Frequently Asked Questions about Circus Mexicus

UPCOMING & CONFIRMED CIRCUS MEXICUS DATES

· Saturday, May 17, 2008

When do tickets go on sale for Circus Mexicus Shows?
It can vary, but usually tickets will go on sale about three to four months prior to the event date. However, we only begin mailing the wristband tickets about four weeks prior to the Circus Mexicus date.

I live outside of the U.S. – will my tickets still be mailed to me?
No. All non-U.S. orders will be held at will-call in Rocky Point. For will-call hours/location, visit the main Circus Mexicus page.

GENERAL EVENT DETAILS

How long is the RCPM show on Saturday night?
Long! At least three-plus hours for RCPM and then, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour for the openers. Get ready for a marathon evening of music with friends!

Can I bring my own alcohol into the show? Or do they sell it on site?
You cannot bring alcohol, coolers or glass into the venue. The Sunset Cantina operates all of the onsite beer & tequila tents and also have a variety of food stands as well.

What songs will RCPM play?
The set list usually starts with "Mexico" and ends with "Nada." As far as the other 40 or songs in between, your guess is as good as ours. Expect anything and everything.

Do I need a passport?
No. But it is an easy second form of ID to accompany a driver’s license (or valid photo ID). If you don’t have a passport, it is advisable to bring an original birth certificate, U.S. or Canadian naturalization papers, a notarized affidavit of citizenship or valid voter registration card birth certificate.

Isn’t there a rule that will be in effect soon about needing a passport to go to Mexico?
Possibly. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, persons traveling by *land or sea* to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. (There is a January 2007 requirement if you are traveling to these countries by *air* - but this doesn't usually apply to those going to Rocky Point.) However, the government has been discussing an alternative method to more easily permit travel between the U.S. and Mexico/Canada. We will update this point as we receive more information.

Is the city of Rocky Point the same as Puerto Peñasco?
Yes.

How do I get to Rocky Point? Can I fly there?
Most people fly in to Phoenix (or Tucson) and either rent a car or carpool with friends to Rocky Point which is a 3 ? to 4-hour drive south. There is a small, regional airport near Rocky Point but it is not considered the past air option to get to the town.

Also, many Phoenix/Tempe area clubs have pre-parties on the Thursday night before a Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers Mexico show. Check here (either Circus Mexicus or Open Band forums) in the weeks leading up to the show.

Can you rent a car in the U.S. and drive it to Mexico?
Yes, several companies allow you to take a car into Mexico provided you pay for Mexican car insurance (about $25 extra a day). Current companies that allow this include Dollar, Avis and Enterprise.

What is Mexican Car Insurance?
If you are driving a car into Mexico (rental or your own), you are required by law to purchase Mexican Car Insurance. Don’t screw around with this – if you get caught without insurance, you could end up in Mexico jail. It is possible that you are covered by your U.S. policy (physical damage only, liability is still required by Mexican Law). You can buy the insurance just prior to crossing the border (you’ll see lots of places advertising it) or, if you know your car’s info, you can purchase it ahead of time through places such as Fiesta Beach Travel (www.fiestabeachtravel.com). For more information about driving in Mexico, please go here: http://fiestabeachtravel.com/mexican_auto_insurance.htm.

Where should I stay in Rocky Point?
Our official Circus Mexicus travel agency Fiesta Beach Travel (www.fiestabeachtravel.com) can help you decide. There are many hotels, condos and even houses in Rocky Point for rent. There are a wide range of hotels within walking distance of the venue though some opt for the Sandy Beach, Cholla Bay and Las Conchas areas. Your best option is to contact Fiesta Beach Travel or a reservations company to make your plans. Also review/search threads in the Circus Mexicus forum of the RCPM Waterin’ Hole Community Board. Many people have offered their opinions about the lodging options so it is best to do a little research before starting a new topic such as "Is Place X any good?"

