BajaNomad

Mexico Tourist Tax

bajacondo - 5-18-2012 at 01:00 PM

Has anyone successfully received a refund of the Mexico Tourist Tax included in your airline ticket. Mexican citizens and holders of FM2/3 (FMNI) are not required to pay the tax. Alaska Airlines has info on their website but my next two trips are booked on Westjet and Air Canada. Westjet told me I had to apply for a refund from the Mexican Government. I have tried to have them take it off at source when I am booking but they don't have a clue. Just wondered if anyone could shed any light on the procedure.
Thanks

Howard - 5-18-2012 at 01:41 PM

It's easy peasy nice and easy. I speak from personal experience at LAX with Alaska Airlines.

Just ask the ticket counter person for the refund form for your FM3/FM2, they fill it out right on the spot and your credit card you used is credited about a month later.

I think it comes to around $25.

mulegejim - 5-18-2012 at 05:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
It's easy peasy nice and easy. I speak from personal experience at LAX with Alaska Airlines.

Just ask the ticket counter person for the refund form for your FM3/FM2, they fill it out right on the spot and your credit card you used is credited about a month later.

I think it comes to around $25.


I have done the same in the past with Alaska - not sure of the other airline's procedures. Jim

Howard - 5-18-2012 at 07:44 PM

Oh, one other thing, LAX people know about it but one time when I brought it up to the Alaska people in Loreto they looked like a deer in the headlights.

DENNIS - 5-18-2012 at 08:47 PM

Tax for being a tourist?...........Really???

bajachris - 5-18-2012 at 09:20 PM

Do they charge you if you leave out of TJ on Volaris?

mulegejim - 5-18-2012 at 10:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Tax for being a tourist?...........Really???


Not really - it is for an FMM which you don't need if you have an FM-3/2 etc. Jim

chuckie - 5-19-2012 at 02:18 AM

That makes sense...

bajacondo - 5-19-2012 at 07:43 AM

Thaks for your replies, specifically interested in refund policies from Canadian airlines. Westjet was a little hazy on it but will talk to the agent at SJD.

Interesting question about leaving from TJ as you are already in Mexico but I don't have the answer.

jeffg - 5-19-2012 at 08:03 AM

I would think you would do better talking to the airlines ticket counter agent in Canada, vs. SJD. It might take a few tries to find one that knows how to request the refund.

Leaving from Tijuana the FMM cost is not included in your ticket. If you need one, you pay for that separately.

boe4fun - 5-19-2012 at 08:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajachris
Do they charge you if you leave out of TJ on Volaris?


I had to show the official my FMM before they would let me board the plane in Tijuana, so you'll still need one.

[Edited on 5-19-2012 by boe4fun]

gnukid - 5-19-2012 at 08:38 AM

The fee for the visa can be refunded for fm3-2 holders by the airline, who will provide a form in writing to be returned to the airline who will credit the cc or send a refund. I don't know if this applies to both directions, or just flying south.

The IVA tax of about %10 on items purchased can also be returned to visitors who my apply at the airport on departure (at least in SJD).

bajacondo - 5-19-2012 at 11:53 AM

I was specifically told by the Westjet agent who after speaking to the supervisor said I had to get the form from the Mexican Government. I will talk to the WS agent at YVR but the ones on the phone don't seem to know anything about it.