I'm looking for some practical advice. I'm flying in next week and want to bring a couple of bottles of wine for personal use. In the past going to Mexico many times this is no problem for 2 reasons either they don't care or look.

Do they re-scan your baggage after you land an clear customs and /or do they ask you if you are declaring anything to see if you volunteer the info?

You have to declare alcohol (I think it specifies on the form), however, you can bring one bottle duty free (most countries allow 2, but not here)

Just be honest about it when they ask. One is not supposed to bring beer into Belize at all, but I usually do anyways and fess up when asked. Its usually a couple of 750ml bottles of micro. Every single time they allow me through with my beer and they seem to appreciate the honesty. Never had to pay duty. Worst case you pay a small amount to enjoy the extra bottle of wine.

thanks, i was hoping for that attitude if i'm polite and respectful.

I always bring a couple of bottles on wine and no one has ever asked or looked.

IMNSHO, people place too much emphasis on this. Unless you have tons of "stuff", simpy navigate to the "nothing to declare" line. Smile, be polite and happy....slide right on through. In all the years I have been coming to BZ, never once have I had an issue.

You could just slide right through, but as others said you take the chance of getting charged out the wazoo. I always declare what I have and then go into the "To Declare" line (it's never got people in line anyway so it's quicker). They search thoroughly in every bag but they don't hit you that hard on duty.

Take for instance my last pass through customs. I only ended up paying $89BZ for about $2000BZ of stuff I brought in (Clothes, wireless routers, laptop, other electronics, wine, alcohol, cheese, a bunch of other stuff.) Not a bad deal for $89.

I know people who've been caught trying to smuggle goods in. Innocuous stuff in small quantities for personal use (no, I'm not talking about drugs). All that happened to them was that they were charged the duty they should have paid. They were lucky. In the UK if you're caught in similar circumstances you can be charged three times the duty that was payable, AND have the goods confiscated, AND if you are not yourself British be barred from entering the country on that occasion. That means you're put on a plane back to where you came from at YOUR expense.

All a bit risky for a small potential benefit. Of course, you may get away with it.....

But for a couple of bottles of wine I'd try it, and if I were stopped just plead ignorance. The worst that would probably happen to you is that you'd be charged duty. But beware - don't actually lie to Customs officers. Be misleading perhaps, but if you're asked a direct question give an honest answer. Or they may throw the book at you. They're not after tourists maybe bringing a bit more than their allowance, but if you take them for fools they will understandably react.

Often it is easier to ask forgiveness than permission.

If someone going through customs has say two large suitcases (or more) or a sizable "Box" of something, it is advisable to go to the "Things to Declare" line because there is about a 95% chance you WILL be Re-directed to that line by the "Nothing to Declare" line officer.

If you are bringing something you need to declare, it is advisable to go to the declare line on your own, you will be most likley be treated fairly.

Remember, the Customs officers do this for a living every day and have a pretty good idea of what people are doing.

Common sense, and RESPECT will get you through with no problems. maybe a little duty paid , but no problems.

Who needs problems when you are just looking to enjoy your vacation.

OK, have another question about customs and booze. In the states, most bottles are .75 liter. So if 5 of us are coming together to AC, can we bring in 6 of the .75 bottles?

You will likely be treated individually.

Just brought in a couple bottles of wine last week. Told them it was for personal use, not a gift. No problem.

I agree Danny2.

Remember you can also buy wine, liquor, cigarettes etc at the arrival duty free in Belize. This is a totally separate duty free allowance that is in addition to your duty free allowance when leaving the USA.

Colin

Colin,

Definitely the best idea. I mean you can get $7 U.S. bottles of wine and 1 liter Absoluts for around $20 U.S. If you have any specialty liquors you need to bring then bring it, but incoming duty free is a pretty good deal, especially if you're accustomed to Belize alcohol prices.

I've been told that what you buy in the duty-free shop at the international airport (which is before you go through customs) counts toward what you can bring in duty-free, as it does in other countries. An extra bottle or two for personal use may be overlooked, but I suspect if you tried to buy three or four cases of duty-free booze to sell to your pal who owns a bar in San Ignacio you'd get hit up for duty.

--Lan Sluder

No kidding

I thought there was a 2 liter exemption per person if for personal consumption. Barb and I went to the declare line few years ago with Vodka bottle and the officer just laughed and waived us through.

So I can buy scotch and vodka when I arrive at the airport in Belize City? I thought I would have to buy it in Dallas on the way down and haul it all they way to Belize.

Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker.

One liter from outside Belize. 4 1/2 leters from arrival duty-free. I have stocked my bar from the arrival duty-free. Great prices and fairly good selection.

Hi , I am a new member of forum. Would a newcomer be warmly welcome here? Good day you guys!!!

Of course you are welcome here ! We were all new at some point. well, some were Old New

So, if I were to bring some snacks for our tribe of 7, I would need to declare?

My understanding is that everything that you will consume while here or take out with you is duty free - NO - do not even declare it.

Technically I believe that the customs declaration form states that you can bring (duty free) personal hygiene items and sufficient clothing that would be for your personal useage.

When in doubt - ask a customs agent at the airport.

Whenever I come into Belize I always have a bunch of stuff that will stay in Belize. Some for my house some for friends. I just declare everything I have with me that isn't leaving with me and let the custom agent tell me what I have to pay for. Mostly they are very fair. The couple of toys for kids I bring usually they let go, but bring a second laptop with you and you pay a duty. I bring 5 or 6 fishing poles with me and no problem.