Updated 5/18/2023 for a return trip for a routine dental cleaning. Not much has changed. Is Nogales, Mexico safe? Will we get caught up in drug trafficking? How long will it take to cross the border? Is it even worth it? Despite the reputation for drug violence and underground tunnels, we decided to see what the town is really like. Below is what happened when we crossed the border for the day.
Walk or Drive Into Nogales?
Not a hard decision really for a first time pedestrian border crossing. We left our car in a lot on the U.S. side of Nogales and walked across the border. We found a lot on Park Street (really). You can leave your car all day for $5.00, plus they have clean restrooms. There’s also a McDonald’s right in front of the border crossing, which is a good place for a restroom stop. We paid our $5.00, and left the green ticket in the car window. There were a few yellow boots on the tires of several vehicles. It makes one wonder what happened on the other side of the border? We were confident that we would be back by the 7pm closing time. We started walking.
Travel Safety
In 2007 and 2011 (when I was stationed in Arizona), military personnel were prohibited from crossing the border. We weren’t allowed to visit even the U.S. side of Douglas or Nogales. Although I’ve lived in southern Arizona for almost two years, we haven’t had the desire nor the time to cross the border. We really didn’t know if it was safe, or of the stories of shootouts in the streets were true. We decided to take a few safety precautions before we left home:
- Only brought one credit card, passport, and $40.
- Left the silver jewelry and coach bag at home.
- Wore jeans and a t-shirt.
- Left the big red DLSR at home in favor of a decade-old point and shoot.
- Packed hand sanitizer and tissue paper.
- Hats and sunscreen are a necessity. The sun was intense, even in March.
- Bottled water is sold everywhere but we still brought a liter each.
Crossing The Border
Crossing into Mexico is quite simply, the most ridiculously easy border crossing ever. Just walk through the turnstile and that’s it. Even after COVID, nothing has changed. Welcome to Mexico. No one looked at or even talked to us. We weren’t asked for a passport, or to declare anything. No one searched or x-rayed our bags. It was so easy, we felt like we had done something wrong. So this is how it’s done. Stroll across the border like it really isn’t a border. After all, thousands cross every day to earn a living. After crossing the borders of twenty countries, this is by far the easiest.
Walking Around Nogales
Nogales, is not a tourist town in the traditional sense. Medical, dental, and pharmacies, sure, but it’s not a touristy hang-out spot. Were were among a few other Americans wandering around, but most people were going about the business of daily life. The tourists crossing into Nogales are going to visit the dentist or pharmacy, and that’s it.
No one but Joey and I were wearing hats. They’re hiking hats so we stuck out like the tourists we are. The first three blocks are lined with dentists, pharmacies, nightclubs, bars, shops, as well as the usual colorful Mexican tchotchkes. The dentists and pharmacies all have someone outside calling you to stop in for a minute.
No, gracias, I don’t need a half-gallon of unsealed vanilla extract right now.
Once you leave the three or four tourist blocks, a whole different Nogales emerges. As soon as we started to get the, “what are you doing all the way up here stares,” we turned around to find some lunch.
Be Prepared for the Staring and Requests for Money
Even though it was a Tuesday and the middle of the day, there were a lot of people just sitting around and doing nothing in Nogales. Men, women, children, just sitting. Mexico officially did away with the siesta a few years ago. People stared at us everywhere we went. Back home my teacher’s salary and side gigs don’t seem like much, but just across the border, it’s truly wealthy.
The requests for money began immediately. Children and adults alike all wanted a dollar. It was much worse and much more aggressive than strolling down the streets in Tulum. Although I did my best to hide my “wealth” by dressing in a jeans and t-shirt, and leaving the jewelry and expensive bag at home, we still looked like wealthy gringos. A few minutes into the trip I realized that we ARE wealthy. We have so much to go back to at home.
Is Nogales Safe?
