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BajaLuna
Senior Nomad
Posts: 581
Registered: 12-5-2012
Location: Pacific Northwest/Bahia Asuncion
Member Is Offline
Mood: groovy
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what I THINK I know
I've been sifting through a lot of the threads here on BN trying to get an understanding of all of this. We are planning on driving down to Baja from
Washington in early Sept pulling a cargo trailer in order to get some stuff down to our house in Bahia Asuncion. Here's what I think I know thus far..
1.) we should cross at Tecate
2.) we should make an inventory list of the contents of the cargo trailer
3.) anything over 3,000 bucks we have to pay 16% tax on. Does this mean we can bring any dollar amount of items as long as we pay the man?
4.) they frown upon new appliances IE: TV, microwave etc. maybe it's better to buy them in Mexico?
5.) ice chests of meat/food is ok
anything else that we should know?
thanks for your input!
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaLuna
1.) we should cross at Tecate
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I would think your choice should be Otay. That's where they'll send you from Tecate if importation is in order.
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3.) anything over 3,000 bucks we have to pay 16% tax on. Does this mean we can bring any dollar amount of items as long as we pay the man?
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It's my understanding that the line is drawn a t$1000 bucks. More than that needs to go through import rather than simply paying duty.
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4.) they frown upon new appliances IE: TV, microwave etc. maybe it's better to buy them in Mexico?
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Unpack them and call them used. They don't really frown on anything. They just charge you more to bring in new stuff.
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Terry28
Senior Nomad
Posts: 825
Registered: 8-25-2007
Location: S.Calif mtns.
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Mood: Thirsty
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Where did you get the $3000 figure? I believe duty is "required" on items above $50...more or less. Unless you do the paper work to import, one
time, your belongings as you move formally to Baja, with a FM-3 card..( I know it has a new name, but I can't spell it). Of course others may correct
me..
Mexico!! Where two can live as cheaply as one.....but it costs twice as much.....
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13212
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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It is so iffy, we have brought truckloads of stuff down thru San Ysidro for 7 years and only when we had a brand new engine for the boat were e sent
to Otay. And I had to pay such a small fee when I brought down 5 boogie boards for the surf competition years ago. Every so often they pick an item
at random, charge a small duty and off you go!
Once I asked what the policy was for going to Otay, it is where one can legally do the full on importation process. San Ysidro is meant for one time
passers thru, even if you have a ton of stuff, which we always do since we head for the States once a year, normally. No matter what we bring, I
always declare that it is for our house. This is true, but they like to hear it.
Good luck and enjoy Asuncion!
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Terry28
FM-3 card..( I know it has a new name, but I can't spell it). |
Permanent Resident. Lemme help you out, Terry P-E-R-M......
jes kiddin' wicha.
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7217
Registered: 8-5-2011
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My experience with importing stuff is:
Got a red light at San Ysidro with a new desk top computer and monitor in the original packaging in the trunk. I had to pay around 15%, I forget the
exact amount.
Got turned around at San Ysidro with a used outboard motor in the trunk. I was told to go to Otay, M-F, during business hours. It was Sunday, went for
a Sunday drive to Tecate and got the green light.
If you're towing a trailer full of stuff go to Otay M-F during business hours and be prepared to spend time and money. The rules are whatever the
inspector understands them to be.
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monoloco
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6667
Registered: 7-13-2009
Location: Pescadero BCS
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In my experience with crossing my cargo trailer at Tecate, they have been very lenient about used household items. I usually just present them with
the receipts for any obviously new merchandise and they have always seemed happy with that and never questioned the rest of my load.
"The future ain't what it used to be"
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California M�xico
Member Is Offline
Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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A buenas dias and a gentle handshake will get things off to a good start. So will asking simple questions and remaining amiable no matter how you
think the conversation is going. A lot of Aduaneros are given a hard time by paisanos and extraneous alike. So to encounter a friendly and smiling
gringo(a) is something of a pleasant shock. Keeping the conversation akin to a discussion rather than an argument has saved me untold amounts of
pesos. The finally tally will probably be highly negotiable if you use patience. Let's say the guy declares 4,800 pesos for everything. I would say
"Oh I am not rico would it be possible to pay (2,000) pesos? No? 2,500?"
