Moving to Mexico; FM-T, FM3, Vehicle importation & insurance.

[tumbleweeds]

We'll be heading to Michoacan in April and decided to live there for the first six months or so on a tourist visa before making the commitment to apply for an FM-3. I know that immigration states that you can't bring "household belongings" into Mexico with a FM-T, so my question is, does anyone know just what is considered household belongings? I'm assuming that clothing, sheets, towels, CD's, pots and pans, etc. would be permissible. But what about a stereo receiver, a desk-top computer, DVD player, and any other items (excluding furniture, which I know would be considered household belongings!)? What would be allowed and what wouldn't? If it matters, we'll probably be entering the country from Brownsville, TX, and will be heading to the Patzcuaro area.

Thanks in advance!

[RVGRINGO]

If you are driving into Mexico and get your FMT for 180 days, you will probably not have any difficulty in bringing in the items you mentioned. Most people do exactly that and, as long as you don't have new items, especially electronics, you will probably escape any duty; especially if you get the green light at customs.
Don't forget to get the 'importada temporal' for your car and to apply for your FM3 at least 30 days before the FMT is to expire.
You will enjoy the summer in Michoacan, a beautiful state, although the winters are a bit too chilly for most retirees.

[tumbleweeds]

RVGringo, we've been living for the past 2 years in Malaysia and believe me, a cool winter is just what we need!

What I'm hearing, then, is that as long as we make it through the border crossing, we should be fine - in other words, when passing through the various military checkpoints on the way down there, no one will be concerned with whether we are bringing household belongings with us or not, correct?

Thanks!

[RVGRINGO]

Not at all. The military checkpoints are looking for drugs, arms, ammunition and bad guys.
Try a winter in Michoacan before you consider buying. Unheated homes are not comfortable and heating is very expensive.

[tumbleweeds]

We're lucky - my brother owns a house there and we'll be care-taking it for him since he's living in the US now - it's got 2 fireplaces (and lots of free wood) and radiant heat, so it should be nice and toasty. I was there a couple of years ago and was surprised at how many homes in that area don't have heat - yes, it does get cold there, and the house is a bit over 7400 feet, so it's even colder there than in Patzcuaro.

OK then, guess we'll just hope for the green light at the border! Thanks for your help!

[floridagal]

I see this thread is from February but it's the right 'area' for this question:

How difficult is it to obtain a FM-3 after staying in Mexico for several months on a FM-T? I really don't want to drive four hours to the nearest consulate here in FL - twice - just to save a little effort unless it's going to be a major hassle there.

I want to bring just a van-full of my own used household goods - stuff I need to live & do my net work with, nothing new or exciting, and would love to have a 'green light' at the border as most people would, I'm sure.

Thanks for any helpful insights into this - just another thing I need to take care of.

Currently, all I need to get the FM-T would be: a valid driver's license, a passport, automobile registration, mexican insurance, and what else?

Do I need the physical address of my temporary home where I'm going, as well, or even more like a utility bill or proof of rental or what?

Thanks so much,

Donna

[RVGRINGO]

Most people apply for the FM3 in Mexico. The only reason that you would really need to do it in the USA would be if you were shipping furniture and needed a 'menaje de casa'. Otherwise, driving with 'used stuff for your rental' is seldom a problem if everything is obviously used.
Your automobile registration and license are needed for the temporary importation of your vehicle, not an FM3 application which will require your passport, birth certificate, FMT with 30 days left, proof of residence and proof of sufficient income from abroad to support yourself; some $1000-1300 USD per month, proven by bank statements for the past three months immediately before your application.

[floridagal]

Cool, thanks for your prompt reply as always - wish ALL forum moderators were as "on top of it" as you are RVG! :-)

No furniture will be traveling except maybe a small computer desk that I can take apart & will be nearly flat in a box and a couple of folding stools.

[BryansRose]

I'll share my recent experience with you (I came in about 3 months ago):

I came in with a desktop computer, things "needed for my rental", and a box full of books and DVDs. I got a green light, and sailed through without a problem.

If you google Sandborn's Insurance (they provide insurance in Mexico) they have some information on what you are allowed to bring across the border. I've seen the same type of list a couple other places. Laptop computers are okay;desktop computers are not. There is a limit on DVD's, books, etc. Linens, stuff "needed for your rental" are okay. There supposedly is a dollar limit, too, to the value of stuff you bring in.

I came in on an FMT and applied for my FM-3 about a week later. Took about 3 weeks to get, in San Luis Potosi. I'm currently waiting for my "household goods" to arrive.

[floridagal]

Thanks for your upbeat post - my question is why are they so weird about desktop computers? No different than a laptop except they are faster and hold more data... I need it for my internet job - it's not a luxury item - it's old and outdated.

What would they do with it if someone got a red light? I can't afford to lose all those years of work and paid data inside... not to mention family photos and other 'treasures' only important to me.

Thanks,
Donna