BajaNomad

Postal boxes NOB

zoesterone - 7-31-2011 at 04:41 PM

We were told that many folks keep a post office box NOB and specifically in Coronado? Didn't think you could get a box without a local address or is it one of those non-USPO ones? Any input would be appreciated. We will be just south of Rosarito. Any better suggestions as to where to do it and how? Thanks a lot.

Hi, zoesterone

Gypsy Jan - 7-31-2011 at 05:10 PM

It all depends on where you are and what you need.

We have used a very reliable mailbox service in Rosarito for a very long time, but the USPS mailbox that is their home address in San Ysidro doesn't accept/sign for Fed Ex packages, etc,, so we have a separate mailbox in Chula Vista, CA, that will sign for and store packages for us.

DENNIS - 7-31-2011 at 05:11 PM

I use Postal Annex and have for almost twenty years. San Ysidro is full of independent mail services and the prices are competitive.
The advantage of a private service is that it gives you a street address rather than only a PMB. Consequently, Fed Ex, UPS and others will deliver to them and won't to the US Post Office.

Dave - 7-31-2011 at 05:15 PM

They are PMBs. The outfit most used south of Rosarito is ClickOn located just south of Puerto Nuevo. They use a PMB company located in Coronado.

Word of warning: These mail delivery companies cannot guarantee your mail or packages won't be confiscated at the border. It has happened.

DENNIS - 7-31-2011 at 05:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Word of warning: These mail delivery companies cannot guarantee your mail or packages won't be confiscated at the border. It has happened.


True story. The service I use here was detained in Mex Aduana for seven hours two weeks back and they gave the driver a really hard time. Opened most boxes and found all sorts of questionable items.
The driver said they flat told him it's their intention to stop these services since most of them are illigitmate businesses and importing far more than allowed.

The border is getting tougher all the time.

Hey, Dave

Gypsy Jan - 7-31-2011 at 05:26 PM

The VA just shipped us a carton of adult diapers to us (please, don't ask why) and Mail Mex took it through Otay.

We donated the box to Mexican charity.

The Mail Mex operators and employees in Rosarito are very good people.

GJ

bajamigo - 7-31-2011 at 06:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Word of warning: These mail delivery companies cannot guarantee your mail or packages won't be confiscated at the border. It has happened.


True story. The service I use here was detained in Mex Aduana for seven hours two weeks back and they gave the driver a really hard time. Opened most boxes and found all sorts of questionable items.
The driver said they flat told him it's their intention to stop these services since most of them are illigitmate businesses and importing far more than allowed.

The border is getting tougher all the time.


We use the same service. The driver was sent to secondary, where a few boxes were opened that contained quantities of clothing. Apparently, this got the officials' hackles up, and they opened nearly every package he was carrying. With all the prescription drugs and goodies from B&H Photo I have shipped, I'm sure repeated instances of this episode will put the services out of business.

krafty - 7-31-2011 at 06:24 PM

We use Mr. Mail right over the San Ysidro border. They do accept packages for a small fee, and we have never had a problem.

DENNIS - 7-31-2011 at 06:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajamigo
We use the same service. The driver was sent to secondary, where a few boxes were opened that contained quantities of clothing. Apparently, this got the officials' hackles up, and they opened nearly every package he was carrying. With all the prescription drugs and goodies from B&H Photo I have shipped, I'm sure repeated instances of this episode will put the services out of business.


He was sent back to the states as well. Had to spend the night up there.
He mentioned one item that really got their attention, other than the clothes, was one or more sets of gold plated [?] collector coins.

To make matters even worse for him, they said he is now on the ShtList and they didn't want to see him there again and if they did, it wouldn't be pretty.

Jeeeezo....I can see my internet shopping sprees going down the tubes.

tjBill - 7-31-2011 at 06:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by zoesterone
Didn't think you could get a box without a local address or is it one of those non-USPO ones?


Both the US Postal Service and Private Mail Box services accept Mexican addresses. Just give them the documentation they require.

J.P. - 7-31-2011 at 06:58 PM

I worry all the time when I cross my health care gives me a 3 month supply of meds. and they say a prudent supply but have never said how much is prudent. there is a lot of drugs that are routinely perscribed in the US that are prohibited in Mexico. my mail service in the US will hold mail and packages until I come up.however they grumble around the holidays if yuo dont pickup quickly. After being here for 8 years my mail has fell off to the bare minium.

bajadock - 7-31-2011 at 08:11 PM

My sympathy goes to those who have enjoyed the ez "importing" of the past at San Ysidro. I have noticed more scrutiny last 18 months.

Thanks to Bajamigo and Bajabound2005 referral, my address box just off I-5 near the border has provided high value with UPS/Fedex delivery since closing my p.o. box in 2007.

Why the USPS won't accept UPS/Fedex is another thread for another day.

I utilize "buddy" system for delivery of my stuff. A few friends pickup my mail if it is convenient for them and I reciprocate. That and my minimal need for stuff(other than my BevMo importing) works for me.

zoesterone - 8-1-2011 at 06:19 AM

Thanks for all of those suggestions....and warnings. We get pretty minimal mailings, too, but the yearly tax stuff, insurance notice for NOB things will keep on coming. Like BajaDock, I get a few things pretty regularly from Ebay, Amazon, etc., so we will check out Dennis' and BajaDock's suggestion first and go the most economical route. This sort of networking is what makes a good forum...hurrah.

Wrong size?

Dave - 8-1-2011 at 11:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
The VA just shipped us a carton of adult diapers to us (please, don't ask why) and Mail Mex took it through Otay.

We donated the box to Mexican charity.


I'm not saying that stuff most often doesn't get across.

Just that occasionally stuff doesn't make it.

But, only when you absolutely, positively need to get it. :rolleyes: