How safe is Nogales these days? (Phoenix: restaurants, prices, move to)

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by westerndog

How are "cigs" ever a good deal?

For those who smoke - they are; for those who would like to preach - this ain't the place.

[Marcy1210]

Getting across the border to Nogales is okay, but getting back in the US requires either a passport, or a certified copy of your birth certificate and a photo ID (drivers license) and the wait to get back in can take two to three hours. Not to mention, you should never take your own car. I just don't think it's worth the hassle or the time required to make the trip over the border, but if you want to try it, hold on to your wallet, don't take your car and be prepared for panhandlers. I find it scary. But, that's just me.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Marcy1210

Getting across the border to Nogales is okay, but getting back in the US requires either a passport, or a certified copy of your birth certificate and a photo ID (drivers license) and the wait to get back in can take two to three hours.

When did this happen? Unless it's some mess caused by the new passport requirements, it's never taken me more than 20-30 minutes to cross the border back by foot.

Now, coming back by car after a holiday weekend CAN be another story and then it often takes 2-3 hours, sometimes more, but that's not what the OP plans to do.

[Rick Lee]

I would never drive my own car into Mexico, since I'll never be sure I have no gun or ammo paraphenalia laying around in there. And I've done plenty of real travel, so bringing a passport is no issue. I just wonder if it's worth a visit or too dangerous. I know my wife would like to just walk across since she hasn't been outside the U.S. in six years.

[Marcy1210]

Some friends of ours went over Memorial Day weekend. They took their son's old beater car and the wait to get back in took a couple of hours. Granted, they did drive rather than walk. Border Patrol was checking every car and using the dogs, so it really slowed the process of coming back drastically.

[miamiman]

The first time I went a year ago was fine. We accidentally drove into Mexico. Aside from the fact that we didn't feel safe leaving our car along the street, there was absolutely NO available space ANYWHERE (almost reminded me of NY). Unlike the other posters here, it took us only 40-45 minutes to make it back into the country. I am a little suspicious that it would take anyone more than a hour to get back into the United States (it's Nogales, not Tijuana or Juarez). Getting into Mexico is of course a breeze; you don't even have to stop. Walking back from Mexico can take a significant amount of time, especially if BP decides to investigate further into someone who they feel is suspicious. I would recommend parking at the Subway or Wendy's on the Arizona side, and walking over.

Nogales is safe despite is look and feel. The city does appropriately look like it's in a Third World country. If you're a guy walking alone you will not go more than 10 seconds without a guy or group of guys offering you their sister for a couple of hours. Nogales does have a huge prostitution industry. Otherwise, the town is safe, with it tending to feel larger than it really is. There are a couple of good food places, but like all areas in Mexico, you should avoid drinking the water or consuming a drink with ice in it. The town is still full of shady pharmacies offering medicine that you would need prescriptions for in the United States. There are also corner stores where you can stock up on Mexican candy and soda, if that interests you. WORD OF CAUTION: If you try to get duty-free stuff on the American side, BP agents will make you cross over to Sonora and go through the checkpoint, or have it shipped to your home for a high price.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by miamiman

I am a little suspicious that it would take anyone more than a hour to get back into the United States (it's Nogales, not Tijuana or Juarez).

It can take a lot longer when everybody is coming back from a holiday weekend in San Carlos or Bahia Kino, but probably not as long as it would take crossing the border at Lukeville coming back from Rocky Point because more people go there.

I haven't been to San Carlos and Bahia Kino for years. Come to think of it, if I remember correctly, the slowdown was happening at kilometer 21 and not really in Nogales itself.

[rrgone]

I've been down to Nogales,Son on foot many times without incident. I have even walked across 2 - 3 times with my 80 year old mom. She loves to go down there and haggle with the vendors. One time we walked over to La Roca for some lunch and 'ritas and when we left we found that a very long train was blocking the way back to the border crossing. It was stopped on the tracks and we couldn't see the end in either direction. Several Mexican people just crawled under a train car to get by, but mom was having none of that. So I climbed up a ladder attached to a car and stood on the bits between the cars and helped mom up. Then a Mexican gentleman helped her down the ladder on the other side and off we went. I sure wish I'd had a camera to get a picture of mom climbing across that train! She loves to tell people that story.

In short, go down there and enjoy yourself. Keep a smile on your face and say over and over: No, gracias. If you do see something you like then offer a little over half the asking price and see what happens.

[galove]

Just went for the first time last weekend. Walked right in with no problems. Shopped and ate a La Roca with my husband and pre-teen daughters. Never felt unsafe. It was a breeze returning to the States. It was better than I expected. I recommend going.

[galove]

Where is the Wal Mart and the mall located from the border entry? I would love to check them out. I assume it's safe to venture to them?