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Flights arrive at Rafael Buelna International Airport (MZT) daily. The airport is 14 miles southeast of the hotel and resort area. The terminal has several shops, plus a restaurant, bar, and several rental car agencies. From the airport, taxis are available at around $12. Most major rental car companies have airport counters. Some hotels have free shuttles, or may charge a small fee ($5 shared), inquire with your hotel. Buses also run between the airport & downtown. The cost is less than a $1, but it will take more time. To fly (international airports), you will need a valid passport or your original birth certificate (US and Canada). It must be presented at the airline check-in. Once on the plane you will be given a form to fill out for customs.
Tourist cards are not necessary for Tijuana or Ensenada, unless you stay more than 72 hours. There are restrictions as to what you can bring to Mexico......Some of these restrictions are limits for "duty free" and some are absolute, such as firearms without a permit (not to mention drugs). Most commonly encountered restrictions are: Most food items - especially plants, fruits and seeds. Cigars and cigarettes - over 20 packs per person may be subject to duty. Liquor and wine - over 2 bottles per person may be subject to duty. Controlled substances and drugs. Firearms - only for hunting and a permit must be obtained from the Mexican Consulate in advance.
The Immigration counter is your first stop after you disembark the plane. Here you will have to present your passport (or birth certificate). Your passport will be stamped to make your arrival official. (You will need to keep your passport with you at all times while in Mexico) Next you'll proceed to the baggage claim area for your luggage. Customs is the last step, here you will need to have your Customs Declaration Form handy (the form you were given on the plane). Recently Mexico adopted a "Red Light - Green Light" system for customs. If you have put "Nothing to declare" on this form, you will be asked to push a button....... If the light is green you can exit without inspection; if the light is red you will be subject to inspection. This is a random system, and therefore there is no way to know whether you will get a green or red light. Consequently you need to be honest on your Customs Declaration and declare anything over and above what is allowed, paying all applicable duties. If you do not, and are caught by a red light, the fines may be very steep.
Mazatlan has the biggest marina grouping in all of Mexico and is vary popular with the yachting set or the casual boater. Marina Mazatlan is the larger of the two main marina's in the resort with over 1,200 slips upon completion of construction. It is being built in phases. All amenities are offer from boat yard and fuel dock to a future golf course, plus 24 hr. security, and yacht club, Tel: (69) 16-3614. Marina El Cid offers a little over 100 slips and also features a fuel dock, security, accommodations, a beach club, tel: (69) 13-0525. You'll also find the Capitan of the Port offices here for check-in, which is required by the Mexican government.
The Mazatlan Ferry (SEMATUR) can provide vehicle and passenger transport to and from La Paz in Baja California Sur. The trip takes 17 plus hours and advance tickets can be purchased during the week at Paseo Clausen 310 in Olas Atlas (69-81-7020). The actual ferry boards at end of Av. Carnaval from the Muelle Transbordador at the harbor.
Mazatlan can be reached by driving the toll road (Hwy. 15) from Nogales. Tolls are in the $30 range for the entire trip. You can also take the free road which will add some hours onto your trip. Coming from the east through Durango is another option on Hwy. 40, but remember you are crossing the Sierra Madre Occidental and you'll need to be cautious and drive slow in some areas. If you do drive your vehicle to Mazatlan, you must have Mexican auto insurance.
About 18 miles into the country, you will reach the immigration checkpoint, where you can get the permit for your car that's about $12.50 USD for up to 180 days, your immigration status papers, and your customs declaration, be sure to have all of your papers ready to expedite the procedures.
Effective July 1, the federal government instituted its "Derecho para No Inmigrante" (right of entry for non immigrant) policy. It calls for a $15 USD head tax on every tourist entering Mexico, with the proceeds earmarked for the improvement of migration services and the promotion abroad of tourism to Mexico. What does this mean to the average American or canadian crossing the border into Mexico? The powers-that-be who instituted the tax think most foreign visitors will not be deterred by having to pay such a modest amount of money. Tourists who arive by air probably won't feel the bite of the DNI (the initials in spanish for right of entry) permit, since the tax is built into their airline tickets. Those arriving by road are handed a date-stamped bill for $150 MXP that they have to pay at a Mexican bank. The document is then stamped "paid" and it has to be turned in to the authorities when the visitor leaves the country.
Exemptions are granted to those visiting towns along the border and those whose stay is less than 72 hours. This favors weekend visitors who live close to the border, as weel as cruise ship passengers. Also exempted are Mexican citizens and foreign residents of Mexico with FM-3 or FM-2 status, who already pay certain taxes to obtain their documents. Tourists that come and go need pay the $15 USD tax only once in every 180 days.
The Mazatlan Train Station (69-84-6710) is located on the eastern edge of town in Colonia Emiliano Zapata. At this time, the train is not running, but it usually serves Mexicali and Nogales to the north and Guadalajara to the south, as well as points in between. Hours vary, but the ticket office is usually open at 8am - 12pm Mon-Sun. Remember, trains in Mexico can be slow and not on time. Although a great way to see the countryside, please allow time for breakdowns, unscheduled stops, and late starting times.
Central de Autobuses (69-82-8321) can be found just east of Playa Norte on Calle Rio Chachalacas. Most major bus companies serve the resort and head out to many cities in Mexico. First class from the U.S. border (Nogales, AZ) is around $36 and from Mexico City is about $40.
