oladulce - 6-14-2005 at 04:20 PM
Has anyone "imported" items in to Mexico at the Tecate crossing?
Was it a very easy process there?
We'll have about $1200 worth of windows and doors. Do we go to the same parking lot (right turn just before the booths at the crossing) as the big
trucks to get to the Aduana office?
We're hoping that the amount is close enough to the $1000 limit that we can get by without using a broker.
Frequently we've had trouble finding parking to fit our truck and trailer at the San Ysidro entrance and we're looking for alternatives to that mess.
thanks
pokey - 6-14-2005 at 04:56 PM
Otay Mesa is a good place to bring household items into Mexico. Lots of parking there too.
Bob and Susan - 6-14-2005 at 04:59 PM
Our two cents....
We've only gone to Otay Crossing. Thats only 10 minutes from San Ysidro at the end of the 905 Frwy. Just go to secondary...lots of parking.
1. Make sure you have a doument that says 'INVOICE'
2. Make sure you have the US Federal Identification Number (FIN) from the person or company you bought the supplies from. It's like a SSN and
businesses WILL give it to you if you ask.
3. Make sure the stuff has a origin lable on it. (like MADE IN USA)
Chinese stuff is taxed higher.
4. Keep everything in the truck or trailer...don't split it up or you pay for both the truck and trailer.
Have fun...don't get mad or discouraged...it's no problem.
Dave - 6-14-2005 at 05:25 PM
They are tough as nails at Otay. If they don't believe the receipt they will call the company to verify the purchase price. I would use Tecate.
oladulce - 6-14-2005 at 05:32 PM
All the items have "Made in the USA" packaging or labels on them but we don't have invoice-type receipts since most of the stuff was purchased from
Lowes and Home Depot .
What do you do if you only have cash register receipts?
MICK - 6-14-2005 at 05:52 PM
I'm trying to figure out what you have to and what you don't have to declare. I have been taking stuff down for a year and always stop and pay. Then
last weekend I saw a truck go thru non declare with a couch in the back and I asked the guy in the boothwhat I could bring. He said that if it was
personal use There was no tax. But they were still happy to take my money.
This was at the Mexicali crossing. Most of the time I have building materials so I understand that but our house is now done and we are looking into
taking some of our furniture down. We want to buy most of it there but somethings you just can't get. It would be nice if somewhere we could find out
what the truth is about this stuff.
Good luck
Mick
Bob and Susan - 6-14-2005 at 07:47 PM
If you don't have a written receipt go back and get one.
Home Depot will be happy to do this at the customer service desk.
So will Lowes
Get their FIN number too. They are required to give it to you if you ask.
I have been asked for it each time.