Mexican Customs Casually Enforced

We have been stopped on the way into Mexico and sent to their inspection area on a more often basis. Keep in
mind, we are a perfect target with our cars fully loaded with assorted stuff we are bringing down for our
business. The rules are different for immigrants (us) than tourists. The Tourist rules are much more lax.

Although they are searching more cars than in the past, they don't seem to have their heart in it. Mostly you
open the back of your car (SUV) or your trunk and they casually look around. Volunteer nothing and be
cooperative and truthful when they ask you about items. Even though you are not supposed to bring more than
$75.00 per person of personal items they do not empty your car with a calculator.

Remember, the only serious problem you could have here is Drugs, Guns, or Amunition. If you are carrying any
of those things you will have serious problems so it goes without saying - don't do it! The outcome will not be
pleasant and could include a number of years in jail. Oh by the way, the same thing will happen going into the
US if you are caught with the same things.

We thought this would be a good venue to tell you just what Mexican customs says you can or cannot bring
into Mexico, but I am not a lawyer. Like our Customs, these sites read like a legal contract. So I will let you do
the research using the site below. I suggest you will get the most out of the Orientation part. Much of the rest is
for import and export which it is not likely you will do.

http://www.aduanas.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/pasajeros/139_10134.html

Let me summarize the basics:
No Guns, No Amunition, No Drugs, No products that can be used to make drugs, and don't bring large
quantities on the Import list or you will be taxed. In addition, no Chicken, no plants, no vegetable plants, no fruit,
and finally no vegetables. Interestingly enough, going back to the states all of the above applies except the
chicken.

The OK to bring list is much more varied, but should not exceed $75.00 per person in your car. These are
generally things you can and will consume. Think of a car as $300.00. Keep in mind you can bring sporting
equipment like fishing poles, Jet Skies, etc and they are not considered part of your $75.00. So do the research
if you are concerned on the web pages above.

The US Border limits alcholol going back into the states to one liter (or a six pack). Mexico allows three liters
coming into Mexico (18 beers per person over 21).

Use your head when you pack the car for your trip. You can buy all the chicken, fruits, vegetables, and beer
when you arrive in Mexico. By the way all of the above will taste better and be cheaper than in the states. Just
remember to change your Dollars to Pesos. This will make for less packing and a better value as well. Check
out the resources in the Ensenada Area Here

For the most part, just pack safely and you will probably not have a problem. Crossing into Mexico is your
responsibilty the same as going back into the US. Stay away from illegal substances and guns and you will
just about never have a problem. They are professional and have english speaking people handling your car. Be
cooperative and answer any questions honestly and you will be out of there in minutes.