Final month, TPG reported on the rising variety of vacationers compelled to pay a nice after unknowingly breaking a little-known Mexican customs rule that permits just one transportable computing system per traveler. As per the regulation, a laptop computer and a pill are each thought of private computing gadgets. (It’s also possible to convey as much as two cellphones.)
The rule shouldn’t be new, however enforcement — together with public outrage — has been on the rise. Vacationers have taken to social media (and the TPG Suggestions inbox) to convey consideration to the state of affairs, resulting in protection by a number of information shops.
One TPG reader, Karen Bishop, was compelled to pay about $100 earlier than she might clear customs at Cancun Worldwide Airport (CUN) throughout a current go to as a result of she and her husband had every packed a laptop computer and an iPad for his or her journey.
On Oct. 11, Quintana Roo Gov. Mara Lezama introduced that Cancun Worldwide Airport is eliminating what she described as a “very outdated regulation” that “not matches the occasions wherein we stay.”
The announcement was made through a Fb video. Within the video, Lezama stated the regulation “has harmed the vacation spot’s status and induced discomfort and inconvenience to our guests.” After assembly with the Nationwide Customs Company of Mexico, Quintana Roo (the state the place Cancun is situated) made the choice to “remove this cost for each nationwide and worldwide vacationers.”
Lezama went on to say that “tourism is significant for Quintana Roo” and efforts to constantly enhance how vacationers are served are ongoing.
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This alteration is efficient instantly. Earlier than the change, passengers touring via Cancun Worldwide Airport could possibly be charged 19% of the worth of prohibited gadgets, as decided by the customs officer.
Private electronics aren’t the one gadgets topic to fines below Mexican customs rules. There are a number of gadgets — together with cameras, cellphones and GPS gadgets — which have per-traveler amount limits when touring to Mexico. You may view the total listing right here.
Do not forget that vacationers to Mexico should additionally full an Official Entry Immigration Kind, also called a Vacationer Card. This card is free, and you may apply on-line earlier than your journey to save lots of time upon arrival. Some areas, together with Quintana Roo, require vacationers to pay a customer tax. It can save you time on the airport by paying your tax on-line earlier than you allow on your journey.
The change to Mexico’s private baggage guidelines presently solely applies to Quintana Roo. Vacationers flying to different airports in Mexico should still be topic to a nice if they create a couple of private computing system via customs.
If you’re touring to Cancun, nevertheless, now you can clear customs with a number of private computing gadgets.
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