BajaNomad - Tecate Crossing with Supplies and Tools

Tecate Crossing with Supplies and Tools

norcalbajabetty - 11-2-2009 at 05:30 PM

Our home suffered damage in Jimena and we are finally able to come down and fix it up. We were hoping to bring a bunch of tools with us. We plan on buying most building supplies at HD in Ensenata. We are wondering if we are risking losing our tools at the border. Anyone have any experience with this? We plan to hire some locals to help with the work, but are also hoping to do some of the work ourselves as owners.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

DENNIS - 11-2-2009 at 05:50 PM

It's hard to say. Depends on the amount of tools, used or new. Also depends on pure luck at the border.
What, more or less, are planning to bring?

BajaWarrior - 11-2-2009 at 05:55 PM

Always helpful crossing with tools and or materials when you have an FM-3. I've had many tools in plain sight (example: miter saws, table saw, and a tile saw) while sent to Mexican Secondary and they don't even take a second look. They're always too busy looking for full gas cans and beer I guess. I cross Tecate south once a month and Mexicali once a month and we just finished building a home.

At a minimum each time I cross I carry a full DeWalt set in a carrying bag but also have brought down many tools in a cooler, just because they store well in one.

norcalbajabetty - 11-2-2009 at 06:23 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. They were hoping to bring a compressor, nail guns, drills, skill saws,...etc. All used. We are going to also need to refurbish/replace our solar system. Anyone getting hassled for bring solar supplies down? I do not think they are available there.

How would an FM-3 help in this situation?

Thanks again.

Pacifico - 11-2-2009 at 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by norcalbajabetty
Thanks for the quick reply. They were hoping to bring a compressor, nail guns, drills, skill saws,...etc. All used. We are going to also need to refurbish/replace our solar system. Anyone getting hassled for bring solar supplies down? I do not think they are available there.

How would an FM-3 help in this situation?

Thanks again.

Recently brought down all the same tools as you without any problem at all. Just be prepared to pay taxes on anything new....I went through Otay Mesa recently and declared construction supplies and just paid the duty - easy as pie!!! Then you have no worries.....

DENNIS - 11-2-2009 at 06:57 PM

Quote:

Sounds like you have a truck load. Like I said, luck plays a big part.
You mentioned in your first post your concern about losing your tools. They won't take them from you. They'll just turn you around.

David K - 11-2-2009 at 11:11 PM

Quote:

An FM-3 is the visa you are supposed to have when you leave property behind in Mexico when you go home. FM-T are only for 'tourists' on a vacation, not for home owners/ renters, etc.

That said, if you have an FM-3 then it looks like your tools are for work on your home in Mexico... since you should have an FM-3 or FM-2 to have property in Mexico. IF you have only a tourist card, then it would be suspect that you are taking tools to Mexico to SELL to locals... and THAT IS FORBIDDEN! :light:

It's a legal point and the most discussed subject on the Internet for Mexico living... You can rent land/ buy property with an FM-T, but it affords you NO LEGAL RIGHTS to that property.

DianaT - 11-2-2009 at 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
It's a legal point and the most discussed subject on the Internet for Mexico living... You can rent land/ buy property with an FM-T, but it affords you NO LEGAL RIGHTS to that property.

Absolutely NO legal rights? Really? Is that an absolute? You have experience is that area?

Strange, but my sister won her property dispute case in a Mexican Court and at that time, she did not have her FM3----

I wonder why the Mexican court gave her the property back when she had no FM3. DK stick to the things about which you really have experience or actual knowledge.

BTW, we just returned on the Tecate Road and there is several miles of dirt---not a problem, but they are really working on building a huge section of 4 lane all at one time.

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by DianaT]

David K - 11-2-2009 at 11:47 PM

I didn't say 'Absolutely'... again, please don't change my words anymore. IF you have BETTER details, then PLEASE post them WITHOUT getting personal or bringing up your issues with me, etc.

How to do that in a polite manner would be to say (below my post): "This is what I have found to be true: ..." (and post your information/ story)

I welcome anyone to post accurate and factual information here... for everyone's good!

