taking steaks into Mexico
 

WE will be houseguests of friends in San Miguel. I'd like to take frozen beef steaks, packed in dry ice. Will that be allowed thru security in the U.S. and thru immigration in Mexico?

I wouldn't worry about immigration - they only check your passport. It's customs I'd be concerned with.

Security in the US, you mean in carry-on or checked in?

You need to check with your airline about carrying dry ice onboard. For example, this is what Continental has to say about dry ice:

<i>Continental Airlines will accept packages containing 5 lbs. (2.2 kg.) or less of dry ice as carry-on baggage or checked baggage. The container or package must be ventilated to permit the release of carbon dioxide gas. The container or package must be marked as containing dry ice and must show the net weight and the identity of the perishable item. Styrofoam coolers containing dry ice will not be accepted.

A $35.00 handling service charge applies to the transportation of dry ice as checked baggage.

Dry Ice in quantities greater than 5 lbs. (2.2 kg.) must be shipped as cargo.</i>

I have no idea what Mexico's rules are for bringing meat product. You need to check that too.

Unless you are going to some backroads in the Brazilian jungles or Africa deep country, DON't BOTHER.

A good local butcher in San Miguel will be able to provide whatever prime cuts of meat you need.

The best Italian experience I EVER HAD was in Kabul, Afghanistan. (I know it's hard to believe, but it's totally true) and I have been to Italy, New York and grew up in Chicago. An Italian chef married an Afghani woman and they operat what I consider one the best Italian restaurants in the world, IMHO. All the diplomats, high ranking UN officials, army higher ups show up every night. (HIGH SECURITY around the place). Anyway, that's not my point. My point is that unless you end up in some backwater village (IN ANY COUNTRY), you will be fine. No need to drag this stuff around and quite possibly have it confiscated by customs. Most countries do not allow meat and/or plants in fear of infectinng their own, unless it's officially imported.

Hawaii has an agricultural form that every person has to fill out upon arrival and that includes all Americans. California has the same sort of control, although harder to enforce.



My advice - don't bother.

I agree with AAFF.

Anyways, his experience reminds me of a recent great meal I have. It's a Brazilian churrascaria-style restaurant, but guess where it is? In a medium-sized town in Sicily, of all places. ;)

10 years ago I flew to Loretto, BCS (Baja)Mexico with a large FROZEN turkey in a cardboard box. Upon arrival they asked what was in it and my meager spanish answered &quot;un grande pollo&quot;. No problems at all. My husband had packed newspapers all around as some sort of insulation. Good Luck. PS AAFF is right about buying it in San Miguel. Their Sonora beef is excellent.