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaLuna
I've been sifting through a lot of the threads here on BN trying to get an understanding of all of this. We are planning on driving down to Baja from
Washington in early Sept pulling a cargo trailer in order to get some stuff down to our house in Bahia Asuncion. Here's what I think I know thus far..
1.) we should cross at Tecate
2.) we should make an inventory list of the contents of the cargo trailer
3.) anything over 3,000 bucks we have to pay 16% tax on. Does this mean we can bring any dollar amount of items as long as we pay the man?
4.) they frown upon new appliances IE: TV, microwave etc. maybe it's better to buy them in Mexico?
5.) ice chests of meat/food is ok
anything else that we should know?
thanks for your input! |
TV's are about double. American appliances seem to be of a better quality.
I know somebody who has a rather large dog and a pickup with camper shell. He put a 47" LED/LCD TV face down on a couple of furniture pads and covered
the TV with another pad and several dog blankets. When Mexican Customs opened the camper, the dog went to the back door and wanted to lick the
inspector's face. Customs told him to proceed.....no inspection.
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mtnpop
Senior Nomad
Posts: 597
Registered: 9-8-2009
Location: Colorado/mulege
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Seems as tho we all have different stories and where we like to cross coming south.. We all also have different experiences....
We have always crossed at Tecate... usually thru the no declare lane but get the red light if you are towing.. The first thing they have asked for
the registration for the towed unit and check the vin number match.. we always pack any camping gear, fishing gear, lawn chairs etc at the back... We
never leave anything in the original box... Its always second hand, garage sale, etc if bigger items...
We generally try to cross early on Sunday morning... They are not really geared up at that point... We have never been asked for a manifest or
inventory... just where ya going and how long... Have always had a dog in the truck and most don't like dogs so no truck search...
Sooner or later this won't work.. Then we will pay...
They have never asked for passport or tourist visa or our "now new" Resident Permanente." card... also have never checked the dogs health papers we
always have with us and current....
As someone earlier stated... good attitude works wonders....
We have had more grief coming back into the good ole USA than we have ever had going south..
Have a safe trip.... we will be crossing mid oct if all goes well...
Oh, sometimes they look at the canned goods, TP among other things and laugh telling us you can buy this stuff in Mexico...
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mtnpop
TP among other things and laugh telling us you can buy this stuff in Mexico... |
Yep...you sure can. You can also use some brands to sand down your boat for a paint job. OUCH
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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Well...it may be confusing, and we may be adding to that, but the day is near when all the confusion will come to an end and we'll cry about Mexico's
newfound efficiency.
I enjoy the confusion...the mystery. It's an integral part of Baja.
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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I thought there was some sort of "first time move" was waved of any taxes......if all the documentation was in order and such.....
Below is dated material (2009)....but may be of use:
If you are a FM3 holder, (as a retiree or profit activities) you are allowed to take your household into Mexico. You must provide a list of your
belongings and have it stamped by the Mexican Consulate in order to be submitted through Mexican costumes. You have six months from the date your FM3
visa was issued in order to take your household into Mexico.
Requirements are:
Apply at the Consular Section in person from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, Monday through Friday.
Valid passport in original and five photocopies of the pages containing personal information, photograph of bearer and expiration date/extensions.
Original FM3 and five photocopies.
Letter Requesting the household address to the Embassy Of M�xico Consular Section
Typed list of your household in Spanish, with original and four photocopies. Such list must specify:
Address in USA indicating length of time you have lived there.
New Address in Mexico.
All the articles, including those contained in boxes. All electrical appliances must indicate brand, model and serial numbers.
You must leave space for the Consular seal in the right bottom of each page.
Each page must be signed by the applicant at the left bottom in front of the consular official.
The fee is $127.00 dollars by cash.
You are permitted to take your household only once in lifetime per family.
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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monoloco
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6667
Registered: 7-13-2009
Location: Pescadero BCS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mcfez
I thought there was some sort of "first time move" was waved of any taxes......if all the documentation was in order and such.....