First of all, the rumors of gun battles in the streets and drug trafficking on every corner are simply not true. We felt perfectly safe the entire time. However, the people watching our every move made me a little nervous. Nogales seemed fine for the day, but it’s not a place I would want to visit at night. Next to every shop was a bar or nightclub.
Just like Cancun, garbage is everywhere. When I say everywhere, it’s not an exaggeration. It’s also not a stretch to say that Nogales is the worst smelling place I’ve ever visited. China is a close second, but the stench of open sewage in Nogales is unbearable. We saw it bubbling up out of the street and being hosed away at one point.
Let’s Talk About the Sidewalks
Strolling through Tucson and Sedona’s perfectly maintained sidewalks can spoil a person. In Nogales, the pavement is broken and uneven. Unexpected changes in sidewalk elevation occur without warning. Holes big enough for your entire foot and leg to pass through are also common. Joe and I were continually looking out for each other by pointing out the hazards. My visit was uneventful, but it’s easy to see how a serious injury could occur. Be careful and pay attention to the sidewalks in Nogales. The residents are used to them, we aren’t.
Shopping
The main shopping areas are on Campillo and Obregon streets. As soon as you cross the border walk three blocks on Campillo Street, then turn left on Obregon Street. That was the extent of our three hours of wandering. There wasn’t a single item worth taking back home. Although I’m a huge fan of sterling silver jewelry, all of the “silver” jewelry in Nogales isn’t real silver. It felt weird crossing the border back into the U.S. without anything to declare. Although a pair of $15 Aztec-themed onyx bookends caught my eye, I had nowhere to put them and didn’t feel like carrying them around. My general feeling is that Nogales isn’t for shopping. Americans cross the border to go to the dentist and buy cheap prescription drugs and and then leave. Purchasing a trinket isn’t even on the radar.
Eating
We ate twice in Nogales. Even though I failed to follow my own rule of never eating on the “tourist” strip, both meals were inexpensive and pretty good. We had carne asada tacos at Restaurant Sinaola. The place was packed at 1pm. Crowds at a restaurant are always a good sign. The staff was friendly and the food was good. The beef was a little less lean than I’m used to. The total for five tacos and two drinks, $9. Not bad, even though during our wanderings we saw plenty of shops where lunch could be had for half of that. We also had ice cream at La Michoacana. Even though lunch didn’t win any awards, the ice cream was really good, and I would go there again.
Crossing Back into the U.S.A.
My first question is, why do all of these people keep shoving to the front of the line? Yes, shoving, with sacks full of who knows what. While Joey and I were chatting with a lovely couple from Tucson, we noticed people still shoving their way up front. We also noticed tourists bypassing our line to go stand in a line with a big sign overhead that stated “Sentri Only.” I wonder why no one else was in that line? SENTRI is the pre-approved clearance, expedited border crossing process. No one was staffing that line. The tourists standing there were looking angrier by the minute that no one was helping. It was amusing to watch the spectacle from a distance.
Still Waiting
After ten minutes or so of the line-shoving, our conversation partner asked what was going on. “Oh we’re over the age of 62,” was the scornful reply to us rabble still waiting in line. Evidently our conversation partners were over the age of 62 because by the time we turned around, they had pushed their way up front as well. We were left in a line talking to what was probably a soldier not supposed to be there. We continued to watch the minutes tick by. The line looked really long and it wasn’t moving very often. Since I still have a few more decades before I turn 62, we stayed put and watched the line inch forward. There was lots of complaining and angry looks. I thought to myself that no one in this line has ever snaked their way through three hours of customs at London-Heathrow.
It’s Our Turn
A half hour after we queued up we were finally standing in front of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent. He looked at my passport and didn’t so much as speak to me before waving me through. Could he see that I was ex-military or where I’ve traveled before? Who knows. Joey was only asked, “where’s home,” before being waved through. The total time from queuing up to setting foot on American soil: 32 minutes. Not bad. Although it was 3pm on a Tuesday. We both agreed to never cross the border on a weekend.
