TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Bringing food from Canada

All,

Thanks for posting all the great info on the forum. As a first time traveller to the BVIs it is very helpful. We are planning on flying from Canada to San Juan, Puerto Rico and then on to Tortolla. I have asked US Customs and Border Protection as to what I can bring in but the rules seem a bit vague at times and maybe left up to the agent in charge's discretion when arriving. I was hoping some could comment on their experiences and any tips they may have. We plan on bringing unmarinated beef, smoked salmon, sausages, cheese, cold cuts and dried spices. We will likely source it all from Costco and keep the original packaging that is suitable for freezing.

Many thanks!

All those items are readily available in BVI. Costco does not carry top shelf anything, especially their packaged cold cuts. You can get fresh sliced cold cuts at Riteway

Should not be a problem transiting the US. Expect 10% duty in he BVI. I would limit it to the salmon, a spice kit and any specialty foods. The beef selection on island is good to excellent and there is a wide selection of deli meats. Prices will be about 30-40% higher but the baggage fees and customs counter some of that. Most cheeses are European sourced and in many cases below US prices.

It is your vacation. Do what YOU prefer.

Duty in Tortola is technically 10% on value stated. Sometimes this is charged, sometimes not ( just the way the wind blows) so declare it and be ready with the cash in USD to cover the duty. 10 bucks on a hundred bucks. Keep it simple. Don't declare $123.45 unless you have exactly USD $ 12.35, because C & I has no change.

Other than that, no, there is not going to be an Ag dept or Food Nazi shakedown of what you have brought with you as ship's stores.

While you provision for the rest of your needs, keep an eye out and look at what is locally available. Yes, keep in mind that the BVI is USD based and the exchange rate is not in your favor ( right now).

Should you decide to make another trip, you'll have your own experience to guide you.

Thanks very much for the feedback people. I think I will bring at least the raw meat just for peace of mind. FWIW, the Costco near me in Canada has excellent meat - Shockingly, the pork ribs and beef cuts are as good or better than our Whole Foods here. Not sure if that's just a regional thing but...

Thank you

I like to take seasoned meat, prepped at home, and vacuum packed. Frozen and packed for trip works great (Polar Bear Cooler). I do this not only to assure quality meat, but the vac-packed assures the freezer/cooler remains clean and if you forget to thaw, vac-pack tossed in bucket of sea water takes care of that in short order. Then ready to place on the grill. Also avoids having to prepare food in the galley, with clean up.

WE occasionally bring down several large beef Tenderloins in our luggage - frozen and and wrapped securely - never had a problem. You won't be able to bring in fresh fruit. cheers Brian

Yup...as long as you claim everything with US customs you will be fine . We travel with food every time and no issues thus far .

Knock on wood. Or backbacon. Or whatever it is you Canadians knock on. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

That would be maple syrup and Canadian bacon

I bring home-prepared meals, specialty cheeses, and meats from my favorite local butcher almost every time I visit, and have never been charged duty. I smile, greet the customs officer politely, declare what I have, and get waved through. Sometimes they DO ask what time to come over for dinner.

Felix