not even a need
to take pesos or exchange dollars into pesos while you are
visiting Rocky Point. The ubiquitous Visa and MasterCard are
accepted in most places, although not usually in the smaller
cafes and shops. There are ATM machines at all four banks in
town, so you can always replenish your cash supply that way.
You will receive Mexican Pesos only. The current exchange is
around 10 to 1 (pesos to dollars). By the way - you always
have more bargaining power when using CA$H.
Can I drink the
water?
You can, but
pretty much everyone drinks bottled water, just to be sure.
Besides, the local water has a high mineral content and doesn't
really taste very good. We provide A 5-gallon bottle of
purified water in all our rental units. You may want to bring
smaller bottles to take with you, as you tour Rocky Point. It is
only a myth that people get sick by drinking or eating in
Mexico. If that were the case, there wouldn't be a restaurant
standing. All restaurants cook with purified water. In most
instances, people who get sick are dehydrated or consumed too
much alcohol. This can happen anywhere in the world.
Can I use my cell
phone?
Maybe. The best
way to find out is by contacting your carrier and asking them if
they provide service in Rocky Point. Some carriers offer the
roaming service automatically and some need to be notified so
that they can activate the service for you. In a worst case
scenario, you can buy telephone cards to be used in many
payphones. They can be purchased at convenience and drug
stores.
On the Road in
Mexico - Some common signs and
their meanings:
*
Curva - Curve
* Llanteros - Tire
repair shop
* Izquierda
- Left
* Derecha - Right
* Alto - You will
see that in all Stop signs and means that, Stop.
* Topes - Speed
bumps
Fishing in Rocky Point - Fishing permits are required for
everyone in any boat where even one person is fishing.
Exception: those under 12 do not need a permit if accompanied by
an adult permitted fisherman. Catches can not be sold or
exchanged and each person can only take 11 pounds of fish from
Mexico per trip. All boats in Mexican waters need a valid
permit. Grouper, Pinto Bass, Red Snapper and Yellowtail are fish
that are available in December. Grouper can go up to 200 lbs;
their white meat is very tasty and is prepared by baking, frying
and grilling. They like to hid in rock piles below cliffs and
underwater reefs. Yellowtail range up to 20 lb s and spawn in
the Sea of Cortez. They prefer warm waters and migrate northward
to feed as the waters warm up. Once abundant, Yellowtail were
almost destroyed by over fishing.
Season Fishing Calendar
-
Trigger Fish - Mar - Aug
-
Corvina - Apr - Aug
-
Dolphin Fish - Jun - Nov
-
Dorado - Jun, Oct - Nov
-
Flounder - Jun - Oct
-
Grouper - Jan - May, Oct - Dec
-
Mackeral - Jun - Sep
-
Marlin - Jun - Nov
-
Pinto Bass - Jan - May, Dec
-
Pompano - Feb - Jun
-
Red Snapper -
Jan-May, Dec
-
Rock Bass - Feb - Jun
-
Sailfish - Jun - Nov
-
Sea Bass - Feb -
Jul
-
Sea Trout - Apr -
Jul
-
Shark - All Year
-
Sierra - Jun - Nov
-
Skipjack - Jun - Nov
-
Yellowtail - Jan-May, Dec
Do I need Mexican
insurance?
In a word, yes!
While some American insurance companies will cover you a certain
limited distance inside Mexico, the Mexican government does not
recognize any American insurance as valid. In case of a fender
bender, you may have to establish your ability to pay for the
damage (meaning Mexican insurance or cash), whether its your
fault or not, so its best to be prepared, meaning insured. When
purchasing ask to be given the name and phone number of the
local adjuster at your destination, just in case. The adjuster
will handle any negotiations and arrange for whatever needs to
be done, in the event of a problem, so if that's not
forthcoming, buy somewhere else. The cost depends on the value
of your vehicle and length of your stay. You can buy it at the
border, or you can buy it from the comfort of your own home
through us by clicking below:
Click on the banner above and buy Mexican auto or boat insurance
from the comfort of your own home. No more unnecessary stops and
paperwork on your way to paradise. Click above, print your
policy, and be on your way! Questions? Read below.
