Travelling to Mexico for vacation...

[wbrian]

Hi All!
Not sure if this is the right forum for this. (Sorry if it's not.) Anyway, my wife and I are planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico later this year. I'd like to take my Ace 250 with me and check out the beaches while we're there. Anyone travel with their detector before? Any travel issues with the airlines? Should it be in my carry-on or stowed with the luggage? Any other tips or suggestions? (Any sites that are suggested there?

Thanks for any help you can give!
Brian

 

[Waterbug]

I have traveled domestic and overseas,taking the detector along.BUT,not in the last four years.I took mine as carry-on without any problems.I was told to keep the batteries handy to show it worked AS a detector if asked to do so.Things have changed since,so if I were you,I would check with the airlines you will be traveling with to see what their regulations are at the present.I do not like the idea of putting it in checked -in bags because you can not lock them now and some of the airlines emplyees seem to have sticky fingers.Also chek with the security at the airport you will be leaving from.I can not say if there will be any problems on your return trip from MX,depends on Mxn security.
Whatever happens,have fun and enjoy.
Waterbug

 

[wbrian]

Thanks for the info. If anyone has travelled more recently, I'd love to hear from them. I will definitely call the airlines and check their policies. Maybe I could mail the 'tector to the hotel, too...


Thanks!
Brian

 

[Gila Marc]

I have never taken my detectors on an airline but I have detected in Mexico a couple times. Some people say they haven't had any problems, but I know Mexico has some rather unusual laws regarding bringing electronic devices into or out of the country. You may be stopped and asked for proof of prior ownership of the detector, like a sales receipt or the like. Even then you may be charged customs duties or import tax on your own item. The best way around this is to get a form available in any Mexican consulate showing you own the item and a description, etc., signed by consulate authorities. Then you can go anywhere in Mexico with no hassles from the Rurales. The form is free, or was when I last did it a couple years ago.

Better safe than the sorrow of losing your detector or being fined or taxed. Again, some have had no hassles but I'd get the form.

Marc

 

[Waterbug]

Brian,
Sorry, I forgot that part.Go to the customs office at your airport and get a "Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad" for each item(camera,detector,etc)that you will take with you out of the US.This shows you purchased them here before you left the US and do not have to pay duty on them when you return.You will have to take all items with you to show the customs officer.It will help to have a list of serial numbers of the items,also.Good luck.
Waterbug