BajaNomad

desktop computer into Mexico?

rhintransit - 3-28-2013 at 09:14 AM

okay, know about laptops. don't know the rationale for no desktops but assume it's non-competion and whatever rules the country decides to impose.
that said, does anyone know what would happen if I tried to bring my old elephant eMac down? it's 10-15 years old. a dinosaur, looks more like a tv than a computer. could leave it by the side of the road if customs said no...pulling hard drive of course which isn't easy, but...guess I could do it with a few tools.
opinions on whether to try or not?
it would just be for a home back up email station.

DENNIS - 3-28-2013 at 09:57 AM

They'll let it go through. Don't worry about it.
If you still have apprehensions, remove the hard drive before you leave the states and reinstall it down here.

toneart - 3-28-2013 at 10:37 AM

I would be careful going online with that old machine anywhere. The reason being, the security would be non-existent. It would be impossible to do all the updates required to be able to download latest anti-virus definitions from any security program. It would still be good for writing in your word processor, making calculations, or storing photos.

Apple is particularly onerous in that respect. They are so proprietary and expensive that you are really locked in to constantly buying new hardware, software and upgrades. PC manufacturers do this too, but to a lesser degree. I know this doesn't address your question.

In regards to your question, a couple of years ago, Mexican Customs was prohibiting anything made in China from entering. Apple manufactures in China. (I am not sure about a MAC that is old as yours though), yet I would see cheap Chinese goods being sold throughout Baja. I wondered how in the world Mexico could let China replace cheap Mexican labor. It seems really detrimental to Mexico's economy.

DavidE - 3-28-2013 at 12:19 PM

I can tell you for a fact that if the aduaneros in Tecate see it, you ain't bringing it across. Try Tijuana. I believe the jerks in Tecate would ban a 286. At the time I asked the Jefe, he said brand new computers with acceptable sales receipts listing serial number no more than 14-days old would be admitted and that a 34% duty would apply -pay at Banjercito.

But that was then.

From the MX Customs Declaration

durrelllrobert - 3-28-2013 at 04:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rhintransit
okay, know about laptops. don't know the rationale for no desktops but assume it's non-competion and whatever rules the country decides to impose.
that said, does anyone know what would happen if I tried to bring my old elephant eMac down? it's 10-15 years old. a dinosaur, looks more like a tv than a computer. could leave it by the side of the road if customs said no...pulling hard drive of course which isn't easy, but...guess I could do it with a few tools.
opinions on whether to try or not?
it would just be for a home back up email station.


"TAX PAYMENTS
Passengers may import merchandises other then their personal baggage without hiring a customs broker, paying the general tax of 16%, provided that the total value of the merchandises, excluding the duty-free allowance, does not exceed 3000 USD or the equivalent in MXN currency, and provided that the passenger has the invoice or sales receipt, or any other document expressing the commercial value of the merchandise. Taxes may by paid by internet at www.banjercito.com.mx or www.aduanas.gob.mx completing the form"Payment of Foreign Trade Duties", or through the automatic centers.
- Value of computer equipment, together with the rest of the merchandises, must not exceed 4000 USD or the equivalent in other currencies.

Bob and Susan - 3-28-2013 at 04:54 PM

pull the hard drive...stop at "frys" on the way down and buy one of these ~$20

DUMP THE DINOSAUR

end the pain

edit...you plug in the hard drive to your laptop and work off the old unit...very easy

[Edited on 3-28-2013 by Bob and Susan]

cable.jpg - 38kB

DavidE - 3-29-2013 at 12:15 PM

I would advise the doubters to stop at the Declaraciones parking, go into the office and read the huge sign they have screwed to the wall alongside the counter. Some things are PROHIBIDO. Used Personal Computers, Chemicals, Transceptors without an SCT permit or exemption, Used Clothing. Tires, filled gasoline containers, and so on. No tax. No entry. The Arizona, and Texas entry ports to Mexico are far less strict about PC's. I do not know why.

I have yet to be rudely treated if I use the declaraciones lane, get out and shake the hand of the aduanero, wish him a good day, and then politely ask for "advice". Not long ago I did this with a pickup load of stuff, an absurd quantity of stuff right out in plain view. The Aduanero asked "Is all of this for your personal use?" It was, so I answered "Yes". His response: "Welcome to Mexico".

[Edited on 3-29-2013 by DavidE]

Loretana - 3-30-2013 at 05:54 PM

Roberta,
I flew into Loreto on March 7th with a used Dell desktop computer and I declared $300.00 in value....I also had a valuable Persian rug and lots of stuff for my house, foodstuffs, etc.

The Aduana man charged me nothing. And all I have is an FM-3.

I realize you will be crossing on land, do yourself the favor of going through Otay Mesa with a printed list of your goods, and let them decide what they are worth. I have had good results there, and I tend to cram as much onboard as I dare. :saint:;)