Mexico Underwater Camera "Tax" spread to Cancun

[Johno1530]

Thanks All, it would appear that it's getting worse and when I asked the dive operator for a current update, I got a standard response. 

 

I have decided to cancel my trip to Socorro as I am unwilling to get scammed and think it's better to just forget about Mexico, cut my losses and move on. It's a shame as I was really looking forward to diving there but not enough is being done to stop this practice. 

 

A holiday is supposed to be relaxing and all of this sounds anything but. I don't need the hassle. I will just look for somewhere else to spend my money. 

[EllenS]

I'm contemplating getting the Carnet https://www.atacarnet.com/processing-fees for my April trip to Socorro. I'm wondering how I can get updated pricing on my kit? Should I ask backscatter? Like a vehicle, the lot drive off takes a hunk off the value. Any recommendations welcome!

[Raphael Gatti]

A friend of mine was afraid of the taxes too, he went to Socorro this year, he flew through Mexico City without any problem and then took an internal flight to Cabo San Lucas. He had not issues, there were two guys inspecting the baggages, but I think that is way different from customs inspections.

Talking with another friend that run tours on Baja and Magdalena Bay, the main problem is to arrive on international flights at Cabo San Lucas International airport.

 

I'm planning to go to Magbay this year, and quite interested on the taxes subject.

[Sokrates]

On 2/11/2025 at 6:08 PM, Raphael Gatti said:

A friend of mine was afraid of the taxes too, he went to Socorro this year, he flew through Mexico City without any problem and then took an internal flight to Cabo San Lucas. He had not issues, there were two guys inspecting the baggages, but I think that is way different from customs inspections.

Talking with another friend that run tours on Baja and Magdalena Bay, the main problem is to arrive on international flights at Cabo San Lucas International airport.

 

I'm planning to go to Magbay this year, and quite interested on the taxes subject.

 

Main problem is SJD, but there was reports it happening in MEX also. In this thread or some other.

Of course not as big there, but still.

Edited February 16 by Sokrates

[GaryR]

I am considering a trip to Cozumel, has anyone had to pay going into there.  I only saw one  mention of them in the thread

[atus]

I'm also considering a trip to Baja California, not this year but in 2026. I'm follwing this thread from the begining. What about the airports coming from Europe going to Baja right now ?. I wouldn't like to get scammed at the airport.

[Dave_Hicks]

2 hours ago, atus said:

I'm also considering a trip to Baja California, not this year but in 2026. I'm follwing this thread from the begining. What about the airports coming from Europe going to Baja right now ?. I wouldn't like to get scammed at the airport.

I've been to Cabo airport (SJD) a number of times since they started this Tax scam. I've not been victimized yet - thankfully. Friends on the same trips have been hit for Hundreds of dollars. 

 

My best tip is to pack your camera gear in a standard suitcase that does not scream "scuba" all over it. Pack your dive gear in bags that DO scream scuba. If you are traveling with someone, give all the non-scuba bags (with the camera gear) to one person. The other takes all the !SCUBA! bags through first. The camera-bearing person follows and tries to not look like they are together. 

 

I've skated though several times successfully using this approach. I put my Dive gear in Pelican bags which really draw attention. My wife with the regular suitcases containing the camera gear slipped past unnoticed. 

[atus]

21 hours ago, Dave_Hicks said:

I've been to Cabo airport (SJD) a number of times since they started this Tax scam. I've not been victimized yet - thankfully. Friends on the same trips have been hit for Hundreds of dollars. 

 

My best tip is to pack your camera gear in a standard suitcase that does not scream "scuba" all over it. Pack your dive gear in bags that DO scream scuba. If you are traveling with someone, give all the non-scuba bags (with the camera gear) to one person. The other takes all the !SCUBA! bags through first. The camera-bearing person follows and tries to not look like they are together. 

 

I've skated though several times successfully using this approach. I put my Dive gear in Pelican bags which really draw attention. My wife with the regular suitcases containing the camera gear slipped past unnoticed. 

Thanks for the advice, but I think I'll keep going to Asia. I don't like surprises when it's about money and I don't like to play the mouse and cat game with the customs.