 |
The first, i.e., Nothing to Declare Lane can be used if you bring into Mexico through customs as a tourist your personal luggage and other merchandise not more than the allowed exemption of US $50 per person. In case you are accompanied by others, the exemption is cumulative. In that case, two persons will enjoy a joint total exemption of US $100. Your personal luggage can include personal items, new or used such as clothes, shoes and toiletries in a quantity fitting to the duration of your visit (obviously not for sale). Other allowed items through Mexico customs may include one camera, one video cassette player, one personal computer, one CD player, 5 DVDs, 20 music CDs or audio cassettes, 12 rolls of unused film, one mobile phone, books, magazines and medicines for personal use. Those entering Mexico by air or sea can bring in gifts worth up to $300.00 duty-free.
Even if there is no item to declare when you arrive at the Mexican border, one could still be randomly picked for secondary inspection. When you cross the border, you encounter a stop light that either gives you a red or green light. If the light is red, you have to pull over into the customs facility for secondary inspection. A green light gives you the go ahead to continue on your way although customs officials may still ask you to pull into secondary. More often than not, heavier or bigger vehicles attract a red light, but all vehicles can potentially get a red light due to the randomness of the system. If you fail to declare personal effects routinely, your goods are seized as contraband, and your vehicle is seized for attempted smuggling. You have to pay a considerable amount of money to have your vehicle freed.
Never try to cross the Mexican border with a gun or ammunition as
guns are illegal there. You will land in jail even if you were not
aware of the Mexican law. If you possess over $10,000 in US currency
or equivalent or other monetary instruments, you should declare this
with Mexican customs to avoid criminal charges against you. You must
also declare if you are bringing any animals, agricultural products,
medicine other than personal use.
U.S. visitors to
Mexico
may bring pets presenting a pet health certificate issued by a
registered vet not more than 72 hours before the animal enters Mexico,
and a pet vaccination certificate showing that the animal has been
treated for rabies, hepatitis, pip and leptospirosis.
Tourists can exchange dollars for pesos at the fluctuating free
market rate. There are no curbs on the import or export of bank notes
and none on the export of reasonable quantities of ordinary Mexican
coins. Export of gold or silver Mexican coins, however, is not
allowed. Mexico has rigid regulations regarding temporary importation
into or export from Mexico of items like trucks and autos, trailers,
antiquities, medications, medical equipment, business equipment, etc.
For more information, it is better to contact the Mexican Embassy or
one of the Mexican consulates in the United States. If you want to
travel to Mexico with goods intended for donation, you should check
with Mexican Customs as importation of used clothing, textiles, and
other used goods into Mexico is prohibited.
Always remember, the Mexican border is your last chance to get
quality Mexican auto insurance and protect yourself!
