Esteban
Apr 7, 2003, 5:28 PM
Post #6 of 14
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Re: [elcomputo] How do I move my stuff to Mexico?!
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The only thing I know about crossing the border is from Nogales. That was three years ago and in Mexico things change yearly, monthly, daily....sometimes hourly. I always crossed in the early morning like around 4 AM. Sure you can list everything but a box of kitchen stuff is listed as just that a box of kitchen stuff. I didn't have expensive items so I just put yardsale prices on everything. YOU determine the price of what you have to declare.
I would only declare if they forced me to do so. Two times, I just breezed on through the no declare lane. I wouldn't bring a desktop although I've done it. You could get caught. You may or may not get permission.
A lot has to do with how secure you feel talking with the border agents if you do get stopped. I speak fairly good Spanish so it didn't bother me. One time, at the temporary vehicle importation stop, I was asked to unload the whole truck. It was packed to the gills and when I opened the camper shell window, stuff fell out. Well, I started taking things out and asked if that was enough. "No, take out more" he replied. I took out about 6 more things and asked if that was enough. He said "No, take out more". I took our about 6 more things and asked if that was enough. He finally got sick of me and said "Get out of here". I always mark my boxes so if they point to one and ask me what's inside, I can easily tell them. I'm always friendly, courteous, happy and ready to do what they want me to do. I"ve never paid a mordida and at the Nogales crossing, it appears the Mexican Feds are watching closely for corruption. That was my take on it even though it may still go on.
In Mexico, never offer a bribe if you don't feel comfortable doing it. Just take the consequences unless the official asks openly for it and the amount is reasonable. Of course many would disagree with my scruples concerning this and would take it to the dire end for principle's sake....that's a personal call.
One time it was either go to jail for something I didn't do or pay 40 pesos. They actually wanted more, I had more but lied about what I had and got away with it. It must have been close to lunch time and they needed some food. They taunted me but I kept it very light. That's the only time in three years of living in Mazatlan that I've been unfairly hassled.
Talking and thinking about bringing your stuff across the border is completely different from the reality. You will find, that once you have to deal with the Mexican authorities and go through the process, it will be a piece of cake. The ones I have dealt with are courteous, polite and don't want to make their job any harder than it already is. When it's cold, and they are napping, early in the morning, some don't want to get into checking a whole truck load of personal belongings that obviously look like household items.
Buena Suerte
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