Traveling to and from Rocky Point, Mexico
 Driving into Mexico
Port of Entry at Lukeville
Car Rentals in Mexico
Alcohol in Mexico
Weather in Mexico
Items to Bring on Your Trip
Driving to Rocky Point
Driving Distances
Phoenix.....215 miles
Tucson.....216 miles
Los Angeles.....516 miles
San Diego.....360 miles
New U.S. border rules- new ID requirements
At this time, no passport or visa is
required to visit Rocky Point. Instead, a valid driver's license AND a
copy of your birth certificate is necessary. Border travelers may be
required to present a passport beginning in 2009 or later. The wallet
size passcard is also now accepted at the international border for
citizens to enter the U.S.
Currently, you will need your valid driver's
license, current vehicle registration and current U.S. insurance proof
of coverage to reenter the U.S. if you are driving a vehicle. Beginning
in 2009, the law may require a valid visa passport.
Mexican Liability Insurance is mandatory to
drive in Mexico. This auto insurance must be purchased before you drive
into Mexico. U.S. auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. Gasoline is
availabe throughout Mexico and is sold by the liter. Although it is
cheaper in Mexico, U.S. cars run better on U.S. blends.
Before driving into Mexico:
- Do not have any weapons or drugs in the car
- have all registration paper for the vehicle
- show proof of Mexican auto insurance, if necessary
- Find out current US Mexico travel information and tips
Lukeville Port of Entry Trailers in the Fast Lane
Every Sunday and Monday, recreational
vehicles and vehicles that are towing trailers will be directed into the
commercial lane. The border crossing at Lukeville, Arizona (Gringo
Pass) is closed from 12:00am until 6:00 am, seven days a week.
This will help to ease the congestion and
delays at the port for years. Mexican officials will separate traffic
before it enters the port, according to U.S. Customs and Border
Protection officials. Traffic has increased five-fold since 2001.
Sundays are the heaviest delays.
The Govenor of Arizona has proposed a $1.5
million expansion to construct more lanes at the Lukeville border
crossing. The funding is contingent on private firms coming up with $1
million, according to a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of
Transportation. ADOT will finance two new lanes on top of the existing
fours lanes on the U.S. side. One lane is now dedicated to commercial
traffic. The Mexican government is being encouraged to expand the number
of lanes and facilies on the Mexican side of the border. Other
developments would include 24 hour a day access.
Passport Information: http://gomexico.about.com/od/entryrequirements/f/need_passport.htm
Car Rentals in Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco)
It's often cheaper to book a car rental
online. After you reserve online, call the rental agency and let them
know you will need Mexican Insurance. Tell them you will take the car to
Puerto Peñasco, in Sonora, Mexico. This is located in the Sonoran Free
Trade Zone. The car rental agencies can prepare the Mexican auto
insurance and entry paperwork and attach it to your reservation when you
get their office. This saves extra time from obtaining the insurance
elsewhere.
If you're driving to Puerto Peñasco from California, Nevada, New Mexico or Texas, car rental agencies like Dollar Rent-A-Car or Thrifty Car Rental
can make arrangements in your home state. Be sure to read and
understand your policy, insurance, and service contact numbers BEFORE
you enter Mexico. If you want to rent a vehicle in Rocky Point, Alamo Rent A Car is the authorized agency in Mexico.
Alcohol purchases at the border
Visitors to Mexico can purchase duty free
alcohol at the U.S. border. But, to return to the U.S., only 1 liter of
alcohol per person is allowed without duties charges.
Most people stop at the Gringo Pass liquor store to buy alcohol at tax free prices, then bring it into Mexico.
On the return trip, after passing through
the U.S. port of entry at Lukeville, you can park on the U.S. side, buy a
liter of alcohol, walk it into Mexico, and walk back through the
pedestrian entrance into the U.S. Remember, only one liter of alcohol
can be brought into the U.S. within a 31-day period. Pedestrians must
show ID to enter the U.S.
Rocky Point Weather
The temperature is usually 75 degrees (F).
The evenings may be cool- into the 50-60s. Bring a sweater or jacket.
The ocean temperature averages 70-75 degrees. While rain is rare, bring
rain gear if it is expected.
Rocky Point Maps: View Google Map of Rocky Point. Zoom down near street level to see roads and buildings
American citizens can visit http://travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a U.S. passport.
Rocky Point Cell Phones, iPhone and Internet Coverage
AT&T has a special rate plan for Mexico
for $4.99/month. That plan gives better calling rates. Roaming charges
is expensive. While in Mexico, turn data roaming off in your settings.
It has been suggested to keep the service plan for at least 90 days (or 2
billing cycles) to make sure that any charges from Mexico are cleared
up. Keep your phone off so it doesn't accidently check email or voice
mail when not needed. Use an iPhone 3G phone and many smartphones to
receive and make cell phone calls. Internet connection through 3G
broadband may not be available. While attending the 2008 Bike Rally, 3G and EDGE networks will be tested. 3G coverage may not be possible.
More information on AT&T Wireless Cell Phone Plan for Mexico and how to use cell phones and an iPhone in Mexico and Internationally.
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