New Mexican Foreign Worker's Policy??? what?

Thanks for the info. I passed it along to my photog. So, basically, the hotel is ripping you all off, that's the way I see it. I am not having my wedding at an AI. There are no penalty fees for brining in any outside vendors (w/ the acception of food). I find it odd that only AI's are craking down on this.

Hey! When they sent the email to me, I just reminded them that i was told prior to booking with El Dorado, of the old policy, and asked them to honor it.
Do you have anything in writing from the resort about your agmt to only pay the 3 nights stay? It also wouldn't hurt to respectively remind them it is bad business practice to go back on what was already agreed upon seemed to work for me (so far anyways!!) let me know how it goes!

I don't think it's all AIs, but EDR in particular. My hotel is super nice about me bringing in my own photographer. I have checked several times about vendors & the answer is always I can do whatever I want. The have vendors, but it seems like that is more just to help someone who doens't want to find their own.

I have a feeling, that it may be because the AI's do more weddings, and they are feeling the pressure from the government to make sure that the government is getting their cut (aka taxes)
From what I gather, these laws have always been in place, and are not "new policy" as EDR has informed me. Rather, they are old policies/laws that they are starting to enforce. It looks like they are requiring all outside vendors (mexican or not) to have the proper paperwork (licences, visas and such) to prove that they legitimately can work in the jurisdiction.

That being said - I'm sure EDR could have handled this alot better then they did!!

that is super weird, I haven't heard anything about this. Maybe you can call the Mexican Consulate and ask to see if its valid

I guess what I meant was, the hotel should inform you what documents are needed. Not send you an email saying, you need to pay this fine. It seems that as long as you have the correct documentation, you are not doing anything illegal. Our hotel could do the same, say they will get a fine for bringing in a photographer from the states. The hotel I am marrying at is pretty popular (as in DW's). It concerns me that they want to charge a fine IN ADDITION to booking at least a 3 night minimum.

the $500 fine is for anyone bringing someone in - foreigner or not. I don't have to pay for that fee anymore, but I do still have to ensure that they have government permission to 'work' in mexico-otherwise I assume they will prevent them from working!!

yes I agree that it seems like only AI's only really charge this-and it is completely unfair - it is a total money grab. If I was able to do it all over again - I would probably have gone down the path you did.
but hindsight is 20/20 isn't?

Here's what Valeria emailed me on February 3:

"About photographers, the Hotel has a very strict policy regarding outsider suppliers and or vendors. There is a 500 usd fee to bring an outsider photographer, musician, decorators, etc. If this photographer is part of the wedding group, and he's staying at the Hotel with you for a minimum of 3 nights, this fee will be waived."

 

We'll see if they try to wiggle out of that one.

I completely agree. If it wasn't for this forum, I would not have ever thought of asking the venues I was considering if they charged for outside vendors.

1) Business -. All those persons who travel to México for business meetings and with the purpose of acquiring new contacts, sales promotions, manufacture and production, marketing, distribution, services to customers or to explore new investment opportunities in Mexico.

 

the thing is Im not attempting to do any of this..... I am doing work for an american or canadian citizen, not for any persons with mexican citizenship!

 

so this FMTTV doesn't even apply. read the last section services to customers or to explore new investment opportunities in Mexico. "in mexico" is the key. and since no money is being exchanged for services in the country, there is no issue. Methinks these hotels are trying to make an extra buck on you girls..

 

fwiw.. if you photog stays with you at the hotel, stays low key, travels light... and you have told the hotel that a friend is taking your pictures, you are good to go. they can't prove that im a professional. I have no business cards with me and only have the minimum amount of gear, heck I will even look a guest.

 

girls... this has been around for years and years. just choose your resort and your vendors carefully, and live happily ever after