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Does US Customs or Mexican Customs open the boxes in your vehicle when you're moving back NOB?


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I have moved to the US from Canada, so it should be the same. Itemize everything in each box and number it and provide the list to the Customs officer. They may or may not open the boxes, or just open a few and compare them against the list. They are way nicer to you if you come with the prepared, well organized list.

If you need some boxes and bubble wrap, I have some. I just moved a bunch of stuff from Canada and I am supposed to be unpacking instead of being lazy and spending time on the computer!

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My husband helped a friend move back to Texas in 2 SUVs. Mexician side did nothing.The US side had him open a couple of boxes(which were not taped shut)dog walked around the car.The border agents were very nice and "welcomed him home to the US." He did have an inventory written out which they glanced at.

Just a note,the car in front was pulling a small cargo trailer which was "scanned "by the machine and went straight thru.So no unloading.

This was on Laredo #2 bridge.

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I escorted a friend back across the border into TX last Thanksgiving. The car was maxed out, the trunk was level as was the back seat, no itemization at all, they opened the trunk and looked at it, welcomed her to the US and we were on our way. At other times I've carried boxes back and I usually don't tape them and the most they ever do is maybe lift a flap at the passport kiosk, I've never been pulled to the side. Also Bridge #2

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At the border they have scanners and dogs, no way to tell if they will open anything or not and tape will not be a determining factor.

Military checkpoints are another thing because they dont have all that special stuff. I got stopped at a military checkpoint in the middle of nowhere on the way to the border years ago. Not only did they look through every thing I had, they removed all the moulding they could inside the truck and glued it back with super glue.

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I went through last week - so it really is going to depend. I got an arrogant cocky agent - who asked me about living in North Dakota about 10 times - as he was into telling, not listening - I only corrected to South Dakota plates a few times and then gave up.

He flagged me for further inspection.

And got a gem - he looked at my dried fruit and passed that -and waived me on my way. Didn't even ask to open the trunk which was packed full.

So it going to depend.........

And really pay attention to the speed limits around San Luis Potosi - I was speeding and was stopped - and offered a 500 peso tip - so got to go on my way

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Does US Customs or Mexican Customs open the boxes in your SUV when you are moving back NOB?

It will be packed tight with boxes. Should I tape the boxes or not?

The last time I crossed at Laredo they had me unload everything from the back of my pickup and then they didn't open any of it,I reloaded it and was on my way,go figure.So, did you sell your house ?
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