Hi,
On sunbelt's site regarding import tariffs - there is the following quote just above the table of tariffs:

"Import duties & sales tax on products NOT CARRIED AS HOUSEHOLD GOODS" (emphasis mine)

What does this mean? We will be bringing a lot of "household goods" with us in our suitcases. Seeing as we have 80 kilos of space and 4 passengers who only really need bathing suits... We want to bring some things for the kitchen, like silverware, some linens, kids toys and books, etc... All of this stuff will be left at our house when we leave, so technically, we are importing it.

Most of it is stuff coming from our old beach house here in Italy - ie. used. And without receipts. Should I list what I'm bringing with approximate value and bring receipts for what's new? I'm assuming they will open our luggage as it will be appear to be a lot for 2 adults and 2 small kids. Also we will already be paying tax on bikes we're importing so I assume they will stop and look in our bags too since we will already on that subject. If I have a list they won't have to tear everything apart... but I don't know if they would go for that.

Also is it ok to bring Coffee and other very important (-; Italian food staples? I know when we go to the US we can't really bring food - but to Bonaire I haven't heard of such a rule...

Thanks for any wisdom you have on this.

Marji

Hi Marji.
I can't see a problem bringing used household goods into the country. We did the same when we moved here and the only problem that I had was with a bicycle. Because it was packed in the original transit case, they insisted that it was new despite it being over a year old. Generally speaking, they will only charge import tax on new goods.

Thanks Antony, good info.
Our bikes will also be in the original boxes too... so hopefully I'll have the same experience as you.

When I moved to Bonaire I was told not to use the manufactures box but instead get one from a airline. Which I did. I wasn't charged for it. It probably helped that as I was going thru customs a new manager for Divi Divi was also there in customes, he was giving the folks a hard time so they just waved me thru.

so, when moving there, if you are shipping old stuff(bike, furniture, etc...its not taxed???

No, and if so, I will have a hugh problem by the end of the month when the container with our stuff arrives :-)

(Message edited by Cocopalmgarden+ on July 10, 2007)