Cruise Talk: customs question

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Topic: customs question

Mary Ann
First Class Passenger
Member # 317

posted 06-02-2000 10:24 PM

Sometime in the last year as we've been reading everything we could about cruising to prepare for our first cruise in August, we came across some advice that said if you were taking foreign-made cameras and electronics or jewelry that you should go to a local customs office and have them give you a proof of possession before the cruise. This is supposed to be so that they don't try to include them in your duty-free shopping limits. Has anyone done this? Or is this just a waste of time? I think I saw somewhere else that if you had the original sales receipts that would also work, but I'm sure I don't have the receipts for everything we might want to take.

Posts: 32 | From: Texas, USA | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

jwine
First Class Passenger
Member # 634

posted 06-03-2000 08:40 AM

We have been on 24 cruises and have never done this nor have we ever been questioned about anything we had. Maybe if you have a brand new camera or video you might want to take the sales receipt with you, but I have never heard of anyone being stopped and asked for such info.

Posts: 223 | From: Cincinnati, OH USA | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 06-03-2000 01:23 PM

Mary, I'm pretty sure what you have said is correct - you could be asked to prove that you brought the camera with you, rather than were trying to smuggle it back without paying the appropriate duty. This applies applies equally to ships, planes or any transport crossing geographic boarders.

However, in reality I've never heard ANYONE say that they have had to prove the above. It may just occasionally happen, but it is very rare.

Malcolm

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

Terri Lee
First Class Passenger
Member # 942

posted 06-03-2000 03:18 PM

Considering you only have to register the item once,it is well worth having that "insurance".You may possibly be challenged when you come back home with your own camera,etc,especially if it is a new item and is being carried over your shoulder,i.e.camcorder.

It only takes a few minutes to go to Customs and get the item registered.Remember,once that is done,the item is completely clear for passing through Customs either way for as long as you own that item.

I only ever had to show my registration card once for my camera which has now been replaced by a new one.I think it is worth it to take the time and small effort,just for the peace of mind it brings.

Posts: 292 | From: Burlington Ontario Canada | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 06-03-2000 03:22 PM

The purchase receipt works fine - last year a friend had to prove ownership of a brand new camcorder purchased specially for the trip - fortunately the receipt was in the carrying case.
As for jewellery - that's something else - hope you are not planning on taking all your 'good stuff'. If you do, make sure you keep it in the safe when you're not wearing it - and don't wear any of it ashore.
Relax, research the ports of call and enjoy the cruise.

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

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