Formulagod Posted April 15, 2016 #1 Share Posted April 15, 2016 My wife and I are about to finish our first cruise. We got the little form to declare what we purchased. How much of this is expected/necessary? Is there an allowance? Is there tax fees associated? We purchased about 2k in jewelry; most at the ports, that's about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shmoo here Posted April 15, 2016 #2 Share Posted April 15, 2016 (edited) My wife and I are about to finish our first cruise. We got the little form to declare what we purchased. How much of this is expected/necessary? Is there an allowance? Is there tax fees associated? We purchased about 2k in jewelry; most at the ports, that's about it. It's expected that you will fill out the declaration form fully. Listing what you've purchased and the cost. Yes, there are customs allowances, but I don't know the specifics. Any costs above the allowance you pay taxes on. Edited April 15, 2016 by Shmoo here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted April 15, 2016 #3 Share Posted April 15, 2016 (edited) Note that if you buy anything of significant value on board the ship, such as jewelry, the ship may report that to customs. This is what happens on Royal Caribbean. Edited April 15, 2016 by clarea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philob Posted April 15, 2016 #4 Share Posted April 15, 2016 This might help. Also keep your purchase receipts handy in case the customs officers asks for confirmation of the purchase. https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/246/~/duty--free-exemption Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JawjaFatBoy Posted April 15, 2016 #5 Share Posted April 15, 2016 You are allowed $800 in merchandise and 1 liter of alcohol per person duty free, unless you visit the US Virgin Islands which raises your allowances to $1600 in merchandise and 5 liters of alcohol per person. As a rule, they don't physically check each and every person coming off the ship. They look at your form, ask you what you are declaring, how many bottles of alcohol you have, if you have any fruit or vegetables, etc. They then either wave you through or, if they decide you need to pay a duty, they point you to the collection office. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul929207 Posted April 16, 2016 #6 Share Posted April 16, 2016 The tax, if any, will be small on your purchase. The cost of filing a fraudulent declaration will vastly exceed this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted April 16, 2016 #7 Share Posted April 16, 2016 WE bought a ring on a island..I wore it for the duration of the cruise...never THOUGHT to claim it! They asked us about booze...but not about my jewelry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPT Trips Posted April 16, 2016 #8 Share Posted April 16, 2016 15 years, 74K posts and you didn't know to declare purchases? :rolleyes: Really? :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langley Cruisers Posted April 16, 2016 #9 Share Posted April 16, 2016 The tax, if any, will be small on your purchase. The cost of filing a fraudulent declaration will vastly exceed this Agree with you. Declare everything. Lying (outright, or by omission) will only get you in deeper. The declaration form is a legal document. WE bought a ring on a island..I wore it for the duration of the cruise...never THOUGHT to claim it! They asked us about booze...but not about my jewelry! Really? You didn't "think" to declare a jewelry purchase? What about the lines on the form where they ask you to list the goods and their value? The ring didn't count? http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP%20Form%206059B%20English%20%28Fillable%29_0.pdf<--CBP Form . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted April 16, 2016 #10 Share Posted April 16, 2016 If duty is required you often pay 10% on the first $1,000 that is over the amount you can bring in without fees. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agabbymama Posted April 16, 2016 #11 Share Posted April 16, 2016 And most times, they never question what you have on the form. The only time I was questioned was my 21 day Med trip. The guy asked me if I was sure I only purchased $800 of merchandise, (smiling and raising his eyebrows) and I replied yes (I pulled out the receipts), the trip itself was so expensive, I didn't have much money left over to spend on items. He let me go with no further questions. And as a couple, you are allowed $1600, so when I travel with my husband I get his $800 and my $800, as he doesn't buy anything other than food. In approximately 25 trips out of the US, I've never had to pay any additional fees. Another tip, take receipts for your camera, laptop, etc (even if you purchased at home), they may think large purchases were done abroad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rala Posted April 26, 2016 #12 Share Posted April 26, 2016 Agree with you. Declare everything. Lying (outright, or by omission) will only get you in deeper. The declaration form is a legal document. Really? You didn't "think" to declare a jewelry purchase? What about the lines on the form where they ask you to list the goods and their value? The ring didn't count? http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP%20Form%206059B%20English%20%28Fillable%29_0.pdf<--CBP Form . . Selective amnesia. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheezedr Posted April 26, 2016 #13 Share Posted April 26, 2016 Have never had to pay even when we have been over the limit. We used to carry some proof of purchase for things like cameras when there was a great price difference on buying overseas. Since most commercial goods are actually cheaper in the US this rarely comes up and is not worth the hassle. Do fill out the form completely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philob Posted April 26, 2016 #14 Share Posted April 26, 2016 Selective amnesia. ;) Well there was that time my Dad and I forgot to declare the new Rolexes on our wrists :rolleyes: :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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