Piece 1 As of June 11, 2011, by official of la Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público (SHCP), the cost of the Temporary Import Permit Vehicles is $48.84 USD at the exchange into mexican pesos. Also, all importers must leave a deposit depending on the model of the vehicle at the time of processing… After making the cancellation of the permit in any module at the border, the next bank business day will be asked to refund your money to be deposited directly to VISA or MasterCard used. Such reimbursement shall be made ​​according to the exchange rate prevailing on the date made​​, and depending on your bank’s internal policies could generate commissions and / or take several days before your bank will put in your account.. On the other hand, if you make the cash deposit (only modules Banjercito Border), the return of Escrow is also made in cash upon termination inside the module.

Piece 2 This deposit is compulsory and can be paid by credit card, debit card, or cash (in US Dollars only). Users must keep in mind that if the deposit is charged to a credit card, the charge will be made in Mexican Pesos and will be calculated based on the exchange rate of the day on which the payment is made. This deposit will be refunded to the same credit card on the next banking business day after the vehicle is fully returned and based on the exchange rate of that day. The vehicle must be returned on time and within the time period stated on the temporary import permit. If the vehicle is returned after the stated time period, the entire deposit amount will be transferred to the Office of the Treasury on the day following the expected return date, as allowed by current law.

So bottom line–there is the vehicle import permit charge and a deposit. The deposit is charged and held, if cash, if the vehicle is returned on time, the deposit is refunded. If the vehicle is not returned by the time indicated on the permit, the deposit is forfeited.

Please let us know if you have further questions and we apologize for any confusion.

Remember you can save time and money by purchasing your Mexico car insurance online in 5 minutes or less at Mexpro.com.

Click here to read the Mexpro.com February 2012 Newsletter now.

The island of Cozumel is one of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico. Its beautiful coastal location and vibrant nightlife attracts tourists from all over the world. People who travel to Cozumel often stay at all-inclusive resorts that provide food, libations, and the opportunity to lie out on their beautiful, private beaches. There’s plenty of fun to be had at these resorts, but it’s best for tourists to venture out if they want to get the full flavor of Cozumel. If you’re planning to take a trip to Cozumel this year on a jet charter, boat, or plane, here are three attractions you should put on your travel itinerary:

1. Palancar Reef

If you’re into scuba diving, this is the best place in Cozumel for you to go. It’s a gigantic coral reef that divers can explore up to 110 feet below the sea. Palancar Reef is part of Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park and located on the southwest side of the island. The reef belongs to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second biggest reef system on the globe.

2. Power Yoga Cozumel

If you want to challenge your body and relax your mind while on vacation, Power Yoga Cozumel is for you. This yoga studio is one of Mexico’s best. Power Yoga Cozumel’s instructors are respected around the world, and some people even make the trip to Cozumel just to take a class with them.

3. Mayan Steam Lodge

When you begin to feel a little bit sluggish after eating delicious food and enjoying exotic mixed drinks all day, the Mayan Steam Lodge is your best bet. Sitting in this steam lodge will cleanse your body of all its impurities and allow you to participate in the Mayan cultural tradition of steam bathing that has been around for centuries.

So, take some time out of your trip to Cozumel to venture outside the confines of your resort and explore the three locations above!

My good friend Shelley Claude took a trip to Mexico this past December to celebrate the Christmas holidays with her family and friend. She had a wonderful trip and has been talking non-stop about going back – sometime very soon. I thought this would be a good opportunity to ask her about safety, family and fun in Mexico. Below is my interview with Shelley.

1. What were the dates of your travel?
December 21-31, 2011

2.  How did you travel?
We flew by plane to Mexico City. We then took a Oaxaca city and then another bus to Puerto Escondido

3.    Who went on this trip with you?
My two daughters, my husband and one friend

4.    What activities did you participate in?
Sightseeing, a museum in Mexico City and a cooking class in Oaxaca city, which is famous for it’s mole. I also took surfing lessons on the coast in Puerto Escondido.

5. What was your favorite destination during the trip and why?
It’s hard to say. I really loved Oaxaca city for its culture, but loved Puerto Escondido for its beach.

6. Did you feel safe during your travels? Was there any time you did not feel safe & if so, why? Or, why did you feel safe?
I felt safe the entire time.

