You can’t take everything with you from Mexico to the United States.
That’s a hard lesson to learn while standing in line only to be told you can’t bring the bottle of vanilla extract you bought for your mother’s holiday baking.
Transporting liquids is where most travelers get tripped up
Before buying a bottle of tequila at the airport, remember the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 3-1-1 limit. You can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 millimeters) or less per item.
In travel, as with life, the best defense is a good offense. We compiled information on the most common items U.S. travelers like to bring home with them as gifts or souvenirs. You can also check the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) website for a list of prohibited and restricted items so you can know before you go.
Alcohol
There are no federal limits on how much alcohol you can carry in your suitcase for personal use. One case is considered a good rule of thumb. But you will be taxed if you bring more than a one-liter bottle of alcohol from Mexico.
Usually, you can bring alcohol you purchase in duty-free with you on the plane. If you have a connecting domestic flight, however, you will need to pass through TSA and be subject again to carry-on restrictions. This means anything more than 3.4 ounces will have to go in your checked baggage. Try to purchase duty-free alcohol at the last airport before your final destination. Also, each state has its own rules on how much alcohol you can bring in for personal use.
Duty-Free Delights
Browsing in the duty-free shop can be a fun way to pass the time while waiting for your departing flight. However, not everything you buy at duty-free is automatically free upon your return to the U.S.
You have an $800 personal duty-free limit. This includes limited amounts of products containing alcohol, tobacco, and perfume, valued at more than $5 and all gifts you receive while traveling in Mexico.
Food
You can bring back most prepared/baked food, including condiments, vinegar, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee, tea, and certain cheeses.
Restrictions exist on fresh produce, meat, and animal products, and plants and cut flowers, because some foreign insects, plant and animal diseases, and invasive plants can be harmful to U.S agriculture. You’ll be asked to declare these items, and they may be subject to inspection when you return to the States.
Ceramic Tableware
Mexico is known for its stunning pottery and ceramic tableware. While there are no restrictions on ceramic tableware, CBP recommends you just use it for tableware or have it tested for lead release when you get home because some pieces can contain “dangerous levels of lead” in the glaze.
Souvenirs are a great way to savor memories of a memorable vacation. Ask Paulina, our concierge, if you have any questions about what you can safely bring back from the Riviera Maya
FAQs
Travelers should declare all items being brought from abroad that will remain in the United States. This includes gifts and duty-free purchases. Goods purchased in a duty-free shop are not automatically free of duty upon your return to the United States.
How to bring tequila back from Mexico? ›
There are no federal limits on how much alcohol you can carry in your suitcase for personal use. One case is considered a good rule of thumb. But you will be taxed if you bring more than a one-liter bottle of alcohol from Mexico. Usually, you can bring alcohol you purchase in duty-free with you on the plane.
What products is Mexico best known for? ›
Mexico is among the world's largest producers of oil, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas and wood. Other minerals, such as mercury, cadmium, antimony, manganese, iron and coal are also found.
What is worth buying in Mexico? ›
Tequila. Tequila is the traditional national drink of Mexico, and no trip to the country is complete without tasting it. This popular liquor is made from the Mexican-grown agave plant. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of tequila types, brands and price ranges, while in Mexico City.
Can I take souvenirs back to us? ›
In most cases, travelers are permitted to bring up to $800 worth of merchandise back to the United States without having to pay duty. (Numerous exceptions apply.)
How to declare souvenirs at US customs? ›
Complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B
All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products. Here are your options: Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise.
What can you not bring back from Mexico? ›
Examples of prohibited items are dangerous toys, cars that don't protect their occupants in a crash, bush meat, or illegal substances like absinthe and Rohypnol. Restricted means that special licenses or permits are required from a federal agency before the item is allowed to enter the United States.
How many bottles of tequila can I bring back from Mexico to the USA? ›
Federal and state regulations allow you to bring back one liter of an alcoholic beverage for personal use duty-free. However, states may allow you to bring back more than one liter, but you will have to pay any applicable Customs duty and IRT.
How many bottles of tequila can I bring back to the USA? ›
Can I bring back alcohol back to the United States for my personal use or as a gift? Generally, one liter per person may be entered into the U.S. duty-free by travelers who are 21 or older. Additional quantities may be entered, although they will be subject to duty and IRS taxes.
What is the most sold item in Mexico? ›
In 2022, the top five product categories that the Mexican consumer purchased online were: electronics, household appliances, fashion, home furnishings, and games.
Among Mexico's major exports are machinery and transport equipment, steel, electrical equipment, chemicals, food products, and petroleum and petroleum products.
What do the USA buy from Mexico? ›
Key Takeaways. The largest categories of imported goods from Mexico are vehicles, electrical equipment and components, oil and gas, audio and video equipment, beverages, optical and medical equipment, and appliances.
Is $1000 dollars a lot in Mexico? ›
In Mexico, you can live a comfortable life on $1,000 a month. The average cost of living for expats, digital nomads and retirees varies between $600 to $2,000 depending on one's lifestyle choices and their location. Baseline costs in Mexico are around $750 a month.
What things are cheap to buy in Mexico? ›
That depends on what you need to buy but fresh produce, medicines, medical treatments, some clothing and shoes (depending on the quality that you are looking for), houses and labor are some examples that are cheaper to buy in Mexico.
Is $100 enough in Mexico? ›
However, there is plenty that visitors can do on a budget of $100 USD, from an almost-endless bar to premium lucha tickets to a week-long stay in a hostel — proving that Mexico is a budget-friendly destination for the books.
What items can I bring back from Mexico? ›
As a general rule, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible. Because rice can often harbor insects, it is best to avoid bringing it into the United States.
How much stuff can I bring back from Mexico? ›
Currently, the duty-free exemption for items brought back from Mexico is $800 per person as long as the items are in your possession. For any amount in excess of $800, you will be required to pay the appropriate duty. A joint declaration is possible for families.
Can I bring goods from Mexico to USA? ›
Importing products from Mexico is a fairly similar process to importing goods from other countries, the key differences being that you need to submit paperwork and certificates to the CBP prior to any importation and you'll need a customs broker on both sides of the border.
What do I have to declare when leaving Mexico? ›
If you enter or leave Mexico, you must declare any sum of money equaling US$10,000 or more that you bring in cash, checks, money orders, other cashable documents or a combination of them. Failing to declare carries a fine ranging from 20% to 40% of the exceeding amount.
