What You Should Know BEFORE Moving Your Stuff to Mexico

[@qroo]

Moving to Mexico (Free Consultation): tinyurl.com/bdhe25ve

[@RobEJC]

I really like how Pablo's contractors in the handling of shipping are paid based on customer reviews - great way to incentivize safe and accountable handling of valuables.

[@lesleymorgan01]

You all are providing such great resources. I love Pablo's personality - you can tell he is a real people person with high integrity. Thank you!

[@gecko2000405]

Pablo is in the business for the long run. He understands that establishing relationships ultimately builds the business better. As the founder of McDonalds said: "Take care of the customer, and the business will take care of itself."

[@mariancanales8494]

Helping people and being passionate about this is different than selling or just doing business; as you mentioned this is a community, it is not a quote, the difference between taking a risk or making an informed decision makes a difference in the experience.

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

Thanks for sharing this Paul. ❤ We sold everything when we moved here. We arrived with 3 suitcases each and 2 carry-ons. 😊 I know you always give trustworthy information. ✌️ Cheers from 2 Canadians 🇨🇦 living in Mexico. 🇲🇽

[@firstlast1047]

What your source is really saying..Trust...Everyone perfirms the contractual obligations. It seems in MX contracts are subject to a wide variety of enforcememt. For example. In MX, no inconsistency between various Mx government entities.

[@brendexxruiz]

Interesante- I will consider this when we begin our transition to Mexico

[@internationalrelocationparner]

Thank you so much for this fantastic opportunity to share a little bit about the import process to Mexico and how to hire a service provider to move to this beautiful country.

[@crappocrappoproductions-ak9403]

In 1980, I crossed the border at Laredo to begin medical studies in Guadalajara. With my FM-9 student visa, I was permitted to bring only textbooks and clothing. The customs official viewed a few personal items (bedding, towels, a desk lamp etc..) in the backseat of my car and shook his head disapprovingly while saying “contrabanda”. He then said to me in perfect English, “now you are going to pay me”. 😂

[@lisadeharthansen7076]

Thank you. We came by sailboat in 2010, so that was easier. That said, anytime we bring back boat parts we need to bring copies of our boat’s temporary import permits. You cannot mess around with the custom authorities. It pays to understand the rules and using an expert to guide you.

[@PuraVidaCicloViajando]

Pablo, the best!!!

[@internationalrelocationparner]

THANKS ❤

[@cleaneatingwithclaudiaepic4895]

Excellent interview. As a former Customs Officer in Switzerland and currently a Certified Customs Specialist in Canada all together 35+ years experience in Global Logistics & International Trade and many leading roles with high responsibility I pride myself as well in CUSTOMER SERVICE is the absolut highest priority. There are Logistics companies I would not work for because of how they do business. I may have to contact Pablo and chat about how I can possibly be of help.

[@cindyeverythingcozumel]

Great interview and very different then getting it to Cozumel.. an island personally 4 bags 17 years ago if ever leaving 6 bags .. that is all.

[@MikeNelson-r9e]

Excellent excellent excellent advice

[@MichelleInTX35780]

Thanks for posting this Paul. I recently got my temporary residency and already have my place in Mexico. I am back in the USA now trying to decide if I should try to get all my electronic down there in a Manaje de Casa . I have until April to decide. I am not planning to move furniture, in order to replace all my expensive exercise equipment and computers and electronics in Mexico will be BASTANTE more expensive. I would love to have more information about the $500 import tax free provision for people bringing things to Mexico(via airplane) in addition to their personal items. In December, had a REALLY difficult time in Customs at the Cancun airport I had printed out a copy of the law, I had a list of used items in my bags and printouts of how much those used items cost on eBay. The total amount was $422.00, and the soldiers at customs shook their fingers in my face about having to do a Manaje de Casa. When I pulled out the copy of the law that said passengers coming in by plane can bring in up to $500 dollars of items in addition to their personal effects the Customs boys yelled at me, told me to shut up and stop talking, that I can talk about Mexican laws when I become a Mexican. (By the way this entire conversation was in Spanish). I ended up paying import taxes on the $422 dollars for the items that I had put on my list which was $1,500 peso, but they never even opened my bags. They were completely intent on the debate and yelling at me, and forgot to even look inside my bags. Needless to say, it has me rethinking the idea of doing a manaje de casa I stead of just bringing in a little bit of my things at a time with me. I have until March to decide about a Manaje de Casa, and until July before I will be in Mexico permanently. Needless to say, this video is quite timely.

