40 replies to this topic

[Estrella Roja]

Has anyone actually received any refund of the new vehicle bond ($400 or $300 USD) after turning in their permit and sticker at the border?
I have not got mine back and should have, so just want to check if it ever actually happens.
Cheers Bob

[lcscats]

Yes once when I went NOB in December. Took four days. Again two weeks ago and it took about three days. Used credit card refund showed up on card.

[wallywingnut]

Thank you for reminding me. I crossed the border on March 28 and have not received mine yet, $480.07, Who would I contact?

[Intercasa]

The deposits are $200US to $400US, any other fee would be the cost of the permit. In order to get the deposit back you need to return the vehicle before the expiration date on the sticker or do a timely notification to Aduana. We have seen some people not get their deposit back for the following reasons:

1) Changed their credit card number (person's issue)
2) Assumed immigration would notify aduana about a new FM2 or FM3 so no notification done (person's fault)
3) Client did notification properly and Mexico City didn't notify Banjercito (Aduana screwed up)

[bournemouth]

In the Aduana screwup situation, is there any remedy for the car owner?

[Intercasa]

We are working on it, went and got proof from Aduana locally that letter was received in Mexico City, certified mail receipt and then will see what they do, client complied with their obligations and will have Aduana in Mexico City verify with Aduana locally that things were sent timely as there is also the letter and file stamped copy showing everything was done properly.

[wallywingnut]

Who or what is Aduana?

[bournemouth]

Mexican Customs. You may find Google Translate useful when wondering about a word:

http://translate.google.com/#auto|en|

[ohjoni]

We are on a 2 month trip to the U.S. Drove over the border at Nogles around April 23. At the time, the agent where we went to get the sticker removed asked if we were coming back. We told her dos meses and she said we didn't have to remove it since we were coming back. We had planned to have it removed and were a bit bummed as we came in 3 years ago when the fee was about $40, and we were going to have to pay $375 when we came back in June. Hope we got the right information. If we have a problem when we return next month I will post.

[giltner68]

Most likely not a problem. I have my original sticker from nearly 5 years ago and I go NOB at least once a year sometimes twice. Just have your paperwork to back it up, I've never been questioned.

[garmemorial]

The deposits are $200US to $400US, any other fee would be the cost of the permit. In order to get the deposit back you need to return the vehicle before the expiration date on the sticker or do a timely notification to Aduana. We have seen some people not get their deposit back for the following reasons:

1) Changed their credit card number (person's issue)
2) Assumed immigration would notify aduana about a new FM2 or FM3 so no notification done (person's fault)
3) Client did notification properly and Mexico City didn't notify Banjercito (Aduana screwed up)

Exactly How and When do we get it back? What action is required on our part?

[george]

I went north in March. Came back in late April with a different car.

Even though I handed both my FM3 and passport to immigration at Colombia I did not make myself aware of what the official was doing. He copied and stamped as they always do and handed back my passport and FM3. Inside the passport was a signed paper. I didn't check it out until I returned home. He had entered me on a 180 day tourist card when I handed him a valid FM3. So..............I'm at a loss as to what I should do re the car deposit (approx 450 US). Did I just make a donation or the first of two if I decide to make another trip north. I have renewed my FM3 (it would have expired on 25 May 12). Who needs to be notified?

[Intercasa]

Aduana needs to be notified, my office does the notifications personally at aduana so you get a stamped receipt, less likely to lose the deposit that way.

[CV150]

I crossed at Columbia on May 6th. I renewed my FM3 in March and got a letter from aduana from Spencer. I have still not recieved the $300 refund on my not-expired credit card. Is it normal for it to take this long? How long should I wait until I start to worry? Then what do I do?

[Intercasa]

Should be a few days, bring your papers by our office and we can check for you.

[tonys]

My credit card was credited within a couple of days. They do recommend that you cancel your permit and get a new one every time you cross the border.

[CV150]

Spencer: I can't bring the papers by the office because I'm now back NOB for the summer. Will be returning in October. With a new sticker. And another deposit.

[ohjoni]

Since they didn't remove our sticker and we have valid FM3s, do we have to stop anywhere to do any paperwork on returning to Mexico next month? This is the first time we are driving back since we first drove down 3 years ago. Any comments would be appreciated.

We also have 2 dogs for which we had all fhe proper documents coming into the U.S. and no one asked to look at them.

Joni

[RVGRINGO]

You should have stopped at INM on the way out, getting an FMM stub to turn in when you re-enter and possibly a stamp in your passport. You must stop at INM, always, and Aduana to declare, if you have declareable items.
As for the car: If you didn't get your sticker removed by Aduana/Banjerito, which you should have done, just come back in without going there. Had your car been traded, stolen or disabled, you would regret your omission.

[tonys]

Since they didn't remove our sticker and we have valid FM3s, do we have to stop anywhere to do any paperwork on returning to Mexico next month? This is the first time we are driving back since we first drove down 3 years ago. Any comments would be appreciated.

We also have 2 dogs for which we had all fhe proper documents coming into the U.S. and no one asked to look at them.

Joni

You can cancel your present permit and get a new one when you cross into Mexico. I did that Last August.
You will avoid any questions or problems when you get to the Aduana and federales check points.