Traveling to San Carlos

[Badhabit]

We are thinking about traveling to San Carlos Sonora next month and have some questions. We talked to the gentleman in the big tent at Q and he mentioned that we should park on the US side and walk over to get our paperwork in order and then come back and proceed with the RVs. Other people say that there is no paper work at the border and we do everything at km21 check point. Apparently we do not need a TIP for the truck but how about the fifth wheel trailer. People traveling with us have a motorhome with toad. Do they need a TIP. Insurance-- We know we need it. Can we buy it online and if we do, where do we get this sticker or is it better to buy it at the border? Any recomendations? We were told to take the truck lane around Nogales and can we buy this ins there? We are excited and nervous at the same time as we are rookies for traveling in Mexico but we are really looking forward to it. We are Canadian if that makes any difference.

D&H

[moisheh]

That would be south of KM 21 on the toll road.

Moisheh

[darbone85737]

last time we were there the only toll that accepted US dollars was the first booth on MX 15 headed south from Nogales. I believe it is north of the 21km checkpoint. All the others from there to Tepic were pesos only

[moisheh]

Been that way for at least 3 years. Once in a while there will be a sign on the booth giving the exchange rate. I suppose that particular booth is taking US funds.
Moisheh

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Talleyho69 wrote:
Make sure you get pesos somewhere before the first toll booth. Tolls must be paid in national currency.

When did this change for Sonora?

My last time through it was pesos or dolares but no mixing of the two.

The Maxipista between Culiacan and Mazatlan was strictly M.N

pesos only.

[Badhabit]

Thnank you for all your replies. We are going there as my wife found a person on facebook that was my best friend growing up who lives there, and he said come on down.

D&H

[Talleyho69]

Make sure you get pesos somewhere before the first toll booth. Tolls must be paid in national currency.

[edbehnke]

get insurance, whatever type you want.

just go through the truck entry, opens at 6am, head to san carlos....easy drive.

san carlos isn't the greatest place in mexico but enjoy it. go to the wine bar at the marina. ..also do breakfast at the restaurant in the marina....enjoy the people.

you have gas/disel/atm assess in san carlos too.

[mexicoruss]

No TIP for San Carlos

[qhor]

San Xavier Mexico Insurance has office locations in Tucson and Nogales as well as on-line web site.

[daveB110]

If you need to buy a permit for the car when towing behind a motor home, the motor home is allowed in and out with no problems? Or is it just if you already have a ten year TIP you will need to get a permit for your car that you tow? Or is it that you will need only a tourist permit to travel to San Carlos?

[mexicoruss]

So glad you are making your trip to Mexico, you will love San Carlos. You will find it very easy to get there and lovely to the point you won't want to leave!

[briansue]

Insurance online . . . http://www.mexicanautoinsurance.com . . .

[darbone85737]

No need to stop in Nogales. Go through the Mariposa port of entry and stop at the 21km facility to get your visitor permit. If you are driving a car or towing a trailer you don't need a vehicle permit to visit San Carlos. It you are driving a motor home and towing a car you need a permit for the car which is also available at the 21 km stop. Very easy

[Canadian_Rainbi]

IF you are crossing at Nogales, paper work is at KM 21. I don't believe you need permits for the vehicles if you only go as far as San Carlos.

Hopefully someone who doesn't go further south will confirm that.