Purchasing a Watch in the Caribbean?

[bbell6]

Last month I was on a cruise in the Carribean and they really push watch purchases due to the duty free shopping. I will be returning to Grand Cayman this year and am considering purchasing a Panerai. However, my understanding is that you only get an $800 exemption from customs when returning to the US. Even if I can use both my $800 exemption and my wife's $800 exemption, I'm still stuck with customs fees of 10% on the remainder. Since most US state sales taxes are less than 10%, I don't see what the big deal is. Am I missing something?

[assasi9]

dont declare it

[RageRover]

I agree.

In all honesty...why not just wear it...and dont declare it.

In addition, rules are always different for used items. I'll check the customs rate for you, but I used to import vehicles. Used cars have a duty of 2.5% for example.

Anway...wear the watch. Spend the $100 and have the box sent FedEx. Thats what I would do. Thats what friends have done.

[bbell6]

Thanks for the input.

I had a feeling that is what most people were doing. I was just wondering how risky it was, but if you don't have the box and receipt on you, I don't guess its that risky.