We are going to take a load of furniture and tile down to our house next weekend. I have never been stopped going in to Mexico, have always been waved
through. I am going to tow my horse trailer down with the furniture and tile in it,the trailer is completely enclosed.Do I have to stop and declare
what I am bringing in?. If so do I have to produce receipts for the material I am bringing in? How do they determine what to charge ?Zapotec - 3-17-2013 at 09:16 PM
Crossing the border into Mexico its not like it used to be before. I wonder when it was the last time you crossed.
Before Chaparral-it seems as it was easier to cross through stuff without being stopped. Now, I think, you will have to stop to declare what you
have. However, I am not sure how they decide on how much you will pay. Hopefully, another Nomad can help out. But I am pretty sure that you will
need to declare the stuff.rogbag - 3-17-2013 at 09:20 PM
Steve & Debby -
We went down mid January and again end of February with an Expedition and towing 12' cargo trailer. Both times went thru new TJ crossing, and both
times went into the "Something To Declare" area and parked. Walked into the building @ south end of parking lot and got an inspector to come out and
look at the trailer. Both times they were looking for new stuff. I "gave up" a new stove, new TV, new ATV tires and other misc. items. They came up
with a formula that ended up with me paying $1,186 pesos the first trip, and $1,400 pesos the second for a different list of items. Neither time were
they much interested in anything other than new stuff. The inspector accepted my estimates for the stove, tires & TV the first time, and we had
receipts the second time.
After paying the duty, we then went thru the booth and into secondary both times where we all kind of stood around for 5 minutes or so while they
looked in the rear doors of the trailer. Then they cut us loose without much hassle and we were on our way. It seems that if you are willing to
declare something, they are willing to accept it.
Rogerbkbend - 3-18-2013 at 08:14 AM
I would bet money you will be flagged for an inspection when pulling a trailer. Far better to declare in the first place rather than risk being
pegged as a smuggler. My experiences have been similar to rogbag and customs folks have been easy to deal with. There is a $$$ limit on what
Chaparral or Tecate will deal with, too much and they will send you to Otay. I can't remember the $$ amount offhand but it's been posted here before
and a search should find it.Steve&Debby - 3-18-2013 at 09:06 PM
It sounds like It would be best to stop and declare.We cross at Mexicali. Thanks for the Info, SteveDENNIS - 3-19-2013 at 12:08 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by bkbend
There is a $$$ limit on what Chaparral or Tecate will deal with, too much and they will send you to Otay. I can't remember the $$ amount offhand
but it's been posted here before and a search should find it.
It's 1000 bucks and if whatever you want to bring on needs to be imported, that's where they draw the line. You can import less at other crossings,
but more than 1000 needs to go through Otay.nbacc - 3-19-2013 at 02:13 PM
We transported all or furniture to our house in SF and crossed at Mexicali (East crossing). All of it was from our own house or bought used or off
Craig's list. We went into declare and really did not want to unpack the entire trailer (enclosed contractors trailer). He asked us what was in
there and we told him and he looked around from the door in the front and we opened it from the back so he could see. He asked us what we thought it
was worth and we said we had no idea as it was all used (the truth) so we dickered and talked and settled on a price. It took 45 min or so, the
agent was nice enough and we were VERY nice and off we went. Expect to pay something. Maybe even have a total price inmind as to what it is all
worth., Good luck. NancySteve&Debby - 4-2-2013 at 08:55 PM
Just an update, Crossed the border in Mexicali with a trailer full of furniture and floor tile. Stopped to ave inspected and thinking I would have to
go and pay at the Declaration Office,the inspector asked what it was for I said it was for our house. He looked in the back of the trailer and said go
ahead. So I closed the door and headed south.
Taking stuff south..
msawin - 4-2-2013 at 09:27 PM
I do not want my experiences to be taken as the normal.
We went south last month in my 250 3/4 ton Ford van. Have made 5 trips in the Jewell..Last 4 years.. Twice with a small enclosed trailer full of
"stuff"...
Last June, my granite counter tops and my new kitchen cabinets [4]. and stuff...
Last week, a used Armoure and a new Hi-def 42" big screen, new small couch with my Pero Negro sitting on it. with a cover for the black hair.. and
stuff...
Tecate south bound.....
Both of the last two trips and 1- of the three other trips loaded with the trailer,
And a quick look at the "stufff" and a " have a good trip " from
the very polite MEXICAN immigration officer...
I have been asked if I have a home in Mexico... Yes..
please do not think this is the Normal.. it just worked for me.....nbacc - 4-3-2013 at 08:32 AM
NOTHING is normal. When you cross the border expect to have an adventure. different everytime. Nancy
Moving furnituree through TJ
Sandee49er - 4-12-2013 at 10:11 AM
I recently was advised that we needed to first go to our local US consulate and they will give us papers declaring the furniture - even "new-looking"
could pass thru w/o paying duty. Here is a link to the lists of consulates in the US:
Once you find yours, go to their web site and/or office to get specifics.
Have a great day!DENNIS - 4-12-2013 at 10:57 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Sandee49er
I recently was advised that we needed to first go to our local US consulate
Don't you mean Mexican Consulate in the US?
Welcome to BajaNomad, by the way.
.
[Edited on 4-12-2013 by DENNIS]nbacc - 4-12-2013 at 07:58 PM
Steve and Debby, glad things went well. NancySteve&Debby - 4-14-2013 at 08:49 PM
Thanks Nancy,I was thinking I would have to unload everything and the pay some crazy fee. The inspector just took a glance in the back door and waved
us on.nbacc - 4-15-2013 at 06:50 AM
Nice!!!DavidE - 4-15-2013 at 11:28 AM
Things are not "different every time" with respect to the following though...
If the Aduaneros catch you passing through the Nothing To Declare Lane, and you have things that should be declared they are not going to smile and
say "Have A Nice Day".
Friendly, businesslike, shake hands, Buenas Dias, always starts off things well in the Something To Declare Lane inspection.nbacc - 4-15-2013 at 12:48 PM
We always go into declare lane when we have something to declare and never tried to "sneak" anything through and it has been different on every
experience for us, Just saying. But you are correct in saying that"have a nice day" will not work if they catch you with something that should have
been declared. We have not gone there and don't want to find out what that feels like,