Now, if you want to recommend that Nomads DON'T NEED an FM-3 to legally maintain property in Mexico, I think you have an uphill battle to fight, ... with the truth.

AN FM-T is a TOURIST CARD... 'Tourists' are people who are on a vacation/ on holiday... They visit one or more places and then go home... to another country!

People that buy/ lease land/ buildings/ or any property and LEAVE it in Mexico... ARE NOT TOURISTS (anymore)! They are now PART TIME RESIDENTS in Mexico... they have a Mexican address that they return to again and again... That is what an FM-3 Rentista is for. Don't you have one?

DianaT - 11-3-2009 at 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I didn't say 'Absolutely'... again, please don't change my words anymore. IF you have BETTER details, then PLEASE post them WITHOUT getting personal or bringing up your issues with me, etc.

How to do that in a polite manner would be to say (below my post): "This is what I have found to be true: ..." (and post your information/ story)

I welcome anyone to post accurate and factual information here... for everyone's good!

Now, if you want to recommend that Nomads DON'T NEED an FM-3 to legally maintain property in Mexico, I think you have an uphill battle to fight, ... with the truth.

AN FM-T is a TOURIST CARD... 'Tourists' are people who are on a vacation/ on holiday... They visit one or more places and then go home... to another country!

People that buy/ lease land/ buildings/ or any property and LEAVE it in Mexico... ARE NOT TOURISTS (anymore)! They are now PART TIME RESIDENTS in Mexico... they have a Mexican address that they return to again and again... That is what an FM-3 Rentista is for. Don't you have one?

David, read, please. I posted as questions. I did not distort your words, I simply asked questions. Since you put NO LEGAL RIGHTS in caps, I questioned if that was an absolute and if you have any experience in that are---gees, you are so quick to say personal, and issues and all that cr*p.

Yes, we have our FM3s which is a better way to go, and so does my sister, now---but, believe it or not, without it there are rights---it all depends on the attorneys and the courts.

Calm down David---- you are so quick to react. There are a lot of things in Baja about which you have knowledge, but living there and actually dealing with property rights in the Mexican courts is not one of them. Yes, we can all read what is on the books, and then there is the reality.

Chill---the absolutes you read about and post are not always reality.

There are things about which you have a lot of knowlege---stick to those.

And please, Ms. Manners you are not. Your instructions as to how to post is really good---yes, really good---thank you, yes, thank you. :biggrin:

And your statement about posting factual information again sound like you are calling me a liar---you are good at that one as it has happened several times before. If it does not agree with your information or your opinion, then surely it must be a lie.

Pathetic

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by DianaT]

Beachgirl - 11-3-2009 at 05:57 AM

Norcalbajabetty - Mulegemichael and I have a house in Mulege....duh...we looked like the Grapes of Wrath with all the stuff we drove down, first in our truck, then another trip with our 4Runner jammed to the gills, plus towing cargo holder, and another thing on top of the car. We brought down a huge compressor, wet vac, big pressure washer, blablabla. Came as always through Tecate. All of these items were new, so I wrote out a list of everything, dates purchased and amounts, stapled all the receipts to it, along with an envelope with 15% of the total in cash. The first crossing there was an American who smiled and waved us on, but no one at the Mexican crossing. Second time three Mexican border guards were sitting against a wall of the building, waved us through kind of annoyed we bothered them...didn't even get up. I have heard so many different stories, but honestly, crossing at Tecate has never been a problem for us. Ever. We have said at military stops on the way down that our house was a disaster from the chubasco...saved lots of inspection time. Good luck fixing your house. We are back to normal, and I think lots of folks around here are getting there, too....

norcalbajabetty - 11-3-2009 at 08:23 AM

Great information folks...thanks again. Sounds like we need to keep our fingers crossed and cross at Tecate. Am I correct that since most of the tools are obviously used, we will not have to pay taxes on them? We will also be bringing the tools back to the states on our return.
The FM-3 probably doesnt apply to us, as the property is our father's and we are not on the lease.
This is a little off the original topic, so if I need to post it elsewhere I will, but I was wondering if anyone is having any trouble with the police (or ?) when completing repairs themselves. I know in the past it has been an issue for some people in Posada and on the Hill. Are "they" cracking down on this now, or since Jimena are they being more leniant with allowing gringos to work on their own homes? As I said, we will hire some locals, but are hoping to do the lions share ourselves.
Thanks again!

