Contents

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1. 1 General Dialing Information
2. 2 Dialing 800 Number from Mexico to USA
3. 3 Dialing Within Mexico
4. 4 Cellular Phones
5. 4.1 In Puerto Penasco
6. 4.2 From other parts of Mexico

Here is some information for dialing from and to Mexico. If you have any other information to add please post it on the comments.

General Dialing Information

Mexico’s country code: 52
Puerto Peñasco city code: 638

USA to MX Cell Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #)
USA to MX Landline: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #)
MX to USA: 001+Area Code+(Tel #)
MX to Canada: 001+Area Code+(Tel #)
MX Landline to MX Cell Phone: 045 or 044+Area Code+(Tel #)
MX Cell Phone to MX Landline: Area Code+(Tel #)

Dialing 800 Number from Mexico to USA

To dial USA 800 – 001+880
To dial USA 866 – 001+883
To dial USA 877 – 001+882
To dial USA 888 – 001+881
Note: 800 numbers dialed from Mexico to the USA are not free of charge. International rates apply.

Dialing Within Mexico

Dial 01+area code+7 digit number

Mexico City: (011) 52-55, plus the 8-digit telephone number.
Guadalajara: (011) 52-33, plus the 8-digit telephone number.
Tijuana: (011) 52-664, plus the 7-digit telephone number.

Cellular Phones

In Puerto Penasco

From a land line dial 044 + 638 + 7-digit number
From local cell to cell dial 638 + 7-digit number
U.S. cells can vary how you dial when in Rocky Point. AT&T International plan works the best. Sometimes you may have to dial 044 + 638 + 7-digit number.

From other parts of Mexico

To Puerto Penasco cell to cell dial 045 + 638 + 7-digit number
To call other cities, you will need to know their city code and then replace (above) the 638 with that city code.

©2012 Rocky Point Assist. All Rights Reserved.

Contents

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1. 1 Individuals (Personas Fisicas)
2. 1.1 Requirements
3. 2 Corporations (Personas Morales)

Beginning June 21st 2010, banks will only receive deposits or exchange dollars in cash in accordance with the following.

Individuals (Personas Fisicas)

• If you have a bank account you can exchange up to $4,000 USD per month. No matter how many accounts you may have.
• If you dont have a bank account, you can only exchange up to $1,500 USD per month.

Requirements

If you don not have a bank account, at the time of each operation, you must provide your passport to the bank teller (in some cases with a copy, depending on the bank).

You might be asked also to provide the following information:

1. Name, no abbreviations
2. Country of Birth
3. Nationality
4. Date of Birth
5. Home Address

Corporations (Personas Morales)

As of December 21, 2010, you can only do purchases of dollars in cash to legal entities (known in Mexico as “Personas Morales”), for a maximum amount of $ 14,000 USD per month and only in tourist areas wich includes northern borders and Baja California Sur. Provided that its establishment is located in these areas and its municipalities are authorized by the SHCP (IRS).

©2012 Rocky Point Assist. All Rights Reserved.

Contents

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1. 1 Sole Proprietorship (Persona Fisica)
2. 2 Limited Corporation or Partnership
3. 3 References

Self-employed foreigners in Rocky Point, Puerto Penasco, Mexico, often work in IT or knowledge-based careers such as teaching, computer programming, Web design, translations, photography or specialized markets. To work in these areas with other Mexican businesses, you do not need to create a limited liability corporation (LLC) but can instead register as a sole-proprietor micro business. Other types of businesses will require you to register as LLC or limited partnership, however—especially if you plan to open a tour agency, real estate office, hotel, spa, bed-and-breakfast or other type of brick-and-mortar business.

Sole Proprietorship (Persona Fisica)

1. Contract the services of a reliable Mexican accountant (ask other foreigners living in Rocky Point to recommend one, for example). All businesses in Mexico have to use an accountant to register and pay quarterly taxes. Accountant services are relatively inexpensive in Mexico compared with their U.S. counterparts.
2. Ask the accountant to register you at the federal and county tax offices as a sole-proprietorship business. Such registrations involve relatively simple paperwork; if you understand enough of the language, go to the tax office (acienda y Credito Publico) and register yourself. However, the frustrations of wading through Mexican bureaucracy may make it worth your while to pay the approximate $50 to $100 monthly accountant fee.
3. Take your registration papers and tax registration number to an authorized government printing business to have payment receipts made. Give these receipts to clients whenever they pay you for services tendered.
4. Keep track of your expenses and receipts, and give these to your accountant on a monthly basis so she can present your quarterly tax declaration.

