Mexican Border Towns

Recently, security along the border has become stricter. Since last June, all United States citizens have to prove citizenship before crossing into Mexico. In past years, Americans only needed to provide proof when entering back into the U.S. And even then it was a glance at your face or your hair color and you were let back in.

Nowadays, even if you’re traveling in a car, Border Patrol requires proof that the driver actually owns the vehicle and that you have Mexican auto insurance.

Don’t be discouraged by the heightened security along the border. Mexican border towns still have tons to offer their guests and should not be missed.

Here is a list of the most popular border towns to visit:

Douglas, Ariz. and Agua Prieta, Sonora Mexico – Open 24 hrs for pedestrians and non-commercial vehicles.

Naco, Ariz. and Naco, Sonora Mexico – Open 24 hrs for pedestrians and non-commercial vehicles.

Nogales, Ariz. and Nogales, Sonora Mexico – Open 24 hrs at the Deconcini Gate for non-commercial vehicles. Shopping is just within walking distance from the parking lots located on the U.S. side of the border.

Sasabe Ariz. and Sasabe, Sonora Mexico – Open 8am-8pm for pedestrians and non-commercial vehicles.

Lukeville, Ariz. and Sonoyta, Sonora Mexico – Open 6am-midnight for pedestrians and non-commercial vehicles.

San Luis, Ariz. and San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora Mexico – Open 24 hrs for pedestrians and non-commercial vehicles.

Andrade, Calif. and Algodones, Baja California Mexico – Open 6am – 10pm for pedestrians and non-commercial vehicles.

The most popular thing to do after crossing the border is shopping!

Open markets in Mexico sell products such as pottery, sombreros, leather, and even hand embroidered clothing. The most popular time to visit the various border towns is usually during the winter and spring months.

Remember when doing your shopping, the Mexican laws about prescription drugs differs greatly from the U.S. Most of the drugs you need a prescription for in the U.S. is over-the-counter medication in Mexico. Just remember that even if you purchase medication legally in Mexico, it probably isn’t legal for you to possess the drugs in the U.S. without a prescription. Buyer beware!

When shopping along the border in Mexico, I have found that the funnest part of the whole experience is the bartering.

Here is some advice on how to properly barter in Mexico.