Job Discussion Forums

[heyduke11]

I am wanting to move to Mexico. My question is this. It is my understanding that to get a FM 3 one must have a address in Mexico. If i don't have a address this means I will have to go to Mexico rent a house get a address, come back to the USA, get my stuff and go back. Sooooo what is a person allowed to take into Mexico on a tourist visa? Is there a web site that would tell me what I can bring in or what the cost would be? I am looking to move to San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. That is a long drive at $3.00 a gal. I would want to do it only once if possible.

[gypsygirl1475]

Here's a webpage that might help. http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/whatstuff.html
I'm sure that many more will contribute soon. This is an ongoing issue it seems.

[MO39]

[MELEE]

Can I ask some questions?

Why drive to Chiapas? Why do you want to have a car in Chiapas? What do you think you will do with the car? What car is it? Year and model? Who's going to fix it? Where will you get the parts?
It will probably be more trouble than it is worth. Chiapas is one area where I wouldn't recommend a foriegner explore by car. Chiapas and heavy drug cartel areas of the north are really the only places where a foriegner travelling alone by car is in danger. Especially if you have your car loaded with household goods.

I have a car, but I also have two small children (still in car seats), if I didn't have the children, I wouldn't have a car. It is a lot of trouble, almost more than it's worth.

I recommend you take a look at the People's Guide to Mexico. It's a book and there is also a website.

[heyduke11]

I want to drive because I have too much stuff to take on a plane or a bus. I also want the freedom of a truck. I am taking a white water raft and all the gear, plus a espresso machine & grinder, 1000 cds & 500 DVDs, Surround sound system. Anyway you get the picture. As the Delbert McClinton song says Too Much Stuff. I could get robbed in my own town here in the states if I went to the wrong part of town. I realize that Mexico isn't the states but I guess thats what I like about it. I have been to Chiapas many times before on a Tourist visa and never felt that my life was in Danger.

[gypsygirl1475]

We were going to bring our stuff too but the taxes made us change our minds. Plus family is more important than my material items that can be replaced. I have to sell my Mustang for a truck, we need it for my husbands business in Mexico.Everyone is different...

As for feeling safe in Mexico... I feel more safe in Mexico than here in the states. The past few months here we have been broken into 4 times, we were told to move but won't be able to till Feb when we move to Mexico. We've had to sneak in and out of the house or play car rotation games so people think some one is in the house at all times and I have to pack up the laptop and digital camera and take it with me when I leave. Mexico has always felt more safe to me, though I'm sure there are unsafe areas. When we party all night in my neighborhood in Mex. till 4am the streets are dead and I feel more safe there than here at 4am.( or anytime of day)
Sorry to babble on...

[Guy Courchesne]

I doubt your life will ever be in danger on Mexican highways (beyond Edomex or New Jersey drivers)...just your wallet. I think Melee was alluding more to the idea that the cops are going to have a field day with you eliciting bribes of all kinds.

I think you'll have some trouble on the border with the CDs and DVDs. 1000s is a little much to call 'personal'. Consider putting them into a more easily transportable format or leave them at home.

I had a hard enough time bringing cheddar cheese through the airport. Worked out in the end, though I did have to sit through a border agent's 10 minute spiel on how good Mexican cheese is and all the varieties he recommended I try.

[MO39]

[heyduke11]

Well looks like I need to buy a I Pod and a 1 terabite HD. Thanks for the info.