FAQs
What is your cancellation / refund policy?
Cancellations made thirty (30) or more days prior to scheduled arrival will be charged $50.00 or 20%, of the Booking Deposit whichever is more; for cancellations made twenty-nine (29) to fifteen (15) days prior to scheduled arrival, the Booking Deposit will be forfeited. If cancellation is made in less than fourteen (14) days prior to scheduled arrival, all rental monies and tax, excluding Security Deposit and cleaning fee will be forfeited. No refunds will be given for holiday time periods.
What are checkin / checkout times?
Check in at 4pm or later, check out by noon (Arizona time). DO NOT check in at the property unless you booked with the owner directly; check in at the Oceano office, just around the corner from the Las Conchas entrance on Freemont Blvd. Return the key to the Oceano office (there is a drop box at the office if you leave early): DO NOT LEAVE THE KEY AT THE UNIT OR THE COMMUNITY OR LAS CONCHAS GUARD HOUSE.
What should I bring with me on my trip?
Beach Towels (no need for bath towels or linens, these are there)
Sunscreen
DVDs, bring your favorite flicks!
iPod - for the under-counter player you can plug it into in the kitchen
Passport OR Driver's License & Birth Certificate
Camera, Books, Journal (I also have lots of books there, but please LEAVE them for other guests to enjoy)
Bottled water & Groceries: it's easier to bring vs. buy there; more time to just enjoy the beach!
This PAGE: PRINT IT OUT so you have answers and an area map
I would also PRINT OUT the Map & Directions page
Can I drink the water?
I wouldn't drink from the tap. Bring / buy bottled water.
What about flushing the toilet?
NO! Mexico's plumbing and septic systems can't handle all the paper, please use the designated trash bins in the bathrooms for this. And please be respectful of other places in town, most require you throw the tissue in a nearby basket. Don't make a bad name for us Americanos!
Do I need a passport?
As of Jan 31, 2008 you either need a passport or Driver's License and birth certificate to get back into the US
Is crossing the border a hassle?
No, heading down is easy. Coming back, I recommend leaving town (Rocky Point) no later than 7am if you are coming back on a Sunday or Monday as the border lines are ridiculous. If you can, drive back on an off day during the week.
What do I do when little Mexican kids want to wash my window or sell me Chiclets?
Just say "No Gracias" - you will learn to say this a lot - the Mexican culture is all about selling their wares, so just be polite and say "No Gracias!" Or make an offer and get some awesome deals!
What is there to do in Rocky Point?
I personally just chill on the beach with a book and a Margarita, but there is TONS of great stuff to do like deep sea fishing, checking out the bargains in the Old Port and Shacks Fifth Ave, sand duning on ATVs, eating out at Mexican restaurants, heading to Cholla Bay to chill at JJ's Cantina and much more. Grab a copy of the local tourist newspaper, the Rocky Point Times (I should have a bunch of copies in the condo for you) or use this site: Puerto Penasco Online.
One of my favorite places is Guisepee's right outside of Las Conchas, a little way toward town on Freemont. They serve awesome coffee & breakfast. Plus they always give my dogs water and I can catch up on my email on their wi-fi!
Should I be scared in Mexico?
No! Not at all. Just use common sense (i.e. don't walk around alone in town at night, try to pick fights, etc.). The locals are very friendly and respectful. Guns are illegal down there, so I tend to feel safer than when I'm home in AZ where every moron packs a piece. Plus, the community of Las Conchas where the condo is located is gated, monitored and owned mostly by Americans.
What if I need medical attention?
There is a Red Cross (Cruz Roja) just west on Freemont outsdie of Las Conchas
What do I do if I get pulled over by the police?
Some may ask you to pay them. DON'T - It encourages this behavior. Ask to go to the station and then pay.
For more answers, check out Oceano's FAQ's page and Bien Viaje!