[Elecraft] FCC ID & DOC # for the K2...

[Robert Naumann]

Leigh,

How did they determine you had something that needed duty collected on it?
As you found, they did not ask for FCC certification - it's always the
money. We had the same problem in Antigua until we caught on to the "don't
ask, don't tell" policy and using the porters to handle your bags.

As you found, they wanted to make sure that you were not selling it in
country and them not collecting the duty they are "entitled" to.

The best thing to do is to keep a low profile, be a tourist and not draw any
attention. Again, no cardboard boxes - just normal suitcases that look like
they are full of clothes.

The customs agents in these little countries are not in place to enforce
telecomm laws - it is to collect duty.

None of this is not to say that it is impossible to have a problem - the
point is that if you go looking for trouble with these guys, you're going to
find it. If you don't say anything, just be a vacationer and be lazy - let
the local porters take your luggage (it's worth the few bucks you pay them)
and you should slip through without difficulty.

Relax and have fun.

73,

Bob W5OV / V26O



-----Original Message-----
From: Leigh L. Klotz, Jr WA5ZNU [mailto:Leigh at WA5ZNU.org] 
Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 11:59 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Cc: Robert Naumann
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FCC ID & DOC # for the K2...

Robert W5OV wrote:
> Before anyone travelling to the Caribbean "gets prepared" and worries
about
> showing of all of these documents, keep in mind that no one cares about
> someone transporting their own amateur radio through customs. Their
concern
> is catching stuff that is going to be sold - and they want to collect the
> duty on it.
>   
I was once required to post a bond on my K3 when taking it to a 
Caribbean country.
They accepted all the cash I had, which wasn't as much as the percentage 
they wanted.
When I left, I got to the airport an extra hour ahead, and received my 
original cash as a refund.

Leigh/WA5ZNU