7. Was it crowded? Did you wish it were less crowded?
We went at high season and it did not feel very crowded to me.

8. Did you meet other American travelers?
No other Americans but lots of other International travelers

9. What was your least favorite part about the trip?
The duration of the bus rides

10. Would you recommend the same trip: Christmas, cities, Mexico, travel method to other families traveling to Mexico?
Yes, but I would take a flight right to Oaxaca city.

11. Will you go again?
I can’t wait to go back

12. Was there something you did or saw that you feel other visitors should not miss?Yes, cooking classes and Mexico City’s historic district.

13. Any final comments?
Now is a great time to visit Mexico, since crowds are reduced due to the inaccurate depiction given by the media for all of Mexico.

Thank you Shelley…and next time I’m coming with!

In doing a little research of my own for “What to do in Rocky Point” for the holidays I found some great adventures and thought I’d share, for those of you going to Arizona’s Beach for the holidays…

For the Family

CET-MAR Aquarium
The Center for Technological Sea Studies and Aqua Culture is an aquarium exhibit that provides an up close look at the native species of the inter-tidal zone and the northern gulf coast. Get a close look at sea turtles, octopus, sea horses, shrimp, various fish species, and sea lions. For the small price of the food, you can feed the Sea Turtles and Sea Lions. Located at 43 Las Conchas Road (just before the main guard gate for Las Conchas). Schools, families, tours, individuals and groups are welcome. Aquarium exhibition Monday thru Friday 10AM to 3PM / Saturday & Sunday 10AM to 6PM. Cost $3- Adults, $2- Children

CEDO Tours
A natural history museum also serves as a field station for researchers. Participate in classes at the education center that includes a library and laboratories. A giant fin whale skeleton is one of the featured and most sought after exhibits. Book store and gift shop. Free public tours available: Tuesdays at 2PM and Saturday at 4PM.

Located in Las Conchas at the whale skeleton.
Tel: 011-52-638-382-0113
Website: www.cedointercultural.org
Email: cedointercultural@prodigy.net.mx

Sunset Cruises
Rocky Point is well known for the variety of Sunset Cruises available. Take a Pirate Cruise with Capt. Tony on the Rey Del Mar or go on one of the original charters offered in Penasco, the Intrepid. Contact Patti at the Sun n’ Fun Dive Shop.

Website: www.sunandfundivers.com

Oyster Farms
Rocky Point has several fresh Oyster Farms. If you are an oyster lover or just want to share with the kids take a drive to the Oyster Farms just outside of Las Conchas.

Tidal Pool Explorations
This is a great, fun way to teach the kids about sea creatures. Some of the best places to find tidal pools are in front of the Granada Del Mar Hotel (also the Pitahaya Bar), in front of Manny’s Beach Club, and over by the Reef Club and RV Park. They also offer Tide Pool Exploration at CEDO in Las Conchas.

Website: www.cedointercultural.org

Snorkeling
Rocky Point has many places to snorkel, which is a great family experience. Recommended Snorkeling Locations: The Reef Club and RV Park, Manny’s Beach and Pitahaya Bar, Tucson Beach in Cholla Bay, and at the base of the Vina Del Mar hotel during high tide.

Fishing Charters
Fish the Sea of Cortez by hiring a fishing charter. This is a very popular Rocky Point activity and caters to the novice to expert fisher-person. Prices vary according to the amount of time on the charter. Contact Patti, a local expert who has lived in Rocky Point for about 15 years.

Website: www.sunandfundivers.com

Mini Golf at Casa Blanca
Family fun can always be had with a nice game of mini golf. Casa Blanca Golf Villas has a great mini golf park for you and the kids. Call 602-404-2982 for more information.

For the Adventurous

Off Road Adventures
There are many opportunities to off-road on ATV’s or dune buggies. It is illegal to ride vehicles on the beach, you can do it inland in many areas, especially behind Sandy Beach. ATV rentals are available, so make sure you inquire “where in town you can ride them”, and the rules that apply to street driving. Please, WEAR A HELMET! It really does save lives.

Kite Surfing
Various levels of lessons from beginner to advanced are offered through Rocky Point Kite Surfing. Cost depends on type of lesson. All equipment provided. Bob, Amanda, Omar, and the entire staff welcome you.

Tel. 602.820.8147
Website: www.rockypointkitesurfing.com
Email: rockypointkitesurfing@yahoo.com

Parasailing
Take in all of Rocky Point’s beauty from up to 800 feet in the air with a parasailing adventure. Rides vary in price and times.

