Many Mexicans are surprised when a package arrives from abroad and the final cost is much higher than what they saw on the screen.

Why does this happen? Because some stores only show the sticker price and don’t include import costs. That’s why it’s important to know what the real costs are when shopping overseas.

So, in this guide we explain how real costs are formed when buying internationally—from IGI/IVA and DTA to commissions. This way you’ll know what you’re going to pay when receiving a package from abroad before you place an order.

Real Costs When Buying Internationally: Taxes, Tariffs, and Hidden Charges

Components of the International Cost

In Mexico, in addition to the product price, you’ll have to pay duties, VAT, customs processing fees, shipping, and possible hidden logistics charges.

We break them down below:

• Product price + origin shipping value. Includes what you pay the seller plus the shipping amount from the warehouse to the border or departing airport.

• International freight + insurance. Covers transport of the order between countries, whether by plane, ship, or express courier. Insurance is usually optional to protect your purchase against loss or damage.

• Value-Added Tax (IVA). A mandatory rate applied to most goods entering Mexico. Collected by customs when the package enters the country.

• Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS). Applied to specific goods (alcoholic beverages, tobacco, fuels) as they are considered special-consumption items.

• Customs Processing Fee (DTA). A fee you pay for presenting your merchandise to customs, though it’s usually a low percentage or a fixed amount in simplified regimes.

• General Import Tax (IGI) and customs surcharges. The IGI rate depends on the type of merchandise and whether there are treaties allowing tariff exemptions for Mexico.

For these import taxes in Mexico, it also depends on whether the merchandise is subject to Non-Tariff Regulations and Restrictions (RRNA). In addition, in some cases there may be additional customs surcharges to protect domestic production.

Ranges and Rates (courier)

The amount payable varies according to the customs value, shipping origin, and whether it enters via courier (simplified regime) or formal customs clearance. Under the simplified courier regime, a global rate applies.

The table below summarizes the thresholds:

If these conditions are not met, the import moves to formal clearance and full taxes are calculated (IGI by tariff code + IVA + DTA).

Exchange Rates and Payment Commissions

Beyond Mexico’s import rates, logistics charges, or tariffs, the final amount in pesos can increase depending on how you pay. If you pay in foreign currency (USD, EUR, etc.), factors include:

• Exchange rates. Banks or platforms like eBay apply their own exchange rate, which varies by institution.

• Issuer bank commission. If you pay by card, an additional fee for international use may apply.

• Card network commission (Visa or Mastercard) per international transaction (can be 1% to 5%).

So even if the store price looks cheaper, after conversion you end up paying more in pesos.

Common Hidden Charges

In some cases, you may encounter hidden charges on international purchases that indeed inflate the final amount. Some of these are:

• Customs storage. Charged if your package remains held longer than expected.

• Additional costs for regulations or certifications. Certain products require special permits that generate extra costs.

• Local logistics handling fees. Include courier costs and internal customs procedures.

So, how much does it cost to bring something from abroad?

To answer these questions, let’s look at some examples:

Example 1

Suppose you want to place a small clothing order (origin: China):

• Product price: 50 USD.

• International shipping: 10 USD.

• Taxes (IGI + IVA) global rate of 33.5%

• DTA: 445.00 MXN.

• Exchange rate: 1 USD = 18.44 MXN.

Example 2

Let’s say you plan to buy in the USA and receive in Mexico an electronic product worth 300 USD. In addition, the USMCA reduces or eliminates tariffs if rules of origin are met. IVA and DTA still apply.

With that in mind, here’s an example:

• Product price: 300 USD

• International shipping: 25 USD.

• Tariff: 0% (by USMCA, meeting rules)

• IVA on (product + shipping + tariff)

• DTA: 445.00 MXN.

• Exchange rate: 1 USD = 18.44 MXN.

In both examples, the DTA corresponds to the simplified courier regime. If it moves to formal clearance, it could be calculated as a percentage of the customs value.

Summarized version of examples:

Provider Comparison

Another aspect that influences the real cost is where you’re placing the order:

• If you buy from an online store or direct supplier, the displayed price is usually just product + shipping. Import taxes are charged separately upon arrival in Mexico.

• For AliExpress taxes, for example, IVA is already included in the final checkout price.

• Marketplaces like Amazon Global offer Delivered Duties Paid (DDP), where the price already includes taxes and paperwork.

• Couriers delivering to Mexico also apply taxes and logistics fees that vary by shipping method.

Thus, the cost of the same purchase can differ depending on whether you pay taxes upon receipt or they’re included by the platform upfront.

How to Avoid Surprises: Useful Tips

The best thing you can do is anticipate the real costs when buying internationally.

How?

• Check the store’s shipping terms and customs policy.

• If you use forwarding services like MyUS, use the site’s estimator to calculate total charges.

• Choose DDP (Delivered Duties Paid) shipping whenever possible.

• Keep an eye on trade agreements like USMCA, as you may save on certain extra taxes.

• Choose payment methods that don’t generate additional charges—for example, the DolarApp card, designed for international orders.

Small details like these can save you money and headaches when shopping abroad.

Conclusion

The real costs when buying internationally usually include duty (IGI), import VAT (16%), and DTA. In some cases, it also varies by the site where you place your order, and there may be additional logistics charges.

While on many international digital platforms IVA is charged at checkout, it doesn’t cover all concepts. You also need to add the payment method factor, as using domestic cards can incur a foreign-currency conversion fee.

However, our DolarCard can solve that last point, since you can pay directly with digital dollars.

DolarCard is the card you get from DolarApp, where you can convert currencies at a transparent exchange rate. That way, you won’t pay the high, margin-padded rates other options often charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do taxes apply on international purchases?

In Mexico, taxes apply when the package enters the country. You pay IVA, DTA, and—depending on product and origin—IGI/tariff. A global courier rate can also apply, or the tariff may be reduced under trade agreements.

What customs value is exempt from taxes?

In Mexico, small parcels can be exempt from taxes. For example, shipments from the United States or Canada up to 50 USD don’t pay IGI or IVA, although they do cover the fixed DTA.

How long does an imported product take to clear customs?

If you use a courier service, clearance usually takes 1 to 5 business days after arrival. It could take longer due to inspection, missing data, or other issues, while traditional postal service takes more time.

Can you return something if the import cost is too high?

You might avoid paying if you refuse the shipment before clearance, but if you’ve already paid, getting Mexico import taxes refunded is complex. It also depends on the store’s and carrier’s policies. For example, DDP follows marketplace rules and considers return and reshipping costs.

Sources

General Foreign Trade Rules for 2025

Non-Tariff Regulations and Restrictions

Increase in tariff rates

United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA/TMEC)

Specific IEPS goods

DDP

Customs Processing Fee (DTA)