BajaNomad

Crossing south with meats, veggies and whatnot

woody with a view - 4-14-2015 at 02:12 PM

A few weeks ago someone stated they were frowning on the stuff from NOB? Can anyone confirm they are still hungry for goodies and eager for donations at the border?

Bajaboy - 4-14-2015 at 02:58 PM

Woody, we crossed a few days after this warning. To be honest, I packed my ice chest towards the front of my truck bed just in case. As it turned out, we were waved through at San Ysidro. We are never waved through in the wee morning hours unlike crossing early evening. So your guess is as good as mine.

MMc - 4-14-2015 at 03:04 PM

I did it a couple weeks ago. When we head south and cross before daylight the proteins are with the dry ice. They don't seem care about the veges. I I take something down for the old guys Is in boxes buried. If we are not in a hurry we shop for stuff in Ensenda.
Crossing before 5:00 seams a bit more relaxed.

David K - 4-14-2015 at 03:15 PM

Non of the trucks and Jeeps had an issue at the (Mexicali downtown) border, even with (empty) gas cans in plain view. Frigatebird was stopped, but once they looked at the camper, he was on his way and joined us shortly.

[Edited on 4-14-2015 by David K]

woody with a view - 4-14-2015 at 04:01 PM

problem is i'll be towing the tin soldier with the motor in the bed of the truck so I'm going to get the rubber glove treatment while they check my registration(s) and that allows the other bunch of knuckleheads to get curious about all my stuff.

I really don't have an issue buying in Baja, it's just the time constraints, finding a spot to park 35' of rig and coming out to (hopefully) find my stuff still in the boat.

perhaps a smaller cooler in the nose of the bed with the meats and veggies?

[Edited on 4-14-2015 by woody with a view]

Alm - 4-15-2015 at 04:04 PM

When I compare NOB store prices to local Baja produce, I don't see much benefit in bringing it. Unless this is something that doesn't grow here, like apples. Or special diet like lean meats or "natural food".

Would make sense for a tourist on a short trip though - saving precious vacation time.

It's interesting that in the evening they are more lenient - more tired perhaps. I thought I noticed a similar effect during hangover hours following major holidays, but wasn't sure.

Crossing south with meats, veggies and whatnot

bajaguy - 4-15-2015 at 04:10 PM

Never had a problem with meat or veggies, however they are serious about bringing whatnot in.......

Bajaboy - 4-15-2015 at 07:32 PM

I wouldn't sweat it too much Woody. The folks at Chaparral are really cool and welcoming in my opinion.

woody with a view - 4-16-2015 at 06:22 AM

We shall see!

Lee - 4-16-2015 at 09:58 AM

Travel Tips from USA Today:

''Mexico Food Restrictions

When making your way into Mexico across the U.S. border, you cannot bring any meat or produce into Mexico. According to Adventure Mexican Insurance services, these rules are not always enforced at the Mexican border, but you're better off safe than sorry; attempting to bring fruit or meat from the U.S. could result in your being delayed or even detained. For the most part, packaged and canned food items are A-OK.''

I've only been questioned at the Ag checkpoint, GN, several times 10-15 years ago. My RV fridge has been searched, and while driving a car different times, I've been asked if I had meat or veggies, so now when crossing there, I drive around. (A big thanks for Shari for showing me the way!!!!)

While I usually drive with bananas and apples, I would not be comfortable lying about having this stuff. If asked, I would admit to having bananas/apples rather than risk being searched and caught in a lie. Just my comfort zone. I'd just buy more at a mercado.

I know meat/veggies have been ''forbidden'' for a long time in MX (and usually not enforced), I still expect to be asked about this stuff.

Always expect to be asked about immigration papers too but it's only happened once around Colonet a long time ago.

nbacc - 4-16-2015 at 06:44 PM

Always make a stop for groceries before going over so we don't have to shop for several days......meat, veggies never had a problem. they look in the cooler and that is that. the whatnot..............hummm nancy

Hook - 4-16-2015 at 07:47 PM

Here's my MO.

Use a medium sized (58-70) plus ice chest and put it on the seat immediately behind the drivers seat. This is especially effective if you have only a super/"king"/club cab instead of a crew cab. Then, hang a token collared shirt/coat on the coat hanger in the back seat to reduce visibility of the ice chest. Put your seat all the way back and recline the backrest back a bit more than is comfortable, to reduce visibility further. Put your clothing bags and other stuff on the other side of the ice chest to reduce visibility over there. I really dont cover the top of the ice chest, 'cause if they DO see that rise back there and discover a covered ice chest, it will add suspicion to it's contents, IMO.

Layer the ice chest as follows;

Bottom layer-wine bottles
next layer-ice
next layer-meats
next layer-ice
top layer-cheeses, eggs, produce (I've never had produce questioned; sometimes I'm bringing down asparagus or brussel sprouts, exotic stuff, or decent lettuces). This is your visible, basically legal layer of stuff so you can say "...see, nothing illegal here!" Maybe a few token gringo beers on top, too.

Just be sure your ice has maintained most of its quantity, so it still hides the lower layers. Add ice just before the border so it is nice and opaque.

Truthfully, in a truck, they never seem to be interested in what's in the cab behind the driver. They are always drawn to the items in the bed. Have some items back their to draw their interest. Recreational stuff, maybe your canned goods, maybe a duffle or clothing bag. LOOK like a vacationer, not a part time resident.

Maybe I'm over-analyzing this whole thing...........but it has always worked for me.

