Yes. Every attendee (including children) must have a valid passport with an expiration date of June 27, 2024 or later. You must bring your passports with you to check-in.

If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you don’t need a visa. However, you do need a FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), basically a Mexican tourist card, for each attendee if you are staying longer than a week. You can obtain the FMM online within one month of your border crossing. The cost is about US$35 per person, depending on the current exchange rate.

Xscapers have hosted caravans in the past, but that was to San Felipe, a much farther drive into Mexico.  Please see the video above for instructions on how to cross the border and get to the campground. 

Additionally, in previous years, attendees have organized (via the event Facebook group) their own small caravans to cross the border.  If you choose to do this, we ask that you limit it to no more than 4 or 5 RVs at a time to cut down on the congestion at the crossing.

It would add a significant price to the event to collect the money and transfer it to Mexico. Paying in cash helps keep your prices low.

In addition, we do not want one person carrying a large amount of cash across the border.  

Camping fees must be paid in U.S. Cash, no pesos, credit cards, Bitcoin, Baht, IOUs or Trades. American Dollars please 

Mexican federal law requires that you have vehicle liability insurance issued by a Mexican insurer. This insurance covers bodily injury to and damage to property of third parties while you’re driving. The minimum required coverage level is 50,000 pesos (about US$2,600) in property damage costs and 100,000 pesos (about US$5,200) in personal injury expenses, but for their own protection, most visitors purchase at least $100,000 in coverage.

Each driveable vehicle that you plan to operate in Mexico must have its own liability policy. If you have a motorhome and a toad, that means you’ll need two policies. Owners of towed trailers will need coverage only on their tow vehicle.

The cost for this coverage can vary greatly–anywhere from US$30-800 or more–depending on your vehicles and the options you select. In the past, some Escapees members have saved money by insuring their motorhome for just the two driving days. You’ll want coverage on your toad or tow vehicle for the entire duration of the Convergence so that you can drive it while you’re there.

Remember that your U.S. policy has two main parts: liability to third parties (bodily injury and property damage), and damage to your own vehicles (collision and comprehensive).

The liability portion of your U.S. policy is not valid in Mexico. You must purchase a Mexican liability policy as described above.

The damage to your vehicle’s portion of your U.S. policy MAY OR MAY NOT cover you for damage incurred in Mexico. Read your policy and talk with your insurer to find out. If your U.S. policy does not provide damage coverage in Mexico, you can add this coverage when you buy your Mexican liability policy. If your policy does provide coverage for damage to your vehicles in Mexico, be sure you understand and comply with any applicable restrictions. If you’re OK with those restrictions, don’t spend the extra money on redundant Mexican damage coverage.

You can price and buy your Mexican liability insurance from a number of online sites. Our suggestion is to contact FCIS Insurance at 800-331-1520 or info@fcisinsurance.com to discuss this with an RV Insurance specialist.
You can also check out including Mexpro.com and Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance. Or if you prefer, you can visit a Mexican insurance broker in one of the U.S. border towns. Your U.S. insurer may also be able to suggest a source. Be sure to shop around, as premiums can vary significantly between insurers.

The roads are all paved, and pretty much like you’d find in the United States, at least as far south as Rocky Point. In Mexicali, the surface streets are similar to those in major U.S. cities. 

According to reliable third-party sources, all of the diesel fuel sold in northern Mexico is ultra-low-sulfur (ULSD) suitable for use in all diesel engines. You will not see it labeled as ULSD, however. 

If you prefer not to buy diesel in Mexico, know that the round-trip route from I-8 to Rocky point and back is about 280 miles long, so most vehicles can make it on one tank of fuel.

Yes, pets are permitted in Mexico as long as they have current vaccinations (especially rabies).  You can find detailed requirements for different types of animals on the USDA website.

Dogs must be kept on leash at all times while outside your RV. Please be sure to pick up after your dog.

No. Guns and ammunition are illegal in Mexico. Enforcement is strict. Expect your vehicles to be inspected at the border. Any guns or ammo found will be confiscated and result in you being immediately sent to prison. 
You can leave your contraband in a storage unit in Arizona. The Why-Not Travel Store in Why has paid storage on site. Please call to verify.

No. Recreational drugs, including marijuana, are illegal in Mexico. Again, enforcement is strict. You should expect your vehicles to be inspected by drug-sniffing dogs at least once. Illegal drugs will be confiscated and you will be sent to prison.

If you take any controlled substances prescribed by a physician, be sure they are in the original bottles with the prescription label attached. And if possible, don’t bring any larger quantity than what you’ll need during the Convergence.

We won’t be caravaning to Rocky Point so a radio won’t be necessary.  Cell phone coverage is good for the drive down. 

In general, the municipal water quality in Mexico is good. But…better safe than sorry. The campground has tap water availabe for $5 a fill up.  Purified water is avaliable for $.23 a gallon.

Yes, there are a few places to shop near by.  You can drive your own car, carpool or take a taxi for a few dollars

Almost everywhere accepts U.S. dollars, but they will usually give you your change back in pesos at a less desirable exchange rate.  You can get pesos from many ATMs in town with your U.S. debit card.  Let your bank know ahead of time, and know that it is better to get larger amounts to avoid the fees.  

Though the park has plans to bring in WiFi, it is currently not reliable.

In short, yes.  The coverage is great in Rocky Point.  But you must confirm with your US provider that yours will work.  Many people choose to buy a local SIM card and buy internet time through Mexican carriers.  Some US hotspots will work.

