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Guide to San Carlos

 

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Chapter Two: Traveling to Guaymas/San Carlos

Guaymas/San Carlos can be reached by bus, plane, or car.

Air Travel

If you travel by plane, you probably will fly from Phoenix to the Guaymas International Airport, which is 12 miles from San Carlos. (This is a 55 minute flight). An airport taxi to San Carlos costs approximately $25 one way. The only airline flying directly to Guaymas at this time is US Air. The number for US Air in Guaymas is 622-221-1466. There are other airlines flying into Hermosillo from Phoenix . However it is another hour and a half drive to San Carlos.

Bus Travel

If you decide to take a bus, you can ride a Greyhound to Tucson or Phoenix and transfer from there to another bus that goes to Guaymas. One of the buses making the Phoenix-Tucson-Guaymas trip is the TBC (Transportes Baldomero Corra). The TBC station in Phoenix is at 1306 Van Buren St. Phone 1 (602)-258-5852. The TBC station in Tucson is at 1428 South 6 th Avenue, Phone 1-(520)-903-2801. It is also possible to take a bus from Nogales, Mexico. The cost is low and buses from Nogales to Guaymas run about every hour. Tufesa also operates very nice bus service to Guaymas,  The phone number in Guaymas is 222-5453 and their web site is www.tufesa.com.mx.There is a Tufesa bus that leaves Guaymas at approximately 11:PM and arrives in Tucson early the following morning. This is a very comfortable bus ride with only a stop at the border crossing and it gives you lots of time to make airline connections in Tucson. Check the Tufesa web site for their full schedules for trips to and from Guaymas.

Driving

The driving instructions are given here. The drive from New Mexico and Arizona is on good highways; the trip is quite scenic, and is always a lot of fun.

Car Rental

Car Rental companies do not usually allow a person to take a rented car across the border. However, a car can be rented at the Tucson airport that is permitted to cross the border. Cars can be rented in Hermosillo or Guaymas, but rented cars cost twice as much as they do in Tucson.

Car Insurance

American car and boat insurance is not valid in Mexico. If you have not bought Mexican car and boat insurance in advance, you can buy it at the border. It is less expensive to buy Mexican auto and boat insurance in advance from one of several reputable insurance companies, some of which are listed below. If you will be staying in Mexico for less than a year you can buy your insurance for a period of two weeks at the border. You can buy boat insurance for a period of a week or two in San Carlos.

Check out these companies:

Allen Walker Insurance

233 W. Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 Phone (520) 452-0055. Al Walker is a frequent visitor to San Carlos and has a thorough knowledge of Mexican auto insurance requirements. They represent five different Mexican insurance carriers and can provide coverage from 1 day to 1 year. Now you can obtain Mexican auto insurance quotes online and print your policy on your computer. They provide online quotes and policies for RVs, motorcycles, watercraft and automobiles.

To obtain a quote, either online or by phone, you will need the following information: The dates you are entering and leaving Mexico (short term policies), the year, body style, make and model of the vehicle, information on any towed units and their value. Vehicle valuations are available online.


Auto, RV and Motorcycle Coverage

Watercraft, Boat & Yacht Coverage


Lewis & Lewis Insurance Agency - is located in California and their 800 number is (800) 966-6830. This Company has an excellent reputation with Americans and Canadians coming to San Carlos and they have very competitive rates.

Vagabundos del Mar Boat and Travel Club . If you plan to buy insurance in advance, you can also consider Vagabundos del Mar. Web site: www.vagabundos.com or phone 1-800-474-BAJA.

Sanborn’s insurance company . Sanborn’s has been selling both short term and annual Mexican auto insurance policies for a long time. They have an office conveniently located in Nogales, Arizona on Mariposa Avenue, just south of Interstate 19 as you approach the border. Web site: www.sanbornsinsurance.com. E-mail at info@sanbornsinsurance.com

Maps and Driving Instructions

The usual point of entry to Mexico for travelers going to San Carlos is at the Arizona-Mexico border in Nogales. Plan on leaving early in the morning, because in Mexico it is safer to drive during daylight hours. Although the roads are good, the curves and roads under construction are difficult to negotiate after dark, and livestock may wander on to the highway. In addition, there is an unwritten rule that the big trucks have free rein on the highways at night. These can add up to very dangerous driving conditions after dark.