[@phil_ang]

Hi, I would like to share my experience importing all my electronic stuff into Mexico from Canada. Like you, replacing all my electronics (test and repair equipment and HT) will cost quite a large amount (more than the cost of shipping them). I have my PR. My wife and I packed all our things in around 30 boxes. The larger boxes are double walled boxes so they're tough. Those were used for my electronics. All my electronic items are used and some still had their original boxes and packing. One general rule about importing electronics into Mexico is that all of them have to be used and in used condition. What I did was to insert a copy of the invoice (when I purchased them) in each piece of electronic gear that had them and inserted a note stating these are USED and not for re-sale (in spanish). Some pieces of electronic gear still are in their original packing but to make it look used (which they are), I flipped the original boxes inside out and taped it up to make it look like non-factory packaging. I still used the original packing to protect heavier equipment like my powered subwoofer and my AV receiver. In the Menaje de Casa, all electrical and electronic equipment (anything with a power plug) should include a serial number. And, identify all items packed in each box. Each box has a box number so it will be easier for customs inspectors to review them in case they need to do an inspection. You list the contents in the Menaje de Casa according to box number. When I went to the Mexican consulate in Canada, the lady who certified my Menaje de Casa was sure that my shipment would not get through the border due to the large amount of electronics including higher value electronics like digital oscilloscopes and soldering stations. But, she certified it when I confirmed to her that these are all personal pre-owned property and that they will not be used for commercial purposes nor for re-sale. The letter you submit along with your Menaje de Casa should mention the same thing, too. All documents should be in Spanish including the Menaje de Casa. To determine the Spanish terms for most of our things, I consulted Amazon Mexico and Mercado Libre. All my things made it safely across the border with no issues (no extra charges) and hitches. All in all, my shipment comprised of 30 boxes. All of them fit in a Lift Van (a large 7-ft x 7ft x 4-ft cardboard box sitting on a shipping palette). The whole thing went over land from Vancouver (BC) to Texas then from Texas it was picked up by the Mexican shipping agent and hauled over into Mexico. I am not saying this is a sure fire way of avoiding problems with the aduana people but getting things in order and being aware that there shouldn't be brand new (or obviously brand new) electronic equipment will help you successfully get your household goods through with no problems. Your luck also depends on the particular Aduana personnel who will be assigned to inspect your shipment and divine intervention (if you believe in God). Consult with your shipper for proper guidance on how to pack, label, and organize your shipment and supporting docs. And, make sure you hire a competent and experienced shipper. 😊

[@cindyk3076]

Just a note here, the Menaje de Casa is only able to be used one time. Also, all electronics are more expensive in Mexico because of import fees, and when you bring electronics into Mexico you should not have them in their original boxes, they need to appear used. Even if you have a laptop or something that is 1 month old, put stickers on it to make it appear that you have had it for a while. As far as the Menaje de Case, that has to be done at your local consulate and they can advise you as to paperwork etc.

[@stevefritz5182]

I made comments on this video as well (importing into Mexico). My experience found the Manaje de Casa to be somewhat worthless or worse, an extra expense. You may be better off just taking your chances at the border as these other commenters did - I have done that since.

[@stevefritz5182]

My experience: I applied for Temp in Denver and paid a tax on goods I intended to import (furniture, two electric wheelchairs and personal goods). I believe I paid about $1200. I arrived at the border Beverly Hilbillies style at the San Yasidro crossing. They sent me to Otay Mesa, where imports are handled, after waiting an hour to get back in the US, to go to Otay Mesa. There, they wanted me to hire an import truck to unload my goods to their truck and then drive it across the border. I knew that wasn't right. I kept pointing to my paperwork showing I already paid. They didn't care. The quote regarding the consulate paperwork - "They don't know what we do here." Obviously. I don't know what good the consulate paperwork was but I'm still glad I had it. I showed it at a few of the military checkpoints, where they seemed interested. At Otay Mesa, they got tired of dealing with me and my truck full of kids and a handicapped man (hence the wheelchairs). We agreed on a value for the goods and I paid a tax there. It wasn't a great deal of money (less than the original $1200), but it was an unexpected cost. Since then, I have driven personal goods across several times. I avoid the big border crossings. They look over my stuff and let me pass. My opinion, buy in Mexico!

