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Things NOT to Bring to Mexico

NO BS in MexicoWhether you are just visiting Mexico or making the move as an expat there are some things you will want to leave at home. There are the obvious things like guns (you must have a special permit for those) and illicit drugs, medical marijuana is included in that category and Mexico doesn’t recognize those US state laws.  For either of those two violations you will almost certainly wind up in Mexican jail.  Not a place you want to be.

Some of the other penalties are not as serious, but at a minimum you will have those goods or products confiscated and you will also be fined and/or detained.  Better to just read through this list and avoid the hassles.

A list of what you should NOT bring to Mexico:

Animals and Food Products:

  • Alive predator fish, in their states of young fish, youthful and adult.
  • Beef
  • Fowl
  • Pork
  • Totoaba, fresh or cooled (fish).
  • Frozen Totoaba (fish).
  • Turtle eggs or any class
  • Skins of turtle or Loggerhead turtle

Specific Drug Derivatives (This is in addition to ALL other illegal drugs)

  • Poppy seeds (Narcotic).
  • Flour of poppy seeds (Narcotic).
  • Seeds and spores of marijuana (Cannabis indica), even though when they are mixed with other seeds.
  • Marijuana (Cannabis indica).
  • Juice and extracts of opium, prepared to smoke.
  • Extracts and juice derived from marijuana (Cannabis indica).
  • Mucilage and condensed products derived from the marijuana (Cannabis indica).
  • Heroin, base or hydrochloride of diacetylmorphine.
  • Medication prepared with marijuana (Cannabis indica).
  • Medication prepared with acetylmorphine or of its salts or derivatives.

Printed Materials, Propaganda or Collectibles

  • Stamps or printed transfers in colors or in black and white, displayed for their sale in envelopes or packages, even when they include chewing gum, candies or any other type of articles, containing drawings, figures or illustrations that represent childhood in a degrading or ridiculous way, on attitudes of incitement to violence, to self-destruction or in any other form of antisocial behavior, known like Garbage Pail Kids, for example, printed by any company or commercial denomination.

Fertilizers and Insecticides 

  • Thallium sulfate.
  • Insecticide (Isodrin or Aldrin).
  • Insecticide (Heptaclor or Drinox).
  • Insecticide (Endrin or Mendrin or Nendrin or Hexadrin).
  • Insecticide (Leptophos).

Historical

  • Goods that have been declared as archaeological monuments by the Secretariat of Public Education.

In summary you should  leave the weed and guns, your pet shark and chemistry set behind.  Interesting to note the bizarre restrictions of collectible stamps that degrade children or portray children in a derogatory manner.  This comes directly from the Aduanas website.

If you would like more details on customs regulations for Mexico please visit the Aduanas (mexico customs) website:

http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/pasajeros/139_10179.html

June 16, 2014 By Ron Burdine

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Expat Testimonials

We can truthfully say that were it not for Ron’s sage guidance and advice, we would not have made the decision to buy land and build a house in Mexico. We have not had a single regret. It is simply paradise. And Ron is one of the angels. Thomas M. Bayer, PhD. Laura D. Kelley, PhD. Tulane University New Orleans.
Thomas & LauraTulane UniversityNew Orleans
If you are visiting Tulum, I highly endorse working with Ron. As an Expat he understands the needs and desires of those traveling to the area for a vacation or looking to relocate to the area. You will be in great hands with Ron. Feel free to contact me to discuss Ron’s merits further!
Brian Ripley
Ron Burdine made this whole move from Philadelphia possible..their knowledge and organization skills (that I don’t have) helped me create order out of my chaos..there are a million details that are just too much for one person to put in order. At least this one person. We followed Ron’s suggestions and had the secure feeling that we were ready for anything, and we were.. we had insurance, directions, hints, tips and suggestions..we have been here (Isla Mujeres) for 6 weeks and Ron is still o… Read more
Bart Salop
Ron is the consummate professional and an incredible resource to have for all-things-Tulum and the surrounding areas.  Ron’s in-depth knowledge of, and caring ways for, this magnificent region of Mexico is second-to-none.  If you’re seeking vacation or travel advice for things such as lodging/hospitality/spa’s, restaurants, shopping, beaches, sports/fitness, adventure day-trips to the nearby ruins/fishing/boating/diving/snorkeling/cenotes/zip-lining, 4-wheeling, etc., or need more in-dep… Read more
Michael SchmitAustin, TX

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