How Many Electronics Can I Pack in My Luggage to Mexico?

Swimsuit – check. Sunglasses – check. Sunblock – check. These are just a few of the many essentials visitors to Mexico are sure to have packed in their luggage. And while there are several items most savvy travelers know to leave behind, there has recently been some chatter regarding something many passengers have with them: electronics.  

A recent Forbes article brought to light a rule that some travelers and travel advisors were not aware of. When entering Mexico, visitors can only take one portable computing device, which includes laptops and iPads, otherwise, they are at risk of either parting ways with one of them or paying a possibly hefty fine. With the growing trends of remote work, streaming services and basically leaning into our electronics for everything, it’s not uncommon for a traveler to be carrying both a laptop and some sort of tablet.

Wendy Campbell, owner of Elite Travel, experienced this at the Cancun International Airport last month when she was headed to a FAM trip. On her way to her transportation after clearing security, she was randomly chosen to be screened. “I feel I was selected as I was traveling alone and had 2 good size suitcases as I was going to be in destination for a while,” Campbell said, adding that it seemed as though they were looking for something specific during the search.

“I did have my laptop and iPad in my computer bag and once she found those, the search was over. She then took me over to her workstation and looked up the serial number and told me the fine was $55,” Campbell said. The fines can vary based on the value of the device, and other travelers have paid closer to $200 for newer devices. 

“I was aware of the rules but I always travel with both as I need both so I took the chance. I also wanted to know the process so that I could better explain the process to clients and what they would deal with.” Campbell noted that other travelers also ran into the same issue, and some of them received a fine while others were allowed to continue on their way with “only a small lecture.”

Firsthand Experience Is Essential

So what’s the lesson here? As Campbell noted, she’ll be able to use her experience to help explain this type of situation to her clients. Just like she’ll be able to share everything she learned from her FAM trip with her clients. “It is very important for us to know the rules so that we can better educate our clients to each country's specific laws, whether it be computers/iPads, cell phones or the color of clothing they wear,” she said. “We are their advocates and most would not know if we didn't tell them!”

This specific rule is nothing new, but the recent attention on it is a good reminder to stay diligent and become familiar with the regulations of the destinations you’re visiting and booking for clients. 

“It is really important for us as advisors to stay up to date with the rules and regulations of any destination we are sending our clients to. The last thing we want is a client to arrive unprepared and have to pay a large fine (or worse),” said Lori Gold, travel advisor and founder of The Resorts of the Riviera Maya. “Not only do I make sure agents in my Resorts of the Riviera Maya group are informed by posting daily destination updates and information, but I have a free class called Mexican Caribbean 101 that is perfect for new & experienced advisors to make sure they are aware of all the details needed to send clients to the destination successfully.”

Gold pointed out another item that travelers need to keep in mind when visiting Mexico — she said customs can be strict when it comes to cigarettes.

Learn more about Mexico’s anti-smoking law

“You are only allowed to bring 10 cigarette packs into Mexico, and anything over that will incur a fine (you do not have the option to simply throw a pack out),” Gold said. “This is a tricky one as duty-free is located before customs, and some passengers will buy a carton (10 packs) there if they only brought a few from home, which would automatically put them over the limit. I know someone who was fined over $1100USD last year for a similar mistake.”

To learn more about what you and your clients can pack in your luggage when traveling to Mexico, a full list of items can be found here (this list is in Spanish and can be translated to English on your browser).