Popular lodging options:
· To get oriented, we suggest you click the following link and scroll down to the bottom of page for a lodging map. The RCPM Circus Mexicus venue is #24. http://fiestabeachtravel.com/CondosHotels.html.
· Pinacate Condominiums (beachfront/across the street from Circus Mexicus venue)
· Peñasco del Sol Hotel (beachfront/across the street from Circus Mexicus venue) – Remodeling – reopening date TBD.
· Las Gaviotas Condos (very short walk to venue)
· Playa Bonita Hotel (beachfront/walking distance of venue)
· Laos Mar (behind Playa Bonita/walking distance of venue)
· Sandy Beach-area lodging: Short drive or taxi to venue. Includes Sonoran Sea, Sonoran Spa, Sonoran Sun, Princessa, Casa Blanca and Bella Sirena.

Can I camp in Rocky Point? Or bring an RV?
Yes. Beach camping is permitted between Playa Bonita & The Princessa and anything past the buildings into Cholla Bay. It is also permitted along Manny's Beach. Select the Printable Map Version underneath the first paragraph on this link to see where all these areas are: http://rockypointmexico.com/Maps.html

Since Beach Camping can be an interesting experience in Mexico, we suggest that you for your first time going this route, pay for a camping spot at one of the RV parks and set up a tent, which runs about $15 a night. The "Bonita" RV park is closest to the RCPM Venue, Playa Bonita RV park is down the beach a bit by the hotel of the same name, and the Playa Elegante and Playa Miramar are by Manny's Beach Club and have bathrooms, showers and sometimes a recreation with BBQs, etc.

RV Park Information: http://fiestabeachtravel.com/RVparks.html

Can I use U.S. currency – or do I need pesos?
In Rocky Point, most places accept both. Also, ATMs in Rocky Point issue pesos, not US currency.

What are the places to be on certain days/nights?
· Thursday in Tempe: Local clubs such as the The Last Exit and Yucca Tap Room host their normal great line-ups of music but often with a "pre-RCPM Mexico" focus.
· Friday night in Rocky Point: Following pre-party libations in their rooms, on the beach or at the Sunset Cantina, most head over to Manny’s Beach Club, an open-air, beachfront cantina with music, karaoke and tequila bar. Others opt for a more intimate club called Around D’ Corner, just down from Manny’s.
· Saturday night in Rocky Point: Where else? The special RCPM venue next to the Sunset Cantina!
· Sunday in Rocky Point: Many head over to the RCPM Hangover Bash at JJ’s Cantina in Cholla Bay while others pursue more leisurely activities at a relaxed Sunset Cantina, Manny’s Beach Club, or a stroll through the Fish Market.

What are the best places to eat in Rocky Point?
There are many choices for eating & drinking but here are some popular favorites:
· Sunset Cantina
· Max’s Café
· JJ’s Cantina in Cholla Bay
· Xochitl’s (pronounced Zoe-chees) in Cholla Bay
· Rocky Garden (down from Manny’s, great omelets!)
· Old Port/Fish Market restaurants: Portofino, Blue Marlin, Friendly Dolphin
· Latitude 31
· Puesta del Sol
· The Reef (upscale dining/Sandy Beach)
· Taco stands: tons of them, selling tacos for about $1 each.

Crossing the border
The U.S./Mexico border at Lukeville is open from 6:00 A.M. to Midnight every day. For questions on what you can bring across the border, call U.S. Customs at phone: 520.387.5671.

Going to Mexico
You may get stopped by Mexican border officials who will ask you questions about your destination and reason for visiting. However, they are also looking to see if you are smuggling:
· American products into Mexico for sale
· Plants
· Drugs
· Guns
You can bring your own alcohol into Mexico.

Going to the U.S.
You will be stopped by U.S. border officials who will ask you simple questions such as whether you are a U.S. citizen, where you live or whether you purchased any alcohol or tobacco in Mexico (and are bringing it home). Each adult is allowed to bring 1.5 liters of alcohol back into the U.S. You cannot bring more and pay duty, it is not allowed at this border crossing. You are not allowed to bring banned tobacco items into the U.S. (e.g., Cuban cigars).

You may also be stopped at a secondary U.S. border station about 20-25 minutes from the U.S./Mexico border. Again, the questions are simple in nature and they are generally looking for illegal immigrant, drugs, etc.