BajaNomad - Manaje de Casa??

Manaje de Casa??

bennme - 4-23-2011 at 11:09 AM

well, folks....the continuing saga of my ventures south. Firstly, again thanks for all the input on my vette thread. I am now back in Canada and preparing for the final leg, which is loading my 6x10 enclosed Wells Cargo. I plan on loading my harley into it along with a few chests of tools, my clothes and some odds and ends. Most of the load is shop stuff for my personal use on my bike and cars. I'll then haul it down with my jeep.

The question is: do you think I will need to have a menaje de casa or should I, in all probability, be able to clear aduanes without one? The consulate here says that it is up to aduanes, they have no opinion either way.

So I would appreciate anyones' input that has recent experience with this.....thanks......keith

DENNIS - 4-23-2011 at 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bennme
The consulate here says that it is up to aduanes, they have no opinion either way.

The consulate folks you talked to are useless. I can't believe they blew you off for the question.
I don't have to see your manifest to think you will definitly need one and toward that end, you will have to meticulously inventory the contents of that trailer.

Others here who have been through it will be along to bring you up to speed.

By the way....you do have an FM3, don't you?

.

[Edited on 4-23-2011 by DENNIS]

Bob and Susan - 4-23-2011 at 11:26 AM

forget it...just drive up to customs in otay mesa

pay what they ask and go

harley doesn't import

if the want you to empty it then do it and reload

easy

latina - 4-23-2011 at 11:57 AM

Things must have changed at the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver or you just spoke with an ill-informed clerk...When we bought our house four years ago we had a lot of good stuff in storage in Vancouver and didn't want to have to buy things we already owned. We were advised by the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver that the only way to do it was to get a "menaje de casa", permitting us to bring household items down. At the time we also were told we had to have at least an FM3 to do it.

We had to type a letter as to why we wanted to bring household items into Mexico, that we understood if we left Mexico our household items had to leave with us and also estimate the total value of all the items.

We had lots of boxes of stuff. We had to number each box and then list all the items that were in each box. With electrical items we had to give the model number and serial number. And for each item give the approximate value. I'm not kidding. This was a HUGE job.

Then armed with our lists in Spanish, signed at the bottom of each page by us, and copies of our passports and our FM3's we went to the Consulate, paid them $137.00 and got our "menaje de casa". We didn't get it right away. As I recall we left all our info with them and had to come back in a week.

The ironic thing is that when we got to Otay Mesa, and the officers saw how much stuff we had in our trailer, they couldn't be bothered checking any of it and didn't even ask to see the papers that took hours to prepare.

On the flip side, I have heard of other people who had to unload everything from their trailers, let them check it and then repack themselves. It's a crapshoot.

Good luck, latina

bennme - 4-23-2011 at 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by latina
Things must have changed at the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver or you just spoke with an ill-informed clerk...When we bought our house four years ago we had a lot of good stuff in storage in Vancouver and didn't want to have to buy things we already owned. We were advised by the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver that the only way to do it was to get a "menaje de casa", permitting us to bring household items down. At the time we also were told we had to have at least an FM3 to do it.

We had to type a letter as to why we wanted to bring household items into Mexico, that we understood if we left Mexico our household items had to leave with us and also estimate the total value of all the items.

We had lots of boxes of stuff. We had to number each box and then list all the items that were in each box. With electrical items we had to give the model number and serial number. And for each item give the approximate value. I'm not kidding. This was a HUGE job.

Then armed with our lists in Spanish, signed at the bottom of each page by us, and copies of our passports and our FM3's we went to the Consulate, paid them $137.00 and got our "menaje de casa". We didn't get it right away. As I recall we left all our info with them and had to come back in a week.

The ironic thing is that when we got to Otay Mesa, and the officers saw how much stuff we had in our trailer, they couldn't be bothered checking any of it and didn't even ask to see the papers that took hours to prepare.

On the flip side, I have heard of other people who had to unload everything from their trailers, let them check it and then repack themselves. It's a crapshoot.

Good luck, latina

Thanks, this is pretty much what I was informed by the consulate...the only problem being, what is considered hhe? I know the vehicles and trailer aren't and I did start an itemized list but have decided to leave a lot behind. I am not taking ANY furniture or appliances, just mostly shop tools that I have been collecting for years, and some clothes. I will be entering on a temporary FM3 issued by the consulate. I actually spoke to the lady in charge of visas at the consulate. I know that with the Mex govt, things change overnight.; My main question is, if you have a manaje de casa, do you have to engage the services of a broker or can you bring the load in yourself, like i plan to do with the trailer?...........thanks........Keith

comitan - 4-23-2011 at 01:39 PM

Temporary FM3????====Problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DENNIS - 4-23-2011 at 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
Temporary FM3????====Problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Probably not, Wiley. Start the process at the consulate and finish it at Immigration in your home area down south.
For some reason, I kinda thought they quit doing that. Guess not.

DENNIS - 4-23-2011 at 01:52 PM

Rolly has this info about the Menaje....

http://rollybrook.com/menaje.htm

http://rollybrook.com/how_to_move_to_mexico.htm

.