A Privilege Check
We’ve been to Mexico before. After living for almost two months in the Yucatan, we thought, “ok it’s just touristy Mexico again.” Quintana Roo and Sonora are nothing alike. Nogales isn’t a tourist town. It’s a town filled with ordinary people just trying to get by. Would we go there again? Probably not, but there are other border towns to explore in Arizona. I am certainly grateful to return to a clean, safe home, hot shower, and pleasant smells. We chose a small apartment when we moved to Arizona so we could still enjoy the privilege of travel when we want. Visiting Nogales made us realize just how rich we really are on the other side of the border.
Jaunting Jen 
Last summer I went to Nogales early in the morning (Pharmacy) so I could get back early. I was only in Nogales for 15 minutes. It took me four and a half hours to get back out. There was some kind of protest going on in front of the border on the USA side. Then the computers went down! It was so hot out and I had no water because I planned on coming right back out. You just never know. What a nightmare.
That is a risk to consider when crossing the border. We just went again yesterday, to the dentist, it wasn’t all roses. I’ll have a new post about it soon.
Could you tell me if the Dentist Expensive for implants? What dentist do you recommend?
It’s frustrating to read great articles like this and have no idea how old they are. Why no date?
I’m not sure, maybe the WP formatting changed. I went to Nogales in 2018 and again last month if that helps.
I know… On the link to get to this I thought I saw the date of May 2022? But I see comments on here from 2018, Confusing.
I used to go down to the border there all the time and usually stay in Nogales AZ. (stayed in Nogales Mexico 1 time, No Problems. Except having to deal with crossing the line. (left car in Arizona) If I can get a Good deal for a hotel in Arizona. Stay there. If not, find a good deal in Mexico. Lots to do down there exploring around Nogales/Southern Arizona! and I go across the border for movies, shopping events and DINING, EATING AND DRINKING.
On the Arizona side there is also eating, 4×4 exploring, Historic sites to check out, “artists/galleries” to check out, Hiking exploring, Lakes/fishing, Tombstone, Bisbee, Tubac, Patagonia, Wineries, etc, etc… Oh and if you are or know birdwatchers… They are going to Love It Down there! I used to go down there “all the time” Have not been since 2019. I have Had no problems in Nogales Mexico, (or AZ.) but I usually do not take my car into Mexico. Because I Need the walking excercise. I also like to see what is going on, the people, the shops, the food and drink places, and sometimes there are events. And Yes you will see beggers. To go further in to mexico, (Movie theater, dining, etc) you can take a taxi. Taxi’s Used to be 50 pesos each direction. Now with world wide inflation it might be 60 pesos? You look at the exchange rate and get an Idea of what that costs in US dollars. (you don’t get the exact exchange rate and the money exchange booths. But if you use a credit card in a hotel or “nicer/bigger restaurant you get the exchange rate for that day on the card.) And sometimes traffic is crazy(especially if road construction is happening. and Maybe you Might, MIGHT have a problem with a cop and questionable traffic violations because he wants some $. I have not had that problem, I rarely drive in Mexico and I am extra careful when I do. I know people that live in Nogales AZ and take taxis in Mexico but are also not that conerned and take their cars there too…) I say definitely GO AND ENJOY! Both sides of the border! but remember. it is cooler there than in the low desert of Phoenix. (the Nogales area in the towns is going to be like 3,85O ft. to a bit over 4,000 feet. There are some peaks around there that are 8,500 ft. or 9,000ft in elevations, so it varries if you go hiking or driving up “mountains.” Oh and one of the worlds best telescope sites is down there that you can tour. Nogaless is further south so even more UV light to burn your skin than in the low desert of Phoenix even thought is is cooler in Nogales. Kind of like “Hawaii” or worse? And It gets cooler at night. Jackets can/will be needed in October sometimes, through March? Hat and SUNSCREEN season from April? maybe March until halfway through November. No doubt it is Hat & Sunscreen season in April through October! GO AND ENJOY! Great landscapes, historical sites, people, and food to check out. But Not any “Disney Land type action” But there is a movie theater in Both Nogales AZ and Nogales Mexico. 😉
Hi,all are dated,looks most are 2018 and up to 2020,so seems nothing since new pandemic,and new passport requirements,,so I bet things are bit different,will probably need PP for sure,not sure if COVID vacc needed,and pretty sure pharmacy meds about same,can get a 3month supply ,best to be SURE and check any updates with USA border patrol regs ! If anyone can update this info for 2022,2023 we all would appreciate that,thanx kindly n happy trails!
