Additional tips and info: Baja Peninsula: Foreign-plated vehicles driven into the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur do not require a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). However, your US or Canadian car plates must be valid and any stickers must be kept current while the vehicle is on the Baja peninsula. If you take your car from La Paz to the Mexican mainland (by ferry) you will become subject to the car import rules Deposit price depends on the year of your vehicle: $400 U.S. - 2007 model year and newer $300 U.S. - 2001 - 2006 model years $200 U.S. - 2000 model year or older
Sold the car, and walk everywhere possible. Otherwise, taxi, InDrive, or the bus. Good exercise! I'm glad I left it behind. I don't miss it. I just have to plan ahead when running errands.
In 2018, early in the morning at the Nogales truck crossing we encountered 2 men eating burritos at a folding table (first clue!) which was was blocking the roadway. They, too, were offering 21Km assistance. We insisted no, we are going to Km 21 and don't need your help. Fortunately I had researched the situation as this was our first time driving to Mexico, so we didn't fall for it. The trip was uneventful after that. We now have our residency status and own a car in Mexico so have no need to make the trip at this point. We recently spent half a day with our holiday season visitors trying to track down one of our license plates during a day trip to Rincon de Guayabitos (it seems we had parked illegally and it had been removed as collateral). The ticket had no station address on it and it took some time to sort the situation out! We weren't the only ones lining up at the station to pay up 700 pesos (both nationals and gringos like us)! Eventually a motorbike pulled up and the rider opened a little hatch and took out a stack of license plates to return to those who had paid their fine! Perhaps not a scam but definitely a huge revenue opportunity for the community! Be careful out there.
Oh man! I’m glad you guys were aware of the scammers at the border. A couple of years ago here in Bucerias the a police officer went through the town and gave everybody a ticket. Parked in the wrong direction, ticket. Parked in the yellow, ticket. Like you said, a good way to make some quick cash…
Paul, thanks for your transparency. Good stuff, bro. Yeah, scammers are worldwide, and they don't discriminate whether it's 1st, 2nd, or third world. I'm glad you came out unscathed, really and...great advice...always listen to your dog! ✌️ 🐕
Just wanted to mention that after you receive your tip and pay the $200 to drive into Mexico you might be under the impression that you will receive the $200 again when you leave. We were told by the banjercito that we were supposed to see them a second time within 30 days of having entered mx in order to receive our refund. According to them it was because we didn't that we were not eligible to receive our $200 back when we left mx. Our money was never returned and this is a common occurrence amongst visitors.
Really good video! One of a kind! Could you please discuss the topic of bringing furniture/any other big personal things from the US/ Canada to Mexico?
We ate going to use local transport and the occasional taxi while we are down there for two months. Not sure how it will all work out but for sure will be interesting.
Baja Peninsula: Foreign-plated vehicles driven into the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur do not require a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). However, your US or Canadian car plates must be valid and any stickers must be kept current while the vehicle is on the Baja peninsula. If you take your car from La Paz to the Mexican mainland (by ferry) you will become subject to the car import rules.
Hello, I never been there before and would love to drive my own car to Tijuana. What else do I need to cross the border? Do I need FMM and Auto insurance for half of day visit? Or a whole day? Thank you.
Here’s what you need to know when driving to Tijuana: 1. FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) • Requirement: Yes, you need an FMM for any stay in Mexico beyond the border zone, even for a short visit. • Duration: For visits up to 7 days, the FMM is typically free. For longer stays, there is a small fee. • Where to get it: You can obtain the FMM at the border crossing or online before your trip. Be sure to get it stamped when crossing. 2. Auto Insurance • Requirement: Yes, U.S. car insurance is not valid in Mexico. • What to do: You need to purchase Mexican auto insurance. This can be bought: • Online before your trip • At insurance booths near the border • For short visits, you can get coverage for a single day. 3. Passport • A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens to cross into Mexico and return to the U.S. 4. Vehicle Registration • Bring proof of vehicle ownership and registration. Mexican authorities may check to ensure the car is not stolen. 5. Tips for a Smooth Visit • Stick to well-traveled roads and parking areas. • Pay attention to speed limits and traffic signs, as laws differ. • Return before dark if it’s your first time visiting. For a half-day visit or a full day, both the FMM and auto insurance are needed. Safe travels!