[@PabloPicapiedra1]

This is the best advice - Jut buy in Mexico they have all the US stores, Costco, etc.

[@lalva2024]

Excellent video QROO Paul. It lets people know that there are options. Pablo has a kind and sincere demeanor which obviously serves him well. I’m an information gatherer at this point hoping to make the jump later this year. Thank you!

[@Zeyek1]

great video

[@internationalrelocationparner]

THANKS ❤

[@djkelly2551]

Straight up value added info video, really like his business model. Thank you QROO Paul.

[@jena2664]

I miss Mexico. I am in Hawaii too expensive in Hawaii.

[@jonmeek3879]

Paul, thanks for putting this together--a lot of great information

[@jena2664]

Yes it is worth getting someone like Pablo to ship to mexico.

[@cindyk3076]

Very nice information, Paul, thanks.

[@ligrasse6722]

Great information

[@BC19572]

Great video. 😊

[@qroo]

Thanks for watching!

[@mjspyt7777]

I moved to PV with my four suitcases. I either donated or sold the rest of my stuff because I didn't want to deal with shipping things into Mexico. I'm passing on to my friends who are thinking of moving!

[@gringofr06]

Excellent video thanx for all the usefull tips

[@rosanneallen-hewlett9973]

Hey. Theres a place where you can't just throw too much money at someone to get what you want. Wow. That's the place for me! 🎉🌞

[@tjattardi]

When I moved to Cabo I drove down from the Bay area with a friend who drove the cargo van I rented with my stuff. No problem. As my car is getting older, I was told by expats that buying a used car is actually less expensive in the States then in Mexico because of the higher taxes. Are there driver's for hire to drive your car to Cabo, and is it complicated?

[@angelacarrington]

How were you able to cross a rented vehicle across the Mexican border?

[@bethanyneumann-insurance]

This is so important to know! Thank you for sharing. I’ll be sharing with my clients to avoid the horror stories. Omg.

[@barrymerritt3727]

much needed info

[@StaceNyourFace]

Would it be advisable to keep a storage unit of your belongings on the U.S. side of the border and then move your items to Mexico a couple suitcases at a time?

[@judithgrace9850]

I rented a Queretaro furnished apartment that included everything. And a maid month to month. Security.

[@veramae4098]

I need a 'to do" list, on moving to Mexico for 4 months. Next year I might buy, but not this year. I can't find a "to do" list anywhere. Would you please make one?

[@tizoc278]

Always Great information 😊

[@firstlast1047]

When I contract for a service, I am not buying or selling personalties. I was searching on eBayfor a very specific model of car. I emailed the seller if his min was not met I was willing to negotiate directly with him. His reply was he knew i would examine the car and low ball. He did not like me. I replied: I was not buying his personality or selling mine. I was buying a car.

[@randycallow3736]

First thing to keep in mind about vehicle travel in Mexico there are absolutely no rules and there are dozens if not hundreds of arbitrary obstacles that can happen as you cross and after you have crossed from US into Mexico if you choose that route. Each border check point is run by different people and can be completely different depending on the day of the week or time of day. So you may pass without showing import documents or paying taxes for things you are bringing. Or you could be stopped and asked to pay hundreds or even thousands..all completely random. Have had many friends crossing at the 3 San Diego crossings with all completely different results. Have seen people stopped at interior check points to be told the fees they previously paid are inadequate. Again arbitrary and random. Crossing in Texas w truck, medium trailer w beds, appliances, personal items, limited electronics like computer and TVs , half the time pass w paying nothing.. half the time paying hundreds of dollars in import taxes..my advice. Buy most things in Mexico..beds, mattresses, washer, dryer,TV all competitively priced.. and dishes and glassware, bedding, kitchen items,same.

[@nucreation9833]

If you lived in California and now you are planning to retire in Mexico what is needed to avoid paying the penalty for not having medical insurance in California?

[@michaelottesen6143]

if your 65 - medicare, or like me I have VA medical insurance. Or change your state of residence!!

[@giljusino]

I have dual Mexican and US citizenship. I’m considering a move to Mexico. I only want to move musical instruments, tools (a life collection) and very limited other things. Is International Relocation Partners the right vendor for me? BTW, we are retired, we love to travel through Mexico when it’s cold here.

