Job Discussion Forums

[Silence820]

I am moving to Mexico City and would like to know how much I can bring through customs. i have I will be flying and would like to bring 5-6 large suit cases of clothes and personal items, along with 2 laptops. i checked with the airline and will pay the extra charges for my luggage. but Is this too much to bring through customs, and what will happen if i want to bring my 2nd laptop?

[Phil_K]

It depends which airline and from where. Generally speaking, the allowance is two suitcases totaling a given weight, a laptop and one other carry-on bag (Alll of this per person). You will be charged (quite heavily) for excess baggage. I don't know if super-excess baggage like yours would even be allowed!!!

[Prof.Gringo]

[raulyn]

I had a contract and apartment before arriving in D.F.
I also fortunately had a friend who was willing to come with me.
You can have one bag as a carry on, and a personal bag. *laptop.
You can also have two 50lb bags without charge.

After that, US carriers start charging some pretty steep fees. You'll have to check with your airline. My friend only had his carry on. The rest of the bags were mine.

Clothes, bed linens and computer equipment in Mexico is expensive and laughable in quality. If you have a nice wardrobe, I say bring it. I was detained at the customs point to be asked (three times) if all the luggage was mine.

I was sent through without incident or fine. I don't regret it at all.
High thread count sheets, small electronics and quality made clothes are common and cheaper outside Mexico. You'll be glad you brought them.

I am. It was worth the little bit of hassle.

Too bad I couldn't bring the local dry cleaners with me. Prices for dry cleaning here is amazingly expensive.

[Phil_K]

We shouldn't be quoting exact weights - as I said, these vary from airline to airline. For example I flew 'Mexicana' to London and the total was for about 43kg made up of maximum 2 bags. The best advice (always) is to check the website of the airline in question to see:

- Baggage allowance
- Weight Allowance
- Excess baggage charge

[MikeySaid]

your 2nd laptop will be taxed at 10% of it's value... i think that's correct, it could be 20% though.

the amount of stuff you want to bring sounds like what someone would have with them if they were moving PERMANENTLY.

leave some room for yourself to acquire new things in Mexico. unless you are particularly tall or heavy, you can get clothing there.

why do you need two laptops? business? gaming?

[Silence820]

[awest]

I wonder about the the bags but the two lap tops....I brought two with me. One was for my friend here. Customs asked and I stated one was my business laptop and one was personal. They didn't charge me anything. Trust me doesn't mean they won't charge you, rules change hourly here. Make sure you carry them on, never put them under the plane unless you don't want to see them again.

The clothing can be an issue here. I was a swimmer in the US and have broad shoulders, I have problems finding shirts that will fit so I can move my arms so yes I had to bring lots of shirts with me.

If you are not moving here perminantly I would highly suggest downsizing.

[Mekyn]

I just recently moved to Cuernavaca. I brought 3 large suitcases and 2 carry ons. I put my laptop in one of my carry ons. My largest suitcase weighed 88 lbs the other 2 were right at 50 give or take a lb or 2. I had no problems in Customs and was only charged $50 for the extra (overweight) suitcase. I flew on Alaska Airlines. I chose them specifically because they had the cheapest rates on luggage. I called the airline ahead of time to find out how many bags I could check and how much it would cost. I had to come before Nov 15 because during the holidays they do not allow more than 2 checked bags. I don't think it should be a problem for you just make sure to check with the airline first...get all your ducks in a row...be prepared to tip the porter to haul your stuff for you.

[MikeySaid]

Unless you are 7 feet tall or planning on residing in Chiapas, you can find clothes. Besides, how much clothing can one person possibly need when living abroad? I find it's a lot better to take only the necessities and pick up the extra along the way.

The idea is not to replicate all that you do at home, because if it were, what would be the point in making the move? I'm sure you could practice your Spanish on second life.

In all seriousness, all that extra stuff will simply weigh you down and is largely unnecessary.

[Checka_tu_mail]

I would say bring whatever you need, but can second the previous advice, don't put anything in the hold that you can't afford to lose.