Arep831 - 5-4-2026 at 09:58 AM
my search skills are lacking as i know this topic has been brought up before, sorry. We would like to bring down a load of household goods (pot, pans,
cutlery etc.) as well as a new range hood. As a non resident what steps do i need to take? Am i allowed to bring kitchen knives?
Again apologies for asking a question that I’m sure has been asked before
pacificobob - 5-7-2026 at 09:52 AM
As long as nothing/not much is "new in box" I doubt you will be expected to pay duty. I just tell them "it's my household stuff" they are not likely
to charge duty on a used toaster.
Timo1 - 5-8-2026 at 07:57 AM
I brought a complete household across at Tecate right at opening time in the morning and was just waved through. Nothing looked new. I had every item
listed in both English and Spanish and he didn't even want to look at it
Arep831 - 5-12-2026 at 07:41 PM
Our experience was pretty much like Timo1. Had a list in English and Spanish, they didn’t really look at anything, got my FMM, and on our way. Same
at the five check points along the way.
surabi - 5-12-2026 at 09:20 PM
I drove back and forth from Canada to Puerto Vallarta area once a year for about 3 years, bringing down more of my personal possessions each time. All
my kitchen gear, a few small pieces of furniture, books, clothes, bedding, sewing machines, some tools, etc. Nothing was new in the box. Customs
officials only ever gave it a cursory glance, if that.
It's actually better to purchase some things like appliances here in Mexico, because they are made to withstand low voltage, brown-outs or electrical
surges, which are common south of the border. And also service technicians in Mexico will be more familiar with Mexican or Latin American made brands.
JDCanuck - 5-12-2026 at 09:40 PM
We had the same experience as Surabi, especially when it came to AC units. A typical Trane AC unit broke down after 2 years and required a control
board order with a wait time of 3-6 months to replace it. The much less expensive and very common Midea unit was installed in it's place within a week
and the local electrician assured us parts were far more readily available if it should ever need any. If anything, it was also more efficient and
quieter as a bonus.
As far as bringing household supplies down we were never searched or questioned, and this included hand tools, dishes, appliances and linens, all
slightly used or out of their original boxes.