Getting through Mexican customs with electronics?

Question

I am going to Mexico in a few months. I will be staying the full 180 days allowed...more than likely I will be getting my FM-3 while there. I plan on entering and just getting a tourist card at the border. I want to bring with me a used TV, XBox, DVD player, and about 4 trash bags of used clothes. All the electronics are used and the clothes are for family in Mexico. It is my understanding that all I need to do is write a letter stating the intended use for these items and get it signed by a Mexican consulate and I will not have to pay duties. Is this correct? And what kind of information do I need to include in the letter (serial numbers, or the value of these items?).

Answer 1

Well, i am an American living in Mexico ...and do not know the answer for sure.  If you had your FM3 before coming, there would be no problem.  It is actually easier to get your FM3 at the consulate before coming than to get it here...much faster too.  You will just need to ask about this at the consulate.  Since you plan to get your FM3, does that mean you are planning to live in Mexico?

Answer 2

Just pass on right throu...the worst thing they will do is take them away but i doubt it cause there used...if they were brand new they would take them away cause u didnt import them! But dont worry about it i always go right throu and customs hardly ever stops me when entering Mexico...trust me! And about paying duties u dont pay duties cause there used and if they do stop u just tell them ur going on vacation or moving their...u cant tell them that if their brand new cause everything brand new u have to pay duties...but u dont have to worry cause their used...so u got no problem...trust me!

Answer 3

The electronics should not be a problem taking them across the border but if you want to ever bring them back to the US please have proof of you buying them inside the US or taxes will be implied. The major problem you have here is the trash bag idea. Please do not take any types of plastic bags. I found that out on one of my last trip across the border. I had never been searched before, but I did not have time to clean a pair of my shoes so I put them into a plastic bag inside my suitcase, at the border I was searched and the officer told me it was because the dog sensed the bag. Then I was searched three more times at the trafficking points, all for the one plastic bag. Another thing I have learned of crossing the border, the less you say the better. My husband is a Mexican citizen. When ever I cross I just tell them I am going to visit my friends and family and I do not long I will be staying (which is true) Oh and you mention getting married, and getting a FM-3 please know that the Mexican law has changed and immigration no longer handles those types of situation in Mexico any longer. It is now handled by Secretario de Relciones Exteriors. I will be making my big move on July 15th to Mexico for good. Good luck if you have any more questions please write me at [e-mail].