Curious.... what actually happens during Customs? Are they checking your bags? What questions are generally asked? Why? well I am a seasoned Cruiser and I can pack some liquor to where all I need is soda instead of paying high prices. BUT, I have seen on these forums that some are packing bottles of wine/liquor for their rooms and what about AIWC... How do you get around customs? What is the protocol? Thanks in advance
The questions asked are super basic. Essentially "How long are you going to be here", and "where are you staying". Then after you pickup your checked bags and go to leave there is a station where you push this button and you either get a green or red light (this is per group not per person). If you get the green, they just wave you past and you head out the doors. If it is red then they pull you aside and open your bags. I don't know what the ratio is, but in 8 trips to Cancun, I have never received the red light. You are allowed to bring 3 liters in your bag, or you can buy (and carry it) in the duty free (at departure location or in Cancun).
as usual, thanks a bunch!!.... let's hope for a green light, but knowing my luck, I'll get the red light and will be purchasing more in the Duty Free Shop. I'm more concerned with the AIWC. I'd prefer to bring more "fun" stuff and drink the liquor from the bar.
Yea someone else can probably speak more to their experience with the AIWC, I have never brought that. I don't like alcohol or eating whip cream.
They are phasing out the red light/green light system throughout Mexico. I am not sure if it is still being used at the Cancun airport or not.
Red light/green light is not used in Terminal 4. We flew Southwest and they use terminal 4. Office just asked if we had anything to declare. We said no and she just waved us on.
Red light is real fun if you have costumes and toys....our Spanish is never good enough to explain some of the "items"!!!
We flew southwest into the new terminal and there was no Red light Green light. Went through customs, picked up our luggage and onto the USA Transfers van.