What can I bring back

[stormy]

My friends already have a list of what they want. > One wants me to find her a knock off purse. The other wants earrings. One wants tequila. I wonder is there a limit to what you can bring back? Mom wanted me to go to a pharmacy, I dont think I need that. Although if I could find my zoloft cheap, I would consider it. I just wonder if I can even bring a bottle of tequila back. And what a bummer that I would have to tell her to hold on to it for about 6 months so I could have a shot. :-? HA! I really want to find some cute earrings myself. Something to remember the trip. Maybe an anklet or something, that would be nice. Someone told me that I should take all my jewelery off before I go. Did everyone take theirs off. What about my wedding ring. Should I leave that home too? I guess if I did and I found a nice ring down there, that could be an excuse. HA! I wonder, what did you all buy when you were down there?

[teyann]

Hi,

I found this on the internet and thought it might be helpful, probably more info than you want but I will just copy and paste it all (Just ignore the part about illegal drugs etc... LOL . Good Luck!

Crossing the Border Into the US From Mexico by Car

At the Mexico-US border, you'll drive through one of several lanes (number of lanes depends on how much traffic the border crossing handles). A customs official will probably be standing at the side of the road and will motion for you to stop; he'll ask if you've anything to declare. Tell the truth and, as long as you are carrying nothing illegal like switchblades or illicit drugs, you'll be fine.

You may be searched, as may be your car; if you've lied, you may go straight to jail and lose your car.

All my border crossings into the U.S. from Mexico by car have been absolutely painless, but friends have told me tales of trouble at the border. It's said that U.S. customs officials are notoriously more difficult than their Mexican counterparts, probably because there is a good deal of smuggling traffic crossing into the U.S. from Mexico.

Crossing Into the US From Mexico - US Customs

Avoid any problems with US customs at the Mexico border by declaring exactly what you have brought back from Mexico with you and, obviously, don't bring back anything illegal, like drugs.

What you can and can't bring back from Mexico and US tax info:

There is a $400 exemption for gifts and personal articles you've purchased in Mexico; anything over that amount will be taxed

One liter of alcoholic beverage per person over 21 is okay - more will be taxed; note that the state of Texas taxes all alcohol brought back from Mexico

No steroids, period; make sure you have a prescription for any other medication

No illegal drugs; if you have the slightest amount, you can be fined and sent to jail -- your car may even be confiscated

No switchblade knives

So many fruits from Mexico are prohibited in the US that you may as well not bring any back

No guns of any kind; even ammo is a no-no - you can get documentation showing that you legally purchased a firearm you're carrying in the U.S., but why bother taking a gun to Mexico?

Fish you caught in Mexico are okay

While doing a little research, I also discovered a (probably) little known prohibition: no clothing, purses, wallets or shoes/boots made of endangered species, like sea turtles. I hadn't known there was a market for sea turtle boots!

Don't Smuggle Drugs Across the US Border From Mexico

At the risk of sounding redundant, I cannot stress strongly enough what a bad idea it is to bring illegal drugs back with you, even though the temptation may be strong because illegal drugs are plentiful and cheap for tourists in Mexico. It's also very smart not to be drugged or intoxicated while crossing the border.

Returning to the US From Mexico

The drive home is going to seem awfully tame after the casual craziness of the Mexican road! Now that you've seen how easy it is to safely tour Mexico by car, start making plans for your next trip as soon as get home.

Hasta pronto!

Go back to page one to read more about driving in Mexico.

Return to Mexico Travel category - Return to Student Travel

[yoyodieter]

Oh,tequila is not carbonated so no need to wait 6 months. However it is empty calories. but sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do

good luck to you and your husband. Oh how I wish I lived back in Portland, I get so home sick at times and sick of these borders

[mlgpdx]

Hey Stormy.. I brought back, tequilla, belite (similiar but better than crystal lite), ceramic, dress, jewlery, snacks in spanish.. LOL.. oh and tramadol. My mom brought back viagra and tequilla. I didn't have any problems with anything. I've been twice. 2nd time I brought back several bottles of liquor.

