Have been living here 10 years. and rarely bring anything home when I come back for the obvious reasons. My brother came for a visit so I asked him to bring me a new T.V. 32" flat panel. Cost at Sears 850.00 dollars. Now I have no problem paying my fair share of taxes after all we live here but customs wants 1,070 dollars in taxes. No wonder the free trade zones are shut down nobody wants to do business here. Always with there hands out. One way or the other.
- Thread starter Capt. Rob57
- Start date
Customs Rip-Offs continue
That odd. I paid 1000 dollars for this 23 inch cinema display in the states. When I brought it into the country they did not bat an eyelid or ask me for any tax on it.
The Apple Store (U.S.) - Apple Displays
Computer Monitor vs. TV
The reason you weren't hit with import duty may be that at the time you entered the DR, computer equipment wasn't being taxed. I seem to recall that the tax on computer equipment was waived during the start of the Fernandez administration. But it may have been restored, and then may have been removed! Sorry I can't say for certain if this is the case, but I'm sure someone in DR1's community can set me straight on that.
In any case, a TV which can also function as a computer monitor might possibly be allowed in, duty free, assuming my assumptions, above, are correct.
I myself have been tempted to try this approach, as there are flat screen TVs in the 20'' to 30" size (and above) which have the capability to act as CRTs.
The reason you weren't hit with import duty may be that at the time you entered the DR, computer equipment wasn't being taxed. I seem to recall that the tax on computer equipment was waived during the start of the Fernandez administration. But it may have been restored, and then may have been removed! Sorry I can't say for certain if this is the case, but I'm sure someone in DR1's community can set me straight on that.
In any case, a TV which can also function as a computer monitor might possibly be allowed in, duty free, assuming my assumptions, above, are correct.
I myself have been tempted to try this approach, as there are flat screen TVs in the 20'' to 30" size (and above) which have the capability to act as CRTs.
I totally agree with Sky. I always have $ 5 by hand when I have stuff with me that should be taxed. If its a lot I am even willing to pay $ 10 once in a while. Yes, it's a bribe and I know it shoudnt be like that but everything is better then paying a lot of tax and have to wait to get home.
I like things to happen fast and easy.
I like things to happen fast and easy.
I am a little confused.
I fly in and out of Punta Cana frequently.
Last month we decided to bring in some things for the home ( just some bed covers, decor, etc...) we brought a large suitcase.
This was the first time we were ever stopped- and I was very surprised.
We did not have to pay anything, but since they were checking, we asked the Customs guy what would be the fee for bringing in a small TV- he said it was 75% - 100% (???)
.
Yesterday I asked someone to give me a quote on some merchandise via truck to Punta Cana from Puerto Rico. I asked the TV question again...
-He told me Customs usually charges him 400- 500$ for this price/size TV.
The TV is abt a 2?+"
Now are there any set rates? or do they just make them up as they go???
Jocelyn
info@puntacanalife.com
I fly in and out of Punta Cana frequently.
Last month we decided to bring in some things for the home ( just some bed covers, decor, etc...) we brought a large suitcase.
This was the first time we were ever stopped- and I was very surprised.
We did not have to pay anything, but since they were checking, we asked the Customs guy what would be the fee for bringing in a small TV- he said it was 75% - 100% (???)
.
Yesterday I asked someone to give me a quote on some merchandise via truck to Punta Cana from Puerto Rico. I asked the TV question again...
-He told me Customs usually charges him 400- 500$ for this price/size TV.
The TV is abt a 2?+"
Now are there any set rates? or do they just make them up as they go???
Jocelyn
info@puntacanalife.com
Great news as of this morning through persistence customs has decided to drop all taxes on my T.V. Of course it took over a month many visits and phone calls morning and afternoon. Can only say I guess they are not use to AMERICANS BUGGING THE HELL OUT OF THEM.
I applaud your efforts, as you just helped the whole expat community by showing we are not a bunch of pu$$ies !!! Next time, they'll think twice before trying to pull up a fast one on gringos !!!