Fill up your gas tanks before you leave the USA because it is of better quality than Mexican gas.

In Brief:Take Mexico Highway 15 from the Mexican border to the San Carlos turnoff. It is a 250 mile drive from Nogales to San Carlos on a good four-lane highway. Watch for signs posting the speed limits and remember 100 km per hour is NOT 100 mph. Dangerous curves are usually marked 80 km (48 mph) and they mean it! The police enforce the speed limits strictly. The new highway from Nogales, Highway 15, is a toll road. You will be charged a toll when you enter the highway to Mexico. After that, there are two more tollbooths between Nogales and San Carlos. WATCH OUT for speed bumps (usually marked by yellow signs that say " TOPES ") just before the tollbooths and on the outskirts of each town.

Arizona Road Trip

The trip from Arizona is very direct and the roads are good. It is a 2 ½ hour drive from Phoenix to Nogales or a one-hour drive from Tucson to Nogales. Travel Highway 10 from Phoenix to Tucson, and then Highway 19 from Tucson to Nogales. Cross the USA-Mexico border at Nogales, Arizona and take either Exit 4, the Mariposa Road border crossing, (it's much faster) or stay on highway 19 until the freeway ends, and take the scenic route through town. Enter Mexico on Highway 15 .

New Mexico Road Trip

The road trip from Albuquerque to Nogales takes 7 or 8 hours. The second leg of the trip from Nogales to San Carlos takes about 5 hours, a total travel time of 12 to 13 hours. Allow an additional hour for crossing the border, passing through customs, and obtaining a visitor’s visa and temporary car permit. Border crossing is quicker and easier early in the morning in the middle of the week. It takes longer during the period from Christmas through New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. If you hit a busy holiday, be patient.

To take the shortest route from Albuquerque to Nogales, follow the “Fool Proof Instructions” below, and don’t miss the turn-offs at Hatch, Deming, Benson, and before Sierra Vista . These are the instructions we always give to our visitors from New Mexico.

Kartchner Caverns - If you are taking a leisurely trip from New Mexico through southern Arizona, you may wish to see the Kartchner Caverns, newly opened to the public. They are on State Highway 90 between Benson and Sierra Vista. They have an excellent campground at the Caverns. Make reservations in advance by telephone. This tourist attraction is awe inspiring and educational, a good place to take older children. It is very well run and an easy cave experience for the not-so-athletic adventurer.

“Fool-Proof Instructions for Driving From Albuquerque to San Carlos”

1. From Albuquerque go south on I-25 (aim towards Mexico) ‘til you reach the exit to Hatch, New Mexico, which is about 20 miles south of Truth or Consequences, NM. Turn off and go to Hatch.

2. Drive through Hatch (always an adventure) and take State Hwy 26 from Hatch to Deming. Going directly from Hatch to Deming, rather than by way of Las Cruces will save you an hour’s driving time, and the road is fine.

3. At Deming take I-10 west all the way to Benson, Arizona. On the way to Benson, pause at the rest stop to look at the wonderful rock formations in Texas Canyon.

4. At Benson, do not drive on to Tucson because this adds 1 ½ hours to the driving time. Instead, take the Benson to Sierra Vista/Patagonia route.

5. Two miles past Benson, at Interchange #302, get off I-10 and go south on Arizona State Highway 90. This exit is easy to miss. Look for the McDonald’s sign.

6. Take Arizona State Highway 90 towards Sierra Vista. Before you reach Sierra Vista, you will come to an intersection with Arizona State Hwy 82. Turn right at this intersection.

7. Then, take Arizona State Hwy 82 towards Sonoita and Patagonia and follow this road all the way to Nogales. The “Benson to Patagonia route” to Nogales not only saves considerable time compared with going by way of Tucson, but, this road goes through some magnificent mountain country as well. We highly recommend the big park in the middle of Patagonia for a picnic rest stop.

