Thread: Getting around customs

On the official Belize government web site, it says we can write to the minister of finance for pre-approval for duty-free importation of objects intended for personal use. Has anybody done this? I can't find any guidelines on what is taxed and at what rate; does anybody know? Shouldn't students be allowed to bring their personal belongings, including computers and cameras, into Belize without paying a tax? (Rhetorical question.)

I was taxed the first time I came into the country. The lady said that my stainless steel coffee thermos was taxable. I was charged $20BZE so it didn't really bother me. Everything else was fine.

Its all about your luck.

Some people dont' even get stopped to have their luggage checked and some do. So, far i haven't been charged a cent, and i brought alot of stuff from home.

Some students have been charged $20 to $40Bz on food, such as snacks and frozen meats (eg. chicken wings).

Every time I come in, I make it clear to the customs that I am a student at MUA. Being friendly and polite also helps. They will ask you if you have purchased anything new while in the US- I usually do (clothes, books), but then use everything when I am at home (no price tags, washed, worn when I pack). I always take my laptop back and forth in my carryon backpack as well as my digital camera...I have never been taxed on these items.
After a while, they will get to know you and it will become a breeze. Last time I went through a bottle of Hawaiian Tropic broke, so they had no desire to search my oil soaked belongings.

Bling Bling is right being friendly and polite definetly helps. I was taxed my first time and that was because I wasn't informed of the details. Tell them nothing in your luggage is new. That you are a student at MUA and you are simply moving some of your all personal stuffs with. Make sure you go to the non declaring section. And if you are taxed just tell them whatever they are taxing you is too much cause its not worth it.