Customs for items carried through airport

Has anyone any experience with Customs at the airport for items that need to be declared? I usually ship things and pick them up and pay the duty at the Customs building. But I have some fragile things I want to bring for my condo and I don't want to risk damaging by regular shipping.

What can I expect, and what do I need besides receipts to pay the duty?

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 7:56 am Post subject:

I have a feeling that as soon as Northside Sue sees this post, she'll be able to give you an answer. I think she probably has done this kind of thing a lot, since she also owns a condo on the island.

My guess is that all you would need are the receipts. Can't imagine what else they would need Rolling Eyes

Char

Status Member Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 643

Here I am, Char! We have taken load of stuff down over the years, and most especially since Ivan. Go to the customs line on the right (Items To Declare) with your filled out customs declaration in hand. I did not list each item separately, just misc. household goods. I printed out an itemized list on my computer before I left home with the prices for each item and the total. I attach all receipts. The customs person will fill out a form and send you to the cashier to pay the duty.

I have done this many times and often the customs person will just wave you through.

Then again, when 3 of us went down for the final move in to North Pointe, I had a huge suitcase, a golf bag travel cover filled with curtain rods, pillows and towels, and a carry on. The other 2 were equally loaded up. We just walked through the "Nothing to Declare" line and went on out way! Oops! Guess they see 3 women bringing 3 bags each all the time.

Shock

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 5:53 pm Post subject:

Hi Sue......I knew you'd be the expert on this! Didn't you even bring chairs in awhile back, or were those shipped?

Char

Status Member Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 643

Yes, we did bring 4 lanai chairs! They were stacked 2 together and wrapped in bubble wrap and tons of tape. We had cleared this with CAL beforehand, so when we walked into the terminal at O'Hare, the woman behind the ticket counter said "I have e-mail here about you."

Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 12:13 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the help. I understand you will pay duty on the cost of shipping and insurance, even though there is none because you brought your stuff on the plane.

Is that correct?

Status Member Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 643

No, Jon, you will not be charged duty on anything but the price on your receipt. I don't include taxes in my itemized list either.

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 11:32 am Post subject: Duty Payment

Northside Sue,

Can you tell me what type of payment is accepted by Customs at the airport? Will they take a check?

Status Member Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 643

Cash (either CI or US)

Check from local bank, not US bank

Those are the only options I have used. Not sure about credit cards.

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 5:32 pm Post subject:

John

I know for a fact they do not accept credit cards.

Heidi martini

Status Member Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 643

Thanks Heidi,

I never tried to use a CC, so I couldn't answer for sure.

Jon, I think your best bet is to bring some US cash, which we know will be accepted.

Sue

Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:10 am Post subject:

Thanks all. I'll go with cash.

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