DianaT - 11-3-2009 at 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Beachgirl
Norcalbajabetty - Mulegemichael and I have a house in Mulege....duh...we looked like the Grapes of Wrath with all the stuff we drove down, first in our truck, then another trip with our 4Runner jammed to the gills, plus towing cargo holder, and another thing on top of the car. We brought down a huge compressor, wet vac, big pressure washer, blablabla. Came as always through Tecate. All of these items were new, so I wrote out a list of everything, dates purchased and amounts, stapled all the receipts to it, along with an envelope with 15% of the total in cash. The first crossing there was an American who smiled and waved us on, but no one at the Mexican crossing. Second time three Mexican border guards were sitting against a wall of the building, waved us through kind of annoyed we bothered them...didn't even get up. I have heard so many different stories, but honestly, crossing at Tecate has never been a problem for us. Ever. We have said at military stops on the way down that our house was a disaster from the chubasco...saved lots of inspection time. Good luck fixing your house. We are back to normal, and I think lots of folks around here are getting there, too....

Glad to hear things are getting back to normal for many in Mulege---that is a good thing.

Great advice---be prepared and then just go. We try to make everything looked used, but that is not always possible.

What time do you usually cross at Tecate? Seems like we have been stopped there more often, but always very early in the morning. It, however, has never been a problem even with a new couch hanging out the back of the truck.

Norcalbajabetty----if you do have an FM3, we always keep ours in plain view just in case it does make a difference.

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by norcalbajabetty
Am I correct that since most of the tools are obviously used, we will not have to pay taxes on them? We will also be bringing the tools back to the states on our return.
I was wondering if anyone is having any trouble with the police (or ?) when completing repairs themselves. As I said, we will hire some locals, but are hoping to do the lions share ourselves.
Thanks again!

The used tool thing can be a gray zone. Just because something isn't new, you can't bring in a truck full of it and it sounds as though you would present as serious builders at the gate. Compressors, [did you say generator?] Skil Saws, hoses etc...not your normal household tools. You may have some 'splainin to do.
Homeowners could always work on their own property and it's the locals who will drop the dime on you. You put yourself in a nebulous position since you arn't an owner nor are you a legal resident. The tourist permit could be hard to call protection since you're obviously not down here as a tourist. Your baggage will testify to that.

Too bad you can't leave your tools down here instead of going through all this nonsense again in the future.

David K - 11-3-2009 at 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

And your statement about posting factual information again sound like you are calling me a liar---you are good at that one as it has happened several times before. If it does not agree with your information or your opinion, then surely it must be a lie.

Pathetic

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by DianaT]

Show me any post where I called you a "liar"... Making up stuff?

"You are good at that" (me or you?)

Yes, many times you have made up stuff to try and distort my words. Please stop... I don't jump in below your posts and name you... You do it to me ALL the time.

Thank you for the few nice things you do say about me... As all know, I say nice things about your trip reports and photos, often.

Let's play nice... all who read Nomad can gain from both facts and opinions posted, but personal stuff turns people off.

Sound fair Diane?

norcalbajabetty - 11-3-2009 at 09:28 AM

Even though we are not "owners" we will be down there with the owner, AKA dear old dad. Just not traveling down with him.
Wish we could leave the tools down there...but we kind of need them here to earn a living as a contractor. Just trying to help out Dad.

Diana and David...didn't mean to start a verbal war here...Why can't we all just get along? :tumble:

Thanks!

DianaT - 11-3-2009 at 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by norcalbajabetty
Even though we are not "owners" we will be down there with the owner, AKA dear old dad. Just not traveling down with him.
Wish we could leave the tools down there...but we kind of need them here to earn a living as a contractor. Just trying to help out Dad.

