Latin America

Bacchus4.0

(6,837 posts) Tue Sep 4, 2012, 01:47 PM Sep 2012

Travelers staggered by Cuba's new customs taxes

http://news.yahoo.com/travelers-staggered-cubas-customs-taxes-191159037.html

HAVANA (AP) — A steep hike in customs duties took effect in Cuba on Monday, catching many air travelers unaware and leaving some shocked at the new fees.

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Experts say the measure targets so-called mules, who make frequent trips back and forth to places like Ecuador, Panama and Miami, carrying huge bags overstuffed with merchandise destined for resale or to supply the island's growing ranks of private entrepreneurs.

But some fear it could also hurt Cuban families that rely on goods imported five suitcases at a time, as well as the many islanders who are able to visit relatives abroad by agreeing to bring back heavy loads for others who pay the airfare.

Travelers are allowed to bring in 66 pounds (30 kilograms) of miscellaneous goods without being charged. Everything after that gets taxed at $4.55 a pound ($10 per kilogram).

3 replies

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Travelers staggered by Cuba's new customs taxes (Original Post) Bacchus4.0 Sep 2012 OP

What are the charges per pound in other Latin American countries? flamingdem Sep 2012 #1

not sure there is a weight limit, remember the airlines charge for excess Bacchus4.0 Sep 2012 #2

I don't know but it looks like Costa Rica charges even for used items flamingdem Sep 2012 #3

flamingdem

(39,314 posts)

1. What are the charges per pound in other Latin American countries?

Reply to Bacchus4.0 (Original post)

Wed Sep 5, 2012, 10:32 AM

Sep 2012

for example

Bacchus4.0

(6,837 posts)

2. not sure there is a weight limit, remember the airlines charge for excess

Reply to flamingdem (Reply #1)

Wed Sep 5, 2012, 01:11 PM

Sep 2012

it sounds like Cuba has imposed a tax based only on the weight of baggage. So for example, your personal effects and gifts or purchases made on behalf of friends and family get taxed that exceed 66 pounds in Cuba. This is not necessarily the case in other countries who are mostly looking for items that will be resold.

flamingdem

(39,314 posts)

3. I don't know but it looks like Costa Rica charges even for used items

Reply to Bacchus4.0 (Reply #2)

Wed Sep 5, 2012, 01:19 PM

Sep 2012

Cuba let people know with a few months advance warning, I knew about it months ago.

I think they should be more relaxed but there were mules taking advantage of their
Cuban status to pay lower fees and make money on items in demand.

Thus, the flights were overloaded and less tourists could come. Cuba has the additional
issue of being a small island with capacity limitations.

The part that is not good is entrepreneurs need a break. I can't say if this is directed at
curbing that -- doesn't make sense -- they tax them so the govt loses if they lose.

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