Everyone asks the same question. Why buy from Mexico Travel
Services?
They are a leading provider of coverage for US and Canadian
citizens visiting Mexico. Some of the advantages of buying
online today from their agents include:
YOUR POLICY DATA IS IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE TO AUTHORITIES IN
MEXICO
Many consumers believe that they can save a few dollars by
purchasing manual, handwritten policies at the border. This may
be the case. However, when you purchase online your policy
information is immediately available to the authorities in
Mexico. Since this data is immediately available, in the event
you are involved in an accident, your claim may be handled much
more efficiently and you will spend less time dealing with the
authorities as they are immediately able to verify coverage via
our system.
CONVENIENCE
First of all, their system is simple and easy to use. Their
operation has issued over 100,000 Mexican Auto certificates
since the inception of their online program. Their customers and
agents enjoy the ease of use, time savings, and quality coverage
provided by purchasing and printing Mexican auto policies from
quality insurers immediately online.
Consumers and agents can also re-print and renew policies from
anywhere 24 hours per day seven days per week.
COMPANY STABILITY
Each of the underwriters, or their parent companies, carry A- or
better ratings from AM Best. Over the past several years, a
number of Mexican insurers have failed, become insolvent, or
have stopped offering Tourist Auto coverage. They have aligned
themselves with only the most stable, professional companies in
the market to ensure that your claim will be covered and handled
professionally.
COVERAGE
They offer you more coverage options than any other Mexican
insurance provider. While they offer the standard coverage
offered by all other Mexican insurance providers, they also
offer a unique optional ACE Platinum Plus endorsement which
provides coverage not available from standard Mexico insurers,
such as Partial Theft, Vandalism, and guaranteed US cost of
repair on claims settlements.
PRODUCTS
They continually strive to offer not only the broadest available
coverage at the lowest prices, but also new products.
CLAIMS SERVICE
Their carriers all allow for your
vehicle to be repaired or replaced in the USA. While it is
imperative that your initial claim be made prior to leaving
Mexico, they offer US style follow up servicing via toll free
numbers and communication once you return to your home in the
USA or Canada.
Q: Why do I need Mexican insurance?
A: Mexico has traffic laws very similar to the United States.
The application of their laws is what accounts for the
differences, and the reasons for needing Mexican insurance. The
law in Mexico is based on the Napoleonic Code where guilt
prevails over the assumption of innocence. In the U.S., the law
is based on the English Common Law where innocence prevails over
the assumption of guilt. Mexico does not have compulsory
automobile insurance. The basic difference between Mexico's and
United States financial responsibility law is that anyone
involved in an accident in Mexico must have the means to respond
to damages or injuries for which they may be
responsible....which in Mexico would be in the form of either
cash or a Mexican insurance policy.
Q: Do I need a Mexico Car Permit?
A: If you plan on only driving in the state of Sonora, the
answer is NO, you don't need a permit.. If you plan to drive
outside the state of Sonora in mainland Mexico beyond the border
areas, or plan to transport a vehicle by ferry from Baja
California to mainland Mexico, then yes, you do need a permit..
Permits are also not required for travel on the Baja California
peninsula.
Q: Does my U.S. insurance policy cover me in Mexico?
A: Some policies may cover your vehicle for physical damage. The
problem is that the Mexican government does not recognize any
policies as valid unless it is by a Mexican Insurance Company.
You must have a Mexican Insurance Policy that covers you for
your liability in Mexico.
Q: How is the value of my vehicle determined?
A: Your insurance agent should be able to help you, or you can
click on the above banner, which has a Kelly's Blue Book link
and check for yourself to determine your vehicle's value. Make
sure to add those extras you want insured in case you should
have a loss. Don't forget to add the vehicle being towed, if
any, in the amount to be insured. We advise you not to
under-insure.
Q: What if I have a loan on my vehicle?
A: Most lenders will require that they be furnished a copy of
your policy indicating that the unit is insured while it is in
Mexico. Just include the "lien holder" on your policy. Always
make sure you allow enough time before your trip into Mexico to
allow for the handling of paperwork.
