We have worked to answer the most commonly asked questions regarding traveling to Rocky Point and our Condo. If your question isn't answered here, please feel welcome to contact us at: Service@FinestRockyPointCondo.com
Q: Do we need to bring our own pots, pans, linens and towels, etc.?
A: No. Unlike when you rent a home in Rocky Point and have to bring all of your own supplies, we have worked to supply you with everything you'll need to enjoy your stay. We use a towel and linen service, have provided pots, pans, dishes, cups and glasses of all sizes, silverware, a coffee maker, can opener, toaster, cleaning supplies, etc. The only thing you need to bring are your personal hygiene items and any drinks and food that you'd like to have on hand. There are also grocery stores in town where you can purchase anything you've left behind.
Q: Do we need to bring our own water?
A: While you are welcome to bring bottled water, our Condo does have filtered water available. The water and ice from the refrigerator are filtered. There is also a filtered water tap at the sink. All water served at the Condo restaurants and dining areas is also filtered. There is bottled water for sale (very affordably I might add) in the Condo convenience store and at the gocery stores in town. Note: It's always best to err on the side of caution and use bottled water with infants, children and elderly individuals.
Q: How far is it to Rocky Point from Phoenix?
A: It takes just a little over four hours to drive to Rocky Point from either Phoenix or Tucson. For more details, a map and travel instructions, please click on the "Directions" link. We will also send a map and directions to the Condo, via email, before your travel date.
Q: Do I need a Passport to enter Rocky Point by car?
A: To visit Mexico by land or sea until June 1, 2009, you can use either a passport or you can use proof of US citizenship, like an embossed birth certificate (not a photocopy), along a government issued photo id, like a driver's license. Rocky Point is in a Free Zone, which means that you *do not* need a Tourist Card, which is a form that is filled out to state your purpose in visiting Mexico. You can actually travel from Rocky Point to the city of Caborca before needing a Tourist Card, so there's no worry of accidentally stumbling into an area where a Tourist Card is needed. In addition, there are plenty of signs along the way to let you know you are approaching an area of Mexico that requires you to show your Tourist Card.
Q: What happens when I cross the Mexican border?
A: As you cross the border you come upon a light. As you proceed slowly, the light is located on your left hand side in front of you and it will either flash red (which means stop; or alto in Spanish) or it will flash green (which means go; or pase in Spanish). If the light is red you will pull off to the left where an official will ask you some questions (such as where you are going and what you are bringing into Mexico) - on the rare occasion they will look inside your vehicle. If light is green, you can pass through without stopping and without any inspection.
Q: What items can I bring back into the US from Mexico?
A: Below is a list of both permitted and prohibited items. While we work hard to keep this list up-to-date, it's always good to do your own investigating if you plan on bringing specific items back into the US from Mexico.
PERMITTED ITEMS:
Fruits and Vegetables - bananas, blackberries, cactus fruits, dates, grapes, lemons, limes, lychees, melons, papayas, pineapples, and strawberries. Vegetables are permitted, except for this on the prohibited list in prohibited section below.
Nuts - Permitted items are acorns, almonds, cocoa beans, chestnuts, coconuts (without husks or milk), peanuts, pecans, tamarind beans, walnuts and waternuts.
Seafood - You are permitted 50 lbs. of fish or shrimp per vehicle.
Avoid customs penalties by declaring all articles acquired in Mexico and in your possession at the time of your re-entry into the United States. If in doubt whether an article should be declared, always declare it first and then direct your question to the US Customs Officer.
If you understate the value of an article you declare, you may have to pay a penalty in addition to the payment of duty. If you fail to declare an article acquired in Mexico, not only is the item subject to seizure, but you will be liable for a personal penalty.
You are entitled to an $800 exemption in a 30 day period. Articles totaling $400 may be entered, subject to the limitations on liquor, cigarettes and cigars.
Medicine: You may purchase and bring across medicines that you've purchased in Mexico - HOWEVER, US Customes does require you to have a prescription.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Agricultural items are prohibited if they can carry plant pests or animal diseases.
Fruits and Vegetables - Sugarcane is prohibited. Potatoes are prohibited, including Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams. (Exceptions: Cooked potatoes are permitted. Avocados without seeds are permitted, except in California.)
Plants, Seeds and Soil- plants and seeds require special permits. Soil and some plants are prohibited. Check in advance with agricultural inspectors. (Exception: Some dried plant parts, such as those with medicinal properties, are permitted.)
Meat and Game - Pork, raw and cooked, including sausages, cold cuts, skins and pork tacos are prohibited. (Exceptions: Shelf-stable, canned pork and hardcooked pork skins (cracklings) are permitted.)
Poultry - raw meat from both domes and game fowl is prohibited. (Exception: thoroughly cooked poultry is permitted.) Game - check with agricultural inspectors in advance. Other restrictions may apply; check in advance with agricultural inspectors.
Eggs - prohibited. (Exceptions: Boiled and cooked eggs are permitted.)
Live Birds - Wild and domesticated birds, including poultry are prohibited. To import personally owned pet birds, contact agricultural inspectors in advance.
Straw - Generally prohibited. This includes wheat straw, seeds, animal feed, and all articles made from this material.
In addition to the excepted items listed above, many agricultural items are permitted if they pass inspection and are free of pests, soil and sand.
Q: I want to fish while in Rocky Point. Do I need a fishing permit?
A: You MUST have a fishing license for everyone onboard a boat. Even if they are not fishing. Permits are checked. You do not need a permit if you are fishing from the shore. You can get permits Monday through Friday from 8AM to 3PM in Rocky Point or prior to traveling at the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix.
Q: Do we bring pesos, US dollars? Are US checks accepted? Can I use my credit card? Are there ATM machines?
A: Below we've tried to answer, as best we can, all questions pertaining to *money*. Please note that this information is current as of this writing, but is subject to change.
Mexican Banks in Rocky Point:
- BANCOMER Blvd. Benito Juarez & V. Estrella 383-2947 or 383-2430
- BANORTE Blvd. Benito Juarez 9am-4pm M-F 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Saturday 383-5955
- BANAMEX Blvd. Benito Juarez & Campeche 383-3943 or 383-4830
- SANTANDER SERFIN Blvd. Benito Juarez & Calle 13 383-2091 or 383-4288
- Banking Hours 8:30am - 4:00pm M-F Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
ATM MACHINES:
ATM's are located at the banks and have 24 hr. access. They give pesos only. When the machine prompts Pesos? Dollars? You must select pesos or your transaction will be aborted.
CHECKS & CREDIT CARDS:
Most merchants do not accept US checks and you cannot cash them at banks or money exchange houses. A lot of merchants do accept credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express but be sure to ask first, so you're not disappointed. It's also a good idea to ask a merchant if they add a surcharge for using a credit card.
MONEY EXCHANGE:
All merchants accept US dollars. If you would like to exchange your dollars into pesos you can go to a bank or the money exchange. Depending on the exchange rate, sometimes you might be better off paying in US dollars or in pesos. It's a good idea to have both and do the math before making purchases.
TRAVELER'S CHECKS:
Traveler's Checks are accepted by some merchants but are not cashable at any bank.
U.S. BANKS
The closest U.S. Bank to Puerto Penasco is Stockmen's Bank in Ajo, Arizona. This bank is located at: 101 La Mina Ave, Ajo, AZ (520) 387-7616. It's open Mon.-Thurs. 9-4, Fri. 9-5