Do I have this right.

I'm taking a computer with me NOB. I may buy another computer.

As I understand, I will have to pay 17 or 18% duty on the new computer and it will be based on the value Aduana puts on it rather than what my receipt from Best Buy or Fry's Electronics shows.

Am I close?

Thanks.

No, if you buy another computer just bring it down as a personal item. You won't have to pay any duty on it. I bring all sorts of electronic items down in my luggage and have never paid any duty.

CanuckBob wrote:No, if you buy another computer just bring it down as a personal item. You won't have to pay any duty on it. I bring all sorts of electronic items down in my luggage and have never paid any duty.

When I come back with my computer, I am always asked if it is the only computer I am bringing in.

Only one per person is permitted.

I have brought a laptop to Ajijic every trip the past 4 years, I resale in Ajijic due to cost difference, never been stopped at the airport, no one has ever even askrd.

A laptop is duty free, the other you could apply your $500US duty free exemption towards the value

I'm assuming that you mean a single laptop; if I have two laptops, then they don't both come in free.

I'm looking at a near US$900 ultralite laptop.

Is there any way to argue that I should only have to pay duty on the value in excess of my allotted free amount?

Use the expensive one as your personal exemption and the cheaper one to apply to the $500 limit

Intercasa wrote:Use the expensive one as your personal exemption and the cheaper one to apply to the $500 limit

Sounds good, but how do I claim which will go to my personal exemption? The old one isn't worth US$100 and the new one will cost a lot more.

How do they check the value of a "new" computer?

I brought in 3 computers by air one time; one for each of 2 businesses and one for personal. The Aduana guy looked at me strangely but let me pass.

Clueless wrote:
Sounds good, but how do I claim which will go to my personal exemption?

Tell them which is which ..... not that hard