Sidewalk vendor in Nogales, Mexico
The Border
There are four main border crossings where the Northern border of Sonora adjoins the southern border of Arizona:
Douglas, AZ / Agua Prieta, Sonora
Lukeville, AZ / Sonoyta, Sonora
Yuma, AZ / San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora
Border towns provide a taste of Mexico after just a short walk across the border. And there are many reasons to visit.
Duty free stores offer tax-free tobacco and alcohol products, but be aware that there are quantity limits, and you have to walk them across the border before returning to the U.S. wth them. Read more about border duty-free shopping.
Walking the streets of a border tourism district you can browse Mexican crafts and curios made from wood, ceramic, glass and other materials. They are creative, attractive and oftentimes have a hilarious theme.
Another popular reason to visit Sonora border towns is their professional dentists who provide modern dental services at a fraction of the price you would pay north of the border. Read more about dental tourism. And as healthcare premiums rise, more people are also crossing the border into Mexico for medical care. Read about medical care in Nogales, Sonora.
Mexican border towns can be fun places to shop and enjoy a sampling of life of Mexico. And border cities take great efforts to make sure that the Sonora border tourism areas are safe and enjoyable.
However, they can also be dangerous. As a general rule it is best to travel in groups, and during the day.
Although there have been violent incidents in southern Nogales (not anywhere near the border tourism area), in general Sonora’s border towns have not had problems with crime and violence to the extent that border towns in other states have experienced. However, it is always a good idea to check for travel advisories before entering Mexico.
U.S. State Department’s current Mexico border travel advisory
Is it Safe to Visit the Border in Sonora?
And while it’s easy to get caught up in the “intoxicating” environment, be careful about drinking too much, stay in places where there are other tourists, and always be aware of your surroundings.
Click here to read about requirements for entering and leaving the country of Mexico. And if you plan to drive into Mexico, don’t forget your automobile insurance.