Are there any import IVA taxes for importing a car in the Free Zone in my case Cabo San Lucas? I understand vehicles within designated Free Zones near the borders do not requite TIP and can remain in Mexico indefinitely, as long as they are legally registered in their country of origin and have Mexican Insurance But what about IVA import taxes in the Free Zone? Is there any or only outside the Free Zone? Thanks. PS: I subscribed to the Mexico Relocation Guide.
Vehicles in Mexico’s Free Zones, which include regions like Baja California (where Cabo San Lucas is located), do not require a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). You can drive your foreign-registered vehicle within the Free Zone indefinitely as long as it remains legally registered in its country of origin and has valid Mexican insurance. Regarding IVA (Value Added Tax) on imports, vehicles brought into Free Zones are generally exempt from IVA and import taxes as long as they stay within the Free Zone. The import tax and IVA usually apply when the vehicle is taken out of the Free Zone and into mainland Mexico. If you intend to move the vehicle into mainland Mexico, that’s when you would likely encounter IVA and other related import duties. As long as you keep your vehicle within the Free Zone, you should not have to pay IVA or import taxes. However, if you plan to move it outside the Free Zone, IVA taxes would apply.
@@MovingToMexiCo Thank you for clarify that. I was not sure about whether there was the import tax in the Free zone. Sometime on FB groups there are people who write stuff but they don't know with accuracy the real law.
Yes, if someone is driving through Mexico to get to Costa Rica, they generally need to obtain a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for their vehicle. The TIP is required for foreign-plated vehicles if they plan to travel outside the free zones (border regions and certain coastal areas) in Mexico. Here are some key points: 1. Free Zones: If the route only passes through the Baja California Peninsula or areas within the “free zone” near the northern border or certain parts of Sonora, a TIP may not be needed. However, if the route involves traveling further south into mainland Mexico, a TIP is required. 2. TIP Validity: A TIP allows the vehicle to be in Mexico for a specified period (up to 180 days for tourists). It is important to cancel the TIP before leaving Mexico to avoid complications or penalties, especially if planning to re-enter Mexico with the same vehicle. 3. Requirements for TIP: • Passport and vehicle title or registration. • Proof of temporary residency if applicable. • A credit card for payment of the TIP fee and a deposit (which is refundable when the TIP is canceled before the permit expires). 4. Where to Get TIP: The TIP can be obtained at Mexican consulates, online, or at certain border entry points. If the plan involves driving through southern Mexico to exit the country into Central America, obtaining a TIP is essential for legal transit through the mainland.
1) So you suggest flying into Mexico, the new home, and then buying a Mexican plated car, then driving that Mexican-plated car back to the US or Canada, in order to get the "stuff" into Mexico? Doesn't sound like a super sufficient idea to me . . . Hence, those who want to drive a car in Mexico, usually start out with their foreign plated car, then, eventually, switching to a Mexican plated one. 2) All visas are "temporary" as a visa is a permission to ENTER a country for a specific purpose and duration. So the"temporary visa people" remark is just plain wrong. A temporary resident visa allows the visa holder to ENTER Mexico for the purpose to establish residency there. The visa is valid for up to 180 days and upon arrival at the border, the visa holder gets up to 30 days of authorized stay during which time they need to exchange their visa for the resident card at the local INM office. 3) Most visitors do not need a tourist visa ("visitor's visa, actually), as most visitors, especially those from Canada, the United States, and the European Union are authorized to visit Mexico visa free for up to 180 days. I'm saying this because you are mixing up terms in a dangerous way. All that said, a good video in its essence.
