Walking into Nuevo Progreso is the most commonly used method of shopping. As you approach the Progreso International Bridge you can see two vast parking lots. You can park at either one that is open, the parking fee is currently $2.00. There is a straw roof pavilion on the right side parking lot that has a ramp leading up to a bridge walkway. Once you have gone up the ramp you can use the ATM located right by the pedestrian toll booths if you need to or head on to the booths. There are also change machines and nice bridge employees that can assist you if you have any questions or need a bigger bill exchanged. Once you have the appropriate change (the machine only takes quarters x4,) you can cross the toll booth and walk the bridge into Mexico.
Before crossing be sure to check out the new gift shop that just opened! They have t shirts and many other great souvenirs.
Driving into Mexico on the American side you pay a $4.00 toll fee, once you are on the Mexico side you can expect to be either checked by Mexican Customs briefly (find out more about what you can take to Mexico direct from their government website here - WELCOME TO MEXICO) or if you get a green light you just drive in. Once in the pueblo you will see parking assistants right away, find a space where you feel comfortable, there are many paid parking businesses that you can also leave your vehicle at that typically charge from $2-$5 dollars for all day parking.
The only thing customs is checking for is if you have an excess of 10k in cash, or merchandise that may be taxable. The Mexican Government provides an extensive list of what is considered your "personal" property versus taxable merchandise entering the country. There is a limit to the "merchandise" you can take to Mexico and if you happen to take something over value such as an expensive television, or furniture, you can expect to pay tax. Do not fear being detained and such, the worst thing that can happen in those simple tax cases is that they send you back to the USA if you do not want to pay the fees.
Walking back is on the opposite side of the street where you crossed over. The toll heading back is only $5 Mexican Pesos or $0.25-$0.30 cents. There is no check heading back on the Mexican side. Keep in mind to have your documents ready and also have any prescriptions, alcohol or tobacco that may be taxed - ready to declare to customs on the USA side. Once you walk over to the customs office you head inside through one of two doors. The one on the right is for people crossing without a passport (with a birth certificate and other form of identification,) and the left door is for crossing back with a passport, this side is much faster. Once you are called up by the officer, go through the screening, declare anything you need to - these typical port of entry procedures may include searching your person or property. Once you have done this you can exit the building, head back to the parking lot and wrap up your trip.
Driving back there is a toll on the Mexican side for $32 Mexican Pesos or about $1.90 USD. Once you pay the toll you can get your documents ready as well as prepare whatever you need to declare to customs. There will typically be a fast lane open (READY LANE) that you can use with a PASSPORT only. If you are crossing with your ID and birth certificate you would have to use the normal lane that is usually much slower.
For personal use - you can bring most cooked foods, cheese, dairy, candies, SEEDLESS fruits and vegetables (many of the locals know this and will remove the seed for you as is the case with avocados - they are usually sold cut in half and without the seed in order to be crossed through customs with no problem,) accessories, pottery, trinkets, wine, beer, liquor (these are subject to tax,) apparel, jewelry, sandals, shoes, boots & prescription drugs. If you are chosen for secondary inspection you will be asked to park in one of the inspection lanes and the officers will just take a look into your car and what you are bringing, if there are no issues you will be on your way in no time, they are very respectful and understanding. If you have any other questions about what you can import into the United States please visit the official Customs & Border Protection website - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.
DISCLAIMER! Although we try to provide thorough, complete and accurate information we cannot guarantee that there will not be any price differences, changes to international travel regulations, and/or any other unforeseen changes that may relate to any information provided on this website. Please check all official government websites for current border crossing restrictions.