Post #337630 by leisure master on Wed, Oct 10, 2007 12:17 PM

I know that between Nicole and me, we are allowed to bring 4 bottles, but we usually have brought much more than that with every trip. I remember our bags were particularly heavy when we came back from St Maarten a couple of years ago. Lots of good stuff there.

To be honest, and I will probably jinx myself here for my next trip, I have never had to pay duty, even when I have brought many bottles into the US. So I don't actually know the answer.

In theory, I believe they would estimate what the federal taxes would be on the "extra" bottles you bring in. I am not sure what that would be, but based on some of the rum prices you see in other countries compared to the US, it could be up to 30 - 40% of what you paid for the bottle (just a guess). I wouldn't risk it to bring in that third handle of Captain, but if you are bringing in something really unique, it may be worth the risk that they ring you up for the duty.

One key thing - I will say that I have always been pretty honest on the customs forms since they x-ray the checked luggage anyway - which is usually in addition to the stuff we carry-on. Penalties could be MUCH worse than paying duty if they catch you lying. Its just not worth it since I don't think customs has the manpower or the desire to bust everyone for having extra booze when there are so many worse things they are on the lookout for.