1) I don’t think I said that folks should drive their Mexican car north of the border. I just said they should leave their US car at home and buy a Mexican car if needed. Everyone’s situation is different so I can’t cover the logistics of all moves. 2) yes I did mix up those terms. I meant “temporary residents”. 😬 3) There is a tourist Visa in Mexico. It’s a 180 day visa and it’s officially called the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM). Thanks for the correction and the feedback!
Hey Paul. Great video. Thanks for doing this. We are moving to PV to live permanently and have our Temp Res Visas all set to go. We are hoping to bring our 2013 Convertible VW Bug as it's the perfect car to have their for trips outside PV and/or Costco and such. Once we have our Temp Visas stamped at the border are we all set to go as long as we have title/registration and DLs? Also I'm confused. Once we've lived there a few years I was told our visas will convert to Permanent Res Visas, but it sounded like we then could NOT have our vehicle?? Is that the case, or does it just mean we have to pay the taxes to keep it there at that point. Thanks.
I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Once you have your Temporary Import Vehicle Permit, you can drive anywhere in Mexico legally. Permanent residency is not automatic. You will need to apply for this later if you want it… and even then there is no guarantee. If you do get permanent residency then you will need to take your car out of Mexico. Permanent residence aren’t allowed to use the temporary import permits. They would need to import the car which is usually a costly and complicated venture. Maybe your best bet is to renew your temporary residency visa if you want to keep your car. Otherwise I would sell it and buy a car in Mexico and forget the complications. Best of luck to you with your big move!
@@MovingToMexiCo Thanks Paul. This car is very sentimental to us and impossible to replace as they don't make them anymore. I'd love to know the exact process to "import" the car and pay what ever taxes are needed. I was under the impression we could do this as well once we gain permanent residency, if we do, which I would think owning a home and have a lot of assets to boot they would grant to us. It's also the absolute perfect car to have in PV for when we have short drives and such. I know everyone seems to say "just sell and buy a new one", but I have to think there is a way to keep what you have if that's your desire. It seems weird they would make you a perm res but then say get rid of your car. Does it make a difference that this is a VW Bug which were made in Mexico??
BIG WARNING***If you are in the wrong lane, when returning by car, into the U.S., You will be fined an enormous amount of money. Please do you own research into this. Read the destination signs carefully. If this has happened to you, please leave let others know.
I’ve never heard of this and it’s true! $5,000 USD for returning in the wrong lane. Keep in mind that these are US Border officials doing this to US citizens. th-cam.com/video/3hKP-Ep1Fcg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5H-sgZvc2GaICa8e
@@MovingToMexiCo because u don't need it.. in the US u do. Plus see your vlog of how u got scammed. It happens everywhere. Foreign plate scam .. shakedown. So many foreigners just give money away. Then they keep doing it. Why not free money?... Gas station fill up... Mechanics... Traffic stops... Accident scams...list goes on... N for what? To do what a taxi can do for a song? .. bus rides r cheap so r flights
Additional tips and info:
Baja Peninsula: Foreign-plated vehicles driven into the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur do not require a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). However, your US or Canadian car plates must be valid and any stickers must be kept current while the vehicle is on the Baja peninsula. If you take your car from La Paz to the Mexican mainland (by ferry) you will become subject to the car import rules
Deposit price depends on the year of your vehicle:
$400 U.S. - 2007 model year and newer
$300 U.S. - 2001 - 2006 model years
$200 U.S. - 2000 model year or older
Sold the car, and walk everywhere possible. Otherwise, taxi, InDrive, or the bus. Good exercise! I'm glad I left it behind. I don't miss it. I just have to plan ahead when running errands.
Well done. Have you considered getting a car or bike?
