How can I safely transport several hundred DVDs?

Question

I am traveling to Mexico in a couple of weeks and I need to transport about 800 to 900 DVDs with me. I have about 400 original music, movies and games. The rest are backups of these discs. I know it's legal to have backups of discs you own, but whats illegal is how you make them, because you have to bypass the encryption on most dvd movies. So my question is: How do I safely get these DVDs to Mexico without looking like I'm part of some p****y ring?

I was thinking of buying one of these hard cd cases: http://www.meritline.com/1000-cd-dvd-storage-wallet-case.html

And then check this in as luggage or carry on?

My other option is that I fedex this to my desination, but that's gonna cost me about $300 and what do I disclose as the contents? Also there's still the possibilty that Customs stops my package and starts investigating me thinking I'm a pirate.

So how can I do this? Any suggestions or stories from your personal experience?

Answer 1

I suggest that you contact Mexico, and see what you are allowed to bring into the country.  It is a foreign country and has rules on importation of things. Taking them to Mexico may cost you a lot in import fees. If you are returning to the US, you will need to see US Customs in your home town a week or so  before you leave, so that you can fill out the forms necessary to prove your ownership so that you will not have to pay duty on them when you return.

It sounds like you are flying (check this in as luggage or carry on) and you will be WAY over your limit for luggage with 800 DVDs in cases in containers. If you are just going for a vacation, leave them at home. If you are moving there, send them with the rest of your stuff.

If you are just taking a vacation trip for 2-4 weeks, I highly recommend that you leave your DVDs here, and avoid the hassles.

Regards,

Dan

Answer 2

I'm sorry but you will most likely be pulled aside and questioned. Check with the airline you are flying. Usually they allow two bags free. I'd recommend you get bubble rap throw it in the suit case and then out your DVDs and Cd's in the suite case.

Good luck

Answer 3

If I were you, I would find some other way to make a living.

Answer 4

If you are so worried about what you're going to fly with that you need to go online for help, I think you know the answer: don't take it. You won't be allowed to bring them with you, I can almost guarantee that.

Answer 5

who smuggles DVDs *INTO* Mexico?

My guess is you could hold them in your hands and simply walk across the border and nobody would even question you.