Duty Free going back to the US

NataliaV says on Jul 14, 2009, 12:04:

If I remember correctly, you do not have to go through security again once you get to FL. Do you carry them on or toss in your checked bags? Either way shouldn't be a problem since you are just on layover and you're already cleared.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 14, 2009, 12:05:

MitchAlvarez says on Jul 14, 2009, 12:05:

they place the bottles in the respective duty free bags. they are sealed. i just dont want to pay money and then have to fight in FL.

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dwmte7 says on Jul 14, 2009, 14:04:

they have to be in your checked baggage! make sure you wrap them with shirts and pants...baggage handlers are a bunch of montaneros. once in the states, you only deal with customs once.

d

patriarch

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sloopskipper says on Jul 14, 2009, 17:18:

"Alcohol -- You are allowed to bring in one liter (33.8 fluid ounces) of an alcoholic beverage (liquor, beer, wine, etc.) as part of your duty-free exemption if you are 21 (Customs officials say youths returning home from spring break often violate this one) and the beverage is a gift or for your own use. (This allowance is subject to state laws -- check yours out before you leave on your trip."

It used to be two fifths.

http://people.howstuffworks.com/us-customs-service.htm/printable

I guess you might have to pay a little duty. But, I would imagine that you can buy it in New York, with less hassle. I bought a bottle of Cristal for a friend from Cali, and then discovered it and two other brands, on the shelf at el Supermercado Rey (I think it was cheaper than in Cartagena).

Duty free shops are a real rip-off. I never checked liquor prices, or other things, but I noticed that cigarettes are considerably cheaper in the supers in Panamá than the "so called" duty free shops. I have seen that in other countries, especially in the U.S.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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theflatline says on Jul 14, 2009, 18:20:

It used to be five fifths years ago.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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youngman says on Jul 14, 2009, 20:42:

In Miami after you go thru customs...you have to go back thru security so the bottles at that point have to be in your checked baggage..on the other hand I just bought back 4 bottles and no problem with the 1 liter limit....

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MitchAlvarez says on Jul 14, 2009, 21:22:

youngman but you flew to what airport and was it non stop?

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tm says on Jul 15, 2009, 15:50:

Alcoholic Beverages: One liter (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages may be included in your exemption if:
* You are 21 years old.
* It is for your own use or as a gift.
* It does not violate the laws of the state in which you arrive.
Federal regulations allow you to bring back more than one liter of alcoholic beverage for personal use, but, as with extra tobacco, you will have to pay duty and Internal Revenue Service tax.

Upon clearing customs in your first US port, you will have to pack them in the luggage you plan on re-checking in (checked baggage). Because there is no way in hell you will be able to get it pass security check for your continuing domestic portion(s) of your travels- even if it was bought in "duty free shop" at the international location. P.S. make sure you pack it right. Wrap numerous pants around it, point the neck inward, surround it with your packed footwear, etc. If the bottle breaks, your baggage is going to have cargo safety issues.

TM

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sloopskipper says on Jul 15, 2009, 17:41:

Yeah, the x-rays perhaps can not penetrate a couple pair of pants, and the risk of trying to dodge U.S. customs is maybe worth saving a couple bucks for something which is probably readily available in the U.S. (perhaps even cheaper).

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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tm says on Jul 16, 2009, 14:29:

Sloopskipper,
I was not advocating the "dodging" of custom duties required for anything over the personal exemption. My post stated, "upon clearing customs"- not before. My intentions were to caution against breakage thus avoiding having the baggage pulled from the loading ramp or cargo hold due to spillage.

X-rays penetrate completely, high-lighting changes in material densities i.e. liquids, metals, "powders", etc. So it would be foolish for one to attempt to smuggle booze or any other items by wrapping it in clothing. I always stick small spillable, breakable items in my packed shoes. Unfortunately, IF x-rayed, that packing habit always seems to trigger a intrusive check of my bag(s).

TM

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