Customs in Mexico - declaring wedding stuff

[murmel]

HELP

 

Leaving in less than 2 weeks. Starting to pack for Cancun Mexico.

Can someone help me with what the requirements are?

 

Items that I will be bringing other then clothing and my essential regular vacation stuff include:

artificial flowers! four bouquests, 5 centrepiece arrangements and boutineers. - should I have my florist make up a receipt for less than three hundred dollars?

 

Other items include: small starfish, photo frames, small things for OOT bags (dollar store stuff), Koozies, OOT bags, hmmm cant think of anything else. I don't have receipt for dollar store stuff. Can I make up receipts? OR just have a document outliming whats in the bag and how much it costs? or are real receipts needed?

 

....

Oh gosh, sorry I have missed this post. In case you have not left home yet...don't panic! The only thing you need to claim is items you are NOT taking back home again. In this case the items in your OOT bags you are giving to friends and family. I am assuming the flowers you and taking back home again, so you do not need to claim these. They may ask at customs what they are, and you would simply tell them it's wedding decor.

 

I am not sure how to explain properly, but here goes: You have to claim items entering Mexico that will be given as gifts or remain in Mexico. Personal items (including your dress, decor, etc) that you bring with you and take home do not need to be claimed.

 

From the list you offered I would suggest you would claim the OOT bags, koozies and items going into the OOT bags. If you don't have the receipts don't worry to much, just have a general idea what it's worth. As well, the only time they will ask for this info is if you get red light and have to get your luggage looked at. Otherwise it's green light and go!

[Carlicardenas]

I did not get checked when we went to Cancun at all.. ugh this is ridiculous!

[KSanford70]

I followed all of the suggestions in this forum and had NO PROBLEMS at all! Although they did start to go through one bag, once I pulled out my list and receipts, he said, "Ok, ok" and just waved us through. We each had 2 duffle bags filled with wedding décor/OOT stuff, on top of our personal luggage, carry-ons and my dress. We got a family member to bring one additional bag for us that did not get searched either. Being OVER prepared never hurt anyone!

[JMK923]

I'm leaving next week and started to panic over this too! I have receipts for every gift and also the wedding decor lol. I need to finish putting together a list with everything too just to be prepared. Phew, thanks for easing my nerves ladies!

Oh, and I believe you can only carry $300 worth of gifts per person or $600 per couple. I also need to figure this out because I very well may have more than that amount.

[murmel]

I'm leaving next week and started to panic over this too! I have receipts for every gift and also the wedding decor lol. I need to finish putting together a list with everything too just to be prepared. Phew, thanks for easing my nerves ladies!

Oh, and I believe you can only carry $300 worth of gifts per person or $600 per couple. I also need to figure this out because I very well may have more than that amount.

Yes...total is $300/person worth of gifts you are bringing into Mexico. Don't include your decor, wedding dress, etc....anything that you will use and take home again does not need to be claimed. Just the items you would be leaving in Mexico or giving to your guests.

[JanetandDan2014]

So am I right that in summary:

 

My OOT gifts are the only things I am giving to my guests and not bringing back with me are under $900 ($300 per person for , me, my fiancé, my stepdaughter)... then I am good?

[JenniferM]

This post is a huge help. Thanks!

[Wedding2014]

Do they open the oot bags?? Even if they are clear but stapled will they open them to inspect??? I know in the states they will randomly

[Mandiesue]

This is great information... Is it the same policies for the Dominican Republic? I am getting married there in 2015.

[KSanford70]

Do they open the oot bags?? Even if they are clear but stapled will they open them to inspect??? I know in the states they will randomly

No....I didn't assemble mine until I got there though.  I left all of the stuff loose. I had flip flops, t-shirts, luggage tags, candles, lip balm and hand sanitizer and candy.  I also put in a list of common spanish phrases and words you will need to get around Mexico.

 

Finished product:

Edited January 30, 2014 by KSanford70