Border Crossing: 10 Things I Learned the Hard Way

Travelling to Mexico on a motorcycle is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, but I definitely learned a few lessons the hard way. Here are 10 things I wish someone had told me before I made my first trip across the border.

1. Ignore the Narcos hype

So you’ve decided to cross the border into Mexico from the U.S. Probably, one or two people in your life will warn you not to go. They mean well, but have probably been watching too much Narcos. I am a 5’3” Canadian woman who has crossed the border many times on a street bike; if I can, you can. Mind over Matter is my mantra anytime fear or pain starts to take over. You’ve got this.

2. Ride during daylight hours

This has nothing to do with the "bad guys" that lurk in the shadows, but rather bad roads. Good visibility is crucial for navigating the roads, which can contain potholes, stray dogs, cows, vehicles without lights, and tuk-tuks etc.

3. Avoid big border crossings

Big border crossings, such as Tijuana, Mexicali, Nogales, and Laredo, can take hours. Especially with changing rules, and changing politics for movement between the US and Mexico. For me, aiming for the quieter border crossings is better. My favourites so far:

• Douglas, AZ – Agua Prieta

• Yuma, AZ – San Luis or Los Algodones

• Presidio, TX – Ojinaga

Whichever one you choose, just make sure your crossing has a Banjercito office nearby to get your Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TVIP), if you didn't get one online.

4. Don’t Skip the TVIP

Unless you’re staying in Baja or have already purchased your TVIP online, you must visit the Banjercito to obtain your TVIP. 

Not having this permit means you’re driving an unregistered vehicle in Mexico, and if you get stopped by the authorities and your papers are not in order, you can wave goodbye to your bike. It’s not worth the risk, so ride lawfully.

5. Get the Right Insurance

Your US or Canadian insurance might not cut it. Along with your regular insurance, you’ll want supplementary coverage through another provider. You’ll need a separate policy for Mexico. There are several good providers — check out my insurance post for more info.

6. Book Your First Night in Advance

Having the first night booked helps you plan your ride distance and gives you peace of mind in case of delays at the border. Don’t plan to spend the night in a border town; in general, they can be a little sketchy. Here's my post on accommodation.

7. Check Road and Crossing Conditions

A quick Google search or checking Facebook groups like Motorcycle Mexico are a great way to get info on road closures, construction, and border delays. Always double-check before you ride.

8. Don’t Linger at the Border

Leave early and ride long. Border towns tend to be a bit chaotic. Without delving into politics (not the kind of blog this is), there are people in desperate situations at the border, which can create some risks. Arrive early, ride far, and aim to overnight at least a few hours south.

9. Refuel Yourself at Oxxo

As soon as you’ve crossed the border (easy part) and have dealt with your Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TVIP) (less easy part), head to the nearest Oxxo/ Pemex. 

Oxxo is the perfect pit stop after crossing over. You can grab snacks, use the restroom, and buy a SIM card. Once you hit the road, there may be long stretches with nothing around — - it’s the open desert folks! Trust me: a bag of peanuts and a bottle of water can feel like a lifesaver.

10. Get a SIM card — Telcel is king.

If you haven’t got one already, while you are at Oxxo, get yourself a SIM card. Ask the cashier for a “tarjeta chip Telcel” (tar-heta cheep) — around 50 pesos. In my experience, Telcel has the best coverage across Mexico. I’ve tried eSIMs like Holafy and Airalo, but find their range to be slightly spottier and the cost to be higher. However, if you discover something else, let me know! 

Next, you need to top it up. I usually go for the Amigo Sin Limite - Paquete de 200. Which is 200 pesos for 30 days. You’ll get unlimited social media, unlimited SMS through Mexico, US and Canada and 3.5 GB of data. So it has you covered for browsing and maps. It also comes with Prime Video (if you set it up).

If you need to top up along your journey, you can do it at any Oxxo or online, but beware of scam links. You may receive text messages telling you to click a link to recharge - DON’T. If you want to recharge, google “Telcel recargas” and make sure you're on an official Telcel page. 

Pro tip: If paying online, use a random Mexican postal code — foreign ones usually won’t work.