Had a friend fly into new airport last weekend, customs took all his meat and cheese, then looked at is golf clubs and golf shoes said Dirt was not allowed from US, they let him keep his clubs and shoes but took more than 1 hr to get through customs. They say they want or money but every time things start to get better they just shoot themselves in the foot. What happens when they take your turkey away at the border November? Hot Dog man here we come maybe he will have pumpkin pie on the side
what i've been doing lately is not adding actual ice to my cooler until after the border, just using those plastic "ice" frozen packets to keep anything i HAD to bring across that needed to be kept cool prior, then just putting those in plastic grocery bags in between clothes in our duffel bags at Why or just before crossing the border. then i just shove beach-type accessories in the cooler to make it appear as though we only use said cooler for beach-related activities.
as far as turkeys go... damn. i dunno, i guess use the same process and say a few prayers to Mary Guadalupe!
does Super-Ley carry such a bird in mid-November? does that new Walmart "Bodega Aurrera," or has it done so in other cities?
We've been bringing in 50 + birds for x=mas for many years now and never had a problem nor with any other food or dog food, The last time in I had 2 bags of dog food and got the red light. No problem
So if I head down(with the camper) and have a fridge full of food for a weekend of camping on the beach or at The Reef, they'll take it from me, if I'm red lighted at the crossing and checked.
So food works some don't...they were going to take my dry dogfood last time...
Like you said Jerry, they WERE going to take it. Its all in your attitude what they take and dont take. Its like walking around South Phoenix, its all how you carry yourself.
So if I head down(with the camper) and have a fridge full of food for a weekend of camping on the beach or at The Reef, they'll take it from me, if I'm red lighted at the crossing and checked.
The probability is high that they'll take any beef, beef by-product (including dog food), and fruits and vegetables. And getting the green light doesn't mean that you won't get stopped anyway. Plenty of people are getting pulled over for inspection after getting the green light.
Smuggling food into Mexico is a crime, If you get caught be ready to pay the mordida, they will gladly take your lunch, dinner. If you feel you can fool them be careful where you hide those T-bones because if they find them in your clothes they will say it is intentional and you will suffer swift consequences.
Personally I always have a twenty under my floor mats.
Ha...have to admit i used my 3 legged dogs handycap to get his stash across..
lagrimas85 said:
Like you said Jerry, they WERE going to take it. Its all in your attitude what they take and dont take. Its like walking around South Phoenix, its all how you carry yourself.
I'm confused. We always pack our trailer full of food for the length of our trip. In fact, I'm planning my grocery list for my next trip as we speak. When did taking food INTO Mexico become an issue? Is there a list of prohibited items? Does it matter if the food/meat is frozen or not? From what I'm reading, it would seem that campers, trailers, rv's would be prime targets and always get the red light for inspection.
I'm confused. We always pack our trailer full of food for the length of our trip. In fact, I'm planning my grocery list for my next trip as we speak. When did taking food INTO Mexico become an issue? Is there a list of prohibited items? Does it matter if the food/meat is frozen or not? From what I'm reading, it would seem that campers, trailers, rv's would be prime targets and always get the red light for inspection.
This subject has been covered several times recently. Beef and cheese seem to be the big no nos. It is true that Mexico did not enforce the import laws on any items and have recently started to do so more. Their Aduana (Customs) has become much more professional over the years to the benefit of everyone.
For one, I continue to wonder why some go to all the trouble of buying, storing, packing, transporting, unpacking when you can buy all you need right here. You're going on vacation, that's supposed to be fun, adventuresome. Don't be rigid, try something new and different, it will be like you are in a different world. You might discover a new favorite food ! Shop in Penasco, Santa Fe Market, Bodega, Super Ley, local butcher shops (Carnecerias) and more. Many of us think the food is better here, great beef, fresh veggies and of course shrimp, fish, clams, mmmmmm.
GV, help me out here!!
Also the complaining about the danged Mexicans actually enforcing their laws get a little thin too. There are similar restriction on what you can take into the US so what's the big deal. The red light is controlled either by computer or some mechanical device. The Aduana folk can stop anyone they want for inspection, irrespective of the light color. I don't think they 'target' anyone, just doin their job.
Take a vacation from all that work before you get here. Shop in Penasco, meet some great local people, relax and enjoy.
I don't think we've ever shopped any place in Penasco where we haven't had a great time - almost always get into a conversation with someone. It is amazing how far one can get along using smiles even if you don't speak the language. Usually you'll get a language lesson thrown in as an added bonus. I've met more people over selecting which potatos look the best, which avacado is perfect, etc. My friend & I had a family insist on loading a heavy bag of dog food in the cart for us.