If you are taking the trip in two stages, Patagonia is a nice quiet place to spend the night in your RV. It is permissible to park RV’s on the street. They also have an inexpensive RV park in Patagonia. If you are looking for a comfortable but inexpensive motel to stay over in Nogales AZ before proceeding to Mexico, try the Super 8 Motel , right at the intersection of Mariposa Road and I-19. There are four or five fast food restaurants in the area.

Border Crossing

Mariposa Road Directions

For the most direct road to Guaymas-San Carlos, cross the USA-Mexico border at Nogales, Arizona and take the Mariposa Road border crossing. There is also a route for cars through town. Motor homes and trailers must use the Mariposa Road crossing. The downtown streets are congested and unsuitable for towing a boat. The Mariposa crossing ( Exit 4 off I 19 ) is the better way to go, but it is only open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The downtown crossing is open 24 hours a day.

Border crossing Regulations

Warning! Border procedures are subject to change at any time. It helps the tourist to understand that most Mexican border procedures are designed to prevent the importation of firearms and ammunition, stolen cars, or goods for re-sale into Mexico. Also, the rules and the likelihood of strict enforcement at customs change a little bit every few months, (just to keep you on your toes?). USA border procedures are designed to prevent importation of drugs and illegal aliens and agricultural products into the USA.

Whether you cross the border in Nogales or by using the Mariposa road crossing, you will be stopped at the border by Mexican customs officials. See below for items that you may bring into Mexico without restriction, what items you will have to pay a tax on in order to import, and what items are prohibited . Penalties for illegal importation of firearms or ammunition are very severe.

Car Permits

The Sonora Free Zone program for vehicles has expanded!! This means that those who plan to travel with vehicles in the state of Sonora north of Empalme/Guaymas no longer have to register and obtain a vehicle permit. If you plan to travel to the San Carlos-Guaymas area and no further into Mexico, this option applies. This also applies to trailers, boats, etc. Tourist cards are still required but for stays of 7 days or less you can get a no-fee tourist card.

Where is the Free Zone? The Free Zone includes the area west of Mexico Highway 15 to the coast or the border with Baja. It also includes the area from Douglas-Agua Prieta via Mexico Highway 2 west though Cananea to Imuris and everything north of that highway to the US-Mexico border. The southern end of the free zone is at KM 98 on Mexico 15, just south of Empalme. Communities in the free zone include Agua Prieta, Naco, Cananea, Nogales, Puerto Penasco, Sonoyta, San Luis Colorado, Caborca, Imuris, Magdalena, Santa Ana, Hermosillo, Kino Bay, San Carlos, Guaymas and Empalme. See the map below-the free zone is in beige.


 

If you want to travel to the eastern part of Sonora, which includes the Route of the Rio Sonora, the lakes at Angostura and Novillo, and Moctezuma or to the southern part of Sonora including Obregon, Novojoa or Tobalabampo, you must have an Only Sonora (free) or the All Mexico (fee) vehicle permit. The catch is you can only get an Only Sonora permit at KM 21 south of Nogales or at KM 98, south of Empalme. There are no other issue points for the Only Sonora permit at this time.

If you plan to travel beyond the state of Sonora, you must obtain an All Mexico permit for the vehicle which is good for 6 months and is valid for travel in all other areas of Mexico. You will need a credit card to post a bond of about $20 to guarantee you will not sell the car in Mexico. Note: If you use cash, the bond is over $200. Moral is use a credit card!

The new vehicle permit station is south of Empalme, at KM 98. All Mexico and Only Sonora permits are available at this station.

 

Required Documents for Drivers and Passengers

You will save time and trouble to have in your possession photocopies of the required documents (birth certificate or passport, vehicle registration, any necessary letters) before you begin the process of obtaining a car permit at the border.

To obtain a car permit, if required, you must have the car title or registration , and it must be in the same name as the driver. Or, if the bank holds the title to your vehicle, you will need a letter from the bank giving permission for you to take the vehicle into Mexico. The driver must have a current driver’s license. You will also need to present a credit card .