Limited Corporation or Partnership

1. Contract the services of a good Mexican attorney in Rocky Point, Puerto Penasco, Mexico (again, ask other foreigners to recommend a good attorney). Consult with your attorney as to the best way to register the business.
2. Draw up the incorporation papers with your attorney’s help for the business registration, and get authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a foreign-owned business.
3. Deliver the incorporation papers to the notary public. Unlike an American notary public, the Mexican counterpart is a specialized attorney authorized by the state government to verify legal contracts in his state. The notary (“notario” in Spanish) will authorize and certify the corporate documentation. The process takes approximately 30 days to complete. In most cases, notaries with offices equipped with the appropriate software can also give you your tax registration number.
4. Contract the services of a Mexican accountant (ask other foreign business owners in Puerto Penasco to recommend someone). An accountant’s relatively low fees can help you avoid much of the Mexican bureaucracy runaround. Bring your incorporation documents to the accountant so she can register at the Ministry of Finance and Credit (Secretaria de Hacienda y Credito Publico) if the notary did not obtain the tax registration number for you. Otherwise, give a copy of the tax registration number to the accountant so he can file your quarterly tax information.
5. Ask your accountant to register the business and number of employees at the Mexican Social Security Institute so the employees have health insurance coverage; this process will also register them with the National Workers Housing Fund Institute.

References

• Mexonline: Business in Mexico
• Doing Business: Starting a Business in Mexico

©2012 Rocky Point Assist. All Rights Reserved.

Contents

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1. 1 Jellyfish Season
2. 2 What to do if stung
3. 3 Emergency contact information
4. 4 References

Jellyfish Season

Portuguese Man o' War

At the end of June or early July and all thru August you will sometimes find a colonial organism that resembles a jellyfish. The Portuguese Man o’ War, also known as the bluebottle, man-of-war, or the Portuguese man of war, is a jelly-like, marine invertebrate that is found to come ashore in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) after rain, where they are known as agua malas by local Mexicans. And their highly venomous tenacles can deliver a painful sting even several weeks after they have washed ashore and dried out.

What to do if stung

Jellyfish stings come from the long tentacles that trail the bell-shaped jellyfish. These tentacles have a protein-based venom. The most dangerous reaction to a jellyfish sting is the possibility of severe allergic reaction. The Portuguese Man o’ War are technically not jellyfish, but if stung should be treated like that of a jellyfish.

1. Rinse the tentacles off.
   Rinse away the tentacles using hot water if possible. If heated water isn’t available, use salt water rather than fresh. Fresh water may worsen the stinging pain.
2. Peel off the tentacles.
   Remove any remaining tentacles with a gloved hand, stick, shell or tweezers. Be careful not to get the tentacles on yourself or on clothing.
3. Watch for anaphylaxis.
   Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can result in: 
   • itching
   • hives
   • shortness of breath
   • wheezing
   • tightening of the throat
   • flushed skin
   • weakness
   • dizziness
4. Immerse the stung area in hot water.
   The general rule is to have the victim either shower or immerse the sting in the hottest water he or she can stand. Work up to the heat and be careful not to scald (burn) the victim.
5. To relieve pain an itching
   For pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325 mg 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours for pain; or Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Aleve every 8 hours for pain. Ice or heat may also help. Mild itching may be helped with diphenhydramine.

Urine will not work on a jellyfish sting. Some victims have reported pain relief, but urine does not always have enough acid to neutralize the venom. Use hot water. Plain white distilled vinegar (acetic acid) like you would find in your kitchen has long been the standard first aid treatment for jellyfish stings.

• Eye stings should be rinsed with a commercial saline solution like Artifical Tears; dab the skin around the eyes with a towel that has been soaked in vinegar. Do not place vinegar directly in the eyes.
• Mouth stings should be treated with 1/4 strength vinegar. Mix ¼ cup of vinegar with ¾ cup of water. Gargle and spit out the solution. Do not drink or swallow the solution.

Emergency contact information

• Local Hospital (638) 383  4566
• Red Cross (638) 383 2266
• Police Station (638) 383 2626 or (638) 383 1616
• Fire Station (638) 383 2828
• Sky Medical Air Ambulance (from Mexico) 001-866-805-9624

There highly venomous tenacles can deliver a painful sting even several weeks after they have washed ashore and dried out

References

• Wikipedia
• Jellyfish Stings
• Jellyfish Stings
• Jellyfish
• Jellyfish Sting Treatment
• First Aid

©2012 Rocky Point Assist. All Rights Reserved.

Contents

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1. 1 Requirements

Contracting your phone service in Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) is a fairly simple task.