[Edited on 4-17-2015 by Hook]

woody with a view - 4-16-2015 at 07:49 PM

Hook, they love looking behind my seats. that's where the clothes travel. i'll just bury it in front of the bed. the shell helps keep it hidden.

msteve1014 - 4-16-2015 at 08:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
Hook, they love looking behind my seats. that's where the clothes travel. i'll just bury it in front of the bed. the shell helps keep it hidden.


That's funny. They seem to open every box in the bed of my truck and never open the 4 doors to look inside. I have small ARB freezer and no one has ever looked at it.

Alm - 4-16-2015 at 08:43 PM

So - leaving smuggling issues aside ;) - when would the best time to go through El Chap without being stopped - in the morning or in the evening?

Bajaboy - 4-16-2015 at 09:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm  
So - leaving smuggling issues aside ;) - when would the best time to go through El Chap without being stopped - in the morning or in the evening?


Hands down between 4-6 pm!

Hook - 4-16-2015 at 09:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by msteve1014  
Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
Hook, they love looking behind my seats. that's where the clothes travel. i'll just bury it in front of the bed. the shell helps keep it hidden.


That's funny. They seem to open every box in the bed of my truck and never open the 4 doors to look inside. I have small ARB freezer and no one has ever looked at it.


EXACTLY, what I have experienced.

But I have no shell on the truck. I do have a truck box (when the camper is not on the truck). All the way forward in the bed is probably a good idea, Woody.

Thought for sure you were going to ask.........what's a collared shirt?

Alm - 4-16-2015 at 09:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook  

Thought for sure you were going to ask.........what's a collared shirt?

...or why would you need it in Baja :))

woody with a view - 4-17-2015 at 05:41 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy  
Quote: Originally posted by Alm  
So - leaving smuggling issues aside ;) - when would the best time to go through El Chap without being stopped - in the morning or in the evening?


Hands down between 4-6 pm!


along with 1/2 of the residents of TJ returning home from work. no thanks!

Robertofox - 4-17-2015 at 07:22 AM

My 2 cents...I've been crossing around 10am at TJ. Check in for visa papers then hit it to the check point, they stop me, look in the back, coolers right in plane site and easy to get to. They say have a good trip, I say gracias and adios! And yes, I'm now driving while dreaming of the marinated Tri-Tip going on the BBQ later.......yup! Works for me so far. Yes, I know some day I'll get caught. If they ask if I have meat? I'll say yes, some packaged hot dogs.

woody with a view - 4-17-2015 at 10:31 AM

Mm mm marinated tried-tip. Sounds like a companion for the marinated pork loin!

Alm - 4-17-2015 at 10:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Robertofox  
...marinated Tri-Tip going on the BBQ later.......yup! Works for me so far. Yes, I know some day I'll get caught. If they ask if I have meat? I'll say yes, some packaged hot dogs.

Lying to customs is dangerous. I would simply say "yes". Because, with this your answer above, if you get caught with meats other than "packaged hot dogs" - especially if you don't even have any hot dogs - they will be more annoyed and more likely confiscate it, with a real possibility of fine. This is how they behave, in any country.

Bob53 - 4-17-2015 at 10:44 AM

So are packaged meats ok? Like the stuff they have at Costco? Carne asada, pollo asada, whole hams, corned beef, Lunch meats, etc.?

Lee - 4-17-2015 at 12:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm  
Quote: Originally posted by Robertofox  
...marinated Tri-Tip going on the BBQ later.......yup! Works for me so far. Yes, I know some day I'll get caught. If they ask if I have meat? I'll say yes, some packaged hot dogs.

Lying to customs is dangerous. I would simply say "yes". Because, with this your answer above, if you get caught with meats other than "packaged hot dogs" - especially if you don't even have any hot dogs - they will be more annoyed and more likely confiscate it, with a real possibility of fine. This is how they behave, in any country.


Is there an implied lie here? Would someone risk getting caught in a lie for meat? Or veggies? ''If they ask if I have meat? I'll say yes, some packaged hot dogs.'' So, is this a half-truth?

Goat should check in here and accuse liars of ruining it for everyone.

Also, lying going South is not the same as lying going North, right?

mtgoat666 - 4-17-2015 at 12:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee  

Goat should check in here and accuse liars of ruining it for everyone.

Also, lying going South is not the same as lying going North, right?


i don't care wtf you do!

have fun!

don't worry, be happy!

if it feels good, do it!

Hillary 2016!

:bounce:

Alm - 4-17-2015 at 01:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee  

Is there an implied lie here? Would someone risk getting caught in a lie for meat? Or veggies? ''If they ask if I have meat? I'll say yes, some packaged hot dogs.'' So, is this a half-truth?

If there are no packaged hot-dogs there, then this is a lie.
If there are some, then this is either half-truth or lie, depending on their mood. I'm not looking forward to making them angry, this rarely ends well.

Lee - 4-17-2015 at 03:41 PM

I've never been sent to secondary while going North. However, if someone were to lie about, say, food stuffs, that they were ''smuggling'' into the US, and get caught, I would think consequences would be dire.

Anyone want to admit getting ''caught'' by Mexicans and what the outcome was? I'm guessing they consider it a non-offense, anyway, and confiscated food becomes their lunch.

Southbound workaround

bajaguy - 4-17-2015 at 03:55 PM

I seem to have less problems crossing south with a (medium sized Labrador Retriever) dog in the camper shell of the truck.