BORDER CROSSING TIPS

• If you are a United States citizen, bring items from one of the following lines (a-d): 
  • U.S. Passport
  • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization accompanied by a photo ID
  • Certified Copy of Birth Certificate accompanied by a photo ID
  • Voter’s Registration Card accompanied by a by a photo ID
• Do not take weapons, ammunition (not even one bullet) or drugs across the Texas/Mexico border.

• Officials urge tourists who plan to drive their vehicle across the border to purchase temporary automobile insurance coverage for Mexico if their current policy does not include coverage for driving in Mexico.

• Choose the correct lane when crossing from the U.S. into Mexico.  The right lane is for commercial vehicles only.
  • IMPORTANT: The middle lane is for those carrying only personal luggage; those using the middle lane are considered by the Mexican government to be swearing under oath that they have no merchandise to declare; and if this not the case, a visitor may unwittingly commit perjury. The left lane is for vehicles with any merchandise, item or gifts to be declared. When in doubt, take the left lane. Be aware that Mexican customs officials will randomly check vehicles entering Mexico. To prevent any inconvenience or misunderstanding, please call the Mexican Consulate at 830-775-2352 before crossing to determine what items you can or cannot take into Mexico.
    
• If you are planning to cross the Mexico checkpoint located 110 km from the border, first ask for information on immigration permits and vehicle permits.

• Treat the citizens of Mexico, as you want to be treated by foreign tourists in your own city.

• U.S. currency is accepted at most of the shops along Hidalgo Street (the main tourist-shopping district), and may larger businesses accept credit cards; a five percent surcharge is sometimes added.

• Some business owners and employees will bargain and haggle over prices; have fun with it.

• Declare every purchase you made when reentering the U.S.  You are required to pay a tax on liquor and tobacco purchased in Mexico after driving through customs.

• Bring your common sense across the border with you –don’t leave home without it.

    *travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html