jeans
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I (didn't) declare! Got the RED LIGHT!
I have a 6-yr old 27" flat screen TV that I want to take to my mom's place in Rosarito. Would this necesitate a trip to the declaration line?
UPDATE: I decided that I would cross as usual. In addition to the old TV I had my PC & wide screen monitor so I could still do a
little work. I also had two shipping boxes of wrapped presents from relatives.
RED LIGHT 
The young woman inspector opened the boxes. (Damn packing peanuts EVERYWHERE) and wanted to know what the wrapped presents were...NO SE! When I
opened up the back end where the TV was, she was only interested in my duffle bag.
PASALE! 
She did not speak English and the only thing I understood when she was questioning me was clothing.
But a single used TV (or computer) was of no interest to them
[Edited on 12-28-2009 by jeans]
Mom always told me to be different - Now she says...Not THAT different
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vandenberg
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Not if you get the green light.
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Santiago
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| Quote: | Originally posted by jeans
I have a 6-yr old 27" flat screen TV that I want to take to my mom's place in Rosarito. Would this necessitate a trip to the declaration line?
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Only if you want to be different....heh
I'm pretty sure you are supposed to declare and I'm clueless on what their response will be.
Oh, I corrected your misspellings for you.
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jeans
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Santiago
I'm clueless
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Nice to hear you admit it 
Mom always told me to be different - Now she says...Not THAT different
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David K
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They may wonder why a 'tourist' needs that for her vacation? Calling it a Christmas gift might be the right answer!
Hope you mom is well... tell her 'hello' from the guy who gave her that election button in 2004!
Merry Christmas to you jeans!
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DENNIS
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I wouldn't declair it. If you get pulled over, just tell them it's an antique and you found it while you were dumpster diving. [just kiddin' about that part]
Their concern is with the new things.
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Woooosh
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| Quote: | Originally posted by jeans
I have a 6-yr old 27" flat screen TV that I want to take to my mom's place in Rosarito. Would this necesitate a trip to the declaration line?
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Yes, of course you are supposed to declare it- but just take your chance with the red/green lights. With all the thousands of cars I've seen re-enter
Mexico this holiday season, I have yet to see anyone pull into the "declaration lane". Seriously. Take your chances on red or green.
\"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing\"
1961- JFK to Canadian parliament (Edmund Burke)
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Bajahowodd
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
Their concern is with the new things. |
Such as used clothing
However, I vote with the majority. Chances are you zip right through. If they catch it, it's old and worth only a couple of bucks.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
Their concern is with the new things. |
Such as used clothing
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All of my clothing is used and I've never thought to declare it.
Ohh...you mean five tons of used clothing. Well, yes. That has to be declared just like a truck load of used TVs would.
But, we arn't talking about that scenario, are we.
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Bajahowodd
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I was reminded of a recent thread about the church bus and the kids. And, as I recall, there were some folks got guff trying to bring stuff in the
Mulege relief effort.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I was reminded of a recent thread about the church bus and the kids. |
If I recall, that bus was loaded with 700 wrapped gifts. If someone wants to bring in an excess of goods, they should probably stay in the gray zone
of enforcement.
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Bajahowodd
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Fair point.
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Gypsy Jan
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Personal Use Item Allowance - $400 USD Value
If you are carrying an obviously used item over the border and if you are concerned about being questioned, get a declared valuation in Spanish to
protect your claim.
But. if you want my personal advice gained from twemty years of experience taking things south-- lay the TV down, put a dirty. stinky blanket over it
and take a yappy and/or large dog with you as company (borrow one from a friend or neighbor, if you don't have a dog - try and bond with it if you
have the time).
We always (ALWAYS) travel with a dog or two, and in all these years, the various law enforcement officers of both countries look in, ask a few
questions and then pass us on.
Edit: This is a personal observation, and I may get yelled at or flamed, or it may be qualified by others as sexist, but if you are a female who
looks "regular", the Mexican innate sense of courtesy kicks in and you will be treated with respect
Edit #2 to above: I really screwed up my message.
I have traveled alone over the border for years (no dog).
When stopped, the official took note of my attire and demeanor, which signaled that I was a working woman and the fact that I was friendly and open
with him, speaking to him as well as I could in Spanish.
They never asked to look in the trunk of my car, which frequently contained a new computer or printer or other electronic gadget my husband needed.
[Edited on 12-20-2009 by Gypsy Jan]
[Edited on 12-20-2009 by Gypsy Jan]
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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Dave
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Not anymore.
| Quote: | Originally posted by vandenberg
Not if you get the green light. |
Some of you who haven't crossed recently aren't aware that random green/red lights are history. Each lane (San Ysidro) is gated and usually manned. If
they see something worth further investigation you are sent to secondary.
You had best be prepared with a receipt.
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irenemm
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My son crossed over the weekend he said they are pulling over more ca. plates than mexican plates. he said white plates. he has mexican plates.
i have taken a used t.v. down before they just checked the date on the back to make sure it is old never paid for it.
good luck
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jeans
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update in the first post revision
Mom always told me to be different - Now she says...Not THAT different
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wessongroup
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"When stopped, the official took note of my attire and demeanor, which signaled that I was a working woman"
Oh, really!!!
But, fully understand your point, and do much the same.. two dogs.. all in the trunk with some on the back seat with the dogs on top...
[Edited on 12-29-2009 by wessongroup]
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bajadogs
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At San Ysidro and Otay Mesa a green light is no longer a free pass. I got green lights 3 times in the last week and was waved into secondary. I was
diverted back to the US twice with toy donations for Casa de Los Pobres. The other green light was no problem because we only had camping gear.
The red light/green light thing still works in Tecate. That's how we finally got the toys where they belong.
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