Impressive writeup. I would like to do a big border town trip, 1-3 days per border town. I’d get a hotel on the US side and do daily visits. My list so far
Tijuana: maybe, cause ive been there already
Nogales: downtown, yep
Juarez: historic downtown, yep
Nuevo Laredo: downtown, yep
Anywhere else I should try?
check the conditions on Jaurez before it was really bad you know “12 years ago.” Then got all right again. Not sure about now with the ‘world economic situation”
I love Nogales ! I’ll be heading back down there soon. I like to head down there for several nights. Lots to do and check out in southern AZ. 4×4 Exploring, Hiking, fishing , historic sites, art galeries, wineries, Tombstone, LOTS OF EATING TO DO! Bisbee, are fairs (Tubac and Patagonia come to mind) Etc.
Oh and if you have birdwatching friends, they definitely want the head down there!
Eds border lot now charges $5 a day, but it is safe and secure. No there is no “Senior Line” anymore coming back into the US. Open containers are strictly prohibited and enforced as is carrying a pocket knife. Yes the police will shake you down for money if you do anything illegal or perceived to be illegal. Mexican nationals asking Americans for money is a way of life, don’t take it personal, hold up your hand or a simple “no. will do. or “no tengo monedas”, I don’t have any coins is good, I disagree with the person who said the locals ask for dollars, they would be extremely happy
with a quarter which is about 5 pesos. I share a rented house in Nogales with a guy, my girlfriend works 3, 12’s one week and 4, 12’s the next at night for 1032 pesos a week, about $60, so yes you are the rich American. but don’t be afraid to go at night, seriously, the cops are a bigger threat than the cartel.
Thanks for sharing your perspective.
If I were to go to the pharmacy down in Nogales and purchase prescription drugs, would it be allowed back into the US?
I’m not sure about that. I haven’t done it myself.
It depends on what you want. Some things you can take across with no issue. Some medications, such as Oxycodone, you will need a prescription and you will need to go a bit further into Nogales for the meds. Anything like that right at the border will be expensive and not always legit. Living here, I’ve learned which pharmacies I can trust.
Oh awesome! Yeah I wouldn’t be going for any of the “hard” drugs. Maybe 800 MG Ibuprofen and stuff like that.
Much of It is! Antibiotics etc. some Strong “narcotic type” PAIN Killer MIGHT be a Problem. “Oxycotin/Oxycodin” Valium, stuff like that …
Me and my partner visiting a friend in Phoenix, we are from Melbourne, Australia, heading to Nogales, Mexico on the 8th of May, your info has helped us greatly, thankyou!! We going to check it out.
I’m glad it helped!
We went to Nogales, Mexico yesterday with a group of friends. After dinner, one of our party was arrested on the street, with a drink in a styrofoam cup, that had a lid and a straw. Totally singled out. Another person in our party went with him because he spoke Spanish. They were both handcuffed and whisked away to a police station 5 miles south of the border, where they had a trial in front of a judge (no representation), and shaken down for all the money they had on them. 2 hours later they were released 6 blocks south of the border and told to walk. I WILL NEVER GO TO NOGALES AGAIN. THERE IS NO REASON TO EVER GO TO NOGALES.
