Arthur
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Registered: 10-2-2003
Location: San Anselmo, CA
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How do you get an FM3?
How do you get an FM3, so you can keep a vehicle in Mexico without having to cross the corder every so every so often?
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Try here........
http://www.santarosaliacasitas.com/mulegebaja/fm2fm3.html
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Arthur
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That's more than I need
An FM3 was mentioned to me (in another thread) as something I should have if I intend to store a vehicle in Mexico for use when I come down.
This web site is very helpful, but it's all about people staying there. Do you need some special document just to store a car?
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Bob and Susan
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You need an fm3 to leave a car in Baja...
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Arthur
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In other words
In other words, to leave a car, you've got to register as though you're staying down there yourself?
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
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yes...or soon someone else may be driving YOUR car.....
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David K
Honored Nomad
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FM-T vs. FM-3 logic chart
Authur, the way to think of why this rule:
a) Unless you get an FM-3 visa, you are in Mexico as a tourist (FM-T visa).
b) Tourists enter and leave Mexico in their own vehicles, or by other means of transportation.
c) Tourists do not live in Mexico, since they are 'tourists', not alien residents.
d) As a tourist, you don't live or have a home in Mexico, so there is no reason you would leave your property (car) in Mexico.
e) To live and have property in Mexico, you would no longer be a 'tourist', and would need a visa to live there (FM-3).
IF you leave a car in Mexico, other than to have it repaired because of a breakdown, it will be considered legally abandoned by you.
Either get an FM-3, or make friends with a legal resident you trust who will garage it for you (risking it be confiscated if anyone else drives it)...
Or, don't leave your property in Mexico.
NOTE: This is to help Arthur understand the rules, based on my observations and I will yield to corrections by those who have first hand knowledge.
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Arthur
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Location: San Anselmo, CA
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I can see the line of reasoning, David, and I appreciate you laying it out. IMHO, though, it breaks down around the point where it says that because
you're just a tourist you'd have no reason to leave something in Mexico.
Clearly, I am a tourist who has a very good reason to leave something: There's a long drive involved, and I know I want to return to Lorete multiple
times. As long as I keep my tourist documentation in order and cop to the fact that I'm leaving a car in the country, there's no logical reason I
shouldn't be able to do it. The alternative -- playing by the rules and pretending to be a temporary resident so that my truck can stay there -- is
pretty silly.
But who said laws are logical?
Now, Mexico does have an interest in keeping people from importing cars "under the table" and selling them. What I want to do -- leave my truck in a
safe place and pay someone to keep an eye on it -- doesn't impact that.
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Yes, I am sure of your intentions...
Remember, 'tourists' are people who travel or stay in one place in Mexico for VACATION/ PLEASURE. No business, no living day to day.
You are NOT a tourist if you keep going back to the same place, in the same year... unless you are always staying in hotels and doing tourist things
(sightseeing, fishing, etc.)? I suspect that is the logic.
They would consider you as living part time in Mexico (as it sounds you are doing). So, to live part of the year in Mexico you need the visa the
covers that (FM-3).
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Capt. George
Super Nomad
Posts: 2129
Registered: 8-21-2003
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FM 3
DUH, I just did it...but! you can go from a visa to FM 2 without going through FM 3
go FM 2 5 yrs & Immagrado status...
have a great site....on info
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Debra
Super Nomad
Posts: 2101
Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: Port Orchard Wa./Bahia de Los Angeles BC
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This is a really good question.....
one I was pondering today.
I bought a 'brand new car' 04......then I have the "4Runner from Hell" which I still love....and I have my ever trusty T-Bird. How would it work for
me to "import" the T Bird? and gift it to someone, say B. Bob, or Doc.? If it is still running (which I'm sure she would be) I get 'visitation
rights' if I decide to fly (or hitch-hike) down? I really don't want to pay the insurance on the T-Bird and I love that car, it's been very good for
sooooo many years, but, time to let go. Any advice?
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capn.sharky
Senior Nomad
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Registered: 9-4-2003
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Good Advice David
Either get an FM-3, or make friends with a legal resident you trust who will garage it for you (risking it be confiscated if anyone else drives it)...
Or, don't leave your property in Mexico.
Get the club and put in a hidden switch and I would feel safe leaving it in Loreto. Don't leave the keys and get Francisco to store it for you as he
is very reliable and honest. He is at Tele. 136 11 77 ---if you speak Spanish. I am leaving Sunday for Loreto if you want me to talk to him you can
call me at 909 985-4343 Upland, California.
If there is no fishing in heaven, I am not going
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viabaja
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Registered: 10-6-2003
Location: Georgia
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Dave K put a good brief re: the FM-3. With an FM-3 you are considered a "Rentista". Everything you bring down - furniture, equipment, cars, must go
back with you to the states when your FM-3 expires and you do not renew it.
If you plan on just leaving a vehicle here, work out a deal with your patron of where you stay. But beware, under Mexican law, if you are leaving
things here in a storage garage that you own, you must have an FM-3. You've passed from being a tourist with an FM-T to a renter who should have an
FM-3. If the car is stolen or whatever, you have no rights as you are an "illegal alien" What your Mexican insurance carrier says is a different
story.
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Arthur
Nomad
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Registered: 10-2-2003
Location: San Anselmo, CA
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Hmmm. Different from the US, where "illegal aliens" already have some rights, and are pushing for more.
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Nikon
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Arthur, when and if you come to grips with realities with Mexico's "laws", keep your vehicle in a storage unit in San Ysidro.
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