10 Tips for Crossing the Border

Location: USA/Mexico Border

Obey the law. Don’t carry any illegal drugs, weapons, or even undocumented prescription drugs.
Be careful when looking at the police on the border (both American and Mexican). If you stare at them too long or try to avoid them, it will almost always make you a suspect. Believe it or not, the best strategy is just to walk around like you don’t give a damn.
Act like a stupid American tourist. This is one of the best times to act like a complete fool. Wear a big sombrero and a “USA” shirt. Act dumb and ask “Which way to America?” The Customs authorities will usually laugh at you and let you slide right on through.
Dress nice, but not too nice. Having a reasonably clean-cut appearance will help, but if you are wearing an Armani suit with a gold Rolex around your wrist, then you may be asked to come inside for a while. You may also be enticing Mexican authorities to hit you up for a few bucks.
Travel in a group. Lone males are always singled out by American authorities as opposed to those traveling in a group. Sometimes there is nothing you can do. Just go with the flow and everything will be all right.
Don’t make any sudden moves. US Customs once went haywire when I reached into my ankle pouch to grab my passport. It is not exactly a tense environment, but let them know what you are doing if it is something that is going to grab their attention.
Don’t think that “they only ask Hispanics for identification”. First of all, there are thousands more Hispanics crossing the border than Caucasians. Hispanics are the fastest-growing minority in the US, and just because they might not speak English does not mean they are not American citizens. Just because you have blond hair, blue eyes, and a New York accent doesn’t mean that they won’t check you also.
If you are driving, thoroughly clean your car before you go. Mexican police can arrest you even for just having a bullet in your car. More than 130 American citizens were arrested last year for bringing weapons and ammo into Mexico. Strangely enough, Mexicans are allowed to bring up to 3 weapons and a thousand rounds of ammo into the US. And when coming back, American police may very well find a scrap of marijuana from that joint you tried 8 years ago.
Don’t lie when asked the questions “Where have you been in Mexico?” and “How long were you in Mexico?” There is no reason to lie, but if you stumble your words or contradict yourself, it will usually constitute cause for a search.
When crossing into Mexico, make sure to get the proper documentation from the police. If you are remaining in Mexico for less than 72 hours and stay within 20 kilometers of the border, you don’t need a tourist card. Just walk in.

Remember that the border is a magnet for criminals in both countries, attracting American and Mexican drug dealers, muggers, murderers and prostitutes. Young Americans have turned many Mexican border towns into giant brothels and barrooms, due to the low drinking age and de facto legalized prostitution. While you may still be able to roam free and do almost whatever you want, more than 2,000 Americans are arrested in Mexico every year, on everything from public drunkenness and drug possession, to assault and even murder. The Mexican prison system houses an average of 425 Americans at any one time.

While it may be okay to be a little suspicious of Mexican authorities, don’t be scared or show fear. Like snarling dogs, they will often play on that fear to take control of the situation. Should you be hassled or hit up for a morida (bribe), stand your ground, but be polite. On the other hand, while many are notoriously corrupt, there are quite a few cops that are courteous and helpful. Behave yourself, and chances are you won’t have any problems.

Although the border may be a fun and downright interesting place, things (for the most part) get cleaner and better the further south you go. Bus travel is fast and cheap in Mexico, and overlanding from the US is an amazing way to travel through the country.