Santiago’s Ocean Services
Website: www.santiagosoceanservices.com

Scuba Diving
Get to know the lovely Sea of Cortez and take a tour to the famous Bird Island where you can see large sea lions, octopus, rock fish, eel, and much more. Call 602.404.2982 for details.

Sea Kayaking
Another way to enjoy the beautiful Sea of Cortez. Those who kayak in the early morning are likely to see Dolphins, which are a common site in Rocky Point. Bring your water camera just in case. Kayak rentals are available across from the Church in the Old Port, right across from the Thrifty Ice Cream. Call Jeff and Audrey 011-52-638-38-36209.

Wow! There’s so much to do in Rocky Point, I don’t know when I’ll have the time to just lounge on the beach. To learn more about what to do in Rocky Point, like dining and the night life, check out the Rocky Point Experts website http://www.rockypointexperts.com/site/thingstodo.htm.

For Immediate Release: SCOTTSDALE, AZ (December 1, 2011)

Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada: On December 16th the Ryerson Women’s volleyball team will be traveling 2,000 miles from Toronto, Canada to Agua Prieta, Sonora, MX to spend a week displaying their volleyball skills and helping the less-fortunate. The team will be participating in Scottsdale, AZ-based, Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation’s innovative “Guardian Warrior” Volunteer Exchange Program. They will stay in the program dormitory in Mexico while they perform service work in some of the poorest neighborhoods in North America.

Photo Copyright & Courtesy Raechel Running

During their visit the “Ryerson Rams” will be conducting clinics and games with Mexican teams. Local teams will travel from Hermosillo, Sonora and other surrounding cities to learn, play ball, and reach across borders with these Canadian athletes. When not playing volleyball, the women will be working in the barrios and building a home for a family of five who would otherwise be weathering the winter in a shack made from shipping pallets. The athletes will be mixing cement, pounding nails, laying bricks, and sawing lumber. They will also organize a food distribution food to help 1,000 of Agua Prieta’s poorest families survive the winter.

“This is how we change consciousness and break down borders. These girls will go home with a new awareness of the challenges the border people face on a daily basis. They will also be given a visceral sense of purpose. Likewise the citizens of Agua Prieta will have a better understanding of the “Gringos” who live to the north but care enough to come down and help. Everybody wins!”

For more information:

Contact:
Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation, Inc. (“Rancho Feliz”)
Gil Gillenwater, Founder and director
602-538-2800
gil@gillenwater.biz

Photographer :
Raechel Running is a bi-national photographer who has been working on borderland stories for five years. She has documented Rancho Feliz’s projects for the past two years in Chihuahua’s Copper Canyon, and in Agua Prieta, Sonora. She will be photographing this community event. If you are interested in seeing her work for this story please contact her at raech@raechelrunning.com, www.raechelrunning.com.

Rancho Feliz is a volunteer-based, IRS registered charity established in 1987. To date over 12,000 volunteers from the U.S. and overseas have participated in Rancho Feliz’s “Guardian Warrior” Volunteer Exchange Program. This cross-cultural exchange program is currently averaging over 1,000 volunteer visits per year. For more information visit: www.ranchofeliz.com

For more information check out these links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRRx8e0lGYA&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5_SZN3NGOQ&feature=relmfu

Thank you for purchasing your past Mexico insurance from Mexpro.com and welcome to our December Holiday Newsletter.

This holiday season we aren’t going to bore you with Insurance news, we know you have presents to buy… and unwrap, cookies to bake, candles to light, trees to decorate and family gatherings to attend.

We are just going to provide you with all the resources you need to have a safe and Happy Holiday in Mexico!

Remember you can save time and money by purchasing your Mexico car insurance online at Mexpro.com.

In 5-minutes you can quote, print and purchase your online policy…and be ready for your holiday trip.

If you need help, our staff of nearly 20 employees is here to help you. Feel free to contact us by phone at 888-467-4639.

Click here to read the entire Mexpro.com December Newsletter.

“We always travel to Mexico through Calexico/Mexicali crossing and have not experienced any difficulties (just the anticipation of getting the green light instead of the red light). Also, during the week reentering the US is usually no more than 1 hour if you don’t hit morning rush hour.” – Sid Norton – Oxnard, California