All foreign citizens entering Mexico will need to obtain their tourist visa . Automobile Passengers or plane passengers, as well as drivers, must show Proof of Citizenship (a passport is preferable)

Proof of Citizenship

Important Note:  The rules on documentation required to enter or return to the United States are in the process of changing during 2008-2009.  For the very latest information, see Get a Passport Now. There are new rules in effect as of January 31, 2008 so be sure you have the proper documents with you.

Any of the following is acceptable at the border to enter Mexico.

Passport - This is the most recommended document.

Original Birth Certificate - A hospital copy is not acceptable. You must have an original stamped copy from the state of birth. A notarized copy of the original document is also acceptable.

Marriage License (Only for married women not using the spouse’s last name) a marriage license or notarized affidavit with their married name.

U.S. Naturalization Papers - certificate or laminated card (must be an original; photocopy not acceptable).

Documents for Passengers Under 18 Years

Any person under 18 is considered a minor. If a passenger is under 18 unaccompanied by both parents, bring a letter of permission for the person to accompany you to Mexico, signed by both parents before a Notary Public. If a child has only one legal parent, a notarized statement must be obtained as proof. It is advisable to have the child’s birth certificate.

Documents for Pets

Taking your pet to Mexico is not a problem. All you need is a certificate of rabies vaccination. This is also required for returning the pet to the USA. Bring your own pet supplies (kitty litter, cat and dog food etc.).

Documents for Boats

When you reach your destination, go to the marina, and be prepared to give them photocopies of the following : tourist visa, boat import permit, boat title, boat insurance, and certificate of documentation on file.

The “Only Sonora” Program for Vehicles

The “Only Sonora” program is an initiative by the Mexican government to attract more tourists to the state of Sonora. This program reduces fees and paperwork for the tourist. Get your “Only Sonora” car permit at the border or at Km. 98 south of Empalme.

If you go to AAA travel club in the states to buy auto insurance, they may offer to fill out your papers for you. However, they may assume you will be traveling beyond Sonora and fill out your papers accordingly. Then, you will not be able to take advantage of the “Only Sonora” fast service line. Visitors can apply for a visitors’ permit by phoning 1-800-716-2555 and pick up the permit after they reach the border.

Customs, Tourist Permits, Vehicle Permits

After crossing the border, you will go through two checkpoints. The first checkpoint is for customs inspection where you must make a “voluntary declaration” of taxable goods, if you have any. The second checkpoint, a few miles down the road, at kilometer 21, is where you will obtain your tourist visa and vehicle permit.

American customs inspectors check your car only when you leave Mexico.

What Items Can You Bring Into Mexico?

All foreigners and Mexicans coming from another country are international passengers and have the right to import the following items, tax free:

In addition to the items listed above, if you are legally a resident of another country you may also bring into Mexico, tax free:

If you are traveling by camper, trailer or motor home you may also bring in:

IMPORTING ADDITIONAL MERCHANDISE

You may import additional merchandise valued at up to $1,000.00 by paying a corresponding tax without the intervention of a customs broker. Imports of merchandise over $1,000 must be handled through a customs broker (Contact Mexican Customs for a list of brokers)

In addition, you may import without the services of a customs broker, one computer system as long as its value, added to the above merchandise, (of $1,000.00) does not exceed $4,000.00 U .S. Currency.

Border Checkpoint# 1: Mexican Customs

The first checkpoint is the Mexican customs office at the border, where you are subject to inspection by the Mexican customs official. This is also where you should pay taxes on imported items that are subject to the import tax, such as a new stove, still in its box, or a large, new piece of furniture. The voluntary declaration office is the first office at the border crossing. If you are bringing in a taxable item, you can declare it here. Park and go in the little office. If you have nothing to declare, drive through the inspection lane, and hope for a green light!

When you drive through Checkpoint #1 and again at Checkpoint #2, you will be stopped at a red light/ green light signal for customs inspection. If you catch a green light, they wave you on through.