In 2018, early in the morning at the Nogales truck crossing we encountered 2 men eating burritos at a folding table (first clue!) which was was blocking the roadway. They, too, were offering 21Km assistance. We insisted no, we are going to Km 21 and don't need your help. Fortunately I had researched the situation as this was our first time driving to Mexico, so we didn't fall for it. The trip was uneventful after that. We now have our residency status and own a car in Mexico so have no need to make the trip at this point. We recently spent half a day with our holiday season visitors trying to track down one of our license plates during a day trip to Rincon de Guayabitos (it seems we had parked illegally and it had been removed as collateral). The ticket had no station address on it and it took some time to sort the situation out! We weren't the only ones lining up at the station to pay up 700 pesos (both nationals and gringos like us)! Eventually a motorbike pulled up and the rider opened a little hatch and took out a stack of license plates to return to those who had paid their fine! Perhaps not a scam but definitely a huge revenue opportunity for the community! Be careful out there.
Oh man! I’m glad you guys were aware of the scammers at the border. A couple of years ago here in Bucerias the a police officer went through the town and gave everybody a ticket. Parked in the wrong direction, ticket. Parked in the yellow, ticket. Like you said, a good way to make some quick cash…
Paul, thanks for your transparency. Good stuff, bro. Yeah, scammers are worldwide, and they don't discriminate whether it's 1st, 2nd, or third world. I'm glad you came out unscathed, really and...great advice...always listen to your dog! ✌️ 🐕
Absolutely. Thank you Jason!
Just wanted to mention that after you receive your tip and pay the $200 to drive into Mexico you might be under the impression that you will receive the $200 again when you leave. We were told by the banjercito that we were supposed to see them a second time within 30 days of having entered mx in order to receive our refund. According to them it was because we didn't that we were not eligible to receive our $200 back when we left mx. Our money was never returned and this is a common occurrence amongst visitors.
Hey Joey! So they wanted you to return to the banjercito after 30 days to get your refund?
Good information Paul.
Gracias 🙏
Really good video! One of a kind! Could you please discuss the topic of bringing furniture/any other big personal things from the US/ Canada to Mexico?
Ok, thanks for the feedback and the idea!
We ate going to use local transport and the occasional taxi while we are down there for two months. Not sure how it will all work out but for sure will be interesting.
The bus and the taxi are great options.
One FYI for TIP deposits:
$400 U.S. - 2007 model year and newer
$300 U.S. - 2001 - 2006 model years
$200 U.S. - 2000 model year or older
Good stuff! Thank you 🙏
Great vid man. Thanks
De nada!
Doesn't Baja Sur & Baja California Sur have completely different rules vs the rest of Mexico ???
Baja Peninsula: Foreign-plated vehicles driven into the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur do not require a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). However, your US or Canadian car plates must be valid and any stickers must be kept current while the vehicle is on the Baja peninsula. If you take your car from La Paz to the Mexican mainland (by ferry) you will become subject to the car import rules.
Hello, I never been there before and would love to drive my own car to Tijuana. What else do I need to cross the border? Do I need FMM and Auto insurance for half of day visit? Or a whole day? Thank you.
Here’s what you need to know when driving to Tijuana:
1. FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple)
• Requirement: Yes, you need an FMM for any stay in Mexico beyond the border zone, even for a short visit.
• Duration: For visits up to 7 days, the FMM is typically free. For longer stays, there is a small fee.
• Where to get it: You can obtain the FMM at the border crossing or online before your trip. Be sure to get it stamped when crossing.
2. Auto Insurance
• Requirement: Yes, U.S. car insurance is not valid in Mexico.
• What to do: You need to purchase Mexican auto insurance. This can be bought:
• Online before your trip
• At insurance booths near the border
• For short visits, you can get coverage for a single day.
3. Passport
• A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens to cross into Mexico and return to the U.S.
4. Vehicle Registration
• Bring proof of vehicle ownership and registration. Mexican authorities may check to ensure the car is not stolen.
5. Tips for a Smooth Visit
• Stick to well-traveled roads and parking areas.
• Pay attention to speed limits and traffic signs, as laws differ.