I’m sorry that happened to you.
Dental Laser – the best! We’ve been going there for several years from Green Valley, Arizona. Better than the U.S. in our opinion. Lunch or dinner? A few blocks from Dental Row — head to Leo’s Cafe. Returning to the U.S.? Get a Global Entry pass/card in the Sentry Program from Homeland Security. No pass/card? 1-2+ hours waiting in the pedestrian line. Global Entry access through Sentry? 5-6 minutes entry back into the U.S. It’s a no-brainer. Plus Global Entry includes TSA Pre-check if you like to fly. That’s a bonus (value: $50).
This was a great write up! We are visiting Queens Creek next month, and I was trying to decide if it would be worth the drive to cross the border . I’m leaning towards no after weighing all of your information. Thank you!!
Thanks for your comments, glad you found it useful.
Really enjoyed this read. Having lived in Tombstone AZ when I was in 8th and 9th grade, we made a trip to Nogales whenever family would come to visit us (1990-92). It was a terribly putrid town then – and I’ve since gone back once (10 years post-NAFTA), and was equally unimpressed. Amazing how different a border town is from a tourist-funded Mexican town. Keep up the good writing!
Hi Gregg, I’m glad you found the post useful.
Jen (or anyone else in the know), what’s this about a senior line for re-entry into the U.S? Does it still exist, and how does one find it? I’m 71.
I plan on walking into Nogales on my own on February 26 for the first time, having lived in Tucson for 2 years. Thanks, Bob
Hi Robert, when I was there seniors went to the front of the reentry line.
It should still exist. But I have been there before and some “wrong” border agents didn’t feel like walking to the “handicapped gate” to open it. (It is “right next to the regular enterance”) I don’t think they are allowed to ignore “Handicapped rules/laws” I have not been down there in several years though… The border was getting ‘sloppy” at least from 2016 to 2018 . I’m hoping it is being run better now. I think it might be. (from looking at the posted border crossing times)
Oh dang I am replying to and Old post! :-))
My dentist expe.rance in Nogales was far better than what I had in the US, and a lot more affordable . I highly recommend it
Great blog of your trip. Really enjoyed reading it !
Thanks!
Thanks so much for the info. Traveling to Phoenix to visit a friend. I wanted to go to Mexico since we were so close to the border. We will have a rental car so I am not going to worry much about leaving my car there for a few hours.
Thanks for the comments!
they may not want you taking your car in to mexico.
You will be fine walking (and crossing the line is faster walking than in a car!) You can get a taxi for 50 Pesos, inflation$2.50 to $350 each way. Oh but with globale inflation Maybe now $3.00 -$3.50 -$4.00?
And a lot of the parking around the tourist area by the border was taken out. (street parking)
Oh wait this is an old post, you have probably already figured that out. :-))
I cross the border regularly. There’s plenty of parking and it’s $5 now.
Jen,
Thanks for the write-up and your articles! I am moving to Scottsdale this week (original east coast / 1 year in San Diego) and was considering spending time in Tucson / going to Nogales before I start my job. Was hoping Nogales would be somewhat as great as Tijuana is but doesn’t sound like it. I look forward to checking out some of the spots from your blog.
Thanks for the comment!
How were the dental services? Were they professional or substandard?
Hey was the dentist professional?
It was great and I will definitely return!
Thanks for your blog and great photos. My sister is a retired Spanish teacher and we make the trip to nogales at least once a month so she can keep up with her Spanish. We live in green valley so the trip isnt far. We enjoy eating at Leos, a Mexican cafe just across the border with great food, prices, and warm people. I also buy some of my medicine at the pharmacy. I have never had to use a passport, only my drivers license and once in a while they will ask for birth certificate. There is a separate line for those without passports though and it is usually slower.
Glad you found it useful. We just started using the dentist in Nogales and have nothing but good things to say about it.
