customs form

[citygirl]

Out of all the things I've got on my mind right now, customs wasn't one of my concerns but it sounds like a good idea to fill out the form beforehand. Now, do I get this form at the airport? Do I get it when we arrive on STT so we have it on hand to fill out on our last night? Do you put all your purchases in one suitcase or does it matter? Help! So many questions, so little time.

citygirl

[waterguy]

I go to the customs office on STJ when I'm in town and pick up a few.

[mbw1024]

tom, you are full of good ideas!

[California Girl]

For what it's worth, I saved all my receipts and the customs form only asked if we bought more than $1500 (? - not sure of the amount) worth of stuff, which we didn't, so it was a slam dunk...no receipts or listing of anything needed!

[waterguy]

I'm here to help

[citygirl]

Now I'm really confused Are you saying that if your purchases don't go over $1,500 you do not need to fill out the form? Just have the receipts together?

[waterguy]

You alwaays have to fill out the form but don't have to list any thing if it's not over 1500 I my self list the booze I'm bring back and will put down an amount for tee shirt and gifts together.

tom

[FlaGeorge]

No – You still need to fill out the forms. It’s just that everything ug to $1500 is duty free.

[bj]

You always have to fill out a customs form no matter the amount you spend. I always pick up extra forms and put them in my passport case. It is much easier to have them filled out in advance. Especially if the power is out or the AC is not working at the airport. Which is usually the case. I just hate sweating over filling out forms.

[citygirl]

Gotcha! We'll pick up the form, have it on hand, and then fill it out on our last night like Jim suggested. Thanks everyone - your suggestions are worth a million. The less surprises we have, the better.

citygirl

[RickG]

Customs forms are not a big deal. I always estimate and list the booze and other stuff separately. In STT they are looking for big jewelery purchases and booze.

Cheers, RickG

[waterguy]

My wife would always wear her jewelery purchases home

[CShell1019]

While you are waiting for your luggage after you deplane, walk over to the departure desk and pick up a form for each traveler. Fill it out before going to the airport. Then, when you depart, save that one for the next trip!
Only one time, and it was many years ago in PR on the way home, did the agents inspect and reinspect and even asked me to take a ring off ...

[waterguy]

You just need one per household

[jimg20]

While you are drinking that first rum punch and waiting for the bags to mysteriously appear, wander over to the ticket counter and pick up a few forms. I make one a draft then another for a final form.

Yes, one per household. Yes, whether you buy nothing or $5k worth of merchandise.

Liquor is not counted in terms of dollars therefore not included on the form. It is counted in terms of bottles...5 liters of any kind plus 1 of a USVI product per person (that's right... 10 plus 2 per couple).

When I came back with a set of Bose speakers, he x-rayed the box three times... once in each plane. Then he took out his lope and studied her ring. Finally he let us go.

I think the limit was raised to $1600 per person.

Most importantly, don't let this distract from the great trip you are about to have. Enjoy the water, sand, drinks, food, breeze, drinks, companionship, shopping...and while you are at it, have a drink.


JIM