I would like to here experiences of ones who have recently,
last 6 months, driven thru Mexico straight to Guate.
Especially any who have imported a vehicle and nacionalized
it. Car, pickup, box truck, bus or any kind of other
vehicle. How much did it cost you for Mexico permits,
propinas,gas,fumigations,etc.? And then for Guate how much
did you spend for the window sticker,if they still have
that, other fees and if you nacionalized your vehicle how
much import, VAT, and other fees and permits? Also what
percentage import duty paid and how was the value
determined?
It has been 5 yrs. since I last drove to Guate. from Texas.
Thanks
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When you enter Mexico from the USA you'll need all original
car ownership documents and two photocopies of each. You
will be required to obtain a surety bond which is a
guarantee that you won't sell the car in Mexico. When you
leave Mexico you have to cancel the permit or they'll
charge your credit card $500.00. If you have a credit card
they'll charge it about $15 for the bond. If you don't have
one they'll require you leave the $500 on deposit and then
they only give you back 80 percent when you leave. When you
enter Guatemala you have to pay the equivalent of $5.00 to
receive a 30 day permit. If you want to sell the car in
Guatemala you first have to pay duties and VAT. The VAT is
10 percent of retail bluebook value. Duties are 10 percent
for pickups, 15 percent for SUV's and 20 percent for autos.
They reduce this by 20 percent for a year-old car and then
10 percent for each additional year of age of the car up to
a maximum of 60 percent. (A 1993 car would pay 40 percent
of the 20 percent of 1999 bluebook value for a new one of
the same make and model). If you are a tourist you have 30
days to do this or leave the country. The same approximate
rules also apply to Honduras and El Salvador.
Crossing Mexico the gas costs almost $2.00 gallon and the
toll roads are expensive. A 15 day insurance costs around
$15-20. Other stuff is inexpensive.
I'm planning to drive from US to Costa Rica this June and
July and would like to hear from anyone with recent
experience making this trip, especially road conditions in
Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua? All details and advice
encouraged.
Thanks
Albert
left note for foster(see above). Spent some time talking to
two fellows who drove down to Antigua from Charlotte to
start a bike touring and outfitting business last December.
The red tape was very interesting as well as the
"donations" that were made in route. They were carrying 8
bikes and camping supplies so they were made to be a part
of a transmigrante caravan which might be different that
your situation. Best to email specific questions to them at
TRAVLNLITE@HOTMAIL.COM and maybe they can give you some
good info. Good luck