I'm going to Juarez at the end of this month by land through El Paso and I'm planning on giving my fiancee a ring worth over $1000. Does anyone have a similar experience they can share? I belive I could possibly face a flat duty/tax of 15%, I'm not sure about this though. I'm also wondering if I need to involve a customs broker or not.

Unfortunately, this was supposed to be our interview trip, our I129F was even approved and sent to Juarez, but it was sent back to the USCIS along with all of the other ones after March 6th. We decided to do the trip anyway and we also plan to do the medical this time to get it out of the way. We checked today, the medical is good for one year. We will be staying at the Holiday Lincoln.

Thanks!

Stick it in your sock or use it as a charm. Saves everyone from a headache.

dittos. Don't worry about the duty! the mexican authorities won't check anything when you enter anyway!

My situation was the opposite (hubbie bought ring in Mex, and I brought it to US) but I came back into the US with my engagement ring and never even thought to declare it until afterwards. Nothing was said or asked for. I wouldn't worry. Diamond rings are pretty much the same in Mexico as in the US, and personally Mexican customs seem to be most interested is for objects that are really cheap in the US and expensive in Mexico. (i.e. you buy it in the US since you're trying to avoid paying import taxes) This is just my idea though, it could be incorrect. I will say this - I have travelled to Mexico numerous times over the past 8 years, (for 5 of those years on a quarterly basis) and never once was stopped by Mexican customs beyond placing my suitcases through an xray machine.

Thanks for all the replies! I'll just give it to her in Texas.