Survive - Texas - page 761

Land
Border Crossings
There are 14 official crossing points along the Texas-Mexico border, most of them are open 24 hours daily. US Customs
and Border Protection ( http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt ) lists open hours, and estimated border waiting times for drivers
If you are not a Mexican national arriving from down south, whether to cross the Texas-Mexico border or not, given
gang violence in recent years, is a serious question. Check with the US State Department ( http://travel.state.gov/travel )
for travel advisories. For more, see Day Trips to Mexico: Should You Visit?, Click here . If you should decide to day trip
into Mexico, be aware of the following:
International taxis You may find international taxis near border crossings. Fares are from $10 to $30 - bargaining ex-
pected.
Mexican tourism permit ( forma migratoria para turista , or FMT) Required unless you are staying within the border
zone (about 15 miles in) and not staying more than 72 hours.
Motor vehicles Taking a vehicle into Mexico is not advised, but if you do, you must obtain Mexican motor insurance
and a temporary vehicle importation permit; look for booths at crossings. Bridge tolls cost $3 per vehicle.
Passports Everyone, even US tourists visiting Mexico on a day trip, must carry a passport to enter the US.
Returning A stop at US Customs is required; be prepared to state your nationality and declare any purchases made in
Mexico. Note that it is not legal to bring back many prescription drugs.
Walking Most people crossing into Mexico for a day trip from Texas walk across the bridge (most of the Mexican cities
are a few steps from the Rio Grande); bridge tolls $1 per pedestrian.
Bus
Greyhound ( 800-231-2222; www.greyhound.com ), the nationwide bus company, has reduced its services consider-
ably but still runs cross-country.
» Buses are generally comfortable and safe; but they are slow and do not always represent a substantial cost savings
over advance airfares or car rental.
» Fixed routes stop in major cities only, not always in the best part of town.
» Reserve tickets at least two weeks in advance, or more, and travel at off-peak hours for best fares.
» Reduced carbon emissions are a benefit to bus riding.
Car & Motorcycle
Interstate 35 runs south from Oklahoma into the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. The transcontinental interstate for the
southern USA is I-10, and it runs from Florida to California, passing through much of Texas. For further information on
traveling around Texas by car or motorcycle, Click here .
Train
Amtrak ( 800-872-7245; www.amtrak.com ) provides two cross-country passenger services that stop in a several cit-
ies across Texas. Services are fairly comfortable, even in the reclining coach seats, and dining or snack cars available.