Thanks!

I would be surprised is anyone would give you a difficult time for helping your father? I do know of people who have had trouble when they were helping friends, but has anyone heard of someone having trouble when helping a family member??

Good luck

Paulina - 11-3-2009 at 09:44 AM

Norcalbajabetty,

Everytime we cross, we have a sazall, skill saw, misc cordless drills, hammer drill, levels, extention cords, tool box w/ hundreds of pieces, heavy duty jack, nearly every important extra part for our Truckie, tons of food items/costco stuff

In the past, besides the above items, we've crossed with airless paint sprayer, generators, tons of paint, compressor, solar panels and all the goodies that go with them, nail guns. You get the picture.

We always cross at SY heading south.
Most of the time we pull into secondary voluntrily to get our tourist cards. Usually they want to look in the back (we have a campershell). It's always packed to the gills. Not once have we ever been questioned about our tools/stuff. They ask if we are going on vacation and we say yes.

I wouldn't worry about it. Just go and git-er-done. If they squak about your stuff, pay a little duty and be on your way.

Hope this helps,

DERN

Paulina - 11-3-2009 at 09:53 AM

Diana and David...didn't mean to start a verbal war here...Why can't we all just get along? :tumble:

Thanks!

Norcalbajabetty,

Never mind them. They just both need to go to a corner and have a time out. This happens all the time. :rolleyes:

DERN

noproblemo2 - 11-3-2009 at 03:43 PM

Maybe we need a Nomad Dispute Board for squables!!! :?:

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by noproblemo2
Maybe we need a Nomad Dispute Board for squables!!! :?:

No way. It's all part of the charm of the place. After dissenting posters are told where to take there issues, you'll be telling them what they're allowed to say.
Censorship sucks.

monoloco - 11-4-2009 at 07:28 AM

We just crossed at Tecate with a trailer full of tools in plain sight and the only things they charged a duty on were a second hand dresser and some new ATV tires. I had no receipt for the tires, they asked how much I paid for them I told them $257 and they charged me 15% of that, I told them I got the dresser at a garage sale for $25 and the charged me 15% of that, no disputes. I considered them to be very fair. Have never been asked about our immigration status I don't think that having a FM3 allows you to bring anything different than an FMT unless you are doing the one time import of household goods.

DENNIS - 11-4-2009 at 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I don't think that having a FM3 allows you to bring anything different than an FMT unless you are doing the one time import of household goods.

That is correct. The Mexicans are held to the same regulations.

monoloco - 11-4-2009 at 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I don't think that having a FM3 allows you to bring anything different than an FMT unless you are doing the one time import of household goods.

That is correct. The Mexicans are held to the same regulations.

Actually, from what I've heard, I think that they are more strict with Mexicans.

DianaT - 11-4-2009 at 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
We just crossed at Tecate with a trailer full of tools in plain sight and the only things they charged a duty on were a second hand dresser and some new ATV tires. I had no receipt for the tires, they asked how much I paid for them I told them $257 and they charged me 15% of that, I told them I got the dresser at a garage sale for $25 and the charged me 15% of that, no disputes. I considered them to be very fair. Have never been asked about our immigration status I don't think that having a FM3 allows you to bring anything different than an FMT unless you are doing the one time import of household goods.

Did they stop you, or did you stop on your own?

And I agree about them being stricter with Mexican citizens---that is what our friends tell us.

monoloco - 11-4-2009 at 09:23 AM

Right now the Tecate crossing is torn up and there is no declare lane operational. I received the green light but the guy stopped us any way. Had there been a declare lane I would have used it.

durrelllrobert - 11-4-2009 at 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by norcalbajabetty
Thanks for the quick reply. They were hoping to bring a compressor, nail guns, drills, skill saws,...etc. All used. We are going to also need to refurbish/replace our solar system. Anyone getting hassled for bring solar supplies down? I do not think they are available there.

How would an FM-3 help in this situation?

Thanks again.

If you are bringing a Hilty for driving nails into concrete, dont bring the the .22 caliber cartridges since they are considered ammunition. Buy those down here. :smug:

durrelllrobert - 11-4-2009 at 12:19 PM

Absolutely NO legal rights? Really?