Below is dated material (2009)....but may be of use:
If you are a FM3 holder, (as a retiree or profit activities) you are allowed to take your household into Mexico. You must provide a list of your
belongings and have it stamped by the Mexican Consulate in order to be submitted through Mexican costumes. You have six months from the date your FM3
visa was issued in order to take your household into Mexico.
Requirements are:
Apply at the Consular Section in person from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, Monday through Friday.
Valid passport in original and five photocopies of the pages containing personal information, photograph of bearer and expiration date/extensions.
Original FM3 and five photocopies.
Letter Requesting the household address to the Embassy Of M�xico Consular Section
Typed list of your household in Spanish, with original and four photocopies. Such list must specify:
Address in USA indicating length of time you have lived there.
New Address in Mexico.
All the articles, including those contained in boxes. All electrical appliances must indicate brand, model and serial numbers.
You must leave space for the Consular seal in the right bottom of each page.
Each page must be signed by the applicant at the left bottom in front of the consular official.
The fee is $127.00 dollars by cash.
You are permitted to take your household only once in lifetime per family. |
Unless you are moving a
tractor trailer load it's not worth the time and effort to try and do this.
"The future ain't what it used to be"
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rhintransit
Super Nomad
Posts: 1588
Registered: 9-4-2006
Location: Loreto
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never ever pack anything in boxes from the liquor store...guaranteed full inspection every time, even if what is in said box is full of other stuff,
they're looking for those bottle you must have put somewhere. I had my car fully unpacked twice in one trip, down to the spare tire, before I figured
that out.
reality\'s never been of much use out here...
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BajaLuna
Senior Nomad
Posts: 581
Registered: 12-5-2012
Location: Pacific Northwest/Bahia Asuncion
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Mood: groovy
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thanks for all the feedback everyone! I'm even more confused now LOL! Yes, I suppose I was looking for all the right answers, Jakecard! Hearing
people's experience is valuable though!
So here's what I THINK I know now...
1.) cross at Tecate or Otay or San Ysidro (that about covers all the borders)!!!!
2.) no liquor store boxes, drink it all before you cross.
3.) smile until your dimples show!
4.) buy toilet paper in the U.S. to avoid chafing!
5.) dogs are good to bring, and a pack of them might be even better!
6.) If you're not driving a John Deer full of stuff than ignore all the rules!
7.) take new stuff out of the boxes....because ALL stuff is used stuff!
does that about cover it?
I think we are all set to go now! thanks again!
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BajaLuna
Senior Nomad
Posts: 581
Registered: 12-5-2012
Location: Pacific Northwest/Bahia Asuncion
Member Is Offline
Mood: groovy
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Hmm it says on one of the websites I was on that your pet needs to have a physical and the certification for your dog needs to be within 5 days before
entering the country?
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3578
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaLuna
thanks for all the feedback everyone! I'm even more confused now LOL! Yes, I suppose I was looking for all the right answers, Jakecard! Hearing
people's experience is valuable though!
So here's what I THINK I know now...
1.) cross at Tecate or Otay or San Ysidro (that about covers all the borders)!!!!
2.) no liquor store boxes, drink it all before you cross.
3.) smile until your dimples show!
4.) buy toilet paper in the U.S. to avoid chafing!
5.) dogs are good to bring, and a pack of them might be even better!
6.) If you're not driving a John Deer full of stuff than ignore all the rules!
7.) take new stuff out of the boxes....because ALL stuff is used stuff!
does that about cover it?
I think we are all set to go now! thanks again! |
You have indeed covered all the bases. I believe we're all experts, here at BN, in our own right and experiences. Sometimes result's are
different. The answer is somewhere in the middle.
Personally, I think the most important things to have, in addition to all the paperwork, is a sense of adventure, a willingness to go with the flow,
and a sense of humor.
I was going to write something about ''smoozing,'' but DavidE covered it in spades. Truly, I am sometimes amazed at his intelligence.
I'll add that BajaLuna's attitude and humor will get him far. It's nice to see BN's like this. Salute.
US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.
What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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Thanks monoloco ......that clears that up.
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mcfez
Thanks monoloco ......that clears that up. |
I thought they quit doing the Menaje de Casa. Is this true?
I can't find a Mex Gov site that mentions it without it being old.
I wish websites had dates. Seems most of them don't.
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