Requirements

• The electric bill of your home (for the address and proof of residency)
• Your ID (it can be drivers license or passport)
• About $100 USD for installation (but if you get a package with internet installation is free)
• A contact number (cell phone or a friends land line), so they can contact you for the installation.

After you make the contract at the offices of TELMEX, it takes less then a week (maybe 2 or 3 days) for them to come and install all the necessary wiring at your home.

TELMEX offices are open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm.

When paying your telephone bill (its a monthly bill) you can do it via Mexican bank (online or with a cashier), at TELMEX offices and on there website www.telmex.com.

Location of the offices of TELMEX in Rocky Point

©2012 Rocky Point Assist. All Rights Reserved.

Contents

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1. 1 ATM
2. 2 Banks in Rocky Point
3. 2.1 Santander Serfin
4. 2.2 Banamex
5. 2.3 Bancomer
6. 2.4 Banorte

Bank & ATM information in Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco)

ATM

All banks have 24hr. ATM. The only ATM that has USD is located at intersection of Av. Sinaloa and Blvd. Fremont in the Banorte bank.

Banks in Rocky Point

Santander Serfin

Located on the corner of Blvd. Benito Juarez & Calle 13
Phone: 383-4288 / 383-4444 / 383-20911
Business Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm & Saturday 10am – 2pm

Banamex

Located on Blvd. Benito Juarez next to City Hall
Phone: 383-4380 / 383-3943
Business Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm & Saturday 10am – 2pm

Bancomer

1.- Located on Blvd. Benito Juarez between Plaza Jim Bur and Plaza del Camaron.
2.- Located at Plaza Fremont. Blvd. Fremont.
Phone: 383-2430 / 383-2908 / 383-2947 / 383-2948
Business Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4pm & Saturday 9am – 2pm

Banorte

Located at intersection of Av. Sinaloa and Blvd. Fremont
Phone: 383-5955 / 383-5022
Business Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4pm
Note: This bank has a USD ATM

©2012 Rocky Point Assist. All Rights Reserved.

Contents

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1. 1 FMT (Short-Term Visa)
2. 2 FM3 (Long-Term Non-Immigrant Visa)
3. 3 FM2 (Becoming a Mexican Immigrant)
4. 4 Permanent Residency & Mexican Citizenship
5. 5 References

There are 3 classes of visas for visiting or living in Mexico: FMT, FM2 and FM3.

FMT (Short-Term Visa)

FMT or Forma Migratoria de Turista is a tourist visa, specifically for people traveling to Mexico. It can be valid for a maximum of 180 days and is renewable once a year.
This visa must be picked up at Immigration office as you enter Mexico via automobile. If you are traveling via airplane or boat you may acquire one at the point of entry.
What you will need:

• Proof of citizenship ( passport or certified copy of birth certificate with a photo ID).
• Fill out a form that request information such as place of birth, destination and reason you visit.
• An administrative fee (about $20 USD)

A FMT is simply a permit to enter the country as a visitor. If you wish to work or stay a longer time you will need a FM3 or FM2.

FM3 (Long-Term Non-Immigrant Visa)

This is the migratory form with the Non-immigrant Status with multiple entries and exits of the country. It is a Legal form granted by the National Institute of Immigration that allows to the foreigners Live in Mexico temporally with non-working permit or Working Permit.

An FMT does not allow the advantage of multiple entries and exits into the Country and is good just for 180 days maximum renewable on a yearly basis according with the National Institute of Immigration. In the other hand FM3 gives you the Status of VISITOR with multiple entries and exits; you can live in Mexico with non-working permit or Working Permit. This Status means that you have no intention to live full time in Mexico, just own property or Make Lucrative Activities in the country for a period of time. If you own property in Mexico you are not longer a Tourist.

You must have an FM3 to enter into any binding legal contract in Mexico (like signing a contract to buy a house or to lease property).

FM3 visas are granted for one year and are renewable for an additional 4 years (up to 5 years), after your fifth year you can upgrade to an FM2. To be granted an FM3 you need to prove that you have sufficient funds and/or a steady income to cover your cost of living in Mexico.

There are various types of FM3 for profressionals working in the country, exchange students and those living in Mexico but not working, such as retirees. FM3 visas are granted for various categories that define the purpose of you stay in Mexico. You are only allowed to undertake the activities stated in your visa classification.
FM3 visa categories:

• Tourist
• Business Person
• Work
• Renter (this is when the foreigner lives out of its own incomes.)
• Associate Minister of Worship and Religious
• Student
• Correspondent (Journalist)
• Family
• Other Visitors

In summary, if you will be visiting Mexico more than 180 days per year, you need an FM3.