Which dentist would you recommend?
We went to Dental Laser. It was awesome. I don’t have any experience with the others.
Can i get back into the U.S.with just a drivers license..Since Im a felon and cant get a passport
Yes and no. Technically they “have” to let a US person back in the US. BUT you have to have a chipped license or a birth certificate with a regular license. You have a very good chance of being pulled into secondary if you don’t have proof or passport.
If I were you, I would not risk it without asking appropriate channels. Many things need to be considered depending on your felony. Plus, on the chance you get stopped in Mexico, you could find it difficult to leave.
I wouldn’t recommending leaving the U.S. without a valid passport.
Hey, Jen, thanks for the narrative. Friends and I go to Puerto Penasco a couple of times a year to fish (but it’s not about the fish). We go through Sonorito (south of Ajo, Az) without and time or hassle, in a van. This time, however, we are heading to San Carlos, about 8 hrs from PHX. And passing through Nogales so I wanted some heads up. Thank you.
I would be interested to hear about your trip to San Carlos. Since my last post in July, I have moved to Nogales, Mexico. Within days I knew all of my neighbors. I’m on my own, unless you count my 4 pugs. As a female, I can say that I feel safe. I’d really like to travel further into Mexico and visit San Carlos, Kino bay, among many other places.
How is Rocky Point? We’ve really been wanting to visit.
To me rock point has been Over Devoloped and Over Priced now!
The main beach (sandy beach) that everyone went to is Not Block Off by an “endless” wall of “high rise Hotel/Condos.
You went there because it was the closest beach to Arizona, Inexpensive Hotels and Liquor, and easy days wandering at the beach.
NOW, Only one of this things is still the case/true.
And the land for miles before getting to rocky point is “receded ocean”
it is pretty much hot and sterile. No Shade in rocky point.
I have to agree with Nikki Spaulding and also sorry your experience to Nogales was not that good for you. I just finished my first trip there after living in Arizona for 11 years and had a really wonderful time in Nogales. The culture, the food, the people were wonderful. Not once was I hounded to buy anything or stared at for looking different. I had done my research, read all the “travel alerts” from the US State Department and read other reviews on the city. Most of what I read was not very favorable for Nogales which I thought was pretty unfair considering I had a great time during the day and at night. I never had any issues whatsoever- all I came across was very nice and helpful people. Crossing the border was as simple as could be. I think all the “cartel rhetoric” has stopped many from visiting, but I have seen more violence on our side of the border in Tucson and Phoenix. I would say to everyone, no matter where you visit, always be aware of your surroundings, do your research. To those that recommend Tubac, AZ– that’s nice but it’s not Mexico. If you want a real Mexican experience-go to Mexico! I would recommend visiting Nogales and doing just that- at least getting a taste of real Mexican culture.
Thanks for the comments. I appreciate your perspective. We’ve lived near the border for over two years now and it’s definitely not as bad as the media claims. I’ve been busy lately but we plan many more trips to border towns. There’s a very rich and diverse culture just over the border. I agree with your comments about Tubac, it’s nice, but it’s not Mexico.
Let me know if You find another Good border town along Arizona besides nogales. 🙂
Who thinks that Tubac is a “substitue for going to mexico”? :-))
Yep the State Department are not only usually “out of date” they are Over hyped drama queen B. S. Maybe so lame, lawsuit crazy American can’t take their dumb drunk A’s down there , get in trouble and try to sue the State Department for not telling them. of course there are different types of towns/atmosphere, and “culture” And Nogales is a border town. Lower/Lowest? down on the the list. But it is still has some great attributes and is definitely worth going down there to check out and to check out the Southern AZ area! 🙂
Hi,thanx,I think alot of Americans go for medical/pharmacy reasons most,,my plan if I go,also to jus check it out,..I got about 12hr drive from Colorado,but am planning it out,will want to see a Dr for pain n brain problems..any help there ? Thanx kindly !..happy trails,
I am sorry you did not have a good experience in Nogales. I travel there frequently, at least once every month or two. I have made some great friends there. I have stayed on both sides of the border with no issues. I have crossed back to the US at 10 or 11 pm after going out with my Mexican friends for dinner and drinks. The only thing I agree with is the border line. However, CBP has discontinued the “senior” line although some still try it with the help of coyotes. I’ve seen CBP make them wait or send them back.
