When packing before your trip to Mexico, bear in mind the country's customs' requirements in order to know which objects are tax-free. In this manner you will avoid misunderstandings and fully enjoy your stay on these Aztec lands.

In general terms, objects regarded as personal baggage (see annexed list) are free of taxation.

In addition, there is a so-called franchise, a legal figure that allows introducing tax-free goods, provided that they do not exceed the amounts stipulated by the competent authorities (see franchise item).

The following objects are considered personal baggage in Mexico:

• Clothes, footwear and other dressing items, both new and used. Products of personal hygiene in amounts according to the days you are to stay in the country.
• The suitcases, valises or luggage containing the passenger's stuff are also exonerated from taxation.
• One non-professional video or movie camera, one photo camera with 12 film rolls tops, binoculars, one portable TV, one portable radio cassette for recording or reproducing, five laser disks, five DVDs, 20 compact disks or audio cassettes, one video player, one portable computer (laptop, notebook, omnibook or similar, new or used), one radio localiser (GPS), and one typewriter.

• Only one tent and all the necessary equipment for camping. Also four fishing rods with their respective accessories and two sport gears per person (used and provided they can be carried by a single individual).
• Books and magazines in reasonable quantities. One musical instrument and up to five toys, provided that a single person can carry them.
• Medications for personal use can be freely brought in, although a medical prescription is required for psychotropic substances. Wheelchairs, crutches and other implements indispensable for disabled passengers are also free of taxation.
• It is allowed to enter up to 20 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars and 200 grams of tobacco. Besides 3 litres of wine, beer or any other liquor, provided that the passenger is not less than 18 years of age.

Franchise exonerations

• Be it by air or sea, you can freely enter objects whose value or combined values do not exceed 300 US dollars or its equivalent in national or foreign currency. This amount drops to 50 US dollars when you come by land. In every case passengers must produce the invoices and receipts to substantiate the amount spent.
• The franchise does not permit the entering of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, tobacco and similar products. Exonerations are not applied on fuel when coming in by land, save that contained in the vehicle's fuel tank at the moment of crossing the border.

Other recommendations

• Do not try, under any circumstance, to enter or leave the country with drugs or illegal substances. Punishments in such cases are very severe in Mexico, and just a few grams of illegal substances in your luggage can bring several years in prison upon you.
• Counter trafficking operations are usually exercised at Mexican airports, mostly in Mexico City. Do not be scared or afraid if any authorised official asks you to check your luggage. Calmness will be your best ally on such cases.
• Also bear in mind that it is prohibited to export antiques and pre-Hispanic objects.
• Do not carry with you undeclared objects; you will be fined with an amount of money higher than the value of the object if your intentions come to the attention of migration authorities.
• The entering of plants, fruits, vegetables, or any other organic substance is forbidden. Only canned food is allowed save those containing pork, in no matter what presentation.
• It is totally prohibited to bring in firearms and ammunitions lacking the corresponding import permit.
• If you wish to bring your pet or other domesticated animal, you must present a good health certificate signed by a veterinarian, besides a rabies vaccination certificate no older than 6 months.

* If you wish to have further information, feel free to ask for it at Mexico's embassies and consulates.