Evening -

yes you will need to clear immigration & customs int eh terminal. You cannot clear with Maya or Tropic for that matter.

o jackie:you said"I do not mind paying duty, but
everything else they charge for is ridiculus."
What else (besides duty and 8% sales tax) did they charge you for?

Like 2% for something and another 1% for something else,but it was all those percentages times what they think the value of your stuff is worth. I was so mad by that time, I didnt even pay attention. Sorry, I would say that I would find out for you, but, as soon as I get to the airport and look at that customs people with my island get-up on, I am not stoppin for nuttin.
Jackie

lol u go girl

i agree with Katie. I always go to the girl customs lady (being a guy) and always gladly pay whatever they so desire, always friendly. no hassles, its never so much.

Jackie,
Of course I meant the customs people. I just don't understand why you had such a problem with them....LOL Like the man T said, you gotta look like a tourist LOL and you have to learn the 'look' that says..."but Mr. Customs man, I'm a single woman traveler so OF COURSE I need all the clothes I've packed in these 3 suitcases for a weeks vacation ; )"

I agree with Katie - I always go for the guy, when there's an option. The immigration inspector I got last year in the Cancun airport asked me out!

O Jackie - you mentioned traveling with a backpack. That is a definite red flag for customs. I've seen your pictures, and know you don't have dreads - and look completely respectable - but bet that backpack could be the problem. Plus the repeat trips. I used to go to Jamaica every year, and the customs people always assumed repeat visitors are bringing gifts for friends, so I was singled out for search every time! I was once accused of being cheap because I didnt have electronic gifts for the friends I was staying with (just the requested bagels and brownies).

evening,
They did not even see the backpack or atleast check it, it was the other luggage, that was busting out all over, with the duct taped sides, that they had to do in Cleveland.It was just a mess, a total mess.

Thanks for the compliment!!!but what do dreds have to do with backpacks?

I am not bringing anything down this time, at least I do not think. :rolleyes: If so, I will just declare, this time, but I will have my receipts with me, I really do not think that would have mattered.

I always carry a backpack, it's my carry on bag. I have anything in it I want, with exclusion of sharp objects. NOT one person has asked any questions about that, and I am NOT a backpacker person.

We had bags packed once for Christmas items, we declared them, paid the high cost of the gifts, twice ( ugh ) and learned a lesson.

I now take things, unwrapped from original packaging, do not take extra things that would be anything more than what a normal traveler would and leave behind most of what I take along. It's all replacable and not anything I had to pay duty on to begin with.

My travels have become more pleasant since I started this.

I used to take things to everyone, toys, books, clothes, cosmetics, etc.

If ya gamble, pay the price. I don't wish to sound harsh, but if I don't want it or need it, I leave it behind, whether it's home or there.

We have traveled to Belize many times. There is access to most of what I was taking along, in their stores. Qualilty not necessarily the same, nor quantitiy.

BUT....giving money to those that needed something was much easier than carrying the product and paying for it twice, plus lugging it all over the country. ( books excluded, I take read and leave )

I love to tip with money. It's most honored everywhere.
I too am questioning the dreds. People that live there travel too, yep even those with dreds.

Jackie, I think you just had a tough time, travel light. Leave your underware home, take your snorkel. LOL

Jackie to a customs inspector backpack + white person with dreads = druggie! Especially if you add Birkenstocks and/or earth mother skirt to the mix!

I wasn't talking about a daypack that many of us use as carry-on bags.

A lot of the travel guides suggest readers get those backpacks with the flap in back that zips over the straps, so you can carry it like a suitcase when going through customs/immigration and not look like a backpacker!