Job Discussion Forums

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Hiyas,

Since I've been in Latin America for a while and have money to spend on shipping my stuff, I thought I'd send a lot of things I have here to Mexico. Its just occurred to me that there are whacky rules aren't there, like not being able to send my shoes (even the ones I bought in Mexico all those years ago). What other limitations are there? Work is telling me I can't use their shipping facility until after I have my FM3, but do the same limitations apply when bringing stuff in under an FM3 rather than an FMT?

I'm thinking: plates and other kitchen stuff, a couple of lamps, books, my very large collection of bags (don't ask), and some electrical thingys like my dvd player (its multi-region and terrific, can't part with it) and wireless router.

Thanks for your advice,
Lozwich.

aroha · Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Posts: 66 Location: Mexico

Hi Lozwich,
I arrived on an FMT and found out that you are not allowed to send your goods until you have an FM3, so the goods will probably get stopped in customs. BUT... if you talk nicely to the customs people and demonstrate with plane tickets and passport stamps that you were living in the country where you sent the items from, and perhaps show the customs people some kind of $gratitude, then they might let your goods into Mexico.

Although this approach was a bit expensive, at the time we considered it was worth being able to keep our more expensive winter clothes.

And a tip from the customs people... apparently we should have just sent small packages by mail to a friend's address over an extended period of time. According to customs, those smaller packages would have passed through without problems...

Also, if your partner is Mexican, please check the customs regulations about Mexican nationals importing personal items into Mexico... however if your partner is a guy and he is importing woman's shoes as his own personal items, then those items might not get through.

raulyn · Joined: 09 Nov 2007 Posts: 64 Location: D.F.

Not meaning to hijack this thread, but shipping from USA to MEX has cost me an arm and a leg. I've used FedEx, UPS and USPS. When I make the move to Mexico, there are some things I'd like to have. Clothing, computer, flat panel t.v. Is there any advice someone can give on how to cheaply do this?

guatetaliana · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 8:11 pm Post subject:

cc227 · Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 8

its all pretty expensive to ship between the two. i rocked a box from MX to where i lived in AZ and it got sent back. i wouldn't mail anything of value (IE laptops.)

El Gallo · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 318

I paid FedEx $300 US to airship some stuff to Mexico.

It was pawed through and separated by Mexican customs. Many weeks passed trying to fax the right forms back and forth. When the separated boxes finally arrived three months later by MultiPak (FEDEX Agent in Mexico) the packing boxes were virtually destroyed, many things were missing and others broken.

Both FEDEX and MultiPak ignored my claims and complaints.

I hope you have better luck.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I've long given up trying to have anything of value shipped here. I find it easier to plan around my trips back to Canada and buying whatever expensive items I need there, and bringing them in with me.

I'm watching my cousin have a big screen tv shipped down this week. I'll report here on the process, the duty, and the headaches it will involve.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

And the report is in. My cousin had a big screen tv shipped to him via Air Canada. Sure enough, he had to go down to aduana at the airport to pay some duty. However, as it wasn't on a list of what are called personal items, he needed to have a customs broker file the paperwork for him. Total cost ended up being about 15% of the declared value of the tv. He managed to get it delivered to his apartment the day after it arrived from Canada.