Can someone please tell me if it is ok to take and drive my car in Mexico if one row of the seats are removed?
I know about ALL of the requirements as far as papers to import car and ins etc etc, have really done my homework…. however, I have too much stuff to fit in my minivan unless I remove one of the three row seats, and fold down the other. I had hoped to put it on the rack on top of car. I am told by someone that lived there years ago, that you cannot put anything on top of the car on a rack! Is this true? Also, told that police check to make sure that all seats are in the car, and if I remove one and leave at home in the usa, police/customs will make me buy a new one! Is this true? Also, I am taking alot of stuff, but am staying for approx five and a half months! Was told by many that I do not have to declare anything as it is all old stuff and for my use over there. Inc. used microwave, food processor, pots and pans, all used kitchen stuff, four large coolers etc. my old clothes, shoes etc. Am staying in my long term boyfriends half finished cement house in the mountains, have stayed there before for 4 months and really hard as I got sick from the water and spicy food. There is electric, but the kitchen outside where they cook with firewood. This trip I want to cook my food my way, and for them too. Also taking new portable camping toilet as no water line to house. Also taking old airconditioner as I have asthma and need it, last time the asthma was a problem without the ac. I find it hard to believe with all the problems over there re drugs and guns at the border, that I will have a problem with all my planning and perfect papers, etc. I found the police over there last time to be nice and helpful, never a problem. But mexican friend here is telling me they will try to take my things as they are not available over there, ie portable toilet! My boyfriends family has no money, and I have sold everything here in usa to get the money for this trip, just about to the penny with little left over for food etc. I am in my travelling alone from nyc to south of mexico, I know it will not be easy, and of course I am a little afraid of the violence in the news, but will be as carefull as possible! Just do not want problems with customs! Anyone really know what is correct info about stuff on top of car and taking out the third row seat? THANK~ YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH FOR ANY INFO AND ADVICE YOU MAY HAVE!
I had also wanted to take 3 really cheap used folding small tables, and 2 folding chairs, use one for microwave one for computer and one to eat. Are these considered house hold furniture? or not? could be used for outside camping. thanks to Charlie for his answer and help!
Well, first, I hope you know you cannot bring household furnishings into Mexico without n FM visa. However, i thnk you will be ok with those items. They may look closely, they may not look at all. I don’t think the seat being out will be a problem…never heard of that. Hv pe had friends bring a truck full of similar stuff with no problem. Put a number on each box and make a list of what is in each box…if they do ask waht all you have, provide the list,t . You cannot have loose stuff fastened on top of the car. if you have a car rop carrier, either soft of hard, you may use that. w
Sounds like you’ve been given some really bizarre misinformation.
You’d know how bizarre it is if you spent even a few minutes at a border crossing. There are always hundreds of cars and trucks, with both Mexican and American plates, going into Mexico with tons of things strapped to the roof, truck beds full, and trailers loaded to the rafters.
As the other person mentioned, American citizens should not be carrying a raft of household items unless you have the type of visa that lets you live in Mexico as a resident. This kind of makes sense: why does a legitimate tourist carrying carrying a sofa and dining room table??
On the other hand, if you have a Mexican national traveling with you….then you could probably have a whole household full of furniture and appliances and only have to pay applicable duty.
If you’re talking about removing the seat to fit in legitimate stuff, or are aware of the import requirements and are prepared to explain why you need to transport the stuff you’re carrying (and pay possible import duties), then there should be no reason anyone would question the lack of a seat.