If you want to see the real Penasco go grocery shopping :)
Boy Roberto, you just can't leave it alone, can you.
Now Mr. SrToad let me tell you how I got over Mexico phobia.
I joined this site this past spring because I had been to RP a number of times but didn't feel I knew anything about the place. I felt the food was dangerous and I packed it to the hilt and brought it down.
After a few weeks on this site, I started to learn that there are some really good things here food wise and restaurant wise. I also learned there are some really good helpfull folks on the forum who will
gladly help you. Excluding Roberto He just spends his time harassing me.
My last trip down, I hardly packed anything and shopped locally for meat, veggies, etc. It was a wonderful experience. I was in the Santa Fee Market and a Mexican gentleman spotted me and made
a point of chatting with me. He asked why I wasn't shopping for beans and rice. I told him I ate beans and rice all the time but today I was making my fabulous Cowboy Potatoes. He asked how I did
that and I gave him the recipe and he said it sounds good. I also got one of the best cakes there I have ever had.
Now, after having spent a little time with the Puerto Penasco PD for crashing a stop light that I never saw, OK ROBERTO< you happy now, I went to a meat market and bought six of the best boneless ribeyes
I have ever tasted at less than six bucks each.
The gist of it is, less problems at the border, save a few bucks and you'll be rewarded with good food and might make some friends along the way.
What I am saying Senor Toad is try it locally, you'll like it.
You can learn a lot just like the time I went to Bodega Aurrra and tried to buy a flyswatter. During my visual description of a flyswatter the young girl said “si” and then showed me a hammer. I now know a hammer is a “martillo”and that there is no direct translation for flyswatter but is said as “insect volador assesino”.
You can learn a lot just like the time I went to Bodega Aurrra and tried to buy a flyswatter. During my visual description of a flyswatter the young girl said “si” and then showed me a hammer. I now know a hammer is a “martillo”and that there is no direct translation for flyswatter but is said as “insect volador assesino”.
I had a similar humorous experience in Super Ley once after we had forgotten our beach umbrella. Normally I look for the youngest person around for a translation...anyway they figured it out and we got one for like $6 USD! And if anyone knows how to score one of their official berets, yeah, lemmie know.
I'm all for shopping locally as much as I can....but many people coming down don't know their way around town, don't know where to shop, and don't want to spend a lot of time looking and take away from their vacation time. They may split their time eating out and preparing stuff where they are staying.
When I was coming down years ago with my young kids (by myself, by the way), we spent most of our time in the water and on the beach (early morning til sunset). I packed food in, even pre-cooked meals that were frozen, and then easily microwaved. Did I want to try find the stores to do some shopping with a 5 or 6 year old? Hell no! We were on vacation!
So please you regulars, or permanent residents, who know your way around town and the locations of all the best places to shop...stop trying to make those who want (or need) to bring some food down to feel guilty!!!
If you need directions, stop by Roberto's in the morning, when he's not there. The nice young lady will give you great directions.
It's not a matter of guilt, it's a matter of adventure and would I rather have someone take $35.00 worth of steak from me at the border or enjoy better beef there?
Don't get me wrong, I do bring some stuff in and I'm not going to volunteer to take your 5 year old shopping. Hell, I don't like to take my 70 year old wife shopping and I'll deny I ever said that.
GV Jack....I can find the places for shopping...I was referring to visitors who may come 2 or 3 times a year....not everyone considers looking for ribyeyes or the "right" cheese as an adventure....they are in Penasco to relax on the beach and enjoy their vacations...and your idea of "fun" or an adventure may not correspond to theirs!
Who's Roberto?:stir: Do you expect an infrequent visitor to know who he is, or where he works/hangs out?
Joe Sez: So please you regulars, or permanent residents, who know your way around town and the locations of all the best places to shop...stop trying to make those who want (or need) to bring some food down to feel guilty!!!
I have no interest in making anyone feel guilty. There are some legal probles with bringing in certain food but one need not abandon a vacation because of that. Further, trying to point out the advantages of not packing, etc. etc. It ain't that hard to get around Penasco anyway. Two of the biggest stores are right on the way into town and you can get everyting there in a half hour or so of shopping. I don't see no smilys either:wink::wink::mexico::mexico:
MRS SrToad here. There is absolutely NO phobia involved in my previous question. Thank you RP Joe for understanding that not everyone views a trip to the local grocer as an adventure. As a working mom, I have no desire to spend my precious vacation hours grocery shopping! Trust me, we visit Super Ley quite often when we visit. We purchase our breakfast and lunch from the local vendors and have made friends with them. We eat at the local restaurants. Heck, we've even had dinner at Mexico Russ' home and many of the locals are personal friends. We've spent the past 25 years building friendships and memories because we LOVE it there! And because I respect the laws of Mexico, I don't want to break them so I'm simply trying to find out what is and is not allowed. Unlike visitors to the US, these rules are not easy to find. If you know what they are, please let me know. Otherwise, please, relax and stop questioning people's motives.
