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SoCal-Bob
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Crossing with Food
Has anyone been hasseled lately (or ever) about bringing food with them from the US to Mexico?
I travel with groups, so we usually bring supplies to make a meal or two instead of eating out. We have never been questioned over the food we bring.
The last time I went in December the border person waived us to inspection, opened the door looked in but did not inspect our cooler or bags of food.
A friend mentioned in the last two months being stopped and fined for bringing food across. (I'm still trying to get the details about that
incident.) I believe they crossed at San Ysidro.
Is it the type of food or quantity that the border checkers will balk at? Has something changed in the last few months that they are now checking
more closely?
thanks
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DENNIS
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You won't have any problems going into Mexico unless you have a semi full of food. They don't care.
On the other hand, our government does care about many items So many, it's ridiculous.
So....when you go back up, know what's allowed. I think there's an official list. Someone may put it up here.
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David K
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Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
You won't have any problems going into Mexico unless you have a semi full of food. They don't care.
On the other hand, our government does care about many items So many, it's ridiculous.
So....when you go back up, know what's allowed. I think there's an official list. Someone may put it up here. |
Dennis is correct... going into Mexico take what you need to live on while camping if you wish.
Coming north... just try and use up or give away anything you brought down!
Specially ANY KIND OF PORK/HAM, ORANGES, DOG FOOD... and excess dirt on or under your car (find a car wash before coming back).
Here is the list from almost 10 years ago, but is probably the same for the majority (close up below):


SO: All vegetables are okay except POTATOES, YAMS, & SWEET POTATOES
Only some fruit is okay... but many popular ones are allowed (sour limes, lemons, papayas, bananas, grapes, dates, melons, pineapples, strawberries).
However, you must declare everything to the agent.. and there is a good chance he won't know the list and will send you to secondary... (like when we
had sour limes once).
Californians cannot bring back more than 1 qt. (liter) of booze or wine (or 3 cans of beer) per person 21 yrs. +.
No Fireworks of any kind...
So, just bring back your sun tans and memories!
[Edited on 2-4-2011 by David K]
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sanquintinsince73
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Not only did they take our eggs, but they made us break them and put them in a plastic bag and carry them ourselves to the trash can. That was going
into Mexico.
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DENNIS
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Quote: | Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
Not only did they take our eggs, but they made us break them and put them in a plastic bag and carry them ourselves to the trash can. That was going
into Mexico. |
WOW...That's a little much. I guess you're lucky you didn't have to cook omelets for them.
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sanquintinsince73
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Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote: | Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
Not only did they take our eggs, but they made us break them and put them in a plastic bag and carry them ourselves to the trash can. That was going
into Mexico. |
WOW...That's a little much. I guess you're lucky you didn't have to cook omelets for them. |
Yeah, thats why I wrote the song "I left my huevos in Mexico".
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BigOly
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They asked us to put our pork sandwiches in the trash at the airport going into the U.S. and we did. They told our cat to give them her food and she
just looked at them. They let her keep her food!
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bajalera
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Very funny, San!
\"Very few things happen at the right time, and the rest never happen at all. The conscientious historian will correct these defects.\" -
Mark Twain
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nbacc
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Oh......for heaven sakes don't take dog food back to the US. Even in unopened cans. I have never heard of them taking eggs on the way into Mexico.
We always stop at the grocery store in El Centro and get our first couple of days food just to give us a chance to get organized. Never had a
problem.
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sanquintinsince73
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Quote: | Originally posted by nbacc
Oh......for heaven sakes don't take dog food back to the US. Even in unopened cans. I have never heard of them taking eggs on the way into Mexico.
We always stop at the grocery store in El Centro and get our first couple of days food just to give us a chance to get organized. Never had a
problem. |
I should have taken pictures for you. Every aduanero has his/her interpretation of the law in Mexico. If my huevos were not enough for them, as soon
as they found a co2 cartridge in the RV we had two Marina soldiers in there tearing everything up looking for weapons even though co2 guns are legal
in Mexico. Next time, NBACC I'll take video and have them sign a statement for you.
[Edited on 2-4-2011 by sanquintinsince73]
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Cypress
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Why would you pack food down to Baja? Live off the abundance of Baja and enjoy.
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sanquintinsince73
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Quote: | Originally posted by Cypress
Why would you pack food down to Baja? Live off the abundance of Baja and enjoy.
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We stay roughly about 16 klicks from town. The little ones and I rise very early and like eggs for breakfast.
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Cypress
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You can't get eggs south of the border? I saw some last time I was down there. Know all about the early rise thing.
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Feathers
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Quote: | Originally posted by nbacc
Oh......for heaven sakes don't take dog food back to the US. Even in unopened cans. |
hmmm... we went thru secondary last year at Tecate.
When the US Agent asked if we had dog food I said "yes" thinking it was a... lol... trick question. 
I offered to give him the bag... yes, a 5 lb bag... but he declined and sent us on our way WITH the dog food.
Now that I know better, I'll DO better.
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sanquintinsince73
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Quote: | Originally posted by Cypress
You can't get eggs south of the border? I saw some last time I was down there. Know all about the early rise thing. |
Ok, where's your abarrotes located? I'll buy eggs from you.
I pack food, water, whisky and ammo wherever I go. You just never know.
[Edited on 2-4-2011 by sanquintinsince73]
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Cypress
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You just never know.
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tjBill
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I've been with checked bringing fruits, vegetables and alcohol into Mexico. Never been a problem so far.
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Lista
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I bring frozen meat and milk in, buy everything else down there, never had a problem going in...
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ddawson
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I've been down twice through San Ysidro this year and upon entry both times was hassled about food. Both times a customs official went through my car
and questioned me about food and beer.
The first time the inspector was a cute girl my age and I played the friendly surfer and she let me go.
The second time I showed the inspector my empty cooler and told him I was purchasing food and beer in Ensenada (A semi-truth as I did have a box full
of food buried deep in my truck shell) and he let me go.
I don't know if it is just coincidence or if they are beginning to try to regulate what is coming into Baja. I have never had any issues with it
previously.
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nbacc
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I guess it all boils down to who is looking! Nancy
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