[@judithgrace9850]

I came with one suitcase and a backpack. I paid to have my apartment emptied 2 months before I left in 2021.

[@JamesG1126]

Get rid of everything except 2 or 3 suitcases.

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

That's exactly what we did. By the research we did, that just seemed logical to us. ✌🏼

[@AntNvrt]

Some people down there really hate gringoires i have heard. Because of bad experiences when they came to usOFA

[@surf01er66]

Thanks !!

[@jonyork9143]

We moved to Mexico in 2022, we thought it would be our forever place. After the first year, we realized it was not for us. We left in June 2024 and are now living in France. France is much better suited to our lifestyle and, for us, is actually less expensive than Mexico. Do your research before moving to Mexico, almost all of our friends in Mexico ended up leaving just like us.

[@mydefpony]

Can I bring a kayak or a cnc machine? Only two big items I would like to keep.

[@VoiceoverMomentum]

Very helpful

[@mrdabolina7344]

Hey Paul, I have a question for you, maybe you can provide some guidance is not related to moving to old Mejico, but more related to INM notifications. I have recently divorced, Dic 30. I know that you need to notify INM in 90 days, but my problem is that I am in Australia, and my next trip to Mex, will be in September, that will be 9 months since divorcing. Also my marriage and divorce were here in Oz, there is no email to notify INM so I have no idea what to do. I am a PR card holder, but not planning to move to Mex until I get can take my 401k, known as superannuation in Oz.

[@patrickvanmeter2922]

The common denominator, Money.

[@laurenletsche1134]

you don't need all that crap

[@KatKatz11]

Help😮...we are flying private to Mexico (only becsuse we have 3 pets) next month to move there, we have our temporary residency. Can I bring 10 suitcases? Mostly all clothes, some new clothes and sandals, cosmetics, our personal documents etc. Is customs going to give us a hard time?

[@alinhirist7780]

I❤ Mexico 👍👌

[@JR-vs1zl]

An expat once got in trouble because his item was made with hemp. It is legal in america, not there in mexico. Any self defense item, you have been warned!!!!!!!

[@internationalrelocationparner]

THANKS FOR SHARING. THERE ARE MANY RULES LIKE THAT, AND THEY ALSO CHANGE REGULARLY. So, it helps to talk to an expert before doing anything.

[@qpalzm131]

Where is some of the best areas to live, prefer local not resort.

[@comounaverdura]

Al mudarse al otro país muchos quieren llevar sus taliches inútiles. Es muy caro.

[@internationalrelocationparner]

THANKS ❤

[@RexPonder-y6b]

Very expensive to live in Mexico now and the new government is very scary now be careful things are changing in Mexico

[@marshall4759]

All I care about is tools that I know will not be available.

[@jena2664]

You can buy anything in Mexico that you need. Cars are cheaper in USA.

[@rfink222]

If you are a permanent resident you cannot bring a USA plated car. Temporary residents can bring a USA plated car.

[@Californiansurfer]

❤❤1995 to 2005. My parents retired and moved to mexico it was great. But, technology and mailing stuff out there was nightmare. They are behind in technology and mailing stuff is nightmare. Then, you have to pay off the local police and other BS.. No thanks ..

[@rfink222]

I would sell everything before whether you are going to Mexico or leaving Mexico. Not worth the hassle to move all your stuff across the border, imho. I made the mistake of moving everything going to and leaving Mexico. In hindsight, it was crazy to do so. It is very expensive and a huge hassle. Don't do it! lol Let go of that old stuff and buy new stuff.

[@ernestomytv]

Research, Research and Research...😢😮😅

[@carlosalberto6483]

No cheap canadians please

[@friendryan]

so no real info just use this company

[@qroo]

They will give you a free consultation to give you specific guidance for your situation.

[@internationalrelocationparner]

Hello @friendryan Many variables apply depending on your particular status and way of shipment. (AIR, INLAND OR OCEAN) if you are crossing the border with your truck and bringing your personal things with you on a flight, it differs from hiring an international cargo service provider. On top of this, variables in the customs process tend to change depending on the entry port and with time. The best way to get updated information is to talk to a specialized customs broker or international moving company with daily operational knowledge on the entry port and destination you are moving to. We offer free 30-minute consultations for the expat community to review your particular case and provide personalized advice.

[@slong8602]

Funny it doesn't work the same way for them to come here