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Basic Mexico Travel Information
ACCOMMODATIONS
Mexico Offers a wide variety of Hotels & Condominiums. Almost every price range is available from the modest to the luxurious. You will find that Holidays and Fiesta times are always booked far in advance if you are traveling to a popular resort area.
DOCUMENTS
Proof of Citizenship
Everyone must have proof of citizenship: Birth Certificate or Passport (Voter registration cards may be accepted) and picture ID. Even children must have proof of citizenship. Unless you are traveling to a "Free Zone". The Border Towns are usually "Free Zones" and certain designated towns farther in, are in some cases, "Free Zones" also. Such as the town of Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point)
Car Permits
If you are traveling in Mexico you will need a car permit unless you are traveling in the State of Sonora. The program "Sonora Only" excludes the State of Sonora in the need for a permit. The popular town of Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) is in the State of Sonora, where it is NOT REQUIRED to have a permit. Outside of Sonora all other destinations need:
A Vehicle Title or Registration.
A valid driver's license with the same photo & name as on Title
A credit card in the same name as on the Title. Discover cards and Debit cards are not accepted.
The fee for the permit is about $15 and must be charged on the credit card. Checks or cash are not accepted for this fee. If your vehicle is financed, you must have a notarized letter of permission from the lien holder. If you do not have a credit card you can still enter Mexico by posting a bond. No borrowed vehicles or credit cards.
GAS
The best way to go is to fill up before crossing (less "grit" on this side of the border.) If you have to get gas and, it is Unleaded gas you want, then get (Magna Sin).
Premium unleaded is becoming more available, mostly in the larger cities. Diesel fuel is also available (Diesel).
FOOD & DRINK
Mexico’s food (comida) can be one of the greatest pleasures when visiting this wonderful country. Lunch is the main meal of the day (2p.m. to 4p.m.). From the smallest out of the way restaurant to the fancy gourmet restaurant, most take pride in the quality and freshness of their meals. Take a tip from us though, stay away from raw vegetables and salads ("If it's not cooked, don't eat it!")
The water served in a restaurant is generally ok, the water out of the tap at a condo, hotel, or taco stand is equal to 12 rolls of toilet paper and a box of penicillin.
GREEN ANGELS
(toll free number In Mexico only 91-800-903-0092)
Green Angels are a fantastic free service provided by the Mexican Ministry of Tourism. They are bilingual mechanics that patrol the main highways and provide emergency road service and first aid.
They operate in the morning & afternoon hours, and will repair your vehicles for minor emergency breakdown problems. The only cost to you is the parts. Just open your hood up all the way to signal them! If you do need their service, we suggest a tip, these guys really do care and are definitely Angels.
LANGUAGE
Of course Spanish is the official language in Mexico, yet English is widely understood. The best way to win hearts is to attempt the Spanish language. Mexican people welcome any attempt you make to speak their language.
NEWSPAPERS
Mexico has 2 daily English newspapers. The Mexico City Times and The News. They both have the latest U.S. and world news. (Available usually in the larger cities).
ROADS
Mexico is improving their highways more and more every day. If its a toll road, it is called "Cuota", and "Libre" means no toll. Most of the roads are in good condition, however, there is less shoulder and you may encounter a few potholes here and there. The road to Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) is done very well with no potholes and large shoulders. All the Speed limits are in Kilometers, the best way to know how fast to go is to "go with the flow of traffic".
SHOPPING
Mexico is one of the best countries in the world to purchase hand-crafted items. Almost every town from North to South specializes in a particular type of craft. Everything from baskets to hand crafted silver is available. There is a certain limit of goods, foods, and liquor that is allowed back into the U.S. to go to the most updated information click on the U.S. Customs Site to see the exact ruling. Last we checked there is no duty on purchases made in Mexico. U.S. Customs permits you to bring back merchandise worth $400 U.S. dollars in retail value per person duty-free per month. if it is for your own use, for your immediate family, or for gifts to friends. Anyone over 21 can bring back 1 quart of liquor every 30 days.
Road Conditions in Mexico
Generally the highway conditions are pretty good. Some things that you might want to watch out for are occasional potholes and animals crossing the road. For sure you can expect a variety of dramatic turns (sometimes very sharp) and the same goes with the dips in the road. If you are traveling on a "Cuota" Highway ("toll" Highway) the conditions will slick and smooth sailing. Some regular highways are actually pretty good, such as the road to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Hermosillo, and even Ensanada is not too bad.
Watch loose for gravel, and low areas during flash floods. If you are traveling a long distance choose designated drivers for each part of your trip (Designated driver would want to get adequate sleep and food. Don't forget to take brakes, staying alert is real important when driving on any trips, and especially in Mexico.
Night Driving
Night driving if it has to be done , needs to be done with caution, farm animals in the road or slow moving vehicles sometimes with out taillights are often on roadway. Driving in the night time is more dangerous than most think, with 3 times the fatality rate than during daylight. Driving is about 90% visual which makes it much harder to see objects on the road (Mexico has a lot of objects on the road). We suggest considerably slowing your speed, make sure you are not fatigued, and definitely be alert. It's better to arrive late than not at all.
