Duty Free in the Caribbean and Mexico

In honor of Tax Day, I present to you "Duty Free" shopping in the Caribbean and Mexico! If you have traveled internationally, you probably already know what "duty free" means. Duty-free shops are retail outlets that allow you to avoid import taxes that are usually added to the price of a product. Some duty free items are also "tax free". With this being said, there is a limit to what you can bring back to the USA without paying duty. The US Customs and Border Patrol has duty free exemption information at CBP.gov The Caribbean basin countries typically have a personal exemption of $800. You will need to stay more than 48 hours in most areas to get this exemption. Airport shops will ask to see your boarding pass in order to qualify for the discount. Also, if you purchase any fluids at the airport, such as perfume or alcohol, that exceed the current TSA limitations, they will need to be placed in your checked baggage when arriving into the US. You do this upon claiming your bags at the arrival airport and either re-checking or placing on the local baggage carousel. Please check the latest TSA regulations for the most current information.

Part of the fun of taking a vacation to the Caribbean is the shopping. In St Thomas, the strip in Charlotte Amalie is world-famous for its many duty free shops. Whether you are staying at an all inclusive resort or visiting on a cruise, these shops are a tempting destination. Typically, the best savings at duty free shops is on liquor or tobacco products. These types of shops have added tons of other products to the inventory. Some are good deals and some are not. Jamaica Farewell is one of the most popular stops as visitors head home from Jamaica. This shop is dedicated to duty free liquor and tobacco. There is a limit to the number of bottles that you can bring back, so be sure to do your research. Typically, the duty free limit is one liter of alcohol per person. Any additional bottles will be assessed a duty of 3% at the current regulations. However, my best friend recently brought back more than the limit and customs let him through without paying duty. I guess it depends on how busy or what kind of mood they are in.

I have actually seen some pretty good deals on perfumes and colognes at the airport shops. One of my favorite pickups while returning from Jamaica is the the world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee. I always buy the beans and not the ground. I think it is much fresher this way. This makes for a great gift for any occasion. The Jablum brand is the best. Tortuga Rum Cakes are another popular item in the shops. I am not sold on buying jewelry in the Caribbean. I have seen some Tiffany stuff that seemed to be a decent deal but some of the gold might actually not be what they say it is at other shops.

Taking a vacation in the Caribbean is an adventure and bringing back a piece of it for your friends and family is a great way to cap off a vacation. This is also a great way to get rid of those pesos that you still have in your pocket. Happy Travels!

Til Next Time,
Tom