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48 helpful votes
Bringing small automobile parts to (Varadero) Cuba
9 years ago
Hello to the forum, and thanking anybody in advance who can help on this one: We are going to Varadero later this year, we know good people with old cars , and would like to know if anybody has brought small parts, such as tune up points, condensers, ignition rotors and caps. We only want to bring a set or two, knowing these are very valued commodities in the country due to the embargo. What could one expect at customs in general? Regards!
Level Contributor
19,743 posts
2 reviews
9 helpful votes
1. Re: Bringing small automobile parts to (Varadero) Cuba
9 years ago
It's a total crap shoot.
Obviously the car parts aren't for your own personal use which makes them subject to import tax. Whether they'll raise a red flag at the x-ray or whether they'll sneak past... you take your chances.
I bring motorcycle parts with me and get pulled into secondary inspection about 25% of the time.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Terry
Level Contributor
13,602 posts
6 reviews
70 helpful votes
2. Re: Bringing small automobile parts to (Varadero) Cuba
9 years ago
Like Terry I take parts all the time for old American made cars , never yet had to pay duty BUT 90% of the time I go to secondary for show and tell. LOL
One trip they were much more interested in the hood ornament for a 52 Chev than all the plugs , points and condensors ,wires and dist caps !
Still paid no duty though but I,ve been very lucky in that regard at CCC.
LENNY
Level Contributor
19,743 posts
2 reviews
9 helpful votes
3. Re: Bringing small automobile parts to (Varadero) Cuba
9 years ago
Lenny is a young, handsome, classy guy entering a small airport on an island resort.
I'm a big, ugly, uncouth lummox entering Havana Airport.
It only makes sense they'd go after me while he skates through free!
Cheers,
Terry
Level Contributor
13,602 posts
6 reviews
70 helpful votes
4. Re: Bringing small automobile parts to (Varadero) Cuba
9 years ago
And rightly so . LMAO
LENNY
Level Contributor
16,622 posts
5. Re: Bringing small automobile parts to (Varadero) Cuba
9 years ago
Not fair martian ... I’ve brought very specific parts for friends, and after being called to “secondary inspection” was allowed to pass without paying taxes, and I’m not a young, classy, handsome guy like Lenny! LOL.
But seriously, it is the luck-of-the-draw. I always brought receipts and was always ready to pay taxes, but that never happened (except years ago for a friggin’ rice cooker that I was unwittingly carrying for someone else, which took hours and ended up being left for me to reclaim when exiting Cuba .).
If called to secondary inspection, have your receipts and be open and honest and ready to pay. You might have to, you might not.
Destination Expert
for Cayo Guillermo
Level Contributor
10,259 posts
15 reviews
13 helpful votes
6. Re: Bringing small automobile parts to (Varadero) Cuba
9 years ago
Good point Terry!
I'm surprised you are not locked up in some "MidNight Express" like prison on the outskirts of Havana !
Back on topic. Have brought paint guns and tools. so far so good.
Knock on Wood!
Level Contributor
19,743 posts
2 reviews
9 helpful votes
7. Re: Bringing small automobile parts to (Varadero) Cuba
9 years ago
Young, classy, handsome guy or young, classy, hot chick.... basically you're both peas in a pod... life is always easier for you beautiful people...
XO
T
Destination Expert
for Cayo Guillermo
Level Contributor
10,259 posts
15 reviews
13 helpful votes
8. Re: Bringing small automobile parts to (Varadero) Cuba
9 years ago
Most gratifying was a digital chess clock for a friend's son who is the next National Campeon de Cuba !
Salud!
Level Contributor
2,962 posts
24 reviews
69 helpful votes
9. Re: Bringing small automobile parts to (Varadero) Cuba
9 years ago
I have taken spark plugs, gas caps, etc without hassle.
One thing I have learned is when going through Customs, look for older gentlemen manning the station.
The young ones are all full of P*ss and Vinegar and want to impress while the women are trying to prove themselves.
This is not ageism or sexist...it is just what I have encountered
Level Contributor
40 posts
14 reviews
48 helpful votes
10. Re: Bringing small automobile parts to (Varadero) Cuba
9 years ago
Thanks very much so far to the folks who have helped, the picture is starting to get drawn here of what to expect. Bring receipts, look handsome and cute, look for an older inspector. Hmmm, sounds like the situations one gets when driving their old collector cars here at home. the older cops admire your rides, the younger ones want to hassle you (so far I have been lucky!) over everything. Candysita, you are indeed speaking the truth, bicycleman_8 (Lenny) you are correct at the luck of the draw thing, and the interest in the weirdest stuff. Martian24 (Terry), there is some truth to the 'beauty' thing, LOL! Howie
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