quick reminder for folks hitting the island soon...

mahojim · Post by **mahojim** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 3:33 am

'Mornin', you lucky bunch!
You're soon to be arriving into STT.
You'll walk down those stairs onto the tarmac and feel the heat there. Your shoulders suddenly relax, you relax...
YUMMM....
That warm walk into paradise is a lot more wonderful than you'll probably recognize...
You'll pass the outgoing terminals on the other side of the glass, and enter the STT airport.
Do yourself a favor, and grab a few of the "customs cards" that you have to fill out as you, reluctantly, depart from STT.
Just so it's an easier departure...
At least you've dotted your I's, and crossed your T's.
I hate to talk about about leaving that delicious place, but if this helps, I'm sure it'll bring
Smiles-
MJ

luvinsun · Post by **luvinsun** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 5:40 am

it did, thanks! I am so looking forward to getting out of this snow and into warm!

Wanda Creech · Post by **Wanda Creech** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 6:54 am

mahojim,
I have tried several times to pick them up and the
people at the airport would not let me go back to
get them. It was a late night. Where do you find
them?
And smiles back to you.
Wanda

jwwj · Post by **jwwj** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 7:38 am

thanks for the reminder mahojim
i thought you were going to say "grab a few of the coconut rum samples"

leaving is hard enough and this will make it easier

thanks again

Diana2 · Post by **Diana2** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 8:09 am

You can find the Customs form up by the check-in desk area. Just ask a desk agent or anyone there in that area. You can also pick one up at the Customs office on St. John.

I've been picking this form up for years and have been recommending that you have your form filled out before you get to the airport for a long time. It definitely saves time.

Muhaha · Post by **Muhaha** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 8:10 am

Nice advice, definitely something that I wouldn't think of.

Joppa · Post by **Joppa** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:05 am

Jim I tried to explain the airport arrival to a co-worker the other day. She just looked at me weird. When I got to the part about the free Rum Shots in the airport, she started to back away from me. I guess if you haven't experienced it you just can not understand. I think my co-worker is now looking forward to me leaving almost as much as I am.

sandollar · Post by **sandollar** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:57 am

Thanks Mahojim! A great suggestion; we will do that!
Anything to lessen the departure stress....

michigancouple · Post by **michigancouple** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 10:12 am

They should put a stack of the Customs paperwork on the shelf at the rum stand. Get your rum shot, take a customs sheet.

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 10:22 am

If you go to the customs office on STJ don't just pick up the forms even if they are just sitting next to the door or risk the rath of the workers. I know now thought I was doing them a favor as they were talkig on the phone saw a stack next to the door pcked up a couple and got talked to for 10 mins about not coming into there and just taking things. I still go there but now stand around till they have time to ask what I want and then take one.

kma27 · Post by **kma27** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 10:37 am

Good advice and something we have been doing for the past couple of years. I found that I can better keep track of everything I bought and what I spent if I do it as I go. Completing that in the airport, in line, in a rush...just doesn't work for me.

Lovermont · Post by **Lovermont** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 10:46 am

waterguy wrote:If you go to the customs office on STJ don't just pick up the forms even if they are just sitting next to the door or risk the wrath of the workers. I know now; thought I was doing them a favor as they were talking on the phone saw a stack next to the door picked up a couple and got talked to for 10 mins about not coming into there and just taking things. I still go there but now stand around till they have time to ask what I want and then take one.

Interesting... you'd think if they wanted you to ask for them specifically, that perhaps they wouldn't put them out for the taking. Sometimes people are really funny, eh?

Lovermont · Post by **Lovermont** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 10:47 am

michigancouple wrote:They should put a stack of the Customs paperwork on the shelf at the rum stand. Get your rum shot, take a customs sheet.

True dat. I never pass GO without my rum!

jimg20 · Post by **jimg20** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 11:21 am

We have an envelope with several copies of the form in our dive bag. We take all the receipts that might concern Cutoms and stick them in the envelope while we are there. The last night I spread them out on the table, organize them and make a draft of the form. When I get to the airport I add anything that we picked up since the night before and finalize the form. I include everything - even a $7 cap. It makes it clear that we are being as complete and acurate as we can.

The only time we were challenged was when my wife bought a ring. He looked at it for a long time with a loope and then asked for the receipt. Since I had them in the envelope which was in my hand, I was able to present it quickly. He apparently thought we were lying about the price which we were not. He finally let us go by. It is clear that he thought we got a very good deal.

I normally forget to sign it and I have to do it in front of the agent when he/she notices that I didn't.

It makes the process much smoother and faster this way.

JIM

mahojim · Post by **mahojim** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 11:48 am

Joppa wrote:Jim I tried to explain the airport arrival to a co-worker the other day. She just looked at me weird. When I got to the part about the free Rum Shots in the airport, she started to back away from me. I guess if you haven't experienced it you just can not understand. I think my co-worker is now looking forward to me leaving almost as much as I am.

TOO FUNNY!!! Holy crap. That's funny.
Sure, it's something that a number of folks have done for a while now. It just seems to make sense to iron out the wrinkles before it's a drag while (sadly) rushing to catch a departing flight.
Just a little reminder!
Another decent one is kind of funny,- My Sweet Amy & I have been using the same earphones for @ 4-5 years now from US Air. I'm not a cheapo, just seems sensible. I sniffed them the other day; smelled like gritty old raisins in coco butter.
Just kidding...!

Smiles-
MJ

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