Hi Folks,

Good day to you all. I'll soon be leaving Guatamala and was wondering:

1. Maximum time we can stay in Mexico with an imported motorbike. I believe for tourist visas you can have six months at a time, leave the country and re-enter a day or so later and have another six months. If true, does it work the same with the TIP for the bike?

2. What's the deal on storing motorbikes in MX? I'm thinking of leaving it there for a spell back in GB.

Thank you!

Bob

Reported recently that Mexico is cracking down on just heading out and leaving a vehicle behind and there were reports of some missing their plane trying to sort it out. Said that if you get permission from customs then there is no problem

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Tony
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True , you can stay a maximum of 180 days each time you get a new tourist permit (FMM ) and TVIP . Each time you should cancel the old TVIP before it expires and get your security deposit refund back. If you are late in cancelling you will lose that deposit money .
It is ( or was ) possible to store the bike and leave the country for a short period within such a 180 day permit-period and not incur any penalty , but if they are now going to link the TVIP with your passport that may be a thing of the past if you fly out. .
It is possible to make arrangements with Migracion and Banjercito to leave the bike stored and bonded in Mexico for a period beyond any FMM or TVIP you have , at a cost . They just don't want people selling or leaving behind vehicles that Mexicans would then use and avoid taxes with. You must speak with the Banjercito authorities to get the details and make arrangements. When you return they will give you a temporary pass so that you may set up a new TVIP and security bond payment.

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http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93

Very helpful, thanks you two.

If you get a moment, Sjoerd, it would be useful to know how the bond works, so that I have the right amount of money ready at the border.

Thank you!

Bob

Several Central American countries have temporary import permits but these are only a small cost , with no extra bond .
For Mexico alone you purchase the TVIP and are then also required to post a security bond as an encouragement for you to remove the bike at the end of your visit to Mexico and not try selling it in the country for a profit nor for Mexicans to buy it and avoid paying the required taxes.

The BOND only can be paid as an amount always denominated in US Dollars , but it can be paid in CASH US DOLLARS or by way of a CREDIT CARD .

The amount of the BOND will depend on the age category of the vehicle ,no difference for a car or a bike of any size . It varies in three steps from 200 to 300 to 400 USD, never more.
THE BOND IS REFUNDABLE, YOU GET YOUR MONEY BACK WHEN YOU CANCEL the TVIP BEFORE it expires at 180 days.
I recommend paying the bond with CASH USD , which means you will get the exact same number of dollars refunded . Before you go to the border make sure you have at least $400 in paper US money with you.
( the other fees may be paid in cash also using either pesos or an equivalent in dollars)
G o to the border crossing , at Migracion get your passport stamped and pay for the tourist document (FMM) then step over to Aduana and get the TVIP, then step over to Banjercito and pay up.
If you do not want to pay in cash USD for the bond then you can indeed pay for everything , FMM, TVIP and BOND with a credit card .Make sure you pay for each item at the border
Save all your receipts .The big TVIP sticker can be kept stored with your passport, rarely is it asked for on the road. If it is requested at a random Migracion check just show it. No cop ever has a reason to ask for it, taxes are none of their concern .
At end of stay in Mexico go to the border and ride up to the little green and white Banjercito kiosk and present your big TVIP sticker document and they will cancel using a RFID scanner . If you paid cash you go inside and collect the refund at Banjercito AND cancel your FMM.
If initially you paid by credit card the BOND REFUND will be instantly upon scanning be credited back to your cc account and show up there after a few days .
NB : there are Mexican border points where these formalities may be performed at locations far removed from the actual border along major highways e.g. Huixtla ,CHIS, ( on Mex 200 i n the south,)
and highway side customs terminals far south of Piedras Negras and CD Acuna (Mex 57 "km 53"); south of Cd Juarez( on Mex 45 km 26) ; south of Nogales
Me x 15(km 21 and also east of Guaymas )

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http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93

OR, go to Chetumal and cancel the import permit. Quintana Roo is a "free State" so you can leave it there and re import it when you return.