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WARNING ON FIREARMS
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against taking any
type of firearm or ammunition into Mexico without prior written
authorization. Entering Mexico with a firearm or a single round
of ammunition carries a penalty of up to five years in jail, even
if the firearm or ammunition is taken into Mexico unintentionally.
The Mexican Government strictly enforces laws restricting the
entry of firearms and ammunition along borders and at air and
seaports. This has resulted in arrests, convictions and long prison
sentences for U.S. citizens who have unintentionally crossed the
border with firearms or ammunition in their possession. Those
who are approaching Mexico along the land border who realize they
are in possession of unauthorized firearms or ammunition should
immediately return to the U.S. and not go through Mexican Customs.
The only way to legally import firearms and/or
ammunition into Mexico is to secure a permit in advace
from the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C. or from a Mexican
Consulate.
Remember that, even when you enter Mexican waters on your private
boat or airplane, you are subject to the ban on importing firearms
and ammunition.
Some cities, such as Nuevo Laredo, have ordinances prohibiting
the possession of knives, similar weapons or anything that might
be construed as a weapon. Tourists have even been arrested
for possessing souvenir knives. Most arrests for knife possession
occur in connection with some other infraction, such as drunk
and disorderly behavior.
Failure to pay hotel bills or for other services rendered
is considered fraud under Mexican law. Those accused of these
offenses are subject to arrest and conviction with stiff fines
and jail sentences.
Be cautious when purchasing real estate. U.S. citizens
who become involved in time-share or other real property purchases
should be aware that Mexican laws and practices regarding real
estate are markedly different from those in the United States.
Foreigners purchasing real estate or time-shares in Mexico have
no protection under Mexican law and should be aware of the high
risks involved. Foreigners may be granted the right to own real
property only under very specific conditions and the purchase
of real property in Mexico is far more complicated than in the
United States. For example no title insurance is available in
Mexico for the purchaser and the builders frequently go bankrupt
leaving the investors with little recourse to recoup their funds.
The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends the use of competent local
legal assistance for any significant real property or business
purchase. A list of local attorneys can be obtained from the U.S.
Embassy or the nearest consulate in Mexico.
To Avoid Disputes With Merchants, Be a Careful Shopper. Make
sure the goods you buy are in good condition and always get a
receipt. There is a federal consumer protection office, the Procuraduria
Federal del Consumidor, to assist you if you have a major problem
with a faulty product or service. However, if the problem is with
a service of the tourist industry, you should bring the matter
to the Mexican Government Tourist Office (Secretaria de Turismo).
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