Hi Nikki. Do you usually stay with friends or in town? We definitely want to explore Nogales a little bit more.
I have my own apartment now, about 10 minutes from the border. Prior to that, I typically stayed at Fray Marcos de Niza which is right on Campillo. It’s on the “pricey” size at approximately $50-60 per night for a double room, has coffee in the room, is pet friendly and includes breakfast. Plus, I love their restaurant and the general atmosphere. I’ve also stayed at Hotel San Carlos. It’s a decent hotel and costs about $25-30 for a double room. Very basic hotel. San Carlos is off of Campillo on Benito Juárez. The police station is close by which is nice. But there is no restaurant in the hotel, but a cafe attached that I haven’t tried. It’s also right next door to Regis, a popular local bar, which is great! And I was quite surprised how quiet my room was being that close. Both have free WiFi, parking, cable TV, private bathrooms, clean and safe.
I prefer Fray Marcos but you will need to call yo make a reservation.
Next time you come down, let me know. After the Thanksgiving holiday. I won’t be heading to the states for awhile (except to go to PetSmart).
I found this info to be very helpful, as I will be in Southern AZ a week from now. I don’t like the idea of walking into Mexico, and would prefer to drive. But I wonder if parking is a problem, and my car is very nice and I am worried a bit about that too. Years ago I heard horror stories of pilots with small planes landing in different areas of Mexico, who had their planes confiscated from them for no reason at all. Not in a mood to have my Benz taken from me…
I appreciate the good writing, exceptional English, and great info. Fun to read. SUPERB !
Glad you found this useful. My next post will be about visiting the dentist in Nogales.
It is funny that you say it is not a tourist area. You were clearly in the middle of the tourist area. Since I was a little kid Nogales was always a day trip tourist town for Arizonians. Just after the Political agenda of lame politicians talking trash that “only they could save you from) did tourism go down. but yes it is a “real town” and A Border Town that has now gotten huge and making visible Air pollution in Arizona. coming from American compaines Assembly/Production lines, set up in Nogales so that they don’t have to Pay Americans to work or paying Mexicans much of anything. They also like to not worry about health benefits or “safety” , environment pollution concerns taken even more advantage of the workers there than they would in the U.S.A. I wonder if Nogales is where all the new John Deer Tractors and equipment will be made… I used to be down there “All The Time” I never noticed raw sewage bubbling up in the streets. I wonder if a drug cartel backed up the international sewer line again. :-)) Nah probably not. don’t think they would bother doing that again. but who knows. Then again, Nogales is an old town so ..”infrastructure” … sewer lines break all around the world. I used to consider 30 minutes to get across the line in a car a nightmare. Then in 2016 the border operation started going to S&!T it got to where it would take hours to get across on foot at times and of course worse if you were in a car. (2017, 2018?) Yep as the world economy tanks, and also more people from around the world trying to run for the border, yep more begging. DID MEXICO GET RID OF THEIR “NEW” X RAY MACHINE, (not new now :-)) ) after you cross the border? YES THERE IS more Littering in Mexico. But you make it sound Nightmarish but you can look at your pictures and No… not a nightmare of garbage. but “littering” is a big problem everywhere in Mexico” that I have been.
The more limited the services, the more littering.
