Rocky Point Talk archive

Foods allowable ....

Started by sunshine · Jul 4, 2011 · 43 replies
sunshine
in and out of Mexico.
Can someone point me the right direction to get a list of these foods.
With all I am hearing and reading I think it would be a good idea to keep a copy with us when crossing.
Of course, keeping it updated on the day we travel.

Thanks,
Sunshine

:sunny:
93BLAZER
Thats a hard question to answer as there are so many variables involved. It really depends on teh day of the week, water temprture, barometric temperture and wind direction.
mondone
Not to mention soil moisture and organic matter analysis....:roll:
Roberto
Not to mention unhelpful wise a**es. :p:notme::notme::wink:
Sonora
Getting a copy of the latest Rockypoint Times would be a good start. They list the main items.
GringoZona
If you are following the other "Crossing..." thread, you'll see that the guidlines have changed as far as what you can bring into Mexico, via a small sign recently posted on the way in. The RPTimes probably has it correct as far as bringing food back, but doubtful they've updated the other end.
jerry
well a month ago when they told me no dry dog food they gave me a flyer that says milk,cheese,pork(1.5 kilos),coffee,dried fruit and truffles (dryheats favorite) and dry cooked,packed and bottled foods are all allowed
93BLAZER
Roberto... the only thing I like about you is your signature.
93BLAZER
Kidding! No banishment required.
Kea
I've seen contradictory posts on dog food in the last month or so. We plan to bring dog food for our 2 dogs on our next trip (within the next week or so). Will they allow it if they see you have your dogs in the car with you? Or, is it now officially no dog food AT ALL?

We have decided against bringing an ice chest at all. Not even milk or breakfast sausage.
jerry
arizona market in Sonoyta has purina dog food...dry and canned
Kea
True, but we'll be driving 2 days to get there. It will be tricky to try to figure out exactly how much food to take (not too much, not too little). Some days they are hungrier than other days. Do-able yes, but not convenient. Do any of the stores in Sonoyta or Peñasco have Beneful? That's the food they seem to like right now.
Ladyjeeper
Just put it in a big Tupperware bucket with a lid...........
Kea
Done! ... But will that keep the border guards happy?
Ladyjeeper
If you get a red light, they will ask you questions. If you get a green light, you're all good. Even if they ask you questions, you can answer judiciously. I've never been unloaded on the Mexican side. But this is different as they have just started this. I have brought a ton of donations down but only got a red light once in the last 20 years, 2 weekends ago and I was forced to lie. I had tons of clothes for the kids. I said they were my bed linens.....I know the Lord will forgive me...... Put the bucket under everything......
GringoZona
jerry said:
well a month ago when they told me no dry dog food they gave me a flyer that says milk,cheese,pork(1.5 kilos),coffee,dried fruit and truffles (dryheats favorite) and dry cooked,packed and bottled foods are all allowed


Pork is OK but beef is not? And didn't someone earlier say they took away their milk and eggs?
Kea
We've crossed several times in the last 3 years and only got a red light once. Just showed them our insurance and car title. OK, so it was my in-laws car, but we made sure his name was on the insurance, too. Didn't hurt that it was the same last name. No problems.

The 1st time we crossed (in 2008) we had our 5th wheel and really didn't know what the procedures were. So we just pulled up along the curb and asked. They looked through the trailer, asked where we were going & how long. Then sent us on our way.

I was just wondering what was different with the new rules. Sounds like not too big a deal.

