www.CostaRicaTicas.com

What do you guys do re declaring the gifts you bring with you?

Pay the duty?

"Forget" you brought gifts?

Do you bring proof of purchase price?

Is there a dollar amount exempt from duty?

Thanks,

Luck

IMO, If not asked, don't tell.

They won't ask you anything. I don't know what the rules are, but I have never declared anything. In 5 trips, I've been asked to open my suitcase one time. That's because I had poker chips for our tourney in a metal case and they couldn't figure out what it was on the x-ray. I said game and that was it. On the customs form that you fill out on the plane, it'll ask if you are bringing any merchandise to sell. Nothing about gifts.

Same for me as orange....I never have decleared a thing.

Same here. Don't sweat it. Just bring your gifts and have a good time. As long as you're not bringing your chica(s) $10,000 or more (in dollars or U.S. equivalent), then don't worry about it! Otherwise, if you're bringing more than 10K dollars (cash), then let me know, and I'll be your b*tch for the weekend!!!
MG

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

I always bring toys for the bebes, but never declare anything. I've never had my bags searched.

Coming back to the U.S., I always bring Costa Rican coffee. Once I specifically stated "4 lbs." of coffee on the form and the agent sort of looked at my form with scrutiny and curiousity, as if he were going to check further, but then waved me on through. Since then, I've taken a cue from another gringo monger who said he used to list souvenirs he was bringing back. Now, he says he writes "souvenir junk" on the form and they seem to scrutinize it less. As for my coffee, now on the form I just write "coffee" and it seems to get less scrutiny.

Zebra

My understanding is that you don't have to declare anything coming into Costa Rica unless what you bring is for resale.

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