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| “Duty-Free” describes goods bought at ports and airports that do not attract the usual government taxes and customs duties. In other words, there were no import tariffs (duties) paid when the items was brought into The Bahamas. In some cases, the savings from not having to pay these import fees are passed on to customers. And sometimes, those savings can be significant, especially with liquor and tobacco products. |
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| But, even if you don't pay a duty, you may not save money at duty-free shopping. An Australian article found that a camera selling for $129 at many New York stores cost $30 to $50 more at duty-free airport shops. One British study looked at a bottle of liquor that cost £14.49 in a regular store. Without duties, it should cost £4.74, but the duty-free shops charged £7.75 to £11.25. Likewise, the same item that costs $25 at a Freeport duty-free shop could cost anywhere from $15 - $40 at a Nassau duty-free shop. |
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| Don’t Be Seduced By The “Duty-Free” Label |
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| If you are just doing casual vacation shopping, it may not be that big of a deal. After all, you are on vacation in the Caribbean! Just buy the item if it feels like a good deal and move on. You can indeed find some quality products and nifty souvenirs at duty-free shops. You may even come across a real deal on high-end jewelry, especially diamonds. But if you plan to make a significant purchase, such as jewelry, do some research before you go and make sure you know what the item costs in the states. |
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| Keep in mind that you are required to declare your foreign purchases to U.S. customs upon your return to the states. “Duty free” in Nassau doesn’t mean it’s duty free when you come back to the US. You are eligible for personal exemptions up to $800 for personal items. If you spend more than that, you may have to pay import fees which could effectively wipe out part or all of your savings. So, if you’re planning on doing some serious shopping, take the time to study the customs guidelines before you lay out the cash. |
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| Don’t be a miser. Spend freely. Do some Christmas shopping. Spread your money around the local economy and have fun doing it. Just remember, these guys are in the business of selling stuff to foreign tourists. They know where the money is coming from and they know how to keep as much of it as they can. |
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| Avoid Street Vendors |
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| Where ever you go on your cruise, once you step ashore you will be approached (accosted?) by local folks trying to sell you something. In the worst cases, street kids will try to get you to “marry” their sister for an hour. But even in the more civilized ports of call, you can expect to be offered some kind of great deal along with a heart-tugging story (“These beautiful bracelets are made by school children to help feed their families”). We recommend that you steer clear. We’re not talking about the shops and makeshift kiosks you may find right outside the port, we’re talking about the guys selling Cuban cigars out of their trunks, or pirated CDs out of a cardboard box. |
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| Your best bet, unless you’ve been there and really know the score, is to just say NO. Most of the products are very low quality and you have no way to check it out before you buy. Anything you purchase from a street vendor may be counterfeit, illegal or unsafe. We know of people who bought CD cases with no CDs inside, watches that didn’t work, Cuban cigars purchased in the local drugstore, “handmade” jewelry that came out of bubble gum machines, the list is endless. And this applies SIXTEEN FOLD if some local guy tries to sell you some pot. |
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| In most ports of call frequented by American-based vessels, this street traffic is actually illegal. You probably won’t get into trouble, but why risk it? Save your money for the honest locals and their little shops that are going to sell you watches that do work, they just fall apart in a few weeks. |
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