They have handout they give out at the border and it's on line...I think it;s been linked too...Cheetos without hotsauce are ok
srtoad said:
MRS SrToad here. There is absolutely NO phobia involved in my previous question. Thank you RP Joe for understanding that not everyone views a trip to the local grocer as an adventure. As a working mom, I have no desire to spend my precious vacation hours grocery shopping! Trust me, we visit Super Ley quite often when we visit. We purchase our breakfast and lunch from the local vendors and have made friends with them. We eat at the local restaurants. Heck, we've even had dinner at Mexico Russ' home and many of the locals are personal friends. We've spent the past 25 years building friendships and memories because we LOVE it there! And because I respect the laws of Mexico, I don't want to break them so I'm simply trying to find out what is and is not allowed. Unlike visitors to the US, these rules are not easy to find. If you know what they are, please let me know. Otherwise, please, relax and stop questioning people's motives.
I can certainly understand anyone who is "afraid" to buy their food and water in Rocky Point, as I would feel the same if I were going to a small beach town in other areas of Mexico. We've been going down long enough that we know which grocery store will have what we are looking for and how to get there. That's why this board is such a great tool for the infrequent travelers who are just learning that they may get stopped at the border and have their food taken from them.
I can go down to Rocky Point with the clothes on my back and have a great time and eat very, very well. The food in the major stores is fresh and very similar to our stores in the states. You might not find everything you need to make a gourmet dinner, but relax, make something else. It took me years to remember to bring horseradish for my cocktail sauce, but now you can find it down there. Most of the major restaurants are great, look around and see how many cars are outside and you'll know the good ones. If anyone needs a particular item or wants to know about a grocery store or restaurant, there are many wonderful folks on this board that will answer their questions or direct them. Bottom line is, don't be afraid to go there if you can't bring your own food.
I am with Dwig I hit the border with the clothes on my back we travel light as soon as we get to the condo we drop off the dog and then go to make the rounds seeing friends and buying a few drinks. Then it is off to Santa Fe and the Caraceria (meat market) for food and anything we may need then back to the condo to watch the sun set. I understand how people feel the first few trips I brought everything from water to ground coffe. But with the help of this forum I have found my little spots to shop and get everything we need. Las Palmas for the fresh italian sausage, Tequilla factory for Ground coffe, Santa Fe for chicken and staples, or a street vendor for the freshest fruits and veggies,
It work's both way's, how would anybody here feel, if the Mexican's started to complain about not being allowed to bring dog food or they're own food into the U.S. Most of the posters here would think they were wacky, or wonder what they're problem was, even think they were being ridiculous. Canada has the same exact rules, no dog food and no dirt from the U.S. or anywhere else.
I caught my dog munching on a dead Humbolt Squid on the beach last time we were at Santo tomas...might have solved the dog food import problem
lagrimas85 said:
It work's both way's, how would anybody here feel, if the Mexican's started to complain about not being allowed to bring dog food or they're own food into the U.S. Most of the posters here would think they were wacky, or wonder what they're problem was, even think they were being ridiculous. Canada has the same exact rules, no dog food and no dirt from the U.S. or anywhere else.
It is expensive about $20 per bag not sure on the size but I would guess 2 lbs min . You can buy it ground or whole bean. It is some of the best coffe I have had and I only have a few cups a month so I am real picky about coffe
Crossed today with truck and 5th wheel. 5th wheel got a cursory search on both sides of the border, on the Mex side after getting green light. No questions on either side.
I think it is a wonderful idea for people to discover more about Puerto Penasco by shopping in the local stores. HOWEVER, there are some of us with very restricted diets that eat only organic food and other items that are not available in Penasco. Being adventureous and trying new things is NOT what we can do. For those of us with such a situation, finding a plausible solution is a bit of a challenge. I am currently investigating what legal way I can meet my dietary needs. And please do not tell me that I need to be willing to alter things. I do not eat red meat, pork, corn, wheat, gluten products, potatoes, oatmeal or sugar. There are other people who have restricted diets as well that will have a bit of a challenge if they must rely on the local markets for their nutritional needs. I am just asking for a little recognition that some of us cannot do what the majority can. And by the way, I am active in the the local community and am usually the sole caucasian at different local events. Did any of you attend the book fair some months back in the Shrimp park? How about the awards ceremony or actually , any ceremony at C.E.D.O.? When was the last time you visited the library in town? Visiting a foreign country is a wonderful experience. It is also a great idea to have others you can depend on to help you when you might need it. This requires others to be open minded and accepting of situations different from their own. My language ability in Spanish has been such a wonderful thing that I benefit from daily. I hope that people from the US can continue to visit Penasco and have their lives enhanced.
