What's the chance of being charged a camera tax at Los Cabos Airport

[js1221]

I’d say it does not matter if the camera is in the housing or not. As far as them only looking for professional equipment, I’m not so sure about that. On our last trip, two divers from our group were profiled and pulled aside for “inspection.” One was charged a $75 tax on a 10+ old SeaLife DC2000 camera and the other was charged $150 tax on two video lights. They took both of their passports and would not allow them to leave until the tax was paid. Video lights are not even considered taxable, and even though the diver had a copy of the law, they didn’t care.

 

[gassed]

We just got back. No issues at all for us. I was prepared, following the Nautilus guidelines. Had documents of current values, etc. When we were clearing customers we were asked;
"Purpose of visit?"
"Diving"
"Camera? Housing?"
"Yes."
"Enjoy your trip."
That was it. I'm sure it can happen but we had Zero issues and we were completely honest, hiding nothing.
I would guess that if it escalates and you are obviously hiding things its going to raise red flags.

 

[ReadyDiverOne]

As my trip approaches, I still have questions about this issue. For underwater, I shoot an RX100VA, in a Recsea housing. Current pricing on these together is about $2000. I also shoot a GoPro 10, in a dive housing, so maybe worth $300. I guess my risk is that they will tax me on the RX100 and housing, which would be a nasty $340. I'm really hoping that doesn't happen. I assume they won't tax me on my strobes or video lights--is that right?

Relatedly, I am considering bringing my above-ground camera, a Canon R5, with a couple of lenses (24-105, 70-200, maybe 15-35). But having read about the wedding photographers, I am concerned I'll get hassled for that gear as well.

Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

 

[js1221]

As my trip approaches, I still have questions about this issue. For underwater, I shoot an RX100VA, in a Recsea housing. Current pricing on these together is about $2000. I also shoot a GoPro 10, in a dive housing, so maybe worth $300. I guess my risk is that they will tax me on the RX100 and housing, which would be a nasty $340. I'm really hoping that doesn't happen. I assume they won't tax me on my strobes or video lights--is that right?

Relatedly, I am considering bringing my above-ground camera, a Canon R5, with a couple of lenses (24-105, 70-200, maybe 15-35). But having read about the wedding photographers, I am concerned I'll get hassled for that gear as well.

Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

There is no easy answer to your question, at least from my experience. On our last trip (Sept 2023) one of our group was charged $150.00 tax for two Backscatter video lights. As far as the camera and housing, the tax is supposed to only apply to camera housings, not the camera itself. However, they take you into a separate room, take your passport, and tell you what you have to pay. If you're headed to a liveaboard or a resort, most people find it easier to just pay and be done with it. I recommend not looking like a diver, or like you have camera equipment. Use nondescript luggage, rather then branded dive bags, avoid Pelican and Pelican style cases and be nice to whoever the Customs/Immigration person is.

They really don't care about GoPros, so don't worry about that. They do however have a two camera limit, and will use the GoPro against that limit. I would leave the R5 at home, better safe than sorry.

I've been through Cabo twice and I was stopped the the first time and two other in my group the second time. I had a TG-6 in an Olympus housing and they agent told me that if it was under $500 they did not care but that was just one man's opinion.

 

[ReadyDiverOne]

Thanks, good advice I think re the R5. Is there much to shoot anyway on land/on the boat liveaboard Socorro?

 

[js1221]

Thanks, good advice I think re the R5. Is there much to shoot anyway on land/on the boat liveaboard Socorro?

That one I can't help you with, I've only done the Sea of Cortez although Socorro ia on my list.

 

[gassed]

Thanks, good advice I think re the R5. Is there much to shoot anyway on land/on the boat liveaboard Socorro?

Boat and land pics can be covered with a decent phone. You will probably not get very close to land form the Mothership and shooting a big telephoto from a moving platform would be challenging.
Have a great trip. It is an amazing place.

 

[ReadyDiverOne]

Thanks. As I thought. The RX100VA takes great photos. Just limited by lens.

 

[kelpscape]

Some tips at page 13: https://nautilusliveaboards.com/wp-.../Socorro-Nautilus-Pre-Trip-2023-10-11_WEB.pdf

Page not working. This works now (see p 18): https://nautilusliveaboards.com/wp-...ez-5Night-Getaway-Pre-trip-2024-06-06_WEB.pdf
or search for "Nautilus liveaboards pre-trip customs"

 

[JRCrab]

Well they got me…but fortunately not for as much as they tried.

Just flew into Cabo. Leaving for Socorro tomorrow.

I have completely non-diving related luggage (white dirty north face duffel bought in 2009, a similar style smaller brown carryon duffel and a very plain grey Patagonia roll top backpack) and plain clothes with zero branding.

I walked up to the customs guy and he asked me if I had a bunch of things like alcohol to which I answered honestly “no.” Then he asked me if I had iPad or laptop and I said “yes.” He said which and how many? I said 1 laptop. “Camera housing?” he asked. I said yes. He told me to push the button and sent me to the X-ray machine.

They pulled my housing and asked how much it cost.

I have the micon plastic housing I got on Amazon for $199 so I told her $200.

She said they are worth more in Mexico and she asked me for a receipt. I couldnt find my receipt that fast, so I showed her an ad for it on amazon for $177.

She wrote down the assessed value at $2000 and sent me to the back room.

They tried to charge me $375 in taxes. ~19% of $2000.

I asked why they would do this when I’m clearly just a tourist using this for my own recreation and entertainment. she showed me a print out of the regulation that has “underwater camera housing” written in the middle of a paragraph with a ton of legalese surrounding it.

By that time, I had found my receipt. It took me 20-30min to convince them that was my actual receipt for the housing that was right in front of them (even with pictures on the receipt). They were trying to say it wasn’t the real receipt because it didn’t match the serial number on the housing. Of course I had to mention that receipts show model information not serial numbers and the model info was clearly a match. One other person came over to help. Finally we broke through and they reduced the value to $199 and I paid 19% tax or about $38.

My camera was in a camera case deeper in my backpack and they didn’t seem interested in looking through the rest of my stuff. Just the housing