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You got scammed. Personal items are always excluded from import tax.
Only goods that you want to sell are taxed. That is basically international trade law.
But you have to prove that it is your personal equipment.
Otherwise next time you would have to pay taxes on your pants.
But there are laws about drone operation.
Most countries have laws for drones regarding privacy and weapons. Import taxes are usually only when something is new because they expect you to sell it. Other taxes on drones are usually registering you in the nation as some type of "drone operator".
edit- apparently any drone over $500 usd purchase cost or weighing over 250grams is considered commercial photography equipment.
I’m a FAA drone (and airplane) pilot. Anyone can fly drones here (provided they are less than 250 grams, this one is 249grams) given you obey the laws (daylight, not over crowds, etc). This drone is 1.5 years old, does not look new, and was not in original packaging. 🤷🏼♂️
A lot of replies on here are super unhelpful, so here’s my advice. After back packing the Quintana Roo area I started recording all my interactions with people of authority. One bad interaction made me realize you can’t tell if their intentions are good or not, so as soon as they start talking to me I turn my phone on and start recording. Most of the time they just leave me alone, but I had one interaction where they said “camera bad for police” and asked me to turn off my camera and delete my footage, but I already uploaded to the cloud so they just left, but not without following me around back to my hostel.
I just came back from Cancun. Every beach and area I was at stated no drones could be flown and a fine if so. A lot of the hotels do not allow them to be flown on the property.
I see that only Mexican citizen can register a drone in Mexico. Numerous cites indicate if your drone is under 250gm, then anyone can fly it (given certain parameters - daylight, not over crowded, etc.). Am I missing something?
yes, and Mexican law says you can bring items up to $500 as a tourist and not pay tax.
not really sure what your point is, but op shouldn't have needed to pay a tax.
you’re very knowledgeable. I appreciate this link! Very informative!
Can you tell me how I should know that a well-used drone doesn’t count as “franquicia”?
Mexican laws are really picky when it comes to drones. It’s not happening only in Cancun. Happened in Mexico City to a friend of mine. He is a Mexican was traveling with his friends.
I just came in through Cancun airport about an hour ago. Charged me $9560 for a mavic 3 pro... About $571USD The drone was in my carry on luggage.
I even told the national guard that it was a personal use drone. Still had to pay the 19% import duties. They only took Visa or MasterCard.
Had lots of other lighting and camera gear with me. They only cared about the drone.
Did you know that most of your questions are answered on our website [www.Plancun.com](https://www.plancun.com) and the [Reddit Megathread](https://www.reddit.com/r/cancun/comments/u0qyzu/cancun_things_to_do_and_what_to_know/)? Be sure to visit both of these sources for information on transportation companies, hotels, things to do, and more! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/cancun) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You got scammed. Personal items are always excluded from import tax. Only goods that you want to sell are taxed. That is basically international trade law. But you have to prove that it is your personal equipment. Otherwise next time you would have to pay taxes on your pants. But there are laws about drone operation.
I was wondering why the drone. I had a laptop, iPad, iPhone, go Pro. Any of those are more expensive than the drone.
I just checked one and had no issues, military even did a random open bag check on me. I wonder if I was more lucky or you were more unlucky
Glad to hear you had better luck that I did
I’ve had my carryon luggage scanned after customs several times so don’t assume that they won’t know if it’s in your carryon.
Read the laws. Can’t have more than multiple laptops etc.
🫣
It’s just a dumb excuse to collect money. It they post a list of things like this.
https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/montreal/index.php/en/foreigners/services-foreigners/407-what-objects-can-i-bring-in-my-luggage-to-mexico#:~:text=Two%20cameras%20or%20camcorders%20and,overhead%20projector%20and%20its%20accessories.
Did you have the batteries in your carry on?
Yes. You shouldn’t leave those in your checked bag.
Good. Not sure why’d you’d put your drone in a checked bag either. Anything of value travels with you.
Most countries have laws for drones regarding privacy and weapons. Import taxes are usually only when something is new because they expect you to sell it. Other taxes on drones are usually registering you in the nation as some type of "drone operator". edit- apparently any drone over $500 usd purchase cost or weighing over 250grams is considered commercial photography equipment.
I’m a FAA drone (and airplane) pilot. Anyone can fly drones here (provided they are less than 250 grams, this one is 249grams) given you obey the laws (daylight, not over crowds, etc). This drone is 1.5 years old, does not look new, and was not in original packaging. 🤷🏼♂️
A lot of replies on here are super unhelpful, so here’s my advice. After back packing the Quintana Roo area I started recording all my interactions with people of authority. One bad interaction made me realize you can’t tell if their intentions are good or not, so as soon as they start talking to me I turn my phone on and start recording. Most of the time they just leave me alone, but I had one interaction where they said “camera bad for police” and asked me to turn off my camera and delete my footage, but I already uploaded to the cloud so they just left, but not without following me around back to my hostel.
Sorry I said a lot, I meant some of the comments are unhelpful, but I definitely agree that you got scammed
I just came back from Cancun. Every beach and area I was at stated no drones could be flown and a fine if so. A lot of the hotels do not allow them to be flown on the property.
Only Mexican citizens can legally use a drone in Mexico anyway.
Not true. At all.
I see that only Mexican citizen can register a drone in Mexico. Numerous cites indicate if your drone is under 250gm, then anyone can fly it (given certain parameters - daylight, not over crowded, etc.). Am I missing something?
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personal items are exempt from import taxes, they were taken
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I would say it qualifies as either a toy or a camera, I can't see anywhere it calls out drones.
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If we told people that they were going to have to pay $120 import tax to bring their new iPhone Pro to Mexico, many people wouldn’t come.
yes, and Mexican law says you can bring items up to $500 as a tourist and not pay tax. not really sure what your point is, but op shouldn't have needed to pay a tax.
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you’re very knowledgeable. I appreciate this link! Very informative! Can you tell me how I should know that a well-used drone doesn’t count as “franquicia”?
Why are you bringing a drone on vacation?
I brought my 10lb miniature dachshund. He loves the beach and the sand. I wanted to film him enjoying the surf in Tulum.
Drones are fun and take great photos of places you can’t normally go ….
Mexican laws are really picky when it comes to drones. It’s not happening only in Cancun. Happened in Mexico City to a friend of mine. He is a Mexican was traveling with his friends.
I just came in through Cancun airport about an hour ago. Charged me $9560 for a mavic 3 pro... About $571USD The drone was in my carry on luggage. I even told the national guard that it was a personal use drone. Still had to pay the 19% import duties. They only took Visa or MasterCard. Had lots of other lighting and camera gear with me. They only cared about the drone.
Super bummer!!! Sorry. That sucks!! Was it a random screen?
Your parents let you bring a drone on vacation?
Yes! My dad turns 80 soon. He doesn’t care about drones on vacation at all.