Crossing the border to mexico from AZ

Im traveling alone for a few days in AZ, is it safe for a 30 yr female

to cross the border at nogales for shopping in Mexico

for the day?? Is the area very touristy/clean for mexico? Any info

appreciated....

Crossing the border to mexico from AZ

It is definitely safe for you to cross for shopping. Of course you will get some whistles, but that%26#39;s minimal. During the day, the atmosphere is pleasant in Nogales, Sonora and you can find some nice places to eat within walking distance. I recommend tat you cross by foot and do your shopping in the tourist area (calle Obregon).Nogales Sonora is still very tranquil, especially by day.

Crossing the border to mexico from AZ

I have a little bit different take on Nogales. I hated it. It was busy and crowded and dirty. The stores there were full of touristy junk and people hawking us while we walked around. The food was poor quality. I have traveled quite a bit in Mexico - Monterrey, Matehuala, Saltillo, etc.... Nogales is a dump. I would not want my wife traveling to ANY Mexican border town these days.

I have to agree with Bud on this one. Plus the US has warning out for people going to mexico right now. Especially alone I wouldn%26#39;t do it. I go to Rocky Point just for Scuba diving with a group of 20 people every other month and though I can speak a little spanish and understand more than I speak and I still find it scary. Its been about 5 yrs since I%26#39;ve gone to Nogales, I wasn%26#39;t impressed. Its safer to go with a group. If you do decide to do it make sure you get mexican insurance for your vehicle. Its a must have. Most border towns offer it as well as your own insurance company.

you%26#39;ve probably already gone, or decided not to. But, I am a 30 year old female and while I feel completely safe going to Nogales with someone else, not sure I would go alone. The cat calls and handsy-ness of the men can be a bit much. Nogales is not a ';dump';, it is a Mexican town. They live a little different than we are used to. I love Nogales, and while living in Sierra Vista, I went every time I had the opportunity. The people are fun, the food is great and the shopping deals can%26#39;t be beat. Can%26#39;t wait til I can go back!

Nogales is a dump and so is Rocky Point. I would never go alone. Whites are targeted for theft of all sorts. The police are of little help unless you bribe them.

My wife and I go together. It%26#39;s safe and we enjoy the shopping when we have something in mind. Last year we bought plates and dinnerwear. We got full service for 18 and lots of accessory pieces as well. We spent about $500 for what would have cost us over $2K here in Sedona.

It is dirty though, but so are many other tourist oriented destinations in foreign countries. I would wait and eat back in the USA. Walk across and back. It%26#39;s much easier than taking a car. If you are buying something and require help bringing it back to your car, there are plenty of shopkeepers who will find someone to help you.

It is better to go to Nogales with someone, however I would not agree with what ';nocturnalgal'; has to say. Nogales is safe and relatively clean. ';White people'; are not robbed there with any frequency. People are not assaulted. While police in almost any Mexican city are corrupt, however Nogales has a ';tourist aide'; patrol specifically for the safety and comfort of visitors. Nogales is not like Tijuana or other problem border cities where crimes against tourists are daily occurrences. The sales personnel in the stores and businesses are friendly and helpful, and everywhere there will be someone who speaks English or will be patient and helpful with those learning Spanish.

That said, I will also tell you that there is little you will find in Nogales that is unusual. I have lived in Tucson for 30 years, go to Nogales at least once a year. It is a border town, and the shopping area nearest the border is typically ';touristy.'; and is not representative of the real Mexico. Years ago it was possible to haggle for prices and get real bargains, but not so much any more. Most goods can be purchased for same or similar prices in Arizona.

If you are interested in shopping, and particularly in Mexican crafts and goods, I would suggest Tubac Arizona as an alternative. Tubac is Arizona%26#39;s oldest European settlement, and today is very much an artist%26#39;s colony and shopping ';mecca'; for all kinds of art and crafts. It is 50 miles and 50 minutes south of Tucson on I-19. It is very friendly and very walkable. There are shops carrying everything from tourist stuff to fine art and furniture. I would suggest that you would find almost anything in Tubac that you would find in Nogales, and a much more pleasant experience. East lunch at De Anza.

P.S. - That was ';eat at De Anza'; in Tubac.

One thing not covered. If you do got to Nogales Sonora, DO NOT drive across. There are safe, monitored parking areas right by the downtown border crossing within a block of the crossing at the end of Interstate 19. Driving in Mexico requires Mexican liability insurance which will not be covered by your or a car rental agency insurance. Nogales is confusing for driving, extremely busy, and parking is difficult to find most of the time. If you do go, walking is easy, and taxis are also available to take you the few blocks to the main shopping area.

Feb 7 2007 - Nogales in Mexico is a dump and Joe and I spent 30 minutes there before walking back across the border to the US.

Didn%26#39;t feel safe with the negative energy all around me.

Horrible and in-your-face vendors selling crap everywhere you turn. Pharmacies full of medication you apparantly can%26#39;t get over the counter in the US - who would trust it. Food vendors and small dirty looking food places I wouldn%26#39;t let my dog eat at.

Nogales on the US side is not much bettter, although cleaner, quieter. Looks like the poor 1950%26#39;s.

Happily, we went to TUBAC on our way back to Tucson where a fantastic arts street fair was going on - with hundreds of artists - no junk. A charming little town.

Talk about a Yin and Yan day.....

I love Tubac as well. My wife and I stop there every time we are on our way to Nogales.

One of the reasons we like it so much is that we see the exact same Mexican pottery and crafts that we buy later on in Nogales Mexico for about one third of the prices!

If you%26#39;re looking for bargins, give Nogales a try. If you can%26#39;t see past the dirt, then don%26#39;t bother to go there.