If you have taxable items to declare, you will be asked to fill out a declaration form and to pay a 20% tax based on your sales receipts for the items. The average tourist entering Mexico will not have any items to declare. You must declare only goods that are in excess of ordinary needs, for example, 100 pairs of shoes, or 50 cartons of cigarettes, or large appliances. If you have a letter authorizing you to bring in boat parts, show it to the customs officer and have it stamped. Each person in the car has a $50 allowance free of taxation, and the maximum amount of taxable imported goods is $1000. If you bring more than $1,000 of taxable goods, you cannot take it across the border even if you are willing to pay the tax. If you plan to bring more than that amount, for example, bringing a house full of furniture or building supplies, make advance arrangements with a broker in Nogales. There are special provisions for foreigners during their first year of residence in Mexico under FM-3 visas.

Taxable goods (including computers)

Each person can bring in their personal clothing and vacation gear without paying an import tax. You can bring, for example, a camera, radio, stereo, laptop computer, music tapes/CDs, sports equipment, toys, and a carton of cigarettes and one liter of alcoholic beverage. Larger amounts and certain items such as furniture, appliances, and boat parts will be taxed. (Boat parts allowed if you first obtain a permit.)

Although you can bring in a laptop computer, you cannot bring in a desktop computer unless you pay an import tax on it. You will be turned back if they search your vehicle and notice a computer and you can’t pay the tax. If the computer is valued at more than $4,000 (the limit on imported computers) you cannot bring it in the country at all unless you go through a broker in Nogales, Arizona. If the computer was made or assembled in Asia, the tax is higher, something like 50%.

Two computer brands are officially approved by the Mexican government: Compaq and Hewlett Packard. You will have no problem bringing them to Mexico. Other brands, such as Macintosh are taxed at a higher rate.

Household Furnishings.

Individuals who are moving their residence to Mexico can import their furniture without paying customs fees. This exception is made only during the first three months in which a foreign resident obtains his FM-3 visa. Make arrangements in advance with the Mexican Consulate in Arizona and the Aduana in Nogales. To make an appointment with the Nogales Customs Coordinator telephone from San Carlos: 01-631-311-0301. Detailed information is in Chapter 12.

At both Checkpoints, whether or not you catch a red light for a customs inspection is by random selection. If you do, a Mexican official will direct you to drive into one of the inspection bays and inspect your vehicle to see what you are bringing into the country.

Illegal items will be confiscated. Liquor is limited to one liter per person. Items for resale are not allowed (Including old clothes).

Firearms are illegal, and the penalties for bringing guns or ammunition into Mexico are very severe.

If you are not bringing in excessive amounts of goods or any illegal articles, they will allow you on through when they are finished with their inspection.

The road into Mexico has recently been rebuilt to by-pass the city of Nogales. The new road is very good and the fee, at this time, is only $5.00 for cars or $8.00 for RV’s. Drive about 5 miles on this highway until you reach the next checkpoint at Kilometer 21.

Checkpoint #2: Tourist Visas and Vehicle Permits

At the second checkpoint, Kilometer 21, twelve miles from the border, visitors obtain their Tourist Visas and their Vehicle Permits, if one is required. There may be another customs inspection.

Only one vehicle is allowed per person. That means, if you already have a car in Mexico, you cannot import another one. If you are driving an RV and pulling a car behind, you cannot register as owner of both. For example, if one person owns the RV, then the spouse can own the car. At the time your permit expires (usually 6 months), you must exit the country and turn in your vehicle permit. Any trailer, car, etc. noted on the vehicle permit must be taken out of Mexico at the same time. It is acceptable for a person who is not the owner to do the actual driving, but the owner must be in the vehicle and have the proper documents. A boat, however, can be bonded into Mexico for as long as 10 years.

These are the steps you will follow at Checkpoint #2 (Kilometer 21):

Park in the Parking Lot and walk to the appropriate building.

If you failed to declare your imported goods at the first checkpoint, declare them here at the “Voluntary Declaration” building.

The buildings are numbered from 1 to 4. First, go to building marked #1. This is the Migración (Immigration) Building.

Step 1: In the Immigration/Migración Building. (Building # 1), you will obtain your Tourist Visa. You must show your proof of citizenship and an official (government issued) photo ID (adults). Children will need a passport or birth certificate. If applicable, you must also show the letter of permission for minors traveling without both parents. The officer will ask you to sign your Tourist Visa. The fee for each tourist is $20 or 195 pesos (effective July 1, 2002).

