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mexigrl

Nov 22, 2003, 7:22 PM

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Border Crossing Veterans - What to declare?

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Hi all,

Here is a list of what I will be carrying in my car - I will be on an FMT and crossing at Columbia/Laredo. I have read the actual rules of what I can bring and I believe these items are all OK

Laptop, Printer, Clothing, Small Food Items, Personal Items (i.e. Medications, Toiletries)

Here are the questionable ones:

AM/FM Clock Radio - Used

Surge Protectors - Two/New

Air Purifier - Used

Two Cameras - One SLR, One Digital - New

Optical Mouse - New

CD-R Recordable CD's - 100 stack

Those are the items I am questioning - I know that it is best to take them out of their packages and pack them as if they were used.

Should I print up this list for aduana or just pack them in with my suitcases etc.?

I'm hoping some of you with experience could answer!

Thanks so much

Mexigrl

Rolly

Nov 22, 2003, 9:15 PM

Post #2 of 6 (679 views)

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Re: [mexigrl] Border Crossing Veterans - What to declare?

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My guess is that you will have no problems. The only items that might get attention are the air purifier and the large quantity of CDRs. For what you have, I would not make a list. These are just guesses because dealing with customs is always unpredictable.

Rolly Pirate

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On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Uncle Donnie

Nov 23, 2003, 6:31 AM

Post #3 of 6 (657 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Border Crossing Veterans - What to declare?

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I'm with Rolly. One of the few times They did anything other than a cursory check we had two new Laser printers, wrapped in blankets a pached in big plastic containers. The guy looked at one, asked what was in the other box, didn't look, and waved us through. Later, at the frontier all they seemed to be concerned about was whether my paperwork for the Jeep matched the window sticker.

It's different each time but I'm betting you'll have no problems as long as you have a tale to tell about WHY you have all that gear. Almost anything should suffice.

Have a smooth journey.

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http://www.headformexico.com

esperanza

Nov 23, 2003, 7:11 AM

Post #4 of 6 (651 views)

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Re: [Uncle Donnie] Border Crossing Veterans - What to declare?

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I agree with UD and Rolly...with one little 'be careful'. If you're crossing in the month or so before Christmas things can get a little sticky, as so many people come home to Mexico loaded down with tons of presents etc for their families. The border, and the checkpoints along the way, can be a bit more...what will do here...nosey, for lack of a better word. Especially during this season, things are sometimes taken away from travelers that normally are overlooked. Just a word to the wise.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Madam ZZ

Nov 23, 2003, 8:53 AM

Post #5 of 6 (632 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Border Crossing Veterans - What to declare?

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I would carry as many receipts ( hidden) as you have - since you are carrying HOLIDAY gifts and personal items- and if there is a problem, offer to pay the duties right then and there. Sounds like you might have $65 or so due if someone wants to raise a fuss. And above all, do not declare anything because Customs hates nothing worse than its own paperwork, so at worst if you get the red light, you may have to tip the guy, as long as he doesn't have a paper trail to deal with. That's been my experience anyway.

mexigrl

Nov 23, 2003, 6:10 PM

Post #6 of 6 (589 views)

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Re: [Uncle Donnie] Border Crossing Veterans - What to declare?

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Thanks - I was thinking that less information the better but wanted to check with some of you. It was actually a wonderful book I read recently (UD, are you reading this!) that warned me about making lists, etc. Since the author of that book has responded here I shall not worry about it anymore :)

I'll just hope for the green!

Mexigrl