Frequently Asked Questions

6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

There are exceptions during holidays.

Link to US Customs and Border Protection: CLICK HERE

Crossing the Border

Please make sure you know about the Passport Requirements. Passport is required to re enter the United States. PLEASE CLICK HERE Please look at this useful link about Visitors Arriving by land to Mexico

Vehicle Entry Inspections

Just like crossing into Mexico on foot, they employ the green-light,red-light system for random searches. When you cross into Mexico, there will often be a traffic-light signal for you to press (if on foot) or it'll activate when your car pulls through the lane. Before that, you need to select a lane, if your exemptions do not exceed the permitted limits use Nothing to Declare Lane, if you are bringing goods worth more than the personal or family exemptions or the amount exceed the allowed in your personal luggage please use the Self declaration Lane.

If you have chosen the Nothing to Declare Lane:

Green Light indicates that you can drive through without inspection, drive right on through (Again, unless you have a truck or van or a large car and they think you may have quantities of taxable items, then they may tell you to pull over anyway!)

Red Light indicates that your luggage will be inspected. Pull your vehicle over to the parking spaces in the center for inspection of your vehicle's contents

If you mistakenly choose the wrong lane, you may approach a Customs Inspector and ask for a classification and appraisal of your goods for the corresponding payment of taxes and duties.

What to expect when crossing the border?

US Customs officer(s) may ask what you have/where you are going - Then they may pass you through, or do a quick visual search of your vehicle's passenger areas, and or trunk,etc. If you're in an RV, towing recreational vehicles, or just have a 'big' car, expect to get pulled over and given the once-over. Don't take any offense - the bigger the car, the more interesting it is, so they'll want to take a look. Some regular questions they might ask are the following: Do you have more than 10 thousand dollars in cash? Do you carry weapons or drugs?

Then again, they may take one look at you and wave you through.

MX Customs officer(s)

If you have anything over the legal import amount you will pay a fine to the bank there & will be given a receipt (The tax/fine may be from 30%+ to 2 times the item's value - they will ask for your receipts)

NOTE: If you are importing, something pull over to the left parking area. Don't go up to the light - Walk up to the tax clerks window, and you will only pay a tax of .16 (16%) times the items value (T.V., air conditioner, building supplies, etc.)

HOT TIP: Buy what you can in Sonoyta or Puerto Peñasco!

Carry all vehicle registration paperwork, or you may be turned back at the border (or may get them confiscated) by Mexican Customs (includes quads, motorcycles, dune buggies, etc.) The car's title is not necessary (a Xerox copy in your wallet wouldn't be a bad idea) but you should have proof of ownership of some sort in case it is requested.

Always carry Mexican auto insurance on your vehicle (Keep a copy in a safe place - away from your car). If you need to purchase Mexican car insurance before your trip, click here!

Merchandise in excess of $75.00 per person you will need to declare your items and pay the impuestos (taxes) before crossing into Mexico. You may import up to $1,000 USD of new merchandise per vehicle without the assistance of a customs broker.

To declare items you are bringing into Mexico, turn left as you cross the border, just beyond the chain link fence. Park in the designated spot and go into the Aduana (Mexican Customs office) bbuilding in the middle of the two lanes. See Crossing the Border for more information on declaring merchandise.

If your merchandise totals more than $1,000 USD per vehicle, you will need the assistance of a customs broker. Customs Brokers are located on the Mexican side of the border. Park on the U.S. side and walk across to one of their offices.

Customs Brokers in Sonoyta, Mex.

Agencia Ibarrola (011-52-651) 512-1878

Aserco Imp. (011-52-651) 512-0009

MultiServios Sinaloa

(011-52-651) 512-1593 or 1599

Special warning - see also: 'Rewards spark dog thefts in Mexico' from azstarnet.com

• 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.

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.

Absolutely. Click Here.

Season Fishing Calendar

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?