Q: If I tow a trailer, boat, or another vehicle, do I need to
insure them?
A: No, and it must be listed on the policy with the towing
vehicle, otherwise the towing vehicle's insurance could be
voided in the event of an accident or loss. If you are towing
another Car or Truck, and plan on driving it around in Mexico,
you will need a policy to cover it for driving and not just
while it is in tow.
Q: If I am borrowing a vehicle, will I need any special
documents?
A: Yes, you should obtain a notarized affidavit of permission
from the legal owner?
Q: What is Liability Only?
A: The Liability Only policy provides the minimum vehicle
insurance required by the Mexican government. Included in this
coverage is property damage caused by your vehicle, legal
liability for injuries or death of persons not in your vehicle,
and medical expenses for you or other persons in your vehicle.
Q: What is Legal Aid Coverage?
A: In Mexico, a traffic accident is considered a felony, it is
possible that you will be detained by the authorities, with your
vehicle impounded, until they conclude their investigation.
Legal Aid helps prevent this, with one phone call an attorney
will come to your assistance, and negotiate your immediate
release, as well as the release of the vehicle.
Q: What's covered on a Mexican auto insurance policy?
A: Contrary to the more broad coverage's of a standard U.S. auto
policy, a Mexican tourist auto policy is a named peril policy.
Basically that means, "what you see is what you get". If it is
not listed on the Policy Coverage then it is not a part of the
coverage, nothing more and nothing less.
There are five (5) basic risks to a standard Mexican tourist
auto policy.
1) Collision, Upset, and Glass Breakage
2) Fire and Total Theft
3) Property Damage Liability
4) Bodily Injury Liability
5) Medical Expenses
There are various methods of customizing a Mexican tourist
policy. You are encouraged to clearly define your travel plans
to your Mexican insurance agent so that adequate insurance is
established.
Q: What's NOT covered on a Mexican auto insurance policy?
A: As important as it is to know what is covered, it is
worthwhile to also know what is NOT covered. Some of the losses
and/or expenses an insured might incur which are not covered
include pilferage, vandalism, lodging expenses, toll calls, and
loss of wages.
Q: Are claims paid in dollars?
A: The Mexican insurance company settles all insurance claims in
U.S. dollars from their claims offices in Mexico.
Q: How much does Mexican insurance cost?
A: There are many factors to determine the total cost of
insurance. Basically it is a "sliding scale" It all depends on
how much you insure you vehicle(s) for, and how long you will be
insured for. Most policies are written on a daily rate. It may
be less money if you are going to be traveling many days in
Mexico, to go with an annual policy (covers you for the entire
year).
. 10% Mexican government tax on the premium
Q: Do I have to go to your office to get my insurance policy?
A: No. Click on the banner above and start the process. It is
easy. Stopping at the border to get insurance can be
timely and expensive. Doing it from the comfort of your
own home, printing the policy from your own computer, is another
benefit of renting your condo through us. We are not
affiliated with the insurance company nor are we licensed to
receive commissions. It is a benefit for you: Our rental
client.
How's the weather?
The best The sun shines almost year round in Rocky Point. The
weather is one of the main reasons people visit Rocky Point.
Rocky Point experiences only 2 inches of rain a year so a dry
trip with plenty of sunshine is pretty much guaranteed. For most
of the year the days are sunny and warm. During the winter
months the days are warm although the nights can get a bit
chilly. The summer months, especially June through September,
can be warm because of the 90-degree plus temperatures combine
with high humidity. However, because the water temperature is
above 80 degrees and there is almost always an ocean breeze to
produce pleasant evenings, some people find this time of the
year to be their favorite.
Yearly Averages:
Rainfall:
2 inches -- mostly in December and January and late summer.
Temperatures:
Dec. to Feb. - 40-75 F?
March to May - 60-80 F?
June to Aug. - 68-98 F?
Sept. to Nov. - 62-84 F?
Weather Report
-
CLICK HERE
If you did not find an answer to a question(s),
feel free to contact us at:
[email protected]
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