www.CostaRicaTicas.com

How would you do that? Do you check the boxes in like your luggage? It's 2 boxes, the CPU and the flat panel monitor.

It's used, but I'm going to use the boexs from the new one I just bought. I am trying to avoid paying a duty on a 4yo piece of shit.

Thanks

Buy a cheap trunk
Put them in that with other stuff
Give the trunk to someone that needs a coffee table
Leave the boxes open in case they do look in the trunk
I have done this with power tools
I have never traveled and checked a box.. never wanted to see what it looked like when I claimed it

If your passport has not been stamped in the back in the last 6 months for the tax waiver you have no worries. If it a POS why would you want to go to the trouble for any ways. I say make it a boat anchor. If you are thinking of giving it to someone can they afford the monthly service charge to operate it ?

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Always nice to wake up and see what will happen today

When I lived there I brought in a lot of tech goods and even on inspection never had a problem. YMMV

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Go Dolphins!!!

i have brought a cpu in a checked suitcase and 3 flat panel tvs 22inch fit,, they do stamp the back of your passport, just have receipts so total you bring is 500 or less and no tax, once your passport is stamped in the back nothing for 6 months unless you want to pay tax,,, and nothing is no cpu or tv, i have always brought plenty every time, i brought whole set of pots and pans still in box in suitcase and never a question, wii, playstation, plates , silverware, dvd w/ surround sound, no problems

I have done it. I went to a thrift shop and got a BIG suitcase. The box fit in with room to spare. If you pack it right you might find something to fit the display as well. I wouldn't bring the boxes, but maybe that's not a problem, I don't know. I would check with the airline first to see how much they are going to charge you before making any decision.

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"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis

I brought in a CPU desktop. A customs guy came over as I was reloaded my cart, and asked if I had a DVD player. I told him it was a CPU. He asked if it was new or old. I replied, "old". He just waved me through.

I bring in stuff all the time. I was asked if I had anything electrical, and I replied that I had a hotplate. They didn't check.

Everyone does have a $500 exemption every six months. This includes through the airport, via Jetbox or AeroCastillo, or the border. The key is to have the receipts to back your claim.

Keep in mind you can also get a 2nd passport. It's a little more expenive the the original and only last for two years but I found it quite useful when telling the wife I was on a business trip & left my regular passport in the office for her to find/see. My 2nd passport had 12 entries into CR (about the same number as my regular passport over the same time period); now I simply don't care what she see or thinks so I didn't bother to renew it.

/dddick

Thanks for the help fellas.

No way, Jose!

I guess my main questions is how do you get it in, do you check it in in a box? suitcase? I like the big suitcase or trunk idea.

It's over 4 years old, but it's not worth $500. It's a still decent enough to where people can get something out of it, we're bringing it to my inlaws to hook up a webcam so my wife can see her family. I have the receipt from 2006, it cost about $1100. I won't be showing it to any customs people, they may think it's still worth that. If Moore's law holds, it should be worth $275.

I also have a cheap printer that I got free from Dell when I bought my laptop but I have never even taken it out of the box. Would they give me shit at customs for it, it's worth maybe $50. I'm coming with the wife, so she gets a personal exemption too, right? We can split it up.

I vote for the suitcase. A box will automatically invite inspection. Or inquiry. As for a receipt, have something made from the States for a small amount. Easy enough to do. I've handwritten reciepts for sales of cell phones here.

Remember the $500 exemption...and if they inspect make dumb and apologize for not declaring on your customs form....explain that you didn't understand the instructions.

David

NEVER bring a box through customs, they will ding you for it, every time.

You may be able to get away with it in your luggage, if the guy isn't paying too much attention (usually you want to try to time it so they're busy with other people when it goes through).

But your best bet is simply to buy a cheapo netbook for $120 refurbed, then take it in your carry on, they won't even question it.