Making customs declarations when entering Mexico

Couple of years ago we bought a small chest type freezer in Yuma for our own use here. The only way it would fit was straight in the door of the motorhome, out of the box. Knowing it would be seen I stuck the receipt under the lid. Sure enough we got the red light. I showed the receipt & explained I thought we were allowed a certain dollar amount duty free. They said 'no' and, based on the cost of the freezer, charged me $16.00.

I have had beef asked for at the Baja checks also. I was told by the border crossing aduanero that it has been a law for awhile just not regularly enforced. Ask for the list at the border for prohibited items. Beef will be on it. But I would only ask for it if you had nothing to hide.

When I'm asked, I start off slowly "weeeeell, I've got .." and just about then they all say have a nice trip (or equivalent in whatever language) and wave me through.

The actual regulations are posted at some border crossings. There is a list of items that can be brought in when you are in an RV. It includes one TV, one camera and film( yes film) and some other items. The rest is subject to duty. If those rules were followed none of us would ever be able to visit Mexico. In over 22 years of entering Mexico I have had my share of red lights. I have been questioned about items but never had any problems. Any stories you hear are usually because this person had an attitude problem and p---ed off the Aduanero. There are things that are prohibited: used clothing,weed killers and fertilizer, poisons, potting soil, etc. That list is also posted somewhere at the border. Our last crossing was unreal. We were never stopped or spoken to by anyone.

Moisheh

Same, when we got the red light. Walk thu, open a few compartments, check paperwork, a few questions and sent on our way. Faster than the USA side.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

Unless you are importing something into Mexico, no you do not need to "declare" anythingt since you are travelling with your personall items, you are actually importing the RV and the toad.

The RV is granted a 10 year permit and the vehicle 180 days, count the actual days and not 6 months, to import anything requieres a lenghty prosses and a mountain of paper, My wife used to export from the U.S. and import into Mexico, so no as a tourist you do not declare anything to import, if you have weapons, leave them in the US.

The only port of entry where some meat and meat containing products have been confiscated has been at Lukeville to Sonoyta on 85, South of Ajo as has been reported on this post.

navegator

Never been stopped in 15 years of going into Mexico. Friends of ours got the red light last year and it was nothing but a step in the door and look around.

We have had a red light a couple of times and they do a quick walk through and your done. They have open a cupboard or two at times as well. Lately I have heard from a friend who had a friend of a friend got his meat seized at the boarder. Another had their beef only seized. We asked about this and they told us there is no problem with meat brought into Mexico by a RV'er. I have not had a chance to peruse these stories any further as they will not apply to me till next season.