Job Discussion Forums

thelmadatter · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2003 8:31 pm Post subject: getting stuff down here

it may be too soon to think about this but thats the way I am.

I am really missing some of the stuff I left behind in the USA. Its in Tucson AZ, not far from the border and I would like to think of some cost-effective (read: as cheap as possible) way of getting it down (and back up later). What I want to bring would easily fit in a pickup, even a car if I cull it a bit. I will have an FM3 as soon as the paperwork is processed so import duty is not an issue as they are household goods.

The only option I thought of was to buy a vehicle when I go back to AZ for my next holiday and drive myself and stuff back to Toluca. I will need one when I return to the states in 2 years anyway. However, I am aware of some of the hassles of owning a car here. With an FM3, however, would I still need to go back every 6 months with the car to the States. I find that hard to believe.

If the above option is out, anyone have any other bright ideas? The companies I have talked to want an outrageous amount of money to transport stuff....

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

If you want to read a brief but comprehensive article about bringing household items as well as a car across the border from the U.S. to Mexico, check out the site below.

http://www.escapeartist.com/efam11/moving_to_mexico.html

Wolfpelt · Joined: 29 May 2003 Posts: 9

Hmm, interesting article, Tim. Thanks for that.

Not a million miles off topic, what's the story when you arrive by air? I'm bringing a laptop, printer and scanner -- as well as a heap of non-fiction books.

Is this OK? Or do they still shoot intellectuals? Laughing

Wolfpelt

thelmadatter · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2003 7:38 pm Post subject: schtuff

I also need to thank Ben for the article. My understanding is that the lap top is fine. Most businessmen bring them. The rest of the stuff? Not sure. Probably OK as the printer and scanner are part of the lap top (but dont be surprised if they levy a duty on it) and I assume your books are in English and perhaps easier to argue that they are for personal use. but you never know in Mexico.

Wolfpelt · Joined: 29 May 2003 Posts: 9

Jeeze, Mexico ain't exactly a consistent ride, is it? Shocked

I promise I'll faithfully record my experiences when I hit customs and post them here -- for the benefit of those who come after us dontyaknow.

I suppose the universal rules apply though: don't look scruffy and don't wear shoes with tassels? Laughing

Happy trails

Wolfpelt

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

Wolfpelt · Joined: 29 May 2003 Posts: 9

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

Wolfpelt,

Love your suggestion. Will try it in August and see how it works.
Laughing

MELEE · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2003 11:13 pm Post subject:

I usually fly through either Houston or Dallas since my family lives in the middle of the country. I also lived in Dallas for about 4 years once. I found that affecting just a touch of a southern accent helps a lot. Laughing

Also I always, always, tell the agricultural folks that I need to be checked because I live in a rural area. For some strange reason they seem to really become more friendly to me after that. I guess cause they think I'm being up front and doing my part to protect the good ol' U S of A. It only takes a second to have your shoes cleaned and and they have some big scanner thing for your suitcase (mine has never needed to be opened, dispite the fact that it's always loaded with mole and dried chiles and jamiaca.)

madhatter, if you end up sending anything down, go with FEDEX rather than DHL or any other company, they've been more reliable for me and I believe that they fly in and out of Toluca airport, so you should get quick delivary.

If your interested, I can tell you my two-Gringas-in-a-car-bulging-with-stuff make a 5 day trek from Houston to Oaxaca story.

cheers