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Customs Entry Allowance – Food, Beef, Alcohol, etc…

HOME Forums General Discussion Topics about the Cayman Islands Getting There Customs Entry Allowance – Food, Beef, Alcohol, etc…

Viewing 15 posts – 76 through 90 (of 92 total)
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  • #48484
    Kptoys
    kptoys
    Member

    So we decided to save a few bucks and hit up the local BJs for some bulk meats and such for the trip. Does the $35 or reasonable consumption have to deal with all food or just meat? We want to get ground beef and chicken but we also wanted to bring baby food, cereal etc. I know you may think it is insane not to just buy it there but do you know about the customs deal?

    title edited to correct typo – scubachar

    #48490

    I searched all over the Cayman Customs sites and I couldn’t find where they mention that $35. I saw it in the past, but don’t see it now. They just say that you are allowed to bring in a “reasonable amount” of food and things that you need for your personal use and consumption (not including toiletries, etc.). So, yes, they mean all foods, not just meat.

    They are very strict, though, about the meat. It must be in the original wrappers, and showing the USDA stamped approval on it……I think they want to see the value of it too. Not sure, cause I never bring anything in, except maybe a few spices and things like that …..

    Char

    #48494
    Mbentzen
    mbentzen
    Member

    You’ve got to be careful what type of food you bring in. When we went in November, the US security took my husband’s peanut butter (heard about it for the whole vacation!) and on the way back, we were bringing back the soups we didn’t eat and the GC security took that!

    #48495
    Kptoys
    kptoys
    Member

    Wow, they took peanut butter!!! Did they say why? Was it opened? I really like my Skippy Natural and wanted to bring that, I will leave it closed if that is an issue.

    the $35 thing “Yes you can, though you may be charged duty if the amount is more than US$35 per family, or if the quantity exceeds what H.M. Customs considers a reasonable amount for your personal consumption while in Cayman.” We wanted to bring 2 packages of chicken breast and like 6 steaks (there are 8 adults and 3 children). I will leave the meat in it’s orginal packaging but I just wanted to make sure it’s allowed.

    I do want to bring cereal for the kids and baby food for my son.

    Does anyone know if they have organic foods there??

    As for spices, what do you bring them in? A baggie?? their original containers?

    #48496
    Larry18
    larry18
    Member

    Not that I am going to load a suitcase full but what are the limits for the amount of food and wine are we allowed to bring?

    #48504
    Pandl
    Pandl
    Member

    We were there a few weeks ago. We brought many packages of pasta sides and mashed potatoes. Also a box of cereal. Many packets of mayo, mustard, & ketchup. Also several travel size packets of peanut butter. And a summer sausage that didn’t need to be chilled. Two packages of sliced cheese. And a big bag of trail mix. Travel sizes packets of tuna, SPAM, and chicken breast. Two packages of pita pockets. Two boxes of chocolates. Two travel size plastic bottles of whiskey. Our luggage was not searched at the airport. Everything made it.

    #48506

    I just bring the spices in in their original containers….

    Pandl,

    That’s cool that they had no problem with any of that stuff. I would assume that they wouldn’t.

    Main thing for people to know is that they will want to claim EVERYTHING on your Customs card that you are given on the airplane to fill out. I don’t mean to itemize each and every thing, but just to say that you are bringing in some assorted items for making sandwiches or whatever….just general terms. They can always ask if they need more detail.

    Char

    #48508

    Welcome to the forum larry18 ? ,

    We have a few threads discussing this subject, so I’ll just point you in their direction. We are asked this all the time……first of all, scroll up to the top of this thread and read through all the posts. Then, check this one out http://www.caymanactivityguide.com/forums/images/ButtonHere.gif” alt=”” title=”” class=”bbcode-image” />.

    If you get a chance, please go into your profile and enable your vacation countdown so that we can find out where you are staying and when you are coming…..that way we can count the days right along with you. ?

    Char

    #48509
    Kptoys
    kptoys
    Member

    Thanks so much for the help!!

    #50205
    Crowbar59
    crowbar59
    Member

    How much alcohol does the Caymans allow you to bring into their country? Heard its VERY expensive to buy down there. Our first time, going in Aug. 2008

    #50230
    Kikkiwan
    kikkiwan
    Member

    …and here’s another question along the same lines. It’s funny, I’m more worried about what I hear are the outrageous prices of alcohol over there, it’s not even funny! How much IS a bottle of wine, anyway? Has anyone ever packed a BOX O’ Wine? It’s just occured to me that this might be a safe, and cheap alternative to a good few days of the nightly glass on the beach-thanks, y’all!

    #50231
    Tiki
    tiki
    Member

    kikkiwan, I’m not sure what kind of wine you drink……….but use the coupons in the CAG for the wine!

    I found all kinds of wine I like for only a few $ more than what I pay at home and some bottles were actually cheaper!

    #50232
    Shelly
    shelly
    Member

    This is what we paid this year-

    cavit pinot grigio 1.5 litres $23.75

    Appleton white Jamaica Rum 1 litre $28.75

    Can’t remember if this was US or CI, but I bet it was CI because in the posting I think I said that the price stickers were still on the bottles. Someone else said that they paid $10 for a 6 pack of beer. The CAG discounts don’t apply to beer.

    Unfortunately I didn’t write down the prices for the other liquor items….but I did post a lot of the grocery store prices.

    Grocery store prices click here

    Shelly ?

    #50233
    Kikkiwan
    kikkiwan
    Member

    Hey, thanks all! Only 34 days, as my countdown reminded me-can’t believe its almost here. I hope to come back with some trip tips, too, since this site is just wonderful for helping me prepare!

    Take care!

    #56054
    Vacationer
    vacationer
    Member

    :spin:

    Hi Everyone,

    I’m leaving for the Cayman’s on Saturday. I’ve been trying to find updated (2009) info on the amount of food allowed without a tax. My sister thought she remembered being charged a duty tax on any food over $35 that she brought into the island a few years ago. Is that still the case? We want to bring in some dryed goods (pasta, spice, coffee, cereal- things like that that will travel well and not add a ton of weight to the luggage) Also, we are staying at the M. Tortuga (sp??) on the East End. Is Hurley’s or Foster at Savannah still the best two groceries stores on the way? I’m assuming a visa card works at either of these grocery stores.

    Thanks for any help you can give.

    Sue

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