Note #18: Border Crossing Red Flags

Things that get you pulled into secondary inspection:

• One-way ticket with no return/onward flight

• Passport full of stamps from "suspicious" countries

• Can't name your hotel address

• Arriving with no luggage (looks like you're working illegally)

• Tourist visa but laptop and work setup visible

Got detained 4 times in my first 2 years.

Now I:

• Always book refundable return flights

• Dress like I'm on vacation (no laptop bag at immigration)

• Have hotel confirmations ready on phone

• Say "vacation" not "digital nomad"

Border agents aren't your friends. Give them no reason to ask questions.