bowser
Junior Nomad
Posts: 87
Registered: 5-13-2005
Location: BOLA & Chester, California
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What can we take into Baja?
I'm sure this has been asked and answered many times on this forum - but.....
We will be crossing in Tijuana in a few weeks and will be heading to BOLA. We have never had anything to declare in the past. This time we will be
towing a utility trailer with a couple of small dirt bikes and some miscellaneous household stuff. We will also have unwrapped Christmas presents and
our usual assortment of food and supplies in the motorhome.
What are the rules at the border. Do we have things to declare? Will there be a tax?
Thanks in advance.
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Taco de Baja
Super Nomad
Posts: 1913
Registered: 4-14-2004
Location: Behind the Orange Curtain, CA
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Mood: Dreamin' of Baja
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Don't bring fuel in jerry cans, they may make you go back. Besides, when it's $2.15 gallon in Mexico, why bring fuel to Mexico, bring some HOME! 
I remember reading in Baja Nomads that there was a ban on importing potatoes too....so buy those in Mexico if you want some.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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The dirt bikes and other toys or camping stuff is allowed for 'tourists'. They could question NEW items (your Christmas presents), thinking you are
going to try and sell them... But just say 'regalos' (gifts)... being Christmas, that is probably all okay.
When you say 'household items', is this for use while you are vacationing or are you going to live there? Living there, owning property, etc. requires
a different visa and you are permitted a one time move of your personal proerty, tax free into Mexico. Otherwise bringing in NEW items will be
taxed... better to buy in Mexico, perhaps.
Have a great time in Bahia... don't miss the New Years Eve fiesta at CASA DIAZ... we hope to be there (my fifth in a row)!
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Oso
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2637
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: on da border
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Mood: wait and see
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
T. But just say 'regalos' (gifts)... being Christmas, that is probably all okay.
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No, it's not. That does not work. Try to fold them into your stuff and if asked; they're just yours. The regalos ploy means nothing to the aduana
or the army.
All my childhood I wanted to be older. Now I\'m older and this chitn sucks.
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Bruce R Leech
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6796
Registered: 9-20-2004
Location: Ensenada formerly Mulege
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Mood: A lot cooler than Mulege
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WHAT STUFF CAN I TAKE INTO MEXICO?
according to the Mexican gov. You are entitled to bring/take/send the following items, depending upon your FM status (immigration status).
I don't think many of us stick to this
1. FMT (Tourist)
Under the FMT you can bring in:
-Articles for your personal use, such as clothing, footwear, grooming and toiletry articles in reasonable amounts.
- Photographic, movie or video camera including its power source, and 12 rolls of film.
- Sports equipment for one person, provided it can be carried by one person.
- Up to 20 books and/or magazines.
- A laptop computer and periferals
- Valises, suitcases etc. to carry the goods.
- If of legal age, 20 packs of cigarettes, 20 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco, 3 liters of alcoholic beverage.
- Various objects worth up to $300 USD.
* One set of binoculars.
* A T.V., screen size up to 12"
* One portable radio apparatus for recording or playing, or both.
* Up to 20 Laser disks, Compact disks or cassette tapes.
* A typewriter or laptop/portable/notebook computer and power source.
* A musical instrument that is easily portable.
* One tent and camping equipment.
* A maximum of 5 childrens' toys.
* One set of fishing tackle, one pair of skis, 2 tennis racquets.
* A water glider, with or without sail.
* A video recorder/playback machine.
2. FM3 (temporary resident)
Under the FM3, you can bring in what is approved under the temporary importation list approved by a Mexican Consul (Menaje de Casa).
Otherwise, you can only bring in those things NOT *ed in the above list for FMT.
3. Other than all these things, you can bring in whatever you want. You will just have to pay duty on those not on the lists! (except guns, drugs, and
some motorized sports vehicles like ATVs)
If you enter as an FMT (tourist) and then get your FM3,
1. You may want to consider taking only those things in #2 above, on your initial drive down under the FMT(Tourist Status). Then with your FM3
securely in your hand, you have 60 days from the date of Registration/Issuance to have the Consul closest to where you lived before, approve an
itemized list of family goods you intend on bringing into the country.
This itemized list MUST include the value, and, with anything electronic/appliance include the make, model and serial #. Itemized means 6 cups and
saucers etc., not "dishes". Bureaucratic I know but them's the way it is - at the moment.
The list starts with a letter format identifying who you are, where you are moving these things from and where in Mexico you are moving them to.
When you submit it to the Consul, you will need to include your FM3 and passport, along with the Fee (check what it is, as it varies). Once this list
is approved, you can ship/bring the stuff in Duty Free. (so they state, it depends upon the Customs official you get.)
Remember, FM3 means temporary. Thus your stuff is exempted temporarily. If you leave, the list of stuff describes what you should be taking with you.
If you obtain an FM2, your things are all ok.
Bruce R Leech
Ensenada
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bugdude
Nomad
Posts: 146
Registered: 11-12-2005
Location: Arizona
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Any problems with a 650w Honda portable generator? 
FMT status.
[Edited on 11/12/2005 by bugdude]
A man\'s reach should exceed his grasp - or what\'s a heaven for?
Robert Browning
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bowser
Junior Nomad
Posts: 87
Registered: 5-13-2005
Location: BOLA & Chester, California
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Thanks Bruce - that's very clear even if the list is a little strange.
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burro bob
Nomad
Posts: 264
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Location: Poblado del Ejido Plan National Agrario
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bowser & bugdude
I think the key here is does it look like you are going camping or does it look like you are moving your household furniture. A few chairs will be no
problem. Bringing a dinning room set, hideabed couch, and you refrigerator will get you stopped.
Here in San Felipe in is very common to see a one ton truck full of toys hauling an RV. These people do have everything including the kitchen sink
with them, but they are "obviously" going camping.
I have never heard of anyone being hasseled for a small generator, a large diesel powered plant will probably get you stopped though.
My thoughts are that if you are really just going camping then go through the nothing to declare lane. If you get red lighted then explain it is for
camping. If you do have large houshold items you plan on leaving here then declare them.
burro bob
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bugdude
Nomad
Posts: 146
Registered: 11-12-2005
Location: Arizona
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Burro Bob:
Thanks for the information. Nope, no household items or children's toys. I'm going camping/exploring.
COOL! Lost my "newbie" designation with this post.
?Ahh, qu? rico!
[Edited on 11/12/2005 by bugdude]
A man\'s reach should exceed his grasp - or what\'s a heaven for?
Robert Browning
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Bruce R Leech
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6796
Registered: 9-20-2004
Location: Ensenada formerly Mulege
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Mood: A lot cooler than Mulege
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bowser
Thanks Bruce - that's very clear even if the list is a little strange. |
it is vary strange. but that is the fun of living in Mexico.
Bruce R Leech
Ensenada
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