I'm sure there are people in Penasco that have the same dietary needs as you. I don't know exactly what you do eat, but I'm positive that you can find something in the grocery stores that's on your list. You can't expect a country to change the law to accommodate you.
Not about food but worth seeing"''
VEHICLE IMPORTATION UPDATES, from Adolfo Salido, Sonora Tourism, 09/09/2011
IF YOU ARE DRIVING A MOTORHOME AND TOWING A SMALL CAR OR PICK UP WITH IT, THIS IS THE WAY IT WORKS:
• THE MOTORHOME GETS AN ALL MEXICO PERMIT FOR TEN YEARS WITH A COST OF $49.95 USD. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY ANY ADDITIONAL DEPOSIT WITH IT.
• THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED -- AS LONG IT STAYS IN THE ONLY SONORA AREA -- DOES NOT NEED A PERMIT TO COME INTO MEXICO, UNLESS IT GOES BEYOND KILOMETER 98 SOUTH OF EMPALME.
• THE SAME THING HAPPENS WITH A HOUSETRAILER THAT IS BEING TOWED (HITCH OR FIFTH WHEEL SYSTEM ). THE HOUSETRAILER GETS AN ALL MEXICO TEN-YEAR PERMIT for $49.95, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL DEPOSIT, AND THE TOWING VEHICLE DOES NOT NEED A PERMIT UNLESS IT GOES BEYOND KILOMETER 98 SOUTH OF EMPALME.
WHEN YOU BRING MOTORCYCLES, JET SKI, OR A SMALL TRAILER FOR CARRYING THINGS, YOU WILL HAVE TO GET A PERMIT, UP TO SIX MONTHS, FOR BOTH THE TOWED ITEM(S) AND THE TOWING VEHICLE.
VERY UNOFFICIALLY LET ME COMMENT:
I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT SOME PEOPLE 'FORGET' THAT THE MOTORCYCLES, JET SKIS, AND TRAILER FOR LOADING STUFF WERE ALLOWED TO BE TAKEN INTO MEXICO AND THEN LEAVE THEM IN MEXICO AND LET OTHER PEOPLE BUY, USE, OR KEEP THEM. TIS IS NOT PERMISSABLE!
Allowed:
Smoking tobacco
Leather products, except for endangered species like wild lamb, jaguar, black bear, etc.
Honey
Dogs and cats (a maximum of two per traveler) with health certificates and rabies vaccine records. Visit our "Traveling with Pets in Mexico" guide for more information.
Roasted coffee, dried prunes, packaged spices, dried herbs, preserved fruits and vegetables cooked or dried mushrooms and dried truffles.
Dry cooked, packed and bottled foods
From the USA and Canada: refrigerated, frozen, vacuum packed, pork and processed vacuum packed pate, milk and cheese. All must be in the original package and properly labeled.
Allowed:
Smoking tobacco
Leather products, except for endangered species like wild lamb, jaguar, black bear, etc.
Honey
Dogs and cats (a maximum of two per traveler) with health certificates and rabies vaccine records. Visit our "Traveling with Pets in Mexico" guide for more information.
Roasted coffee, dried prunes, packaged spices, dried herbs, preserved fruits and vegetables cooked or dried mushrooms and dried truffles.
Dry cooked, packed and bottled foods
From the USA and Canada: refrigerated, frozen, vacuum packed, pork and processed vacuum packed pate, milk and cheese. All must be in the original package and properly labeled.
Regulated Imports - there are special requirements for these products
Poultry and poultry products
Wild plants and hunt trophies
Rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, etc.
Hide
Seeds, seedlings, fresh plant parts, etc.
Plants, fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, raw cereals, etc.
Dairy products
Bees and bees' products (except honey)
Fresh, dried, canned, smoked or frozen meat and meat products from quarantined countries
Flours like corn meal, etc.
