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Lisa

Jul 19, 2002, 10:24 AM

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which lane do I take at border?

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Which lane do I take when crossing the border? How do I know if I have anything to declare? I will be travelling with my personal items such as clothes, books, a radio, kitchen stuff (no furniture)and 3 cats. Thanks Lisa

sermextr

Jul 21, 2002, 7:03 AM

Post #2 of 4 (314 views)

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which lane do I take at border?

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I have crossed at probably 6 different places in the last dozen years and never have been asked to declare anything.The exact procedures seem to change every year, but generally go something like this: Get your visitor’s permit from Migración. They should explain about getting it stamped at a bank at some later point in your trip. A list of available banks is shown on the back side and the stamp will cost about US$20. Get all your documents copied at the Copias counter (about US$1). Get your vehicle permit at the Banjército counter (about US$18 on your Visa/MC/Amex credit card). Put the sticker from the permit on the inside upper driver’s side of the windshield. A few miles down the road, show your papers at a checkpoint. If you had a lot of merchandise in your car this is when you'd be asked for an explanation. If you just have stuff for your own personal use there shouldn't be a problem. Here's an excerpt from the Aduana's web site:Las personas residentes en el extranjero que planeen establecer su residencia temporal o permanente en México, pueden introducir su menaje de casa libre de impuestos al comerco exterior. Se incluyen las siguientes mercancías usadas: 
Ajuar y mobiliario de una casa, que sirvan exclusiva y propiamente para el uso y trato ordinario de una familia. 
Ropa, libros, libreros, obras de arte o científicas que no constituyan colecciones completas para la instalación de exposiciones o galerías de arte. 
Instrumentos científicos de profesionales, herramientas de obreros y artesanos indispensables para el desarrollo de la profesión, arte u oficio del solicitante. Los instrumentos científicos y las herramientas no podrán constituir equipos completos para la instalación de laboratorios, consultorios o talleres 
Las necesarias para el desempeño de las labores de periodismo para prensa, radio o televisión. What it's saying is that personal stuff is okay. You just can't take in merchandise to sell or start a business.By the way, you can register your car online now at https://www.banjercito.com.mx/iitv/index_en.htm. I don't know if it actually saves time.Which lane? Well, if you see a line of little trucks loaded to their limits with household goods, don't get in that one because that's for importers. Instead, park in the lot and go around on foot.I purely don't know if you need papers on your cats, either going or returning.The reason this is so long is that I'd rather over-explain than under-explain.Have a great trip.
: Which lane do I take when crossing the border? How do I know if I have anything to declare? I will be travelling with my personal items such as clothes, books, a radio, kitchen stuff (no furniture)and 3 cats. Thanks Lisa

Lisa

Jul 21, 2002, 7:37 PM

Post #3 of 4 (313 views)

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which lane do I take at border?

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: I have crossed at probably 6 different places in the last dozen years and never have been asked to declare anything.: The exact procedures seem to change every year, but generally go something like this: Get your visitor’s permit from Migración. They should explain about getting it stamped at a bank at some later point in your trip. A list of available banks is shown on the back side and the stamp will cost about US$20. Get all your documents copied at the Copias counter (about US$1). Get your vehicle permit at the Banjército counter (about US$18 on your Visa/MC/Amex credit card). Put the sticker from the permit on the inside upper driver’s side of the windshield. A few miles down the road, show your papers at a checkpoint. If you had a lot of merchandise in your car this is when you'd be asked for an explanation. If you just have stuff for your own personal use there shouldn't be a problem. Here's an excerpt from the Aduana's web site:: Las personas residentes en el extranjero que planeen establecer su residencia temporal o permanente en México, pueden introducir su menaje de casa libre de impuestos al comerco exterior. Se incluyen las siguientes mercancías usadas: :
: Ajuar y mobiliario de una casa, que sirvan exclusiva y propiamente para el uso y trato ordinario de una familia. :
: Ropa, libros, libreros, obras de arte o científicas que no constituyan colecciones completas para la instalación de exposiciones o galerías de arte. :
: Instrumentos científicos de profesionales, herramientas de obreros y artesanos indispensables para el desarrollo de la profesión, arte u oficio del solicitante. Los instrumentos científicos y las herramientas no podrán constituir equipos completos para la instalación de laboratorios, consultorios o talleres :
: Las necesarias para el desempeño de las labores de periodismo para prensa, radio o televisión. : What it's saying is that personal stuff is okay. You just can't take in merchandise to sell or start a business.: By the way, you can register your car online now at https://www.banjercito.com.mx/iitv/index_en.htm. I don't know if it actually saves time.: Which lane? Well, if you see a line of little trucks loaded to their limits with household goods, don't get in that one because that's for importers. Instead, park in the lot and go around on foot.: I purely don't know if you need papers on your cats, either going or returning.: The reason this is so long is that I'd rather over-explain than under-explain.: Have a great trip.You've been very helpful and I don't mind the lengthy reply. The statement from aduanas is particularly helpful.
Lisa
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: : Which lane do I take when crossing the border? How do I know if I have anything to declare? I will be travelling with my personal items such as clothes, books, a radio, kitchen stuff (no furniture)and 3 cats. Thanks Lisa

Rich

Jul 22, 2002, 5:53 PM

Post #4 of 4 (313 views)

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which lane do I take at border?

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Re: cats or pets in mexico, My wife and I live in mexico 6 mo. every year. We always take our dog. There never seems to be a problem going into Mexico, except by Chiapas where they always seem to check for birds. When you return to the U.S. is when you will have to show a cert. of health, although in the last 6 years we have never been asked to show one. Things are always NUTS at the boarder, but if you have trouble at one crossing, try the next one. If there is a lesson in all our crossings it is that not much makes sense, but have PATIENCE.