Does anyone know DEFINITIVELY what is payable if a computer is sent from the States? I've always assumed it would be crippling but someone suggested to me that it isn't so.

I paid $250 bz for a new dell laptop. was duty taxes and brokers fee and whatever else that was in the pile of papers.

Supposedly computers are duty free. Supposedly.

however sales tax(10%) is applicable both to the actual cost and the transportation costs

Peter,

You've been here long enough to know that there is no "Definitively" as regards customs. Yes, there is a book, yes, there is a law, and yes, you can bring the same things in the same way, on two different dates and the cost will be different. I'm not sure there is anything with regards to customs that is "definite".

JMO

I think computers are duty free, but sales tax is charged on the custom officer's appraised value of the computer and shipping costs. I am not sure but the environment tax is probably applicable too - (2%)

Anyway, it is not crippling.

in 2004 i brought my desktop with me from the states....no duty was charged, but they did charge the sales tax...fortunately i had all my receipts and was charged approx. $60 bz...when i left with my computer, i showed the receipt, and was reimbursed the sales tax...i think they charge the sales tax just to insure that u are not going to sell it in belize...