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talosian

Jun 20, 2004, 4:28 PM

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Even my electric toothbrush?

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I'm on final approach right now to come to Chapala. I have been putting my M de C together with help. I have to list everything which plugs into an electrical outlet with brand name, model and serial number. Anyone know why that is?

I'm also bringing some electrical items in my personal belongings when I drive down there. Will I get busted for my electric toothbrush and 10-year old electric razor? I'm just trying to understand the reasons behild the rules for my own education.

Thoughts/Comments?

Spock
"When all logical explanations have failed, we must look to the illogical for the answer.

Chumley

Jun 21, 2004, 5:46 AM

Post #2 of 8 (482 views)

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Re: [talosian] Even my electric toothbrush?

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Regarding lists of electrical appliances, when we began building our house in SMA, we wanted to have 220 installed by CFE. They demanded that I supply a list of electrical equipment that would justify that rather than the standard 110. In the end, we got what we wanted, but I worry that someday a CFE inspector may come to the gate and request to see everything that was put on that list.

Karin

Jun 21, 2004, 7:13 AM

Post #3 of 8 (464 views)

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Re: [Chumley] Even my electric toothbrush?

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For CFE it is a technical issue: They have to know what kW you are going to install in order to provide the right size of transformer.

Georgia

Jun 21, 2004, 9:18 AM

Post #4 of 8 (428 views)

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Re: [talosian] Even my electric toothbrush?

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We traveled regularly back and forth from the US to Mex with our Fm-3s carrying the following with no incident, no menaje, and no excuses: electric shaver, blender, toaster, George Foreman grill, iron, small box fan, coffe grinder, coffee maker, and who knows what else. All were used.

The only thing that was ever commented on at customs was the number of pairs of shoes I had. Husband called me "Imelda," customs agent laughed, end of story.

gbatrucks

Jun 21, 2004, 9:44 AM

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Re: [Georgia] Even my electric toothbrush?

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I've been wondering the same thing regarding my digital cameras, cell phone, etc., things that we bring in on an FMT without a problem. Seems like I've read some horror-story posts about penalties if it has a serial & model number & a cord & is not listed. I'm thinking even the re-chargers for the above items have there own model & serial # & should probably be listed? I don't want to be totally anal about this, but sure don't want to get nailed when I move. So I'm wondering if Georgia got lucky with friendly border guys or do we really need to sweat the small stuff? Anybody else have any experience/info?

Trucks
"The trouble with life is there's no background music."

Rolly

Jun 21, 2004, 10:03 AM

Post #6 of 8 (419 views)

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Re: [gbatrucks] Even my electric toothbrush?

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Georgia got very lucky with her menaje/major moves. You would be wise to sweat the small stuff on your menaje because your chances of getting as lucky as Georgia are not good. There have been several reports from folks who had an expensive experience at the border because of a 'little thing' that wasn't quite right.

But you should not confuse what is required of things on your person when crossing the border vs things being shipped in with a menaje. The menaje list is usually scrutinized carefully while personal crossing items are usually given far more leeway. Georgia got a little lucky with her electrical items she brought across the border personally. I have had a similar experience, but others have had to pay a duty on some items when the total value exceeded US$300.

Rolly Pirate

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(This post was edited by Rolly on Jun 21, 2004, 10:16 AM)

gbatrucks

Jun 21, 2004, 10:17 AM

Post #7 of 8 (408 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Even my electric toothbrush?

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Thanks Rolly, that helps a lot. As I understand it, it's the first-time crossing with the M de C that gets the hard look. Georgia is returning with a "seasoned" FM-3 status, I assume the border guys are aware of her residence in Mexico, so used small objects would not get the same treatment as those of us actually moving our household goods for the first time?

Trucks
"The trouble with life is there's no background music."

Georgia

Jun 21, 2004, 12:08 PM

Post #8 of 8 (383 views)

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Re: [gbatrucks] Even my electric toothbrush?

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Bingo. These things came in one at a time and the value never exceed $50.00. We made a lot of trips back and forth. For the regular move, we had a mover take care of itemizing everything and acquiring the necessary permissions. But on the frequent trips to Mexico I used to bring one -- sometimes, two -- small appliances at a time. Nothing expensive. Nothing exotic. These were in my airline luggage. Security balked about letter me carry my blender in my carry-on, but they decided neither it nor I was dangerous, unless I was using the blender to prepare a meal.