I can't wait to get back there!
Thanks!
El Gato
Are frozen foods allow? If I'm reading the above correctly items in cans, boxes and glass jars are ok? We normally make a groc run every two to three months for things I can't get down here (other then beef as my DH likes the more fat filled US beef then Sonoran beef - I think he is nuts). I normally get a lot of Campbells soup, chili, corn beef hash, Jiffy corn bread mix, etc. And kitty treats. Super Ley used to carry them but haven't seen any for months and El Gato is now down to his last few bites! Tragedy as far as he is concerned. I've found fruits and veggies much better (and less expensive) down here. Eggs here a lot of times aren't refrigerated and/or haven't been cleaned properly. Have found a place that cares Shamrock milk - although DH didn't protest the milk too much. Think part of it is getting him conditioned to things being made with real sugar and not so many additives - it is the taste he isn't familiar with.
GV Jack
LJ...about bringing clothes and stuff to give away. I have a friend here in Green Valley who goes down through Nogales about every six weeks with all kinds of stuff to give away.
He started to get all kinds of grief even though he speaks fluid Spanish and they all knew him. He got ticked off and said let the little brats go naked and decided to quit. He went down
to go fishing one day and was talking to a guy at the gate about the situation. The guy told him to get a letter from an orpanage down there and just show it at the gate. He has done
that many times now, with no problems. He goes to yard sales, stores and other places to gather the items that haven't sold, gets them at huge discounts and gives them away. He's an
angel. The things he takes that the kids love best are old tennis balls. I'm sure there must be an orphanage in RP someplace.

Hope this helps.
Ladyjeeper
Yes, GV we used to get letters for donations but the last 2 times people have still been refused, even with the letter. The other things about getting the letters is that you have to list everything you are bringing and you must have the original letter, which means you have to do it in enough advance for the mail or someone has to drive up to the border and meet you with it. It was just easier to take my chances.....But now, if more people are getting red lights and they are refusing the letters.......These next few months will be interesting along with the food restrictions.
Ladyjeeper
Well, I just had an interesting conversation with one of my colleagues who does charity work in Agua Prieta on the weekends. She said they passed a new law in Mexico which went into full effect in April. They are now taxing donations and all imported food. She doesn't know why or how much the tax is. She also told me if you live there full time, just tell them and they will let you bring in everything. Her parents live in Agua Prieta and they do this. Maybe Rosie can research this for us. This could be disatrous for all of us...........
GV Jack
Maybe there's a glimmer of hope here. Our beloved government and Mexico just reached an agreement on the Free-trade pact that allows truckers from both sides to have access across the border.
It also is supposed to "reduce" the "Mexico-imposed teriffs on US trade. Maybe that will take some of the pressure off. I refer you the the AZStarnet and today's lead article. It is ludicrous to hassle
people who are trying to give help and aid to kids. If you just want to take tennis balls, I'm sure if they stop you and ask, you can just say "I have B...s and they won't mess with you.
Ladyjeeper
Lol! But what about me? I can't say that!

Can you post a link to the newspaper article here?
GV Jack
I DARE YOU TO. I promise you, they will let you right through.

Here's the link..http://azstarnet.com/news/local/article_d5b45bf1-e734-5ec1-9d0c-b414f6f71fe1.html.

You'll probably have to cut and paste.

By the way, let me know when you do it, I want to see their faces. No need to cut & paste.
Ladyjeeper
LOL! I AM 6 ft tall in bare feet..........
GV Jack
I better quit while I'm ahead. I'm too new to get in trouble with the powers that be.

Just one last comment...can I have the first dance?
Ladyjeeper
You crack me up! LOLOLOLOL!
GringoZona
I am guessing this was Mexico playing their political hand, playing some hardball, making it even more of a hassle to bring imported items in, and then the Obama admin finally caved in and said, OK, screw it, we'll give you this concession if you stop all of this BS. I wouldn't be surprised if these new restrictions magically disappear.
Ladyjeeper
I certainly hope so! There are many of us here on the forum who bring things down........
Terry C
Kea don't forget your pet vaccination papers. They are checking more and more for them now.
Kea
We keep all the pet vet stuff in the glove box. They both had vet trips in April right before our last trip. I know the health certificates are only supposed to be for 7 (or so) days. But I think we're OK as long as their rabies shots are current. If not, I'm not sure if I can get them to the vet tomorrow!
Sonora
I have seen dry dog food in bulk at the Spice store around the corner from "Veel Electric." You also might try the new Wal Mart store on the way into town.
Ladyjeeper
Is Spice the store that is near Ramons and is painted black with white polka dots? If it is, they don't have a very good selection...
lagrimas85
Ladyjeeper said:
Is Spice the store that is near Ramons and is painted black with white polka dots? If it is, they don't have a very good selection...


