Is It Worth The Duty?

[tohopko]

I've heard some stories about high duty costs and wondering if I should bring my laptops (used)?  Also a DC-AC inverter (new), shortwave radio (used). 

[virginprune]

I have brought all those, apart from the radio. Have never even had a bag opened at customs in the airport, yet!

If everything is for your own use and used there should be no duty. I believe you would pay a lot for a car or motorcycle. I'm sure somebody else on here could elaborate more.

[Dave Hounddriver]

I've heard some stories about high duty costs and wondering if I should bring my laptops (used)?

 

You can bring whatever you will use for your own personal use.  If your suitcase is full of used laptops and it gets inspected you will have some explaining to do.  Many people send used laptops in balikbayan boxes as gifts for friends and relatives.  I am sure some people offer payment for such a gift but if you are thinking it may be profitable to do it then I highly doubt it.

[scott h]

agree with all of the above.

 

When we made the move we brought 2 laptops with us on the plane, sent another laptop a desk top computer, 3 flat screen TV's and all of our other small appliances in our shipping container and did not have to pay anything extra. Like Dave said, unless your shipping enough (all of the same type) to open up a small store you should be fine.

 

YMMV as always :cheersty:

[Gratefuled]

I just brought my laptop and my cell phone.  I bought a new lap top here. It's 4 years old now. Same with my cell phone.  My old one is locked but I still have it when I go back home to visit.  Everything else, I bought new here. It will remain here after I'm gone.

[Tukaram (Tim)]

I carried one laptop, checked one netbook, and had a desktop PC in a balikbayan box.  I have never had a bag checked by customs (except one time going into the US, in 1987).

 

The BB box is a great way to go - no cusotm fees, and no weight limit.  I also shipped hundreds of DVD's, all my kitchenware (pans, knives, porcelain...)   :tiphat:

[Call me bubba]

The BB box is a great way to go - no cusotm fees, and no weight limit.

 

 interesting article on the BB box...JUST A PARTIAL post of the article

 

http://www.manilatimes.net/balikbayan-boxes-used-in-smuggling/210476/

 

 

 

The balikbayan-box concept was approved by then-President Ferdinand Marcos, who had noted a surge in the number of Filipinos working overseas.

The privilege though carried restrictions.

 

“The contents of a balikbayan box must not exceed $500 in value. Canned goods, grocery items and other household effects must not exceed a dozen a kind, while apparels whether used or new must not exceed 3 yards per cut. Only one [1] consignment per sender during a one-month period is allowed,” Lina explained.

 

Banned and/or regulated are firearms and ammunition, prohibited drugs, pornographic materials and gambling materials/ apparatus.

“Home appliances are not allowed unless these are consigned to returning Filipino residents and overseas contract workers. Don’t let any forwarder tell you otherwise. We will seize these prohibited shipments and revoke registrations of forwarders or consolidators if we find any violations,” Lina said.