TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums Cayman Islands bringing rum from Tampa in checked luggage

Hi - is it possible to bring a bottle of rum to Grand Cayman from Tampa in checked luggage?

Thank you!

Yes, you could do that, but Tortuga rum a favorite in Grand Cayman is not expensive to buy there.

A liter of the least expensive Tortuga Rum (made in Jamaica BTW, not Cayman) will set you back around $35 US. You can usually find a bottle of the better Barcardi products like the 8 Year Old (great mixer) for $28, or many times 2 for $36 or $44 at the Duty Free stores at US airports.

You can check local Cayman prices here at Jacques Scott Liquors (a major island liquor store) and the see if there are any better deals at the Duty Free store