Customs - limits on purchases?

[Tex Gal]

How can I find out limits on purchases that I have to claim in customs? I have been asked my lots of friends to get vanilla for them in Cozumel and I also have a request for Tequila. I'm getting coffee and rum cakes in Jamaica and lots of other goodies for myself. I'm just wondering if there are limits on stuff like this...

 

BTW - In case it's important, I am going on a Carnival cruise next week and I'm from Texas. Thanks!

[Sandi149]

This is a link to the US Customs website. It will tell you how much you are allowed to bring back. I believe it is $800 per person if you aren't going to the US Virgin Islands. Take a look at it just to make sure.

 

http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/duty_free.xml

[reallyitsmema]

The other consideration is if you are driving to the port or flying. If you are flying then you need to remember you can't carryon anything more than 3 ounces now so you will need to check liquor and probably vanilla. With the airlines weight restrictions on luggage, liquor adds up very quickly. If you are driving then it comes down to how much you are willing to carry:)

[nlb1050]

this link should give most of the information you are seeking:

 

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/

 

It is the US Customs Know Before you go.

[Tex Gal]

Thanks everyone! You guys are awesome ~ :)

[cherylandtk]

I am gussing Conquest, right? Ports of Cozumel, Jamaica and you live in Beaumont.

 

With that itinerary its $800 per person.

 

You are allowed one liter of alcohol per person over 21, duty free by US Customs; if you want to bring back more, most people can just pay the duty on the extra bottles. However, please note the next paragraph.

 

SPECIAL NOTE for TEXAS RESIDENTS: The TABC has a limit on alcohol brought back by Texas residents; it supercedes the Federal rule and is limited to one quart per person over 21. Period. Anything over that limit will be destroyed upon entry. I've seen it in Galveston.

 

If you are planning on buying tequila, realize that your limit (duty free or not) will be two quarts total. Unless you find some nice out-of-state friends onboard who are willing to bring it back for you and pay the extra duties (usually just a few dollars, if they charge it at all).

[ddonalds]

I've heard this thing about Mexican vanilla - and I have alot of Mexican friends, and they tell me there is nothing special about their vanilla at all.... what's the story on that???:confused:

[cherylandtk]

I've heard this thing about Mexican vanilla - and I have alot of Mexican friends, and they tell me there is nothing special about their vanilla at all.... what's the story on that???:confused:

It's a cook thing...check out this thread for an idea of how obsessive it can become:

http://www.cheftalk.com/forums/pastries-baking-general/3494-what-where-best-vanilla-extract.html

[dforeigner]

Since you are from Texas and probably sailing to/from Texass, here is another thing to consider.

 

http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/help/poe.htm