[Edited on 4-23-2011 by DENNIS]

latina - 4-23-2011 at 02:26 PM

We did not hire a broker. We had our own cargo trailer and were organized and I don't know what benefit they would have provided, except to cost more money. A reasonable amount of clothes wasn't necessary to list back then. I'm pretty sure your tools are supposed to be listed on the menaje de casa with a guess at their value, if you are going to make one. We also had to include books, CD's, pots and pans, pretty much everything you would be using to set up your house. Hope that helps.

bennme - 4-23-2011 at 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Rolly has this info about the Menaje....

http://rollybrook.com/menaje.htm

http://rollybrook.com/how_to_move_to_mexico.htm

.

[Edited on 4-23-2011 by DENNIS]

thanks Dennis, that is what I am looking for. And for those not familiar with the temp FM2/3, yes the Consulates in Canada still issue them although they are no longer called FMM, FM2/3. they are valid for 30 days after entry and a permanent one is obtained from migracion at your home city in Mexico.

bennme - 4-23-2011 at 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by latina
We did not hire a broker. We had our own cargo trailer and were organized and I don't know what benefit they would have provided, except to cost more money. A reasonable amount of clothes wasn't necessary to list back then. I'm pretty sure your tools are supposed to be listed on the menaje de casa with a guess at their value, if you are going to make one. We also had to include books, CD's, pots and pans, pretty much everything you would be using to set up your house. Hope that helps.

thanks, that does indeed help. Guess i'll being doing one up. I don't imagine I have to list every separate tool, but would 'tool chest' containing various tools suffice or do we need to get into the magpie's rear end?.....thanks...Keith

DENNIS - 4-23-2011 at 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bennme
I don't imagine I have to list every separate tool, but would 'tool chest' containing various tools suffice or do we need to get into the magpie's rear end?.....thanks...Keith

They can be more nit-picky than you can imagine on any given day. That's when the fine art of extortion and bribery come into play.
Your task will be convincing them that you arn't going down there to work if most of what you have is tools.
Who knows? They might just wave you through, but you should be ready for anything.

"Tool chest with various tools" is really vague. Maybe spend a bit more time with your manifest.

I'd hire a broker and just get it over with.

.

[Edited on 4-23-2011 by DENNIS]

BajaBlanca - 4-23-2011 at 03:53 PM

I do recommend putting ALL clothes in suitcases .... they are getting ruffled up about people bringing clothes into Mexico to give away...

good luck !

Bob and Susan - 4-23-2011 at 04:20 PM

rollys stuff was great "in the day"
things have changed

if the clothes are yours and they fit then no problem
if they are mixed dont even try to cross them

i don't even own a suitcase...that's old school
i use a "go-bag"

a 6x 10 trailer will barely hold the motorbike let alone importable items

don't sweat this
go to the border
open it up and ask what you owe

this time you don't need a broker or a Manaje de Casa
you would only need that if you moved all your house and furniture

rolly said once if he had to do it again he'd have a BIG yardsale and start over
he's was "right-on"

bennme - 4-23-2011 at 04:55 PM

I agree and i have sold a lifetime worth of collected 'stuff' already, but my hobby is my vehicles and I want the tools to work on them. You'd be surprised how much I have already packed into that little trailer beyond the bike and there is still room for more. It took two of us to ramp the tool chests into the trailer and I'm really not about to try wrestling them myself. I think for the little effort involved I'll do up the m de c. I drop it off when I pick up my temp visa and they mail it to me when it is approved. Pretty much hassle free after that, i would suppose?

Kimpatsu_Hekigan - 4-23-2011 at 08:09 PM

Mexican Customs says the menaje de casa duty exemption is only for certain categories of returning Mexican nationals, or foreigners desiring residence in Mexico (such as diplomats and religious clergy).

See this link:

Aduana Mexico - Trámite Menaje de Casa

"Menaje de casa (household goods) includes the utensils and furnishings of a house, exclusively and strictly for the use of a family in an ordinary manner, and must have been used and acquired at least six months before the intended date of entry into Mexico."

FWIW,

-- K.H.

CaboRon - 4-24-2011 at 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bennme
I agree and i have sold a lifetime worth of collected 'stuff' already, but my hobby is my vehicles and I want the tools to work on them. You'd be surprised how much I have already packed into that little trailer beyond the bike and there is still room for more. It took two of us to ramp the tool chests into the trailer and I'm really not about to try wrestling them myself. I think for the little effort involved I'll do up the m de c. I drop it off when I pick up my temp visa and they mail it to me when it is approved. Pretty much hassle free after that, i would suppose?

It will never be hassle free and there will be different rules depending on who is doing the inspection.

[Edited on 4-24-2011 by CaboRon]

El Jefe - 4-24-2011 at 06:48 AM

I vote with Bob and Susan on this one. Just go cross w/o paperwork. We did the menaje with a broker five years ago. It was a pain in the keester but we did get our household belongings down here for a relatively low cost. Had to leave the trailer at the broker's for a day or two. that could extend your trip. And yes, I think they want you to list Box 1; 5 screwdrivers, 17 wrenches, 3 hammers etc.

