Manda's first trip to jamaica sept 2011

[Katho]

Yep, the duty can be more than the cost of the gifts.!

Yup! That's what happened to us! I think it was trip #4. At the last minute I threw in some tshirts from our business (cost us very little), still in the bags...oops #1. The customs lady asked if we had made any friends on our trips...big smiles & a yes we have...did you bring gifts...actually yes we did...oops #2 lol! So our bags get torn into and the lady wants the "value" not our cost, those were about to be some silly expensive gifts! Luckily the guy you pay had trouble reading the ladies writing so we ended up pay far less than she would have had us! Lesson learned!!!

You were lucky sandy-girl!!

[Rob]

Yep, the duty can be more than the cost of the gifts. Traveling as an ex-pat my luggage has been searched more times that it hasn't. I realized they prefer my hubby so I let him go through the nothing to declare line with the kitchen sink while they try to figure out what I have in my pocket book. New clothes for myself and the kids, I will remove the tag or even wash to get rid of the newnest. I have been asked to pay 'lunch money' to avoid been assessed the duty.

"but it doesn't necessarily follow, logically speaking,"
Not much in Jamaica follows LOGIC or is ever as it seems. They target ex-pats or frequent visitors who they know are returning with things/gifts to help out their loved ones or friends on the island!

All countries charge duty on items that are not for your own personal use and are intended to remain in that country. This would include gifts. The reason for duty is that there are businesses in that country that sell these items and are paying taxes, duty, licensing and registration fees, etc. and their interest as well as the interest of the government needs to be addressed. Thus the duty on most items. The customs agents often have some discretion on how the duty is determined and sometimes it is the luck of the draw as to how this is applied. Please note, this is not a Jamaican thing, the USA also charges duty on items if you are visiting the country and intend to leave the items behind.

Since ex-pats and frequent visitors are much more likely to be bringing in items that attract duty as gifts, it only makes sense for the customs agents to give these folks a bit more screening. First time visitors generally do not have family and/or loved ones in the country yet. From a logical standpoint, they should be targeted. And once again, this is not a Jamaican thing, customs agents in all countries do this.

The comment above "they prefer my hubby" may well be the fact that more women are being used as drug couriers and are therefore more likely to be subject to additional searches. The papers here in Jamaica often are mentioning women who are being placed in jail for drug courier crimes.

So, when you analyse this from a logical standpoint, things are exactly as they seem. It may not be as you would want it to be, but it is exactly as it seems...

[Manda81]

Thanks for shedding some light on the topic Rob !

I am wondering though if I was staying for more than a week 2 weeks, 4 weeks I might bring my phone, my laptop some movies for my own leisure time and if they deem these as gifts and charge me duty on something that I'm returning home with, how is this fair :s But then again I suppose that's life lol I brought my laptop with me this trip not once was I asked about gifts however it was my first time travelling to Jamaica. I suppose if I'm back in the next 6 months I might be asked this questions upon arriving in Mobay. Ugh all this means is there are high possibilities that I'll be searched and or questions both arriving to Jamaica and arriving back in Canada. What a pain in the %%%$! lol

[Rob]

Manda,

No worries there - be sure to let them know that you are bringing them back with you and if they still charge you duty, simply keep your duty receipt. When you are leaving the island, show your receipt to the customs agent and ask for a reimbursement on the charges. Since you still have the items with you, they are not subject to duty and your money will be returned.

If you plan on leaving them on the island, then they are subject to duty as you could purchase most everything you are bringing on the island.

A single laptop and phone would never normally attract duty. But bringing in several laptops and several phones would probably attract a charge. The customs agents are skilled at their jobs and can usually determine if someone is trying to cheat the system...

[Manda81]

Manda,

No worries there - be sure to let them know that you are bringing them back with you and if they still charge you duty, simply keep your duty receipt. When you are leaving the island, show your receipt to the customs agent and ask for a reimbursement on the charges. Since you still have the items with you, they are not subject to duty and your money will be returned.

OOHHH ! Good to know thank you! I suppose life is fair after all lol

[VVHT]

Manda,

Very nicely done! Sorry for the hiccup on your return to Canada

Have you booked your return yet???

VVHT

[Creasemon]

Really enjoyed the Manda in the Land of Wood & Water mini series. Good for you getting off the beaten track and away from the Beaches & The AI resorts to see the real Jamaican People. People like Jacko & Barber are the true spirit of the island as you found out. If I can ever find the time (and people to help corroborate the details), I will send the tale of my very 1st trip to Negril in 1978. I have also been subjected to strip search at Pearson 'cause they found some papers in my luggage. Hands down the # 1 worst airport to go thru on your way home from Jamaica.!!

[Manda81]

Hey Creasemon thanks for much... "Manda in the Land of Wood & Water: The Mini Series" hahaha I like the sound of that!!

I suppose I should consider flying out from another airport but it's just so close and soo well I was going to say convenient but it really isn't lol

[Seveen]

going through customs is pretty much the luck of the drawer

but . . . manda was stopped, searched answered all the questions and let go - nothing found

after that . . . why would they think she'd try to smuggle something next time? much less try the whole interrogation thing again . . .

[sunray]

I have no doubt that there is extra scrutiny placed on Canadians returning to Pearson Airport (Toronto) after a vacation in Jamaica. I have noticed planes arriving from Cuba at the same time, and watched as those folks have picked up their luggage from the carousel and are long gone before the bags from the Jamaica flight even reach the baggage carousel. The dogs are brought to walk through the people returning from Jamaica waiting for their bags. Maybe you get asked a few more questions by the Customs officer. Single travelers raise their interest for some reason, as well as people with multiple visits to Jamaica. You are home in Canada, if you feel they are going to far, (eg: talking about a strip search),you have every right to request a lawyer. I am sure they would understand at that point that they had better have good reason to be detaining you needlessly.