Veterinary medications and biological products
Agricultural chemicals and raw materials
Prohibited Imports
Soil
Bales of hay, natural straw or any straw decoration
Homemade food items
Meal of bone or meat
Not about food but worth seeing"''
VEHICLE IMPORTATION UPDATES, from Adolfo Salido, Sonora Tourism, 09/09/2011
IF YOU ARE DRIVING A MOTORHOME AND TOWING A SMALL CAR OR PICK UP WITH IT, THIS IS THE WAY IT WORKS:
• THE MOTORHOME GETS AN ALL MEXICO PERMIT FOR TEN YEARS WITH A COST OF $49.95 USD. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY ANY ADDITIONAL DEPOSIT WITH IT.
• THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED -- AS LONG IT STAYS IN THE ONLY SONORA AREA -- DOES NOT NEED A PERMIT TO COME INTO MEXICO, UNLESS IT GOES BEYOND KILOMETER 98 SOUTH OF EMPALME.
• THE SAME THING HAPPENS WITH A HOUSETRAILER THAT IS BEING TOWED (HITCH OR FIFTH WHEEL SYSTEM ). THE HOUSETRAILER GETS AN ALL MEXICO TEN-YEAR PERMIT for $49.95, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL DEPOSIT, AND THE TOWING VEHICLE DOES NOT NEED A PERMIT UNLESS IT GOES BEYOND KILOMETER 98 SOUTH OF EMPALME.
WHEN YOU BRING MOTORCYCLES, JET SKI, OR A SMALL TRAILER FOR CARRYING THINGS, YOU WILL HAVE TO GET A PERMIT, UP TO SIX MONTHS, FOR BOTH THE TOWED ITEM(S) AND THE TOWING VEHICLE.
VERY UNOFFICIALLY LET ME COMMENT:
I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT SOME PEOPLE 'FORGET' THAT THE MOTORCYCLES, JET SKIS, AND TRAILER FOR LOADING STUFF WERE ALLOWED TO BE TAKEN INTO MEXICO AND THEN LEAVE THEM IN MEXICO AND LET OTHER PEOPLE BUY, USE, OR KEEP THEM. TIS IS NOT PERMISSABLE!
Does all that permitting stuff apply to the Free Zone? Seems like there are 3 levels of vehicle permits: 1. Free Zone, no permits required 2. Sonora Only for west of Highway 15 and 3. South of Empalme and East of Highway 15, regular vehicle permits good for all of Mexico required.
Jerry, does all that stuff about towables, jet skis, small trailer and Motor homes apply in Penasco?
Hey, everyone, you can buy food here! The best beef anywhere (but beef here and cook it as corned beef). They're selling smoked turkeys at the Super Ley (although you can bring 3 turkeys in per vehicle), and of course there's shrimp, shrimp, shrimp! You won't go hungry!
ok - are we going to have to give up our bread, eggs, cheese, avocados, tomatoes, etc at the border?
we haven't been down since last year ( I know....), have they really cracked down on rv's at the border, and searching their fridges and food? I sure would like to know exactly what is forbidden food -
thanks. and the alcohol, how much are we allowed to bring in per adult? many thanks - see you in 3 days!
This seems to be the latest info. The USDA stamp is required for many of the items. Most all of the poultry has the stamp, but milk & cheese do not unless you buy organic. I assume the USDA organic stamp would be accepted.
ok - are we going to have to give up our bread, eggs, cheese, avocados, tomatoes, etc at the border?
we haven't been down since last year ( I know....), have they really cracked down on rv's at the border, and searching their fridges and food? I sure would like to know exactly what is forbidden food -
thanks. and the alcohol, how much are we allowed to bring in per adult? many thanks - see you in 3 days!
This subject has come up repeatedly recently and many have responded. Try searching old posts, you will find out all that is known.
seems like having everything in original packaging helps after reading thru these different topics and link - not a real problem if food is in original container, it should have the stamps and approvals.
thanks!
So what is the latest at the border. We crossed at 830 am the last time and there was no one around. Is the other inspector for the ag. dept been around Leigh
The latest is that the border is still at the same place and staffed by pretty much the same people doing pretty much the same thing they have always done. Nothing new.
I think if the Ag inspector is working stuff (beef ad cheese mainly) could get confiscated, but I have not even been to the border in 2 years let alone cross !! I do visit with quite a few people who have just arrived from the US though and know some that cross regularly. I am eating a Subway sandwich as I type that crossed from Tucson this morning without getting confiscated. First one of those I've had in 8 years or so !! Not too bad !
Has anyone had a Subway sandwich in Mexico? Do they taste the same? That's Jerry's fave and we haven't made it over to try it out yet as the Sonoran potatoes keep getting in the way! LOL!
