BajaNomad

Bringing groceries into Baja

BajaIan - 1-29-2014 at 11:42 AM

I recall a number of years back that you couldn't bring much for groceries or booze into Baja. What's the latest on this?

sancho - 1-29-2014 at 11:56 AM

There is some limit for groceries /liquor going in, I'm
sure you could find it in a search, it would have to be exxcessive for any questions by Mex Customs. I can't imagine any questions if
the limit if it appears for personal consumption. But
as usual in Mex, I suppose one could run into the
Mex Customs Officer who is having a bad day. There
has been a report of crossers at Mexicali being questioned
on amounts of those items, there was a post a while
back of a crosser at San Ysidro having way too many
cartons of cigarettes, claim the car was impounded and
a fine of a few $100 dlls

bajaguy - 1-29-2014 at 12:10 PM

I would only bring essentials (must haves) as you can buy pretty much what you need in Mexicali at a variety of stores. If you/the kids drink milk or juice, buy the boxed stuff. The beer is better SOB.

Also the Calimax in San Felipe has great stock and a small bakery. Every Tuesday "The Vegetable Lady" is across from the San Felipe Calimax, good, fresh veggies and fruit. There also several good bakeries in San Felipe and I'm sure in Mexicali.

I was surprised at the variety of stock carried at the small store across from the PEMEX at Gonzaga.
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaIan
I recall a number of years back that you couldn't bring much for groceries or booze into Baja. What's the latest on this?






[Edited on 1-29-2014 by bajaguy]

Pompano - 1-29-2014 at 12:24 PM

In over 40 years of hauling 'specials' foods, wines, liquors, etc. to Baja Sur, I've never had any problems with the amounts. But nowadays, I know where to buy most of the things I need locally....they're already in Baja. Rest assured that there are numerous grocery stores, plus liquor markets in any larger Baja town. Costco, Walmart, Leys, the list goes on and on...

But, if you want to be sure, here's the 'official' word is:

I pulled this off the Mexican government site so of course it must be right. :rolleyes:




Adults ages 18 and older may bring up to 20 stinking packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars, 200 grams of tobacco


Adults ages 18 and older may bring up to 3 liters of wine, beer or liquor



Ever changing Mexican regulations limit the value of goods (above and beyond the personal possessions listed above) brought into Mexico by U.S. citizens. Visitors arriving by air or sea can bring into Mexico goods valued up to $500 ( U.S.) per person. Visitors arriving by land can bring into Mexico goods valued up to $300 ( U.S.) per person. Amounts exceeding the duty-free limit are subject to a 32.8 percent tax.

But what the heck....want to bring more?....look at it like clamming...give it a try.

Your call.


(edit to show most recent changes...) ;D

[Edited on 1-30-2014 by Pompano]

oxxo - 1-29-2014 at 12:45 PM

We bring in many months worth of Trader Joe's stuff packed full in the back of our SUV. Wife can't survive without that stuff and no snarky remarks or she'll tear your head off! :lol: Seven years now, and it has never been a problem.

tjsue - 1-29-2014 at 12:58 PM

I bring groceries in all the time, and have never had a problem.

David K - 1-29-2014 at 01:07 PM

Items for personal use while on a vacation are not forbidden... Electronics, furniture, and anything else new that looks like it could be for resale, NO!

DavidE - 1-29-2014 at 01:23 PM

Interesting as I will be visiting grocery outlet, Trader Joes, and others in little over a month. Damn! I wish there was a WinCo near San Diego. Their selection of bulk foods is awesome.

Winco

bajaguy - 1-29-2014 at 01:46 PM

Closest one to San Diego is on Winchester Blvd in Temecula
Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
Interesting as I will be visiting grocery outlet, Trader Joes, and others in little over a month. Damn! I wish there was a WinCo near San Diego. Their selection of bulk foods is awesome.

SlyOnce - 1-29-2014 at 03:39 PM

I carry groceries all the time from my work in San Diego to my home in Playas de TJ. Many things are cheaper in Baja - chicken, meats like adobada and arrachera, tequila, bacon, flour, salt, beans, some cereals. Many things are cheaper in the US or unavailable in Baja - frozen waffles, toaster strudel, rye flour, buckwheat flour, specialized soda like Coke Zero, whiskey.

When stopped and sent to MX Aduana secondary I always just say "solo despensas" and they never even look in the bags.

BajaBlanca - 1-29-2014 at 03:57 PM

we bring lots and lots of groceries and we have never had an issue in the last 8 years. Once they did ask me why we had 3 cases of wine and I thought about it for a minute and then said "because I like it" and that was the end of that story.

We bring items that we cant get down here -special British cereals that Les likes, out of the ordinary juices, jams, breads, frozen fruit .... the list goes on and on.

bajagrouper - 1-29-2014 at 04:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
I
Adults ages 18 and older may bring up to 20 cigarette cartons, 25 cigars, 200 grams of tobacco


Adults ages 18 and older may bring up to 3 liters of wine, beer or liquor


Mexican regulations limit the value of goods (above and beyond the personal possessions listed above) brought into Mexico by U.S. citizens. Visitors arriving by air or sea can bring into Mexico goods valued up to $300 ( U.S.) per person. Visitors arriving by land can bring into Mexico goods valued up to $50 ( U.S.) per person. Amounts exceeding the duty-free limit are subject to a 32.8 percent tax.

Your call.






The laws changed on Dec., 6th,2013.......now each adult(18) can bring in duty free $500 worth by air, $300 worth by land including 20 PACKS of cigarettes, 3 Liters of booze and 6 liters of wine.........

durrelllrobert - 1-29-2014 at 05:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
In over 40 years of hauling 'specials' foods, wines, liquors, etc. to Baja Sur, I've never had any problems with the amounts. But nowadays, I know where to buy most of the things I need locally....they're already in Baja. Rest assured that there are numerous grocery stores, plus liquor markets in any larger Baja town. Costco, Walmart, Leys, the list goes on and on...

But, if you want to be sure, here's the 'official' word is:

I pulled this off the Mexican government site so of course it must be right. :rolleyes:




Adults ages 18 and older may bring up to 20 cigarette cartons, 25 cigars, 200 grams of tobacco


Adults ages 18 and older may bring up to 3 liters of wine, beer or liquor


Mexican regulations limit the value of goods (above and beyond the personal possessions listed above) brought into Mexico by U.S. citizens. Visitors arriving by air or sea can bring into Mexico goods valued up to $300 ( U.S.) per person. Visitors arriving by land can bring into Mexico goods valued up to $50 ( U.S.) per person. Amounts exceeding the duty-free limit are subject to a 32.8 percent tax.

Your call.


Ooops, make that 20 cigarette PACKAGES (= 2 cartons)

durrelllrobert - 1-29-2014 at 05:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
Interesting as I will be visiting grocery outlet, Trader Joes, and others in little over a month. Damn! I wish there was a WinCo near San Diego. Their selection of bulk foods is awesome.


Never heard of WinCo but BevMo has a super selection at all of their stores in San Diego area. Closest to border is at
2237 Otay Lakes Road
Chula Vista, CA 91915
619.397.4524
www.bevmo.com/‎

BajaIan - 1-29-2014 at 05:50 PM

Thx