Yes. We will have a generator and a solar section.  Generator hours will be 8:00 AM -10:00 PM and as always, no contractor or open generators please.

No, we are trying to spread out our impact on the border. Rather than cross in one large group, we are asking everyone to keep the groups between 4-5 RVs. If you would prefer to travel with others, we recommend joining the event Facebook group to connect with other attendees who are also looking to caravan.

The town of Puerto Penasco, or Rocky Point, is probably safer than most American cities. You will see tourists and residents alike walking around and to and from the Malecón and downtown areas at night. Of course, it’s always a good idea to take the same reasonable precautions you would in the United States.

For the sake of the event hosts and volunteers, we ask that you DO NOT arrive before the designated arrival day.

If you would like to stay longer, you will need to work that out with the RV Park.  Additional nights will cost $15 per night.

Don’t count on it.  Beachfront sites are very limited. We have instead worked with the RV park to save a few beachfront sites for us all to enjoy.  All sites are within 100 yards of the water but the closest sites will be reserved as a community gathering place and a spot for us to hang out.

Convergences are long and can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining.  It is important to practice self-care throughout the entire event.  Here are some things to remember:

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

• Always be hydrating. Bring your own water wherever you go and be sure to get enough electrolytes.
• Get enough sleep.
• Eat healthy, nourishing food.
• If you don’t know what’s in something, it’s best not to drink or eat it.
• Drink responsibly. It is easy to overindulge when you know your RV is just a few steps away but becoming overly intoxicated can be dangerous for numerous reasons.
• Don’t hesitate to take a day off. Check out the event schedule and consider choosing a day to sit out and allow yourself to recover.
• Dress comfortably. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear that will keep you comfortable throughout the event. Consider the weather conditions and dress in layers if necessary.
• Make a plan. Stick with friends throughout the event. Establish meeting points in case you get separated and keep others informed of your whereabouts.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Be observant of the people around you and any potential hazards. Report any suspicious activity to event staff or volunteers.
• Keep and eye on your beverage at all times, Additionally, lidded cups and bottles help keep dust and other unwanted items out of your drink.

TIPS FOR ASSESSING A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE SITUATION:

As much as we would like to believe that all attendees are good and have our best interests in mind, Xscapers are not immune to the presence of sh*tty people.  Additionally, we are not immune to the potential dangers of drug and alcohol use and misuse.

If it’s an emergency call 911!

• If you suddenly feel like you’re becoming extremely intoxicated and/or suspect that your drink may have been tampered with, immediately inform event staff, or an event volunteer, or ask people to help you by calling the attention of one of these team members. Do not go off alone with anyone. Stay in or get to a group area if possible.
• If you see someone who appears to be overly intoxicated, ask them if they need help. Particularly if they are being led away by someone who doesn’t appear intoxicated. Even if you are unsure of the situation, we recommend checking in. Simply walking up and saying “Hey! How’s it going?” gives you a chance to offer help if you think it’s needed.
• If you or someone around you needs help, seek out event staff or volunteer. They are there to ensure your safety and will assist you.

CONSENT

Consent is the cornerstone of a healthy community. It’s simple: whether it’s a potential sexual encounter, physical touch of any kind, something requiring permission that will radically alter the experience of another person, or involves recording someone’s image or voice, you are responsible for getting verbal consent before engaging. It is neither ethical nor acceptable to proceed without that person’s awareness and clear consent. An impaired person cannot give consent. Children (anyone under 18) cannot give consent, you must speak with their parent/ guardian. Be aware: Silence does not equal consent.  Coercion does not equal consent.

It is a felony to give drugs to a person without their knowledge or consent (even if it is meant in ‘good fun’). Don’t do it. Ever!

If you see someone who needs help, offer it. If you see someone being treated any way but wonderfully, step in and be an advocate or contact a staff member or volunteer. We are all in this together.

IT’S A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY!

The Escapees RV Club will not hesitate to involve law enforcement.  At the very least, you can kiss your club membership goodbye for any violation of our event rules and membership code of conduct.

CRISIS SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

If it’s an emergency call 911

List of non-emergency crisis numbers to call (available 24/7)

• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
  988
• National Sexual Assault Hotline
  1.800.656.4673
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  1.800.799.7233 or TTY 1.800.787.3224
• Crisis Text Line
  Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor

No problem! Just email convergences@escapees.com with your question, and we’ll do our best to get you an answer.

If we must cancel the event, or your attendance at the event for any reason, including due to local health department restrictions, such as those restricting the size of gatherings, you will receive a full refund of your registration fees.

Cancellations 60+ days prior to the event: You may cancel your registration for a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee any time before 11:59pm Central on 11/28/2023. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to registration@escapees.com

Cancellations 59-30 days prior to the event: You may cancel your registration for a 50% refund of purchase price before 11:59pm Central on 12/28/2023. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to registration@escapees.com

No refunds will be given for cancellations after 11:59pm CST on 12/28/2023. All ticket sales on and after 12/29/2023 are final.

If you need to make changes or cancel your registration, please email registration@escapees.com.

The main reason for you to attend a Convergence should be to have fun and meet other like-minded RVers.  Networking and making potential business leads is a natural result of being part of an awesome community.  We don’t want the Xscapers community to be bombarded or feel like they are a commodity. If the main reason you are wanting to attend an Xscapers event is to sell something, market to, or simply generate content, we ask that you contact us directly for corporate sponsorship.