FM2 (Becoming a Mexican Immigrant)

An FM2 makes the holder an Immigrant, its similar to a United States Permanent Card. Like the FM3, an FM2 must be renewed each year (up to 5 years). After the fifth year you can apply to become an immigrant to the country.

It is a document for those who intend to permanently reside in Mexico.

FM2 visa categories:

• Work
• Family
• Renter

After the FM2 you can either move ahead to Permanent Residence Status, with this you won’t need to pay any more for renewals.

Permanent Residency & Mexican Citizenship

After 5 years with an FM2 you can apply for DECLARATORIA DE INMIGRADO (Permanent Residency) but this does not gives the status of Mexican Citizenship, but you can work at most jobs, and do almost everything except vote. This status does not require you to give up your native citizenship.

For a Mexican Citizenship you will need to have at least 2 years with the FM2 and this has nothing to do with Immigration Services but with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores) for more information you can visit www.sre.gob.mx

It is important to mention that this process can take a long period of time and your Immigration Document (FM2) should be current at the time of getting the citizenship. Once you have your Mexican Citizenship, it necessary to appear before Immigration office to return the FM2 and show your naturalization documents. Mexican Citizenship lets you remain in Mexico without annual renewals of immigration paper, but if you change your address you must update this information with Immigration office.

References

• Inami

Click on the markers of the map to see where, after crossing the border, you can get your FMT, where in Rocky Point is the immigration office and Sun Valley Services for help with your FM3 & FM2

©2012 Rocky Point Assist. All Rights Reserved.

Contents

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1. 1 Prerequisites
2. 2 Contracting Your Electrical Service
3. 3 Paying Your Electrical Bill
4. 4 References

Unlike water, phone and gas services, contracting your electric service could be considered the most tedious. Here are a few tips that will make your life easier when setting up your electricity service.

What is the CFE

CFE (Comision Federal de Electricidad or Federal Electricity Commission) is a government managed company and only provider or electrical power in Rocky Point, and it provides electricity to more than 97.33% of the population in Mexico. Since the CFE is the dominant electric company in Mexico, most customers refer to it as “La comision” (e.g. “The commission”). While there are other Mexican government commissions, the term is almost exclusively applied to the CFE.

The CFE started its operations in August 14, 1937 (you can read more of its history here). CFE was awarded the Edison Prize Award 2009 by power companies in recognition of the contribution to the advancement of the global power industry (view the note here).

Prerequisites

Before you go the electric company to contract your service, you will need to have installed your electrical meter to the specifications given by CFE (PDF 1.5mb).

Note: There should be a opening of 53cm x 61cm (21in x 24 in) & the electric meter should be no more than 30cm (12in) from your wall.

I would recommend having an experience electrician do all this work for you it should be work of about half a day and should cost you around $15 USD.

Contracting Your Electrical Service

Once your electrical meter is installed you will need the following paperwork to contract your electrical service:

If you are a homeowner:

• Photo ID
• Address & house number
• Post number (this will be the post closest to your house).
• You will need to go to the offices of “Desarrollo Social” (located in the municipal building, view map bellow for location) for:
  • If you are starting to build: “carta de liberacion” (cost about $150 USD)
• You will need to go to the offices of “Desarrollo Urbano” (located in the municipal building, view map bellow for location) for:
  • “Nomenclatura (house number)” (cost about $35 USD)

If you are renting a home you will need all the above paperwork plus:

• Copy of the rental contract
• Copy of the photo ID of the owner
• Copy of the “recibo predial” (its the tax payment of the lot, and can be provided by the owner)

In adition to this requirements, if you live in the area of “Las Conchas” or “Cholla Bay” you will need:

• For “Las Conchas”: a special permit you can request the the CFE offices.
• For “Cholla Bay”: a letter or permit from Mr. Brown (you can request this permit via the realtor that sold you the lot or house).

Paying Your Electrical Bill

Here is a PDF that will help you understand your electric bill (PDF 1.2 mb).

There is various ways you can pay your electric bill:

• Directly at the office, you can either go to the teller or pay on the CFE-Matico (auto-pay), ATM like machine (in your electric bill there is a bar code that you pass through the machine scanner).
• You can pay directly in the Electric Company website, you just need to register in there website.
• You can make your payments through your Mexican bank, either going to the teller or online via the bank website.
• Here other methods.

Reconnecting Your Electrical Service

In the case your electric meter has a red plastic tag and you have no electricity, you will need to go directly to the offices of CFE to pay the electric bill and pay a reconnection fee (from about $5 USD to $8 USD). It is usually reconnected in the same day.

In the map: offices of CFE, Desarrolo Urbano & Desarrollo Social.

References

• Official Website
• Wikipedia

©2012 Rocky Point Assist. All Rights Reserved.