• Return before dark if it’s your first time visiting.
For a half-day visit or a full day, both the FMM and auto insurance are needed. Safe travels!
@ Thank you and wish me luck. 🍀
Are there any import IVA taxes for importing a car in the Free Zone in my case Cabo San Lucas? I understand vehicles within designated Free Zones near the borders do not requite TIP and can remain in Mexico indefinitely, as long as they are legally registered in their country of origin and have Mexican Insurance But what about IVA import taxes in the Free Zone? Is there any or only outside the Free Zone? Thanks. PS: I subscribed to the Mexico Relocation Guide.
Vehicles in Mexico’s Free Zones, which include regions like Baja California (where Cabo San Lucas is located), do not require a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). You can drive your foreign-registered vehicle within the Free Zone indefinitely as long as it remains legally registered in its country of origin and has valid Mexican insurance.
Regarding IVA (Value Added Tax) on imports, vehicles brought into Free Zones are generally exempt from IVA and import taxes as long as they stay within the Free Zone. The import tax and IVA usually apply when the vehicle is taken out of the Free Zone and into mainland Mexico. If you intend to move the vehicle into mainland Mexico, that’s when you would likely encounter IVA and other related import duties.
As long as you keep your vehicle within the Free Zone, you should not have to pay IVA or import taxes. However, if you plan to move it outside the Free Zone, IVA taxes would apply.
@@MovingToMexiCo Thank you for clarify that. I was not sure about whether there was the import tax in the Free zone. Sometime on FB groups there are people who write stuff but they don't know with accuracy the real law.
Any ideas of how to import a car from US car auction-i know a lot of mexicans buy cars and resell in mexico i wanna do the same
I don’t know for sure. Try “Pats Plates” over on Facebook.
TIP ...is TIP necessary for Transit ?
We are driving US to Costa Rica
Yes, if someone is driving through Mexico to get to Costa Rica, they generally need to obtain a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for their vehicle. The TIP is required for foreign-plated vehicles if they plan to travel outside the free zones (border regions and certain coastal areas) in Mexico. Here are some key points:
1. Free Zones: If the route only passes through the Baja California Peninsula or areas within the “free zone” near the northern border or certain parts of Sonora, a TIP may not be needed. However, if the route involves traveling further south into mainland Mexico, a TIP is required.
2. TIP Validity: A TIP allows the vehicle to be in Mexico for a specified period (up to 180 days for tourists). It is important to cancel the TIP before leaving Mexico to avoid complications or penalties, especially if planning to re-enter Mexico with the same vehicle.
3. Requirements for TIP:
• Passport and vehicle title or registration.
• Proof of temporary residency if applicable.
• A credit card for payment of the TIP fee and a deposit (which is refundable when the TIP is canceled before the permit expires).
4. Where to Get TIP: The TIP can be obtained at Mexican consulates, online, or at certain border entry points.
If the plan involves driving through southern Mexico to exit the country into Central America, obtaining a TIP is essential for legal transit through the mainland.
Wouldn't bring my car but still recovering from my 7th spine surgery. Getting better
Glad you’re getting better 🙌
I planned on buying a new car next year. A 2025. Its 17k more if I buy it in Mexico 😮 im moving to playa in 2 yrs
$17k more USD?
1) So you suggest flying into Mexico, the new home, and then buying a Mexican plated car, then driving that Mexican-plated car back to the US or Canada, in order to get the "stuff" into Mexico? Doesn't sound like a super sufficient idea to me . . .
Hence, those who want to drive a car in Mexico, usually start out with their foreign plated car, then, eventually, switching to a Mexican plated one.
2) All visas are "temporary" as a visa is a permission to ENTER a country for a specific purpose and duration. So the"temporary visa people" remark is just plain wrong. A temporary resident visa allows the visa holder to ENTER Mexico for the purpose to establish residency there. The visa is valid for up to 180 days and upon arrival at the border, the visa holder gets up to 30 days of authorized stay during which time they need to exchange their visa for the resident card at the local INM office.
