Do we need?????????

[michiganwoman98]

Reading some info about customs and it keeps coming up that we need a proof of purchase for any expensive item, i.e. camera 7 jewlery. Is this something we are REALLY going to need???? My camera is about 4 years old and we don't have a proof of purchase for it, and the underwater camera we are borrowing from a family member. Also my wedding ring is quite expensive and we really don't want to have to carry proof of it's value with us. Can anyone help us out on this????

This is our first time with international travel and I really don't want anything bad to happy on our honeymoon.....thanks again and the countdown has begun....28 days left till CSA!!!!!

Keith and Nichole

[Pamela]

You probably should spend some time reviewing information on the web site for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (www.cbp.gov). From its web site:

Tip: Register Items Before You Leave The United States

"If your laptop computer was made in Japan—for instance—you might have to pay duty on it each time you bring it back into the United States, unless you could prove that you owned it before you left on your trip. Documents that fully describe the item—such as sales receipts, insurance policies, or jeweler's appraisals—are acceptable forms of proof.

"To make things easier, you can register certain items with CBP before you depart— including watches, cameras, laptop computers, firearms, and CD players—as long as they have serial numbers or other unique, permanent markings. Take the items to the nearest CBP office and request a Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad (CBP Form 4457). It shows that you had the items with you before leaving the United States and all items listed on it will be allowed duty-free entry. CBP officers must see the item you are registering in order to certify the certificate of registration. You can also register items with CBP at the international airport from which you’re departing. Keep the certificate for future trips."

[25th@CTI]

I have never had to provide any proof of purchase on numerous trips out of the country. It is customary to take wedding rings, cameras etc. on your honeymoon with you.

If you are worried about the camera, take a photo before you go. That way you will have a dated photo (in the States) on the camera, showing that you had it with you.

[Maxernie]

We've never been ask for proof of purchase or receipts for anything that we already owned going into to Jamaica or anywhere else. Anything you purchase there, you need to keep the receipts handy because you will have to declare them when you're coming back & they may ask to see receipts ..... have also never had that happen because we don't buy anything other than trinkets, though. I'm not sure what you've heard but I don't think you've got anything to worry about from the sounds of it. Everyone has cameras & jewelry that they take with them.

[Blondie]

Relax, you do not need to bring proof for items that you own, like your wedding rings or camera.

If you purchase any large ticket items while in Jamaica that you would have to claim on your customs docs coming, then you have to save the receipts.

[jagorham]

A lot the issues that the CBP site addresses are more applicable for trips where such high-dollar items are either cheaper or don't have any tarriffs on them (e.g., Hong Kong). People generally don't go to Jamaica to get cheap cameras or computers, so I'd say it's not much of an issue for your trip.

But it doesn't hurt to be prepared. (And I can tell you some stories about people bringing back jewelry into Canada from the States!)

[michiganwoman98]

Thanks to everyone, it is so nice to know if we have a question there are so many friendly helpful people on here.

[J&TEdmonton]

Like everyone else we haven't had any issues with things being charged duty when we have brought them with us. That said, we take a photo of our stuff that shows it is clearly at home or the airport before we leave and keep it on the camera. I used to travel across the Canada/US border a lot and this was accepted for hand made musical instruments and other items of value whenever I was questioned.

[betsybyrd]

I've traveled to Europe and South America and never had them look twice at anything. Just normally ask why you are there and if on business who you work for and what I do. Pleasure might ask where I am staying. Only spot searched once.

[cigarmanpa]

i just cleared customs saturday with 2 point and shoots, my dslr, 2 macs, my ipod my wedding ring, my wifes wedding ring, both our watches and her class ring and no one even asked about them