Real Stories
1. Cancun Airport Pleasant Surprise
Case: Late 2024, flew to Cancun (CUN) with 2 laptops. Result: Passed through smoothly without being taxed. Cancun airport has eliminated the tax policy on multiple electronic devices to encourage tourism. Lesson: Cancun airport only. Other airports (like Mexico City MEX, Guadalajara GDL) still strictly enforce the "one laptop per person" rule.
2. Mexico City Airport Tax
Case: Flew to Mexico City with 1 MacBook and 1 iPad Pro (with keyboard). Result: Customs red light (random inspection). Officer considered the iPad Pro with keyboard as a second computer. Required to pay 19% tax on the iPad's value (approximately $200 USD). Lesson: At non-Cancun airports, the definition of "one portable computer" is very strict. iPad with keyboard is sometimes counted as a computer.
3. Prescription Medication Check
Case: Brought large quantity of prescription medications. Result: Asked to show prescriptions. Since the prescription name matched the passport and the quantity was reasonable, cleared entry smoothly. Lesson: Although many medications are available over-the-counter at Mexican pharmacies, you must have prescriptions when bringing prescription drugs into the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many computers can I bring to Mexico? A: The law stipulates a duty-free allowance of one laptop per person. If you're going to Cancun (CUN), restrictions have been relaxed. If you're going to other cities, bringing two laptops carries a high risk of being taxed 19%.
Q: How can I avoid being taxed? A: If you must bring two, try to have a travel companion carry one. Or prepare invoices for old computers (to prove lower value), as customs typically values items as new.
Q: Are vapes legal? A: Mexican law prohibits the import and sale of vaping devices. While enforcement varies, customs has the authority to confiscate and fine. Recommend not bringing them.
Community Tips
"At MEX airport, if you press the button and get a green light, just walk straight through—don't look back, don't make eye contact. If it's red, stay calm and cooperate with inspection." — u/MexicoCityExpat
"If you're asked to pay tax, insist on an official receipt. Sometimes officers just want a bribe ('mordida'). If you insist on a receipt, they might find it too troublesome and let you go, or at least you ensure the money goes to the treasury." — u/TravelSafety
Latest Discussions
- Duty-Free Increase: Starting 2025, duty-free allowances for land entry will increase during specific holidays, but air entry typically remains at $500 USD (excluding personal items).
- Cancun Model Expansion? Currently no official word that other airports will follow Cancun in eliminating laptop quantity limits, so caution is still needed for MEX or GDL.