3) Most visitors do not need a tourist visa ("visitor's visa, actually), as most visitors, especially those from Canada, the United States, and the European Union are authorized to visit Mexico visa free for up to 180 days. I'm saying this because you are mixing up terms in a dangerous way.
All that said, a good video in its essence.
1) I don’t think I said that folks should drive their Mexican car north of the border. I just said they should leave their US car at home and buy a Mexican car if needed.
Everyone’s situation is different so I can’t cover the logistics of all moves.
2) yes I did mix up those terms. I meant “temporary residents”. 😬
3) There is a tourist Visa in Mexico. It’s a 180 day visa and it’s officially called the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM).
Thanks for the correction and the feedback!
Hey Paul. Great video. Thanks for doing this. We are moving to PV to live permanently and have our Temp Res Visas all set to go. We are hoping to bring our 2013 Convertible VW Bug as it's the perfect car to have their for trips outside PV and/or Costco and such. Once we have our Temp Visas stamped at the border are we all set to go as long as we have title/registration and DLs? Also I'm confused. Once we've lived there a few years I was told our visas will convert to Permanent Res Visas, but it sounded like we then could NOT have our vehicle?? Is that the case, or does it just mean we have to pay the taxes to keep it there at that point. Thanks.
I’m glad you enjoyed the video!
Once you have your Temporary Import Vehicle Permit, you can drive anywhere in Mexico legally.
Permanent residency is not automatic. You will need to apply for this later if you want it… and even then there is no guarantee.
If you do get permanent residency then you will need to take your car out of Mexico. Permanent residence aren’t allowed to use the temporary import permits. They would need to import the car which is usually a costly and complicated venture.
Maybe your best bet is to renew your temporary residency visa if you want to keep your car.
Otherwise I would sell it and buy a car in Mexico and forget the complications.
Best of luck to you with your big move!
@@MovingToMexiCo Thanks Paul. This car is very sentimental to us and impossible to replace as they don't make them anymore. I'd love to know the exact process to "import" the car and pay what ever taxes are needed. I was under the impression we could do this as well once we gain permanent residency, if we do, which I would think owning a home and have a lot of assets to boot they would grant to us. It's also the absolute perfect car to have in PV for when we have short drives and such. I know everyone seems to say "just sell and buy a new one", but I have to think there is a way to keep what you have if that's your desire. It seems weird they would make you a perm res but then say get rid of your car. Does it make a difference that this is a VW Bug which were made in Mexico??
@@djdiscovinnie
Send me an email and I can connect you with someone who can assist you with the import process.
info@movingtomexi.co
BIG WARNING***If you are in the wrong lane, when returning by car, into the U.S., You will be fined an enormous amount of money. Please do you own research into this. Read the destination signs carefully. If this has happened to you, please leave let others know.
I’ve never heard of this and it’s true! $5,000 USD for returning in the wrong lane. Keep in mind that these are US Border officials doing this to US citizens.
th-cam.com/video/3hKP-Ep1Fcg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5H-sgZvc2GaICa8e
@@JR-vs1zl what?
Dont do it. Transit is plentiful.
Why should’t people do it?
@@MovingToMexiCo because u don't need it.. in the US u do. Plus see your vlog of how u got scammed. It happens everywhere. Foreign plate scam .. shakedown. So many foreigners just give money away. Then they keep doing it. Why not free money?... Gas station fill up... Mechanics... Traffic stops... Accident scams...list goes on... N for what? To do what a taxi can do for a song? .. bus rides r cheap so r flights
How funny, we have a Volvo and was thinking about that. Great info Paul, thank you!
Haha. Are you going to bring it?
No, we will sell it or whatever we have and buy down there. @@MovingToMexiCo
@@dirkwilbanks8136 the car I want is 17k more in Mexico. Hope it works out for u