2 posts from May 2007

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Mexico Party Tours
Where It's Always Spring Break!

This is a party you will never forget!

After spending over 30 years traveling in and out of Mexico and seeing everything Americans (and particularly Texans) are missing, I have recently began running tours into Mexico to share it with them. Currently, we are running weekend "Party in  Progresso" tours into Mexico.

Leaves Austin for Progresso Mexico every Friday and returns Sunday. We take you there, put you in the best hotel in town, show you the best places to party, shop, dine, buy discount liquor, even get your dental work done at 1/3 the cost of US dentist! Then bring you back home again.

Progresso is located just south of the border with Mexico. The town is made for partying! Restraunts, clubs, shops and even dentist are convienently located and VERY affordable. Progreso has become the crossing point of choice for tourists and locals who come back again and again.

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There's a brand new bridge with wide, covered pedestrian walkways both going and coming. Even better, when you get across that bridge you're right in the heart of the busiest, happiest, and most fun shopping place anywhere on the entire border.

Shopping/Restaurants

Whatever you are looking for, you will probably find one or more merchants who sell it. Select the category you are interested in and click on the heading.

Don't hestitate to enter the various shopping arcades that jet off to the right or left.  These little pedestrian ways have shops selling all types of things and they are cool in the summer and protected from the occasional chill winds in the winter.  The shop owners are very friendly and will welcome you to view their goods.

Prices are clearly marked on goods in most of the shops and this is the price that you can expect to pay, unless you're buying in volume.  Prices on the street are subject to a bit of negotiation, so don't hesitate to show some interest, but make a counter offer and be prepared to walk.  Don't worry, they won't be offended and will respect you more for your thriftiness.

Enjoy the occasional street entertainment, as kids sing and dance for tips.  Musicians may play a flute or beat a drum and shake their tortoise shell anklets while wearing native costumes.  Hey, it's part of the trip…and it's free.

Restaurants
There are many fine restaurants in Nuevo Progreso, where you will find quality food at reasonable prices. Click on the Restaurants button to find some of the better places to eat. Try the Cabrito (barbecued goat with a smoky flavor). Vendors sell tasty tacitos and lonchas or icy aguas.   It's a grunt-a-rama for the daring. And, you can't beat a margarita and a plate of panchos (special nachos) after a long day of shopping.  

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Soon we will be adding several other tours as well:

1. "Split Trip" one night partying in Progresso Mexico and the second night partying on South Padre Island.

2 ."Down and Dirty" Generally a mens weekend of touring various clubs of Matamoros Mexico.
3. "Tequila Run" A weekend in Guadalajara Mexico, touring the city,    tequila factories and open air market."  

Although access across the border is easy , the guards on both sides of the Rio Grande take their jobs very seriously. Heed the warnings against carrying drugs, firearms, or any other forbidden items across the border. A Mexican jail is no place to spend your vacation, or an American one either for that matter. U.S. citizens can usually cross with only a photo ID such as a drivers license; a passport or even a birth certificate.

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Drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old.

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Space is limited. Reservations and advance payment required.

ALL tours leave Austin for Mexico

every Friday late afternoon and return Sunday late afternoon

Receive $50.00 for every person

You sign up for Party package!
You bring 6 friends or more and you GO FREE!
Great part-time gig too.  Call For Group Rates

Club

Individuals * Groups * Corporate

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Google Instant message: MexicoPartyTours
Email: MexicoPartyTours@gmail.com
myspace: www.myspace.com/MexicoPartyTours 

What You Need To Cross

If you plan to go beyond the limit of the frontera, you will need to acquire tourist permits for yourself and your car. These are available in Nuevo Progreso just after you cross the bridge.  Turn into the lot and go inside the office that says "Aduana". Tourist permits are 180 pesos (approximately $19) per person and can only be paid in Mexican pesos. You will need a birth certificate with State Seal along with a current picture I.D. or a valid passport. Birth Certificates must be the original or a Certified Copy - a copy won't do. Car permits are $19 and you will need the items listed above, plus title or vehicle registration papers. If there is a loan on the car, it's a good idea to have a note from the bank or finance company saying it's okay for you to take it into Mexico.  Credit cards are the only form of payment accepted for car permits fees. Please note that credit cards and vehicle registration papers must have the name of the person applying for the car permit.

Restrictions

What You CAN NOT Take Into Mexico

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Do not attempt to take knives, guns, ammunition, and/or any dangerous or illegal substances into Mexico. Knives???? New merchandise from the U.S. can raise suspicions, especially if still in the box with the tags attached.  So long as you are not taking it to the iterior of Mexico, you won't have problems.  Be calm and collected.  "No tenga pena!"  as they say in Mexico. 

What You CAN Bring Back From Mexico

Each visitor is allowed $400.00 worth of duty free goods for personal use every 30 days. There after, every $100.00 is taxed at a flat rate of 10%.

Restrictions on Items Being Brought into the United States
   Cigarettes
A person must be 18 years of age to import cigarettes. However, regulations change and it is recommended that you contact the U.S. Customs office before buying any quantity of cigarettes for importation.
   Liquor
Texas Residents are allowed 1 Quart or liter of distilled spirits, 3 Gallons of wine, or 24-12 oz containers of beer. Non-Texas Residents are allowed 1 Gallon of distilled spirits or wine (or any combination of the two), or 24-12 oz containers of beer.
There can be no substitutions between the types of beverages. The importation of alcoholic beverages must be for personal consumption and cannot occur more than once in a 30-day period. Minors (persons under 21 years of age) or intoxicated persons may not bring alcoholic beverages into Texas.
All alcoholic beverages imported into Texas are subject to a state liquor tax and an administrative fee. For example, the tax and fee on one liter of distilled spirits is $1.10. The tax/fee on beer and wine is less. Pay this at the TABC booth after clearing the border checkpoint.
   Prescription Drugs
Certain prescriptions may be purchased in Mexico and brought into the U.S. provided that you have a valid U.S. Doctor’s prescription for a reasonable amount. A reasonable amount generally means up to 90 days supply. U.S. Customs may exercise judgment in allowing the transport of prescription drugs. Do not bring any type of diet pills across the border.

Items Strictly Prohibited from Crossing Into U.S.

Hazardous items, guns, switchblades, illegal drugs, some fruits and vegetables including mangos, avocados with seeds (the vendors know this and will remove them), citrus (except limes) and potatoes; all poultry, pork, and products made from them; all birds, exotic animals including sea turtles, stuffed or alive; most exotic animal products such as skins and most animal hides except cowhides.

Currency

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There are exchange houses (Casas de cambio) on both sides of the border that will exchange dollars into pesos, however that is not necessary. Most stores, restaurants and hotels in Nuevo Progreso charge for goods and services in U.S. dollars. Canadian currency is not accepted. Most restaurants and some shops accept major credit cards. There are a couple automatic teller machines (ATM) in Progreso, but be sure to request money in US dollars.

Security and Friendliness

A recent study by the University of Texas-Pan American found that Nuevo Progreso is ranked as a place with a high feeling of personal security. This is one of the major factors that makes Nuevo Progreso the border crossing of choice, with visitors from throughout the Valley, even from places with more crossings nearer to their home.  Friendliess is also a major attribute of the folks in Nuevo Progreso and had the highest rating of all, earning the grade of "A."  Be sure to say "hola" to the folks and listen for the frequent use of the word "amigo" or friend.  They really mean it.