• The border towns of Northern Sonora, including Rocky Point, are part of the "Free Zone." Americans and Canadians do not need a visa to enter these areas, as long as the stay is less than 72 hours. You DO however, need proof of citizenship, such as a Passport or Birth Certificate. If you are travelling beyond the "Free Zone," or staying longer than 72 hours, you will need a Mexican entry visa of some type.
• If you drive your vehicle in, you MUST obtain Mexican auto insurance! Your US/CA insurance is not valid here. In the "Free Zone" you do not need a vehicle permit, but you do need to have legal documentation available, such as title/registration. If you take your car beyond the "Free Zone," you will need a vehicle permit, which is good for up to 180 days, and may be obtained at the border after your visa is stamped. All vehicles brought across the border (boats, jetskis, ATV's, etc.) must be accompanied by their legal paperwork.
• When you stop at gas stations, be sure to check the fuel you're selecting, as some Mexican gas stations still sell leaded gas! Regular Unleaded is usually GREEN and labelled "Magna," while Premium Unleaded is usually RED and labelled "Premium." Diesel is usually PINK. Many Mexican gas stations do not accept credit cards.
• If you bring more than $20,000 (USD) cash across the border, you must declare it or risk criminal charges and imprisonment.
• NO FIREARMS MAY BE BROUGHT INTO MEXICO.
• If you are bringing in anything you're not sure of, ASK the customs people at the border. It's far better to be safe than sorry (i.e. in jail in Mexico!).

• If you're driving back across the border, you will need to stop at the border, and declare your nationality and any taxable imports.
• US Citizens may bring back Mexican purchases valued at up to $400 retail, duty-free, every 30 days. Federal duty fees will be assessed on the value of articles above the $400 exemption. NOTE: many items of Mexican manufacture, such as handicrafts and jewelry, may qualify for exemption above the $400 limit; ask for GSP brochure on special exemptions from US Customs.
• Alcoholic beverage imports are limited to one liter, per adult, per 30 days, duty-free. Above that is subject to duty as well as Internal Revenue Tax.
• Certain items are prohibited from being brought back into the US, including drugs, weapons, certain fruits, vegetables & plants, animals, meats, birds, certain trademarked items, and any products made from the hides, shells, feathers, or teeth of endangered species. If in doubt, check it out!

General Information

• Electricity in Mexico is the same as the US and Canada, 110volts, 60cycles.
• Pets being brought into Mexico must have proof of rabies vaccination dated between 1 and 12 months previous to date of entry.
• Fishing licenses are not necessary when fishing from shore, but are when fishing from a boat.
• Mexico cellular networks are GSM, which uses the SIM chip that fits inside the phone. Cingluar/ATT is partnered with CelTel in Sonora, and if you are a Cingluar/ATT customer and tell them you're travelling there, they can set you up to "roam," although it costs about a dollar a minute. If you have an "unlocked" cell phone, you can grab a local Mexican SIM card (prepaid), and use it in your phone, which gives you a temporary local number and cheap local calls.