Thats a pet store LJ, its painted like a cow. If you shop there I ain't eatin' at your house. To get to the store he is talking about if you are headed south on Benito Juarez, one block before Melchor O'Campo make a left. There is a pemex staition on that corner. They have all kinds of spices.
Ladyjeeper
No, I've never shopped there, Bill. My friend went looking for emergency dog food when she decided to stay a couple extra days and walked in, looked around and scooted back out that quick. She fed him eggs and cheese and stuff. LOL! I seem to remember she said it wasn't very clean......
lagrimas85
Ladyjeeper said:
No, I've never shopped there, Bill. My friend went looking for emergency dog food when she decided to stay a couple extra days and walked in, looked around and scooted back out that quick. She fed him eggs and cheese and stuff. LOL! I seem to remember she said it wasn't very clean......

It was probably cheaper to feed them eggs and cheese, dog food is expensive as hell in Rp.
Jim
There is a warehouse kind of place behind the police station. It's a big garage door with pallets of stuff inside. Kind of like a mini Sams Club. I found the dogfood there to be almost the same price as in the States.
GV Jack
What a week I have had here. I have learned so much.
I have learned I don’t know diddly. Not Bo, but the other diddly about Rocky Point. But let’s start with what I do know.
I know I will sorely miss Daniel at Oceano. He was a good friend and managed our place. He was tremendously patient with this old man in pointing out and directing me from Point A to Point B in his flawless English. How sad.
I know how to get from Las Conchas (have to watch the spelling, I got in trouble last time) to Black Dog, Reggie’s, Manny’s, Old Port, Friendly Dolphin, Capone’s, Playa Bonita, Super Lay and the liquor store on the main drag. One would think that would be enough. But no, you guys have filled me with so many more targets.
I know I can’t cross the border, either way with my clothes on, food, beer, car, dogs, wife and charitable donations. I know I missed something. Oh yeah, bland dietetic chicken.
Here’s what I don’t know and it’s all your fault. I have no earthly idea what a torta is but I’m sure once I get one I’ll love it. I have no idea how to get to the following places from Las Conchas. The butcher shop on Bravo, La Carreta for Tacos al Pastor, Las Palmas Grocery and others, but you know what, I’m sure gonna try. I'm also gonna get a good city map.
Thanks to all for the info. You folks are the best.
mis2810
So my husband and I have kind of "adopted" a family as of this last trip. They are vendors on the beach and come from the same tiny little pueblo in Oaxaca as some really good friends of ours here in Phoenix. They invited us to their humble home for dinner last Wednesday night and it was wonderful. On our next trip down, we want to bring some stuff down for them - an old tv, clothes for the kids, etc.

My husband is a Mexican citizen, how does that change what items we can cross? I know there's something he can get at the Mexican Consulate called a Menaje de Casa, but is it really necessary?

Anybody here with a Mexican spouse ever done this?
Roberto
GV jack
A decent city map is in both local papers the RP Times and Join Us. You can pick up a copy at Twin Dolphins office on Fremont.
GV Jack
Thanks, Roberto,

If my memory holds out until I get there in late August, I'll stop by and get one.
beachgirl
Directions for La Cerrata's: At the intersection of Fremont and Josefa Dominguez, turn left. Go to the first stop light, which is Sonora, and make a u-turn. It will be almost immediately on the right. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!)
GV Jack
Thanks... I am assuming you are say coming from Benito Juarez. I can't wait. Breakfast Burro at Reggies, Taco al Pastor at La Cerrata's and TUMS for dinner.
Ladyjeeper
Lol!