It's my understanding that you are here illegally and can be deported if you are living down here without an FM3/FM2 just like they do in the USA :?:

grace59 - 11-4-2009 at 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Absolutely NO legal rights? Really?

It's my understanding that you are here illegally and can be deported if you are living down here without an FM3/FM2 just like they do in the USA :?:

I believe that this is true. When we bought our property in Mexico, we were told that we needed at least an FM3. We applied for it in Mexico because it was much easier to do there than at our local consulate. Here is the Mexican Consulates link for owning property in Mexico...it states you must have an FM2 or an FM3. This arguement has gone around for a long time. I just think it is best to err on the safe side and have the FM3.

http://portal.sre.gob.mx/was_eng/index.php?option=displaypag...
My question: It was stated that you could get in trouble for working on your own home. How is that possibe?

DENNIS - 11-4-2009 at 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by grace59
My question: It was stated that you could get in trouble for working on your own home. How is that possibe?

It isn't possible. You can work on your own home and you don't have to hire a national to do anything if you do it yourself.
All of the nebulous, unverified rumors of laws that some people don't know but have no problems spreading around have resulted in terrorizing a lot of expats. That's all it is.

Skeet/Loreto - 11-4-2009 at 01:57 PM

I have been going to Baja Sur since 1967, I have had an FM#3, a Meixcan Corporation, a small Ranch, 2 Homes, a Fidecomiso, a Real Estate business where I sold at least 18 properties. I have also gone to Court in Constitution and won a case where people where trying to otain illegal access to my Beach Front. I have had a La paz Attorney, Notoria, and have never had a monemts Trouble.

Why: Because i tried my best to act like a mexican and obey thier Laws. When I was in Doubt I checked with my Mexican Friends and my Attorney.

I have been across at Tecate many , many times and have never had any troubles
The one time I had a problem was taking Clothes to the Children so at the advice of a mexican Friend i started bringing the Clothes in Suitcases, Whole Pick up Full, never any trouble.

Skeet/Loreto

.

DianaT - 11-4-2009 at 03:15 PM

Quote:

I do believe it is what the law says, and it states you cannot leave property---but like in most countries, including Mexico and the US, what the law says, and what happens in a courtroom are often different than what is written.

I was quite amazed to see how much control over property rights one judge could have---it was an interesting experience.

And, even with an FM3 you can be deported for lots of reasons----not a good idea to make the wrong person angry while living there.

postholedigger - 11-4-2009 at 10:23 PM

I've driven down for vacation with a full complement of tools (all used) and some supplies to help a friend fix his place up. Got a green light but was waved over anyway. I told them exactly what I was there for and that these tools were mine and they would return to the U.S. with me at the end of the week. Pasale...

UnoMas - 11-4-2009 at 11:39 PM

DianaT............
What David said is if you leave property in Mexico you must have at least an fm-3, true. If you have a truck load of power tools crossing the border you may not be looked at as a tourists :light:

but you might get away with it. You said your sister won a court case without her fm-3 but you didn't say if it was being processed at the time? We all know that in Mexico the person before you has jurisdiction and can interpret law as they see fit and we as readers DON'T have all the details of the case!
Since you built a home in BA I guess you are the know it all(as stated in a pervious post) of Mexico and their laws so I guess we should all direct are legal questions to you?
You really need to move on from your dislike of David, it really puts a bad example on this board for someone looking for info. You need to get off the liar stuff, no one called you a liar that I have seen, you always seem to be the aggressor. Just my take :spingrin:

[Edited on 11-5-2009 by UnoMas]

Unomas

DianaT - 11-5-2009 at 12:36 AM

I wrote a long response to you but decided to edit it---

It is enough to say that some people get it, and some do not and you are entitled to your opinion---and DK is entitled to be the continual victim.

And if you believe that I am less than honest, so be it. And if you think I have ever claimed to know everything, so be it---it is your choice.

Diane

[Edited on 11-5-2009 by DianaT]