Let's Go To Mexico - Laredo, Texas Border Crossing Guide

	Crossing Into Mexico	International Bridge #1 is the recommended crossing point for visitors
	What you can't take to Mexico
	What you can bring back
	Currency
	Shopping/ Restaurants
	Important phone numbers

Crossing Into Mexico

What You Need To Cross
U.S. citizens can visit within the 26-mile border area of Mexico for up to 72 hours without a permit. It is always a good idea to carry proof of your citizenship such as a birth certificate or a valid driver’s license. Naturalized U.S. citizens must carry their proof of citizenship. Only Bridge #1, which is located at the south end of Convent Ave., is open to pedestrian traffic. Both Bridge #1 and #2 are open to vehicular traffic.

If you plan to go more than 26 miles past the border, you will need to acquire tourist permits for yourself and your car. They are available in Nuevo Laredo. Tourist permits are 286 pesos (approximately $26.00 used) 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 $27.00 used and you will need the items listed above, plus title or vehicle registration papers. 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.

Where to Cross
International Bridge #1 is the recommended crossing point for visitors. It is located at the south end of Convent Ave. Immediately there after is Guerrero Ave. (Nuevo Laredo’s main avenue), which is where all the shops, markets, and other entertainment is located. International Bridge #2 is not open to pedestrian traffic and is used only by vehicles traveling between the two Laredos.

Crossing Toll
Both cities collect a small bridge toll which is payable at the entrance to each international bridge.

Option A: Park & Walk
Parking is located to the west of International Bridge #1, with access from Salinas Avenue and Water Street. From there, take the path directing you toward Bridge #1. Once you have crossed Bridge #1, you will be on Guerrero Avenues, the start of Nuevo Laredo’s tourism district.

Option B: Drive & Park
You may drive across either International Bridge #1 or #2. A small toll is required when traveling in either direction per vehicle (not per person in each vehicle). Parking in Nuevo Laredo is conveniently located at several lots in the downtown area. Most charge a small fee.

Traffic Tips
The speed limit is approximately 25 mph (40 kph) and there is no right-turn-on-red unless indicated. Watch the arrows...many streets are one-way.

Taxi Service
Taxis are plentiful in Nuevo Laredo. However, they are not metered, and it is recommended that you and the driver agree to the rate before entering the taxi.

Returning to the United States
Thousands of vehicles cross the border into the U.S. from Nuevo Laredo every day. Eight to ten percent are stopped at the border by U.S. Customs for random vehicle checks. All drivers and passengers are asked their citizenship and asked to declare items they are bringing form Mexico. Every adult in the vehicle must answer these questions. Be polite and serious. Jokes about drugs and weapons are taken seriously. Make an honest declaration of your purchases. When you tell the truth, the worst thing that can happen is that an item might be confiscated. If Customs finds undeclared items in an inspection, you can be fined and the items seized.

Restrictions

What You CAN NOT Take Into Mexico
Do not attempt to take knives, guns, ammunition, and/or any dangerous or illegal substances into Mexico. Nuevo Laredo ordinance prohibits any kind of instrument that can be considered a knife. The American Consulate recommends that you even leave small pocketknives at home.

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.

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. 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, 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

Currency in its Many Forms
There are many exchange houses on both sides of the border that will exchange dollars into pesos, however that is not necessary. Most stores, restaurants and hotels in Nuevo Laredo will accept U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate. Most hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards. There are many automatic teller machines (ATM) around Laredo.

Shopping/Restaurants

Guerrero Street Shopping
This is Nuevo Laredo’s main street. You will find handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, leather goods, blankets and so much more! El Mercado is their most popular shopping center. Located on the west side of Guerrero, it is two blocks south of International Bridge #1. This bustling center is filled with shops selling a variety of items, all with a Mexican flair.

Restaurants
There are many fine restaurants in Nuevo Laredo, where you will find quality food at reasonable prices. Try the Cabrito (barbecued goat with a smoky flavor)...And, you can't beat a margarita and a plate of panchos (special nachos) after a long day of shopping.

Important Phone Numbers in Nuevo Laredo

	American Consulate	714-05-12
	Chamber of Commerce	712-77-07
	Emergency Medical Aid	712-09-49
	Traffic Police	712-00-89
	City Police	712-21-46
	Federal Highway Police	718-01-77
	Nuevo Laredo Tourist Bureau	712-73-97
*In extreme emergency, call the American Consulate at 716-15-16 (cellular number)

Calling Laredo from Nuevo Laredo

Dial international code 001
Area code 867
The seven-digit phone number

* Public phones in Nuevo Laredo accept pesos and sometimes calling cards.

Calling Nuevo Laredo from the United States

Dial international code 011, then
Country code 52
City code 87*
The Nuevo Laredo phone number

* Each city has a different code

Nuevo Laredo Police
City police wear blue uniforms and handle theft and disorderly conduct. Traffic police wear khaki and brown uniforms and handle traffic meters. Mexico’s "Green Angels", an auto assistance service, patrol major highways and will stop to render aid.

For up to date information regarding the importation of items from Mexico into the United States, please go directly to the U.S. Customs website at: www.customs.treas.gov and click on "traveler information".

Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau
501 San Agustin, Laredo, TX 78040
1-800-361-3360 or (956) 795-2200
Fax (956) 795-2185
E-mail: lcvb@ci.laredo.tx.us