Bahamas MD rules/customs

[Methos65]

Hi all.
I'm going to the Bahamas this month and plan to take my md. I just talked with Bahamas Customs and they said there is a 35% fee (based on the value) to bring in. Has anyone ever hunted there or experienced this?

However, they did say there aren't any restrictions on using it since it's a personal device.

I'm thinking...just pack it in my suitcase and pay only if they find it. If they do, just give them a small dollar value.

Any thoughts?

Thanks for reading.

 

[lowtones]

My friend went to the bahamas and had no fees. I would put it in my carry on . I trust nobody when traveling with my detector. It stays close to me at all times just like my children. Thats just me
lowtones

 

[re-tek]

pay 35% of value? sounds like duty tax to me. maybe the guy thought you were importing it to leave it in the bahamas.

 

[Ray S ECenFL]

I had my detector in a black, hard case. Got off cruise ship to go to beach ( planned excursion). Customs stopped me and asked what was in the case. Told them. Was brought to the Customs Office and bottom line was they did not want me to sell my MD on the island and to ensure that I did not I would be required to leave a $300 US deposit. Of course I could get my deposit back when I leave the island. I did not leave the deposit, I was escorted back to cruise ship by customs so I could put it back on board. They watched me board the ship.

I am not saying this will happen to you. Just relating what happened to me.

Hope you get a chance to detect there. HH

Ray S

 

[re-tek]

I had my detector in a black, hard case. Got off cruise ship to go to beach ( planned excursion). Customs stopped me and asked what was in the case. Told them. Was brought to the Customs Office and bottom line was they did not want me to sell my MD on the island and to ensure that I did not I would be required to leave a $300 US deposit. Of course I could get my deposit back when I leave the island. I did not leave the deposit, I was escorted back to cruise ship by customs so I could put it back on board. They watched me board the ship.

I am not saying this will happen to you. Just relating what happened to me.

Hope you get a chance to detect there. HH

Ray S

sorry for the bummer of a time. maybe shouldnt have had it in such a fancy case. if its in a fancy case, its got to be expensive right? i have my share of zero haliburton and others but sometimes you just need to be low key.

well now i know to breakdown my MD'er and stick it in a beatup backpack when i go to the bahamas!

 

[Methos65]

Thanks for the replies. I'm already planning to just carry it in a backpack (as suggestedby re-tek) and see what happens. They never ask to see my bags when I'm coming in...may be a bit touchy on the way out...we'll see. I'll post what happens upon my return at the end of this month. Until then, happy 'tecting and go for the gold!!!

 

[IndianRiverSonrise]

When I travel I usually break my detector down so it can fit in something the size of a womans purse. Easier with some detectors of course. I fashion wood in sections that can be assembled on location and leave the metal rods home. Never had anyone even notice or pay attention to the fact that I had a detector with me.

 

[Methos65]

Hey all.
Just got back last night. Had a great time. I only got to 'tect two times and only found some clad and a couple other odd pieces including some sort of cheap medallion. Also found a lot of rusty flecks of iron as I was searching in AM mode since I was getting used to my Tiger Shark.

I had no problems getting in or out. I carried it on the plane broken down in a medium sized gym bag. I think the rule of thumb is just don't make it obvious as Ray S found out. US gate security suggested I pull it out of the bag when going through security (like one would a laptop). But no problems. Bahamas security personnel didn't even look at it. They only swiped the bag to check for explosives.

All in all a good trip. I learned loads about my TS and look forward to more trips.

One note...a regular hand scoop would be fine for those beach hunting on travel unless you will definitely be doing hunting in water more than a foot deep. I took a long handled scoop (that breaks down) and found myself wishing I had just a regular scoop.

Happy 'tecting everyone.