Posted on 09/17/2024 9:06:32 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Travelers can be taxed at the airport for bringing two portable computing devices into Mexico
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, most feel the need to remain tethered to the digital world in some capacity. Some travelers are discovering the hard way that Mexican customs agents in Cancun will tax them at the airport for bringing multiple electronic devices into the country. While tourists feel like they are suddenly being extorted, the law has always been on the books but just selectively enforced.
Mexico’s law only allows one portable computing device to be brought into the country tax-free. The levy can be up to 19 percent of the device’s value assessed by the agent. The headaches really begin when you dig into what’s defined as a portable device. Cell phones are in their own separate category, where you’re allowed three. However, tablets aren’t separated, so you can’t take both a MacBook and iPad into Mexico free of charge. This is what happened to Florida resident Tammy Levent. USA Today explained:
When Levent arrived at the airport this time, she had two check-in suitcases and a carry-on with her. Passing through customs, she was flagged to one of the tables where her luggage was examined by an agent. The agent pulled out her iPad and laptop, telling her, “You can’t have both,” she recounted to USA Today. She said she’s always brought these devices with her before, and this was the first time it was an issue.
Levent said her older generation iPad was considered worth much more than it really is by the agent, making her fine higher than she felt was fair. “This was wrong,” she said about her experience.
“At the end of the day you want tourism but you’re driving people away,” Levent said. “You have huge companies like pharmaceutical companies... (bringing bring groups in) and they’re coming with laptops and iPads.”
The rule is intended to prevent people from profiting from reselling merchandise. Agents can tax clothing, footwear, hygiene products and beauty products if you bring in more than what would likely be used during your stay. The custom law also covers a wide variety of technologies essentially dead in 2024. For example, travelers can bring five laser discs, 10 DVDs, and 30 CDs into Mexico tax-free.
I’m not going to argue for or against Mexico’s import laws, but I will state that you should be aware of any country’s rules when you plan on visiting. Don’t be like NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, who was detained at Cancun International Airport for bringing a handgun into the country last year.
iPhone 16s go on sale next week. International ‘tourists’ are already making appointments to buy out the store and return to their countries of origin, with multiple devices. Close friend works for Apple - these are the worst customers to deal with - told me today he’s dreading work next week.
Cozumel was my vacation spot when I was at Wichita Falls. Loved that little island. I doubt I will ever go again. Too bad. A lovely place and lovely people. For the rest of Mexico. F that turd world violent narco s hole
Last time I was in Mexico was in the 80s. I will never go down there again. And I have a winter home about 35 miles north of the border.
If you’re going on vacation, then you shouldn’t be bringing in half the inventory of Best Buy with you.
I’ve never set foot in Mexico and never will. It’s a Fourth World cesspool that exists solely to steal from...and murder...civilized people like myself.
Who needs Mexico when there’s Florida...Puerto Rico..and Hawaii?
Mexico has always “selectively enforced” laws.
It depends if they are feeling bribe happy that day.
> If you’re going on vacation, then you shouldn’t be bringing in half the inventory of Best Buy with you.<
That’s not what’s happening. A cell phone, an iPad, a smart watch and a pocket calculator could cost you big bucks. That’s a normal load of tech for any professional who can afford vacation.
It’s all up to the agent. There is no appeal process. The agent could say the pocket calculator is allowed and then place arbitrary values on the other objects.
Cell phone - $1500
Watch - $800
iPad - $2000
Total - $4300
19% duty = $817
At this point your choice is to pay the $817 or forfeit the items.
I’m sure this problem gets worse as we get closer to Christmas and the Customs Agents start shopping for gifts.
Yes, I have a jaded eye regarding foreign customs agents. I have flown around 300 flights to the Bahamas and very seldom paid the same customs overtime fee. It all depends on what the agent had to buy at the store on the way home.
EC
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