Good to know that restaurant you ate at was good, I stayed at that hotel once but never at the “attached restaurant/Restaurant Sinaloa” Yep, the sidewalks and streets are crazy. In Mexico You Are Responsible for Keeping Your Eyes open and watching/looking where you are going! and what is coming at you. :-)) I Don’t know what you are talking about there was nothing good to buy and take home. There is tons of Nice stuff to buy and take home. From silly decorations, Nice decorations, Food and DRINK house goods. clothing etc. As Far as I can think of Nogales is the Best Border town to check out in Arizona. And Plenty of stuff to do and check out on The Arizona side of the border also.
I HAVE WALKED AROUND AT NIGHT AROUND NOGALES SONORA Or Take a Taxi or drive to Dinner & Movie.. Drinks, Crepes and coffee, maybe an Event. (particularly in the Downtown tourist area” or “along the border”. No problems. It is “just Like Anywhere Else.” You probably don’t want to go “waking down a dark alley late at night”. I usually spend my time going to or walking around between the border and the Nogales Mall. Because the movie theater is in the mall and there is plenty of eating, drinking and shopping between there and the border. Yes I will walk into Mexico further than you did. But definitely take a taxi or drive to Nogales Mall. Even if you are in an area where you “don’t have to worry” about your car… The Traffic and parking can sometimes be crazy, especially if there is construction going on! And then you don’t have to worry about the Possibility of a cop trying to make up some questionable “traffic violation” trying to get some money out of you. ( I have never had that problem. But I drive extra careful in Mexico)
I HAVE NOT been down there since November 2018 but people that are in Nogales “regularly” tell me that it is “basically the same”.
THIS POST IS CONFUSING ME A LITTLE BIT. when I clicked on the link it said “May 2022”? but the comments on here are dated 2018???
I love heading down to the “Nogales Border Area”! I will be there as soon as I can to check things out. maybe do a little hiking, and check out some new restaurants in Nogales Az/ Nogales Mexico and hit at least one of my favorite eats in Nogales Mexico. And I definitely need to do some shopping in “downtown Nogales AZ.” if the good shops have opened back up. Many businesses were wiped out in and after 2016 when the border got messed up and then most of the rest were pushed over the edge with Covid-19 . I heard that some of the shops started coming back at the start of this year. (2022)
Hi,from what he says here,driving any even poor car is not good,nice one n they’ll think ur prez or very wealthy n majorly beg or steal/confiscate it,so,dress waaaay down,take little valuebles>max I c card,jus enough cash,no jewelry,etc,mex style cloths best too,and,always watch ur back and go in a group,never alone ! Thinking of going soon for the PHARMACY ,,ASits horrible here to get any decent cheap ones in today’s hyperparanoid DEA drug monitored police state..omg..thanx,good article n info,think it’s bit diff now tho w COVID stuff n new passport requirements,will need to get pp,then I’m set to go,,thanx !
Thank you for taking the time to document your experiences… enjoyed!
You’re welcome, glad you liked it.
How much can you incorporate your travels into lesson plans?
Hi Steven, I incorporate my personal experiences into my lesson plans whenever possible.
I’m from the East Coast & have been to Nogales 4 times & felt perfectly safe as well. Definitely park on the US side & leave before dark. True story, the last 3 times I went, one of the men standing on the corner when you walk over the bridge has yelled “Hola, Vanessa Williams!!!” I look nothing like her, but I assumed she’s the only famous black woman he’s familiar with. My BFF & I go to shop, lots of cheap & unique stuff. Tip: take a small magnet to check if jewelry is real. The shop owners laugh & tell me how smart I am. A fun casual time.
Thanks for adding your thoughts.
They may be laughing because a magnet will not tell you if you’re jewlery is “real” or “pure silver” or gold. The “fake” rings are Probably not made out of steel or Iron. It will be cut with “Brass, Bronze, copper, if from china MAYBE lead? Non of which is magnetic. I was always down there in the dark. Dinner and a Movie, a drink, coffee and crepes, and “event” (festivals in the street) but Have not been down there since November 2018