Visas are granted for a period up to 180 days, but if you tell the official you will be in Mexico for a shorter period, say 60 days, the visa will only be for that amount of time.

After you get your tourist permit, go to one of the little copy shops outside building #1 and obtain copies of your driver’s license, tourist permit, birth certificate, and/or passport and car title or registration. (If you have a boat, you will need copies of the boat documents.) It will save you some time to make copies in advance of everything except the tourist permit before you leave home.

Step 2: “Only Sonora” Permit Building (Building # 2), If you are not going to travel beyond the state of Sonora, you can get your vehicle permit very quickly in the “Only Sonora” line and you will not need to pay a fee for a vehicle permit nor show a credit card. You will need photocopies of your other documentation. The "Only Sonora" option saves you money and reduces the paperwork. The official may ask how long you will be staying, where you will be staying, and the address and phone number of the home or hotel where you will be staying.

Note: If you plan to travel only to the San Carlos/Guaymas area you do not need any vehicle permit.

If you plan to stay longer than 30 days or travel beyond Sonora, (for example, if you plan to take the ferry to Baja or visit Copper Canyon), do not go to “Only Sonora.” Instead, go to the Banjercito (buildings #3 and#4) for a regular vehicle permit. Regular permits are good for up to 180 days.

Step 3: For longer stays and travel outside the state of Sonora, obtain a standard Tourist Visa as outlined in Step 1. You will need to get photocopies of your driver’s license, tourist permit, birth certificate, and/or passport and car title or registration. (If you have a boat, you will need copies of the boat documents.) Then take the photocopies to the clerk at the Banjercito Building 3-4. Pay an $11 bond with your credit card (or $200 if you use cash) to guarantee you will return your vehicle to the USA on or before the expiration date and to guarantee you will not sell the car in Mexico. The credit card and title MUST BOTH BE IN THE SAME NAME. Your vehicle permit will be issued at the Banjercito building at the same window where you pay. The clerk may give you the temporary importation permit (silver sticker) to put on the passenger side of the windshield, or they may indicate that an official will accompany you to your car to put it on.

As you leave the parking lot, go slowly. You will have to pass the second Mexican customs inspection station. Yes, they do it twice. If you get a green light, just drive on through. If you get a red light, the official will direct you to an inspection bay. Once they are finished, you are, at last, on you way to San Carlos!

When you return to the USA, Do not fai l to stop at the border (Kilometer 21). This office, on the right hand side of the highway, is clearly marked Foreign Vehicles. The border official will scrape off the sticker, which cancels the temporary import permit. They will return the paper import permit you signed on the way in to Mexico. If you forget to do this, you will be in BIG TROUBLE if you try and bring the vehicle back into Mexico. (Their computer remembers).

US Customs

US officials do not inspect vehicles as they enter Mexico, but will inspect your vehicle when you return to the USA. Mexican officials do not inspect your car when you leave Mexico, but USA customs and/or Dept. of Agriculture officials do. USA citizens can bring back any amount of Mexican arts and crafts, and up to $700 worth of other types of Mexican goods duty free, but no more than $10,000 cash and no more than one liter of alcohol, or more than 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars. Individuals can bring no more than $10,000 cash into Mexico, and there is a limit on the amount of cash you can take back the USA ($10,000) this is checked at the airport on arrival in the USA. Travelers driving across the border are not usually asked about the amount of cash.

Restricted Items

Agricultural products, prescription drugs, Cuban cigars.

If you are carrying prescription drugs into the USA, you must have a prescription for them. No more than a three-month’s supply is allowed on prescription medicine. You cannot take back Cuban cigars or any other items originating in Cuba. Many agricultural products are restricted. You cannot take plants or any item made from an endangered species or any items made from straw.

Declaration of Agricultural Products

You cannot take certain foods (meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables) out of Mexico. If you have uncooked food in your ice chest, it will probably be confiscated. Your car may be searched at the USA border when you re-enter the States to determine if you are carrying foods that may carry cholera, hepatitis, and other health threats, as specified by the USA Dept. of Agriculture. Dept. of Agriculture will inspect agricultural items. Agricultural items are prohibited if they can carry plant pests or animal diseases.

