I know there have been a number of posts on this subject but here are so more questions.
-Its my understanding that if you own property,want a bank account,citizenship,live for longer than 6 months in Mexico,you should have a FM3. Yet we
know people that own and have sold property without an FM3.
-are there any financial benefits?
Any information would be appreciated so that we can make a decision.David K - 8-1-2006 at 08:29 AM
"Yet we know people that own and have sold property without an FM3"
Yes, I know people who are in the U.S. ILLEGALLY too!
A 'tourist' (FM-T holder) is just that... visiting Mexico on a vacation, tour, etc. NOT someone who leaves personal property behind (cars, buggies,
furniture) or holds real property in Mexico (homes, trailers, land)... that is for residents (part or full time). THAT is what an FM-3 or FM-2 is
for... people who live in Mexico who are not Mexicans. To work in Mexico (for free or pay) requires an FM-3 as well... Because 'tourists' do not work.DanO - 8-1-2006 at 10:53 AM
Without one, you lack the legal status to enforce a contract in court. If you don't have one and you get sideways with your seller or lessor, you'll
have to walk away from your property and whatever you put into it, instead of at least being able to put up a fight. I put it in the same category as
insurance. No one wants to plan for the worst, but it can really pay off in the long run. Getting one is really not that big of a hassle, anyway.jerry - 8-1-2006 at 07:07 PM
among other things
it makes you legal when all the nasty things that can happen to you does happen with out it your going to feel the full rath of your oppressers and
noone will give a chit
life is made of choices you make yours they will make thiers
i prefer a position of right and a document to prove itcomitan - 8-1-2006 at 07:50 PM
Jerry & Dan
Really good points, its also my experience with my FM-2 which isn't really necessary when asked to show it seems you get more respect.Bob and Susan - 8-1-2006 at 09:47 PM
that's true...
last trip i only showed my FM3 at the border and was treated very differently....
we'll see tomorrow nite...
Duty free amount?
gpm414 - 8-2-2006 at 07:41 AM
What amount of goods am I allowed to bring into Mexico with my FM3 duty free? This will be my second time entering since getting it, so I have
already used my "first time allowance" last year. Thanks for the info.
The Amorphous FM3 Exemption
MrBillM - 8-2-2006 at 09:00 AM
After I had possessed an FM-3 for years, I was told by a neighbor who also had one that there was a $150.00 exemption per person as opposed to the
standard $50.00. I had never had a Mexican customs officer volunteer this information.
On my next "declared" trip back, after filling out the customs form, I asked about that exemption and the officer said "Si" and deducted $300.00 from
the declaration. Subsequent trips have resulted in a variety of experiences along the same lines. On one occasion when I asked for it after the
officer had only deducted the $50 x 2, he added the value of my groceries and beverages to make up for the additional deduction. On more than one
occasion, I have had the officer deduct the $300 (for two) without my even mentioning it so the deduction obviously exists, but like all things
bureaucratic in the Mexican system, the rules seem flexible and subject to local interpretation.Bruce R Leech - 8-2-2006 at 09:04 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by MrBillM
but like all things bureaucratic in the Mexican system, the rules seem flexible and subject to local interpretation.
Bill you are right. Knowing that is the secret to getting along in Mexico.