This fall when I crossed with an SUV full of stuff they asked me how much it was worth and then gave me a chit to go pay the man and I was out of there. I would pack the tools forward out of sight and the clothes and lower value stuff at the rear where it is visible when you open the door of the trailer. Have a reasonable value for the "used stuff" in your head to give the inspector and be ready to pay 20% of that or so. Can't remember what the actual percentage was. Maybe more like 10%?

this may help a bit

mcfez - 4-24-2011 at 07:11 AM

Good idea here ....to list on the boxs...the contents :light:

[Edited on 4-24-2011 by mcfez]

bennme - 4-24-2011 at 02:11 PM

Well I had already started a menaje de casa so just finished it up and will have it translated by a mexican friend. I have read the Mexican Aduanes site from cover to cover and also from what the Consulate tells me, my goods are importable tax/duty free on a one time only basis with my FM2/3..so that's the route I'll take, and the boxes are all lable outside with contents....appreciate, as always, everyone's input............Keith

Bob and jane - 4-24-2011 at 02:20 PM

We brought a 5X8 cargo trailer down here packed tightly with a dirt bike, book shelves, tables, lamps, books, bedding, knick knacks and more about 3 years ago. I worried for months about what would happen crossing the border. We drove through Tecate at 8 a.m. and the border guys didn't even look up. We were driving a pickup with a camper, pulling the cargo trailer. Looked just like a couple of folks coming down to camp for awhile, bringing our toys. Felt silly afterwards about all the worrying I had done. Just our story.

bajalou - 4-24-2011 at 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bennme
Well I had already started a menaje de casa so just finished it up and will have it translated by a mexican friend. I have read the Mexican Aduanes site from cover to cover and also from what the Consulate tells me, my goods are importable tax/duty free on a one time only basis with my FM2/3..so that's the route I'll take, and the boxes are all lable outside with contents....appreciate, as always, everyone's input............Keith

Better check on the translation. Some things require a approved translator for the document. ??

bennme - 4-24-2011 at 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and jane
We brought a 5X8 cargo trailer down here packed tightly with a dirt bike, book shelves, tables, lamps, books, bedding, knick knacks and more about 3 years ago. I worried for months about what would happen crossing the border. We drove through Tecate at 8 a.m. and the border guys didn't even look up. We were driving a pickup with a camper, pulling the cargo trailer. Looked just like a couple of folks coming down to camp for awhile, bringing our toys. Felt silly afterwards about all the worrying I had done. Just our story.

My thoughts exactly but even when one is positive, it's better to have it than wish you had it.....thanks

BajaBlanca - 4-24-2011 at 02:51 PM

what does FWIW stand for ??

good luck on the move and don't sweat it ... most of the time we regret our nervousness after the fact - just like Bob and Jane.

bennme - 4-24-2011 at 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalou

Quote:

Better check on the translation. Some things require a approved translator for the document. ??

absolutely, will check with the consulate....

bennme - 4-24-2011 at 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
what does FWIW stand for ??

good luck on the move and don't sweat it ... most of the time we regret our nervousness after the fact - just like Bob and Jane.

yup, and you'd think at my age, I'd know the ropes, but then someone always comes up with a new rope......fwiw means : for what its worth..............Keith

Jim/Liisa - 4-24-2011 at 03:01 PM

http://www.sre.gob.mx/sanbernardino/

The Mexican Consulate no longer does any thing for Non Mexicans.

805gregg - 4-24-2011 at 07:22 PM

Sell the HD, worthless in Baja, get a dual sport.

CortezBlue - 4-25-2011 at 10:27 AM

My Story

This has been about 5 or 6 years ago, so take it for what it is worth.

We went to the Phoenix Mexican Counsl. and filled out the paperwork and had everything labeled, had all of the S/N's documented.

Before I came down, I was told I had to have an Importer drive my trailer across the border. So I called a company in Calexico and they told me it would be about 60 dollars. I was good with that.

So the day we are on our way down, I called the importer and told them I would be down at about 2pm. "No Problem"

By the time we get to the warehouse we were notified, that the laws had changed and it was going to cost $700 to transfer our belongings. Well he obviously didn't know me well. I turned around, told him to flock OFF, and I got in my truck and started toward the border. I called my amigo, from Mexico, and told him. He said don't worry about it, and to meet him at the border and he would have his cousin let us in.
I get to the border, and for the first time, gave this young guy $25 and he passed us in.

We decided to stop at Costco and get a hot dog. While there, we were sitting next to another couple from LA that were doing the same thing, hauling down furniture to there house in San Felipe.

I made a comment, "man wasn't that a hastle?" they reply, "No not really, we just drove up, handed the guy at the border our paper work and he passed us through"

So, bottom line, save your money and then drive it up to the border with your paperwork and go for it. If you get turned away, go to the other crossing and try it there. If it doesn't work there, go back to the original and chances are someone new will be there by then.