“Declare all agricultural items you bring from  Mexico. Failure to do so may result in delays and fines of up to $1,000. “

Permitted Agricultural Items

Fruits: Bananas, blackberries, dates, dewberries, grapes, lemons, small limes (sour), lychees, melons, papayas, pineapples, and strawberries

Vegetables: avocados without seeds; other vegetables are permitted except for white potatoes, and yams

Fish:  Fish and shrimp are permitted

Prohibited Agricultural Items

Fruits and Vegetables: All fruits not on the permitted list are prohibited. Sugarcane is prohibited. Potatoes are prohibited, including Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams. (Exceptions: Cooked potatoes are permitted. Avocados are not permitted unless the seeds have been removed -except in California, where they are completely prohibited).

Plants and Seeds: 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 for medicinal purposes, are permitted.)

Meat:  Pork- raw and cooked, including sausages, cold cuts, skins, and pork tacos, is prohibited. (Exceptions: Shelf-stable, canned pork and hard cooked pork skins (cracklings) are permitted.)

Poultry:  Raw meat from both domesticated 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:  Prohibited. This includes wheat straw, animal feed, and all articles made from straw.

Dog Food:  Dry dog food is limited to one day's ration per animal.

Highway to Guaymas/San Carlos

The newer highway from Nogales, Highway 15, is a toll road (carretera cuota). We advise against traveling on the old, free highway (carretera libre). The new four-lane, divided highway is faster, safer, and easier on your vehicle. Most of the damage done by the last hurricane has been repaired and the roads are smooth most of the way. There are three tollbooths between Nogales and San Carlos. The cuota (toll fee) is $5.00 at the first booth and about $8 for the next two. They will accept American money at the tollbooths. Of course they also accept pesos, and if you are a little unfamiliar with dealing in pesos, count your change before you proceed.

Speed Limits

Speed limits are posted in kilometers. To convert kilometers to miles multiply kilometers by .6 (or to be precise, .62). Speed Limits are strictly enforced In Mexico, and the seat belt requirement is enforced by San Carlos police.

Stay on Mexico Hwy 15 (going towards Guaymas) south all the way down to San Carlos. Before you reach San Carlos, you will travel through Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora. In Hermosillo, you should avoid the business district (Centro), unless you want to stop for lunch. The roads in the center of town (Centro) are congested. It is advisable to go around the town by way of the “Periferico.” About 3 miles into Hermosillo, there will be a stoplight with signs at the intersection that show Guaymas to the left, and "Hermosillo Centro" if you continue straight ahead. There are often a bunch of young boys at this intersection who compete to wash your windshield for 10 pesos. (You can ignore them.) Or better yet, just start your windshield wipers and shake your head “No” – this should dissuade them! Go left and stay on the Periferico on through town. Go slow because there are many BIG topes (speed bumps) in residential neighborhoods. Take it easy on the road from Hermosillo to Guaymas because it has a lot of sharp curves. It is now about 75 miles to Guaymas and it takes nearly two hours. Just before you reach Guaymas, you will see a turnoff on the right side of the road for San Carlos.

Take the San Carlos Exit just before the Guaymas city limits. . You will see the landmark mountain peak, the “Tetas de Cabra” (goat’s teats), straight ahead. Follow the scenic road (recently named Manlio Fabio Beltrones Boulevard) into “town” (More about this later).

Hooray! We’re here! See the ocean. Smell the salt-water breezes.

In Case of Highway Problems

Emergency Telephones: Emergency phones can be found along highways. (Dial 02 or 09 for operator).

Angeles Verdes: Green Angels patrol the main highways in green trucks to help travelers with car problems. They are equipped to do basic repairs and first aid. The staff of about 700 auto mechanics is bilingual. There is no charge for this service except for parts and gas, but tipping is allowed. They may also administer minor first aid. Their toll free number in Mexico 800-903-0092. Raise the hood of your car to signal you need assistance.

Citizens’ Band Radio CB’s : You can contact the Green Angels with your CB radio on these channels: Channel 13 inter-tourist talk; Channel 11 caravans.

Red Cross (Cruz Roja): Mexican Red Cross stations are located in larger towns. They do good work and charge nothing, but donations are accepted. A Red Cross clinic is an excellent place to go with minor injuries or illnesses. It is a nice gesture to donate a couple of dollars to the Red Cross workers on the road who may ask for a donation.

Police and Highway Inspection Stations

There are several highway checkpoints on the road to Guaymas-San Carlos. The police there are authorized to stop and search any vehicle for guns, drugs, or other contraband. These checkpoints may also be staffed by Mexican Army soldiers. Usually they do not search American or Canadian cars.

There are several types of law enforcement officers in Mexico: Federal Police, Federal Highway Police, Municipal Police, Federal Judicial Police and Mexican Army soldiers.

Federal Police (Policía Federal de Justicia). In Mexico, the federal police have more authority that the local city cops. They do carry guns and look intimidating, but they are only looking for federal violations such as smuggling drugs, guns, and ammunition and car theft. If you are stopped, be cooperative. Generally they don’t mean you any harm, but you don’t want to talk back to these guys.

Municipal Police (Policía Preventa). Local police can stop your car for speeding or other traffic law violations. Be sure to wear your seat belt as you leave and enter San Carlos - the cops at the Caseta in front of the Triana Condos watch for violations. The office of the Police Chief is marked “Comisario Municipal,” and is located on on Caracol Touristico across the boulevard from the Marina Terra Hotel above the parking lot.
Police Telephone: 226 - 1400 or 226-0004.

Federal Protective Police (Policía Federal Preventa, or PFP) The PFP can also stop you for speeding or other traffic law violations. There are numerous radar "zones" along Mexico highway 15 between Nogales and San Carlos. They are marked with signs that say "Radar en operación." As in the U.S., there may or may not be anyone manning a radar gun along the highway when you drive through, but if there is, they are very serious about it. The PFP are usually the first responders at the scene of an accident on México 15, and they have to deal with some truly horrific accidents.

Soldiers in Uniform: Do not be afraid of the young men serving their one year of military obligation. They wear dark khaki fatigues. Their rifles are not loaded, and they are just carrying out training maneuvers.

If any law enforcement agent stops you, he is entitled to see your driver’s license and your vehicle registration. He may also ask to see your vehicle’s Temporary Import Permit.

Question : What happens if I get a ticket for a traffic violation in Mexico?

Answer: Be polite. Try to communicate. It is not unusual for the policeman to collect a fine from you right on the spot. This is legal here. (I think) However it is better form to go to the Comisario’s office to pay the fine. For some violations, the policeman will take your driver’s license and require you to meet him at the local Police Station to settle the matter. Do not be alarmed; this is standard operating procedure. In some instances, the policeman also takes the license plate from the car. Fines for traffic violations run from $12 to $60.

Question: Should I pay bribes, the “mordida”? To facilitate matters with customs inspectors, border officials, federal or highway police?

Answer: Sometimes, yes. In present-day Mexico, the bribe is no longer standard practice. Yet, in some situations, you may feel intuitively that a bribe will speed you on your way. They seldom come right out and ask for money. There is no penalty for offering a bribe, and sometimes a bribe is exactly what they are after. They may expect anything from 50 pesos to 50 dollars.

Sometimes the cops get very creative when they need a few bucks. Once, while driving through Hermosillo with a big white dog hanging eagerly out the window, we were stopped by a cop. He declared it was illegal for the dog to have his head poking out the open window. A new law was created on the spot! We had to cough up $5 to proceed. Now we have two dogs. Will that cost $10 next time?

The cops like to catch some gringo like our son, the absent minded professor. When our son was leaving town, day dreaming at the wheel, he drove through the stop sign at the corner. The cops appeared out of nowhere shouting, “Infraccíon! Infraccíon!” That cost him 5 bucks. When the tourists are not around, the cops don’t enforce this stop, but when tourists flow in, the cops descend on favorite locations, like this corner, for catching violations.

Not many years ago, it seems we were often pressured to pay small bribes going through customs and on the highway. We have not experienced anything like that in two or three years. The police and border officials have been unfailingly polite and patient, and never demand bribes.