Customs question

[lynnfitz]

Hi doing first Disney cruise this summer (first cruise ever!). If I'm reading this correct, for customs, we are 3 adults. As long as we don't purchase over $2400 ($800 each) we won't have to pay any taxes or fees? Do you write everything you purchased on the form Disney gives you-T shirts and all the souvenirs?
Thank you!

 

[lynnfitz]

Hi doing first Disney cruise this summer (first cruise ever!). If I'm reading this correct, for customs, we are 3 adults. As long as we don't purchase over $2400 ($800 each) we won't have to pay any taxes or fees? Do you write everything you purchased on the form Disney gives you-T shirts and all the souvenirs?
Thank you!

 

[lynnfitz]

Our cruise is the 4 nights out of Port Canaveral. Thank you!

 

[WDWAurora]

We didn’t have to complete a form. We spent less than $100 on souvenirs though.

 

[Capt_BJ]

if you are under the limits you do not need to complete the form .... sort of the honor system

word to the wise: if you are over the limit (dollars or quantity of something like booze) - complete the form and turn it it. Many times the officers wll just wave you through anyway

But if you get stopped and asked questions ......

A lil while back some friends were returning from a cruse and when they got to the desk they were handed a form and asked "fill this out please" .... they filled it out and the agent looked at it and asked "would you like to make any corrections or additions to this" .... responding "NO" they and their luggage were escorted to a back room ....... They had SIGNIFICANTLY exceeded their limits both with on ship purchases and additional things bought ashore. They were aghast that Customs seemed to KNOW!!! They got to learn firsthand how duty is calculated when you exceed limits - the items in question could have been seized . . .

 

[Marc D]

A lil while back some friends were returning from a cruse and when they got to the desk they were handed a form and asked "fill this out please" .... they filled it out and the agent looked at it and asked "would you like to make any corrections or additions to this" .... responding "NO" they and their luggage were escorted to a back room ....... They had SIGNIFICANTLY exceeded their limits both with on ship purchases and additional things bought ashore. They were aghast that Customs seemed to KNOW!!! They got to learn firsthand how duty is calculated when you exceed limits - the items in question could have been seized . . .

If the purchases were from the onboard shops, they appear on the onboard account. It’s quite possible that the ship’s manifesto provided to Homeland security at the end of the cruise includes the total amount spent onboard, or even the itemized list.

 

[happycamper47]

If the purchases were from the onboard shops, they appear on the onboard account. It’s quite possible that the ship’s manifesto provided to Homeland security at the end of the cruise includes the total amount spent onboard, or even the itemized list.

And it could include any alcohol brought on board that is stored until disembarking.

 

[TRTRguy]

No need to fill out a declarations form if you are within limits $800 per person, includes any purchases made on ship and ports (souvenirs, etc.) , more than 1 bottle of alcohol, etc.

 

[Clarkson U]

In 10 cruises all out of port canaveral - only twice has anyone from customs done anything other than just look at our passports and waive us through. One time on a 9 night they did actually scan each passport into the system and ask us what we purchased over 9 nights; another time on a 7 night they asked us. Both times we told them what we purchased but it was never even close to $1000 in TOTAL for 4-5 passengers travelling together. Unless you are really spending a lot of money on gifts/booze in my opinion it would be hard to exceed $800 per person.

I wouldn't sweat it too much. It's usually no big deal and on a 4 Night sailing unless you have excessive luggage no one is going to question you. Be honest and move on.

 

[hrhdhd]

There are specific limits for alcohol (one liter per person if over 21), cigarettes (200), and cigars (100).

To combine the individual $800 allowances, the travelers must live in the same household.

"Duty-free" signs on the ship and in ports should be ignored. They do not mean that the returning traveler doesn't have to pay duty on those items, merely (supposedly) that the vendor didn't.

 

[lynnfitz]

Great, thank you! I can’t imagine we’re going to spend nearly close to the limit. I had this vision of listing every t shirt, lol! I didn’t realize if you weren’t over the limit you didn’t need to complete a form. Thanks everyone!!,

 

[NAB]

Great, thank you! I can’t imagine we’re going to spend nearly close to the limit. I had this vision of listing every t shirt, lol! I didn’t realize if you weren’t over the limit you didn’t need to complete a form. Thanks everyone!!,

Even if you have to fill out a form it is not itemized it just asked much you send.

Alcohol is a different line . You are limited the amount you can bring back. Or maybe that is just for us crossing the border at our end. I’m Canadian.

 

[CisforCookie991]

Great, thank you! I can’t imagine we’re going to spend nearly close to the limit. I had this vision of listing every t shirt, lol! I didn’t realize if you weren’t over the limit you didn’t need to complete a form. Thanks everyone!!,

Not specific to cruises, but I’ve always read that you should save your receipts just in case you need them. On our last trip, the customs agent asked if we’d bought anything and I said “yes about $150 worth of souvenirs” and he waved us through. But I was ready to show him that receipt for $20 worth of beach toys!

 

[NAB]

Not specific to cruises, but I’ve always read that you should save your receipts just in case you need them. On our last trip, the customs agent asked if we’d bought anything and I said “yes about $150 worth of souvenirs” and he waved us through. But I was ready to show him that receipt for $20 worth of beach toys!

Yeah I’m always ready with receipts at the land borders too.

 

[tvguy]

And if you have expensive jewelry or electronic equipment that you are taking with you from home, it might be smart to fill out a U.S. Customs Form 4457 BEFORE you go and take it to your local U.S. Customs and Border Protection office so you can prove you did not buy them during your trip.
I don't have any expensive jewelry, but when I was working at a TV station and traveled to the Caribbean in 1980 I had about $100,000 in camera equipment that I registered before leaving.

 

[CisforCookie991]

And if you have expensive jewelry or electronic equipment that you are taking with you from home, it might be smart to fill out a U.S. Customs Form 4457 BEFORE you go and take it to your local U.S. Customs and Border Protection office so you can prove you did not buy them during your trip.
I don't have any expensive jewelry, but when I was working at a TV station and traveled to the Caribbean in 1980 I have about $100,000 in camera equipment that I registered before leaving.

I’m so glad you said that because it didn’t occur to me. I’ve left jewelry at home previously just for safety reasons. CBP website says they’ll also take a dated receipt or insurance policy, or maybe even a photo of you wearing it before the trip.

https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-427?language=en_US

 

[hrhdhd]

Even if you have to fill out a form it is not itemized it just asked much you send.

The back of the form has space for itemizing. I use broad categories: clothing, jewelry, etc.

 

[TRTRguy]

Also it should be noted that I believe fine art is exempt from the allowance, but a frame for it is subject to duty.

 

[kiford]

I take the view that you declare everything and pay the duty if necessary. I've been over the limit before (crossing the Canada/US border, not coming back from a cruise but it's the same principle), declared that and simply been waved through when asked what it was I was bringing back. I think the amount of duty they would have charged was small and they just couldn't be bothered. If, however, they search and find out (or believe) you're over the limit, there is rarely any leeway given at that point. And, if you simply say that you don't have receipts and think that will save you, they can do their own assessment (which may or may not be correct) and use that but there's still a black mark against you (yes, they do keep that on record).

I personally find it very challenging to purchase more than $800 in goods to bring back on a cruise. My aunt used to buy a lot of jewellery on cruises, but I'd rather buy that from a local vendor who I know and trust. If I'm going to spend $800 or more, I'd rather eat and drink that on the cruise

 

[lynnfitz]

Thanks, I highly doubt we would even come close to the $800 per person. The most we spent on one souvenir a few years back was a signed David E Doss print ( that was shipped home). I guess you never know though lol!