[stormy]

Wow they let your bring back viagra, WOW. I take Ambien, maybe I will check that out too. How incredible. I only really need one bottle but a bottle of kahula would be nice too. I love that stuff. Vicodin would be nice too, HA! Who knows. Is there a phamacy by the hotel? I plan on doing shopping where ever they take me. Even if I have to buy a bag to take back stuff in. I love to shop. Now I just have to figure out pasos, I dont really understand it. Someone said, I think 10 pasos = 1 dollar. I dont know, I will have to look it up. I dont want to get ripped off down there cause I dont know what I am doing.

[jena]

Just remember, if you are flying, you either have to pack the alcohol in your luggage and check it in.

I felt like a total idiot standing in line to get through the checkpoint in San Diego with a Coke Zero in one hand and a giant bottle of Tequila in the other. I was so proud of myself for remembering to throw out the Coke Zero before we got all the way up to the security check.Then it hit me. OH CRAP!!! I can't take the bottle on the plane! Long story short, the nice TSA person suggested that I find some packaging, wrap it up in newspaper, put my name and address on it and check it in as luggage. A nice lady in one of the shops found me a box, wrapped up the bottle, put it in the box and taped it up really good. I wrote my name and address on it, hurried to the luggage check in and handed it over and crossed my fingers.

It made it safely to the Atlanta airport and I from time to time enjoy a tiny bit of awesome sipping tequila.

It's good to know that the "silver" jewelry being sold on the street is not silver. I got a cute Coach knock off purse for $10. Do not buy legal drugs from the men on the street, hanging around the side streets by the pharmacies. Buy them from the pharmacy. Take your prescription bottles and don't forget to consider the price there vs. the price of your deductible on your insurance.

[stormy]

So if I buy a bottle, I cant put it in the bag I take on the plane. hmm ok strange. I guess they may think it is a bomb or something. I guess if I do, I will buy a bag down there and have that one put on the back of the plane, I hate to do that, but if that is what I have to do, ug! Ya I dont plan on buying anything like that from people walking up to me. That is scarry. Ya my insurance deductable is pretty good. But my insurance will not give me more than a month supply at a time. So it would be nice to get a month down there, but it may not be worth the money. Guess I can't buy anything illigal, HA! No way I would, now who would be stupid enough to go down there and buy pot or something. That is crazy. The things people will do. I can see it now. I went down to get lap band and became americas most wanted. HA! NOT! I am already scarred to death about going out of state, let alone the country. This is a first for me. If I like it maybe I will go to Cabo or something next time. This could be kinda neat.

[BrooklynIrish59]

The one thing I wish I had thought to buy at the Pharmacy in Mexico was Mederma ointment. It was about $11 USD there while here it about $19-$23 here. I know many bandsters have used it for their scars, although I have to tell you my scars from the lapband surgery I had in April are almost gone. It's still good to have for other scars.

Good luck Stormy.... The whole trip for me is still surreal. I can remember reading everyone's description of the OCC and also seeing some pictures before hand...once I was there actually getting ready for my surgery, it felt like a dream. You will do fine, they take exceptionally good care of you at the OCC. Have your husband take some pictures so you can remember what you missed while you were groggy.

Ya know, it's sort of like a wedding. You spend months and months planning for everything to be perfect and just like a wedding, you just can't please everyone with your choice of where you have it. Then the big day comes...you're excited, you're nervous, you get to wear new (blue paper) panties for your special day. Then before you know it, it's over in a flash, and the best part....you still leave with a ring!

So happy wedding day!

Barb

[mona-camille]

Don't buy ANY jewelry, it is all fake. Even the pieces that they show you with a purity stamp on it. They have learned how to fake that too. Now, if you don't care about the quality and will wear it as costume jewelry, then fine, but just realize none of it is real. Do not pay full price for anything either - on Revolution Avenue. Hewever, if you go to the mall, its' just like ours, overpriced and you can't barter. There are Pharmacias all over the place. You can't miss them.

The reason they tell you to take off your jewelry is because the Mexicans assume you have lots of money if you wear it and they will not let you alone. Plus, why risk having good jewelry stolen? Leave it home, no need for it there.

Try to remember, since you are both having the surgery done, you both have to carry your own bags over the border. So, you don't want to buy too much because it will make your bags too heavy to carry alone. And after surgery, you aren't supposed to life anything heavy for a while. So pack as lightly as you can and save the hordes of shopping for another time, like when you go back for your first fill. I'm not saying don't buy anything, just keep it light so you can haul it back home easily.

[Dolittle]

My friends already have a list of what they want. > One wants me to find her a knock off purse. The other wants earrings. One wants tequila. I wonder is there a limit to what you can bring back? Mom wanted me to go to a pharmacy, I dont think I need that. Although if I could find my zoloft cheap, I would consider it. I just wonder if I can even bring a bottle of tequila back. And what a bummer that I would have to tell her to hold on to it for about 6 months so I could have a shot. :-? HA! I really want to find some cute earrings myself. Something to remember the trip. Maybe an anklet or something, that would be nice. Someone told me that I should take all my jewelery off before I go. Did everyone take theirs off. What about my wedding ring. Should I leave that home too? I guess if I did and I found a nice ring down there, that could be an excuse. HA! I wonder, what did you all buy when you were down there?

Most of the liters of alcohol come in plastic bottles,, so that makes it easier to pack in your checked luggage. The luggage monkeys at the airport have a harder time destroying the plastic. Those bottles that are glass, well that's another story. But remember,, TSA rules are still 3oz or less of liquids can be in your carry on luggage, over 3oz has to be in your checked luggage.

[stormy]

Thanks for all the info. I wont shop too much, most likely will be too tired. We will definately leave our jewerly home. I need to find a place in the house to hide it, just in case. I am setting the alarm but who knows. I still have to get ahold of t-mobile about my phone. I really only want to call and check on my son, everyone else can wait. Well, who knows I may want to call my friend. We will see. I can't believe this is happening in less then 3 days. I am so excited. Now if I could just lose more weight. I dont want them to say no, I am so close but not close enough

[Kittycat]

Thanks for all the info. I wont shop too much, most likely will be too tired. We will definately leave our jewerly home. I need to find a place in the house to hide it, just in case. I am setting the alarm but who knows. I still have to get ahold of t-mobile about my phone. I really only want to call and check on my son, everyone else can wait. Well, who knows I may want to call my friend. We will see. I can't believe this is happening in less then 3 days. I am so excited. Now if I could just lose more weight. I dont want them to say no, I am so close but not close enough

Hi Stormy, when you do and your hubby fly out?

[Cujo]

"My mom brought back viagra and tequilla."

Sounds like mom is getting lucky tonight!

You should watch the pharmacuticals you buy. Mx does not have a strong regulatory body and many drugs sold are not up to US or Canadian standards. I would check with the concierge at the hotel to get a referral to a good pharmacy.

[mlgpdx]

"My mom brought back viagra and tequilla."

Sounds like mom is getting lucky tonight!

\

I KNOW!.. heck I absolutely did NOT want to think about it! I mean after I was born I'm sure my parents never had sex again!

[momonamission]

here are my wishes and regrets. I wish I had not bought that stupid purse. It broke in the airport on the way home. I could have bought a Vera Bradley for that 50 bucks I wasted. I wish I had bought more of there vanilla extract. It is real good stuff and I think it is a great gift for other people when you get back. most of the stuff you get caught up in buying is junk. But, it is still is fun buying it. I found if you have insurance that pays for drugs than you are better off paying your deductable. I did not buy any drugs. I was afraid to be that 1 in 50 that get checked. It was not worth going to a TJ prison. Just remember we on this forum can just tell you our experience. That says nothing about how offical our information is. Just decide what you want to do and what you are willing to risk. I am a frady cat and have two kids at home so I was very careful and took no chances. Than again ....I always am the over protective one. Have a great time. I would be more afraid of playing frogger on the streets. lol

[mona-camille]

Is that you Mindi? My band buddy from 3/24? You changed your hair and you are freaking skinny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're hot in that picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[OICU812]

You mean to tell me that the $20 Rolex and the $15 Prada purse that my wife bought were not real. My watch broke on the way home, but it still has the right time twice a day, so I'll keep it. And that silver bracelet that I bought off of the 6 year old girl on Rev. Ave. is a fake too. If I ever see her again!!, well she'll probably hear from my lawyer. At least I still have my Luchador mask to wear. anyone who didn't buy one of those is just crazy. You just can't find a good Luchador mask anywhere around here. I was afraid of getting caught with too much tequila in my bags, so I had my band filled with it. Now I can't wait for a good PB so I can enjoy the smooth taste of Cuervo. I passed some gas that blew a 2.4 BAC. Nobody understands the Mexican frogger until they try to cross the street at the roundabout in front of the hotel. Not just a bunch of fat folks, the skinny ones too. The cars stop for the fat guys, cause they do damage. I think they just run over the skinny ones and keep going. I wanted to buy some Vanilla too, but my wife reminded me that all I needed was more pies. I'd probably be back down for a second lap band soon enough. I didn't even realize you could buy Viagra at the pharmacies. That would be very HARD to pass up. Liquor in plastic bottles? I'm going to Mexico because I am too fat, I figured I would at least maintain a little dignity and buy my liquor in a glass bottle.

[vix]

Stormy,

One thing about the "knock off" purses.....DON'T pay a penny more than $20 for ANY of them...including the larger ones. The purse I wanted was a knock off Gucci and it had a price of $125 on it. I have bought really good knock offs before in Florida and paid a bit more, but even though this one was a larger one, I eventually ended up paying $20 for it. Once summer is over and the tourists are gone, they are desperate for a sale down on Revolucion Ave and will pretty much take anything you give them. I bartered with this gal for about 20 minutes over the purse and started walking away several times. I started out saying that I would only pay $20 and kept starting to walk away and she would call me back. Finally, she was broken down...lol...and I got the purse. I love it! It's super sturdy and looks great...but it's not worth more than $20. Same with the jewelry. They have some nice silver stuff, but they will take a LOT less than they originally ask.

As far as the pharmacies, I did end up buying 4 boxes of the sublingual medication that the OCC gives you 4 pills of, but that is more because I am allergic to every single pain medication on the US market except tramadol and toradol (which is what they give you). So, I was so happy I had it when I had my knee surgery last week because if I hadn't gotten it, I wouldn't have had it since they either don't prescribe that here in the US or just don't like to give it (the toradol).

Anyway, have a blast and we will see you on the other side! > > >

[doinitagann]

You mean to tell me that the $20 Rolex and the $15 Prada purse that my wife bought were not real. My watch broke on the way home, but it still has the right time twice a day, so I'll keep it. And that silver bracelet that I bought off of the 6 year old girl on Rev. Ave. is a fake too. If I ever see her again!!, well she'll probably hear from my lawyer. At least I still have my Luchador mask to wear. anyone who didn't buy one of those is just crazy. You just can't find a good Luchador mask anywhere around here. I was afraid of getting caught with too much tequila in my bags, so I had my band filled with it. Now I can't wait for a good PB so I can enjoy the smooth taste of Cuervo. I passed some gas that blew a 2.4 BAC. Nobody understands the Mexican frogger until they try to cross the street at the roundabout in front of the hotel. Not just a bunch of fat folks, the skinny ones too. The cars stop for the fat guys, cause they do damage. I think they just run over the skinny ones and keep going. I wanted to buy some Vanilla too, but my wife reminded me that all I needed was more pies. I'd probably be back down for a second lap band soon enough. I didn't even realize you could buy Viagra at the pharmacies. That would be very HARD to pass up. Liquor in plastic bottles? I'm going to Mexico because I am too fat, I figured I would at least maintain a little dignity and buy my liquor in a glass bottle.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

I so needed that laugh!!!! What a breath of fresh air.

Sorry, I am having a real bad day, week, year, whatever. Laughing is the best medicine though. So thanks again!

BTW- I got my good mexican vanilla off ebay for real cheap. No tequila on ebay but at least the vanilla is too die for!!

[stormy]

Hi Stormy, when you do and your hubby fly out?

We leave Thursday morning at 10:00 am

[stormy]

You mean to tell me that the $20 Rolex and the $15 Prada purse that my wife bought were not real. My watch broke on the way home, but it still has the right time twice a day, so I'll keep it. And that silver bracelet that I bought off of the 6 year old girl on Rev. Ave. is a fake too. If I ever see her again!!, well she'll probably hear from my lawyer. At least I still have my Luchador mask to wear. anyone who didn't buy one of those is just crazy. You just can't find a good Luchador mask anywhere around here. I was afraid of getting caught with too much tequila in my bags, so I had my band filled with it. Now I can't wait for a good PB so I can enjoy the smooth taste of Cuervo. I passed some gas that blew a 2.4 BAC. Nobody understands the Mexican frogger until they try to cross the street at the roundabout in front of the hotel. Not just a bunch of fat folks, the skinny ones too. The cars stop for the fat guys, cause they do damage. I think they just run over the skinny ones and keep going. I wanted to buy some Vanilla too, but my wife reminded me that all I needed was more pies. I'd probably be back down for a second lap band soon enough. I didn't even realize you could buy Viagra at the pharmacies. That would be very HARD to pass up. Liquor in plastic bottles? I'm going to Mexico because I am too fat, I figured I would at least maintain a little dignity and buy my liquor in a glass bottle.

Oh my god, you crack me up. Can I have tequila put in my band too. HAH HAHA The passing gas part, now that is scarry. My bartering skills are not up to par, they are going to see me coming, this is going to be tough. I will do my best, but a good watch would be nice. What is a Luchador mask, is that like ZORROS mask. I told my husband, I am going to find my latin lover down there. He just laughed, he says he will be my lover, forget the latin. What is up with the vanilla. I want Kahula that is what sounds good. I dont need to be cooking, that is how I got fat!

[mlgpdx]

Is that you Mindi? My band buddy from 3/24? You changed your hair and you are freaking skinny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're hot in that picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:-h HI Ramona, yes it's me! You're 3/24 banding buddy Thanks for the compliment thanks for noticing

[JoanneB]

You mean to tell me that the $20 Rolex and the $15 Prada purse that my wife bought were not real. My watch broke on the way home, but it still has the right time twice a day, so I'll keep it. And that silver bracelet that I bought off of the 6 year old girl on Rev. Ave. is a fake too. If I ever see her again!!, well she'll probably hear from my lawyer. At least I still have my Luchador mask to wear. anyone who didn't buy one of those is just crazy. You just can't find a good Luchador mask anywhere around here. I was afraid of getting caught with too much tequila in my bags, so I had my band filled with it. Now I can't wait for a good PB so I can enjoy the smooth taste of Cuervo. I passed some gas that blew a 2.4 BAC. Nobody understands the Mexican frogger until they try to cross the street at the roundabout in front of the hotel. Not just a bunch of fat folks, the skinny ones too. The cars stop for the fat guys, cause they do damage. I think they just run over the skinny ones and keep going. I wanted to buy some Vanilla too, but my wife reminded me that all I needed was more pies. I'd probably be back down for a second lap band soon enough. I didn't even realize you could buy Viagra at the pharmacies. That would be very HARD to pass up. Liquor in plastic bottles? I'm going to Mexico because I am too fat, I figured I would at least maintain a little dignity and buy my liquor in a glass bottle.

You are too funny!! That was great for a laugh, and informative!! I will see what I can do about smuggling the tequila in my band!! tee hee. I will have to make sure to avoid that little girl, and make sure I practice frogger before I go.

[AngelaAnn]

Wow they let your bring back viagra, WOW. I take Ambien, maybe I will check that out too. How incredible. I only really need one bottle but a bottle of kahula would be nice too. I love that stuff. Vicodin would be nice too, HA! Who knows. Is there a phamacy by the hotel? I plan on doing shopping where ever they take me. Even if I have to buy a bag to take back stuff in. I love to shop. Now I just have to figure out pasos, I dont really understand it. Someone said, I think 10 pasos = 1 dollar. I dont know, I will have to look it up. I dont want to get ripped off down there cause I dont know what I am doing.

I'm from San Diego so, no worries. I have a thyroid problem and get my meds down there for $3 for 90 days worth. I also get chronic strep throat so I also get my antibiotics down there too. Mexico is not the den of hell everyone likes to believe...just be smart about it. Don't do anything down there that you wouldn't do in the U.S.--and as far as gifts go, you will have no problems. Just don't forget your passport! (or i.d + birth certificate until January 2009)

[jhawkchick75]

We leave Thursday morning at 10:00 am

YEA!!! Have a safe trip and we can't wait to hear about your trip!!!