Anyone paid duty recently on jewelry purchased in St. Maarten when returning to the US? Any idea what the rate is? Trying to figure it out on the US Customs website seems to require a PhD.

I recall it was 3ish %. As we were only over a few hundred $, the agent thought about it for a few seconds, and let us pass without paying anything.

LINK

3% is an average rate.

Thanks. Does anyone know if they take credit cards in Charlotte customs?

or...u can just wear it and pay nothing

Believe it or not, there are still some people who have a conscience and believe in honesty. Their is no assurance that you will not be questioned further when asked about purchases. Wearing an item does not preclude you from being asked or answering questions.

I know people who have done it both ways. To each their own.

I was holding back on saying the same thing

Goes on all the time.

For Canadians at our Customs when returning from SXM we have to sign saying whether we are bringing back more than our allowable. also coming from st. Maarten they know there is jewellery & it REALLy shines when brand new. I just don't risk it, it's not worth it. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

To me, it is not worth the possibility of getting caught. BIG fines if you don't declare things.

How do you get caught when I understand that jewelers will send your receipt and appraisal to your home? I'm asking in all honesty not from personal experience.

IF you are asked about purchases and the value of said purchases you are supposed to give an honest answer. Where a receipt is mailed to would have nothing to do with anything.

I am not into telling someone to do something that could possibly get them in trouble. The original poster asked a question. It is up to them what they tell Customs officers but I will assure you, nobody is responsible except the person answering the questions about purchases and value. They can do what they want but doing something that could be illegal can possibly have consequences. This is one of the problems with believing everything you read on the internet.

Many times, if one is honest they will be waived through without incident. You buy something that costs $10,000 and then try to get by with possibly avoiding $300 in duty?? It COULD cost one a whole lot more than the $300 IF things go wrong. If they can afford the $10,000 to begin with, what is another $300??

Just had this same discussion on the TA Anguilla forum, guy wants to bring back Cuban cigars, US gov website says not allowed yet, dated 3/8/16 - but someone had to chime in and say they do it all the time and never get caught - right, so the guy will probably listen to them. I personally have a big fear of going to jail and paying fines, so I always declare everything and I do not lie to customs officers. But, that's me. To each his own, I would never advise someone to break the law.
Ellen

100% correct.

I have heard of changing bands/boxes on cigars but if it gets down to the "nitty gritty", one who is dishonest will probably lose.

You don't have to pay a fine or go to jail. You only need to cause enough extra scruteny from the custom official to miss your connecting flight.

SXM??? Wendell

And another great point!

Sorry, as someone else said, new jewelry looks much shinier than old jewelry. And they have the absolute right to question you as to when you acquired the piece and what you paid for it. I personally am not a very good liar. Your mileage may vary.

We got married 12 years ago and bought my wife's ring at Zhaveri. Every year we return and have it cleaned and it looks brand new, so shiny you almost need sunglasses. If you take care of your jewelry and have it cleaned regularly you can't tell if it's old or new.

Corect, properly cared for and cleaned jewelry will look just about like new.

we always bring a few pieces we have bought in the past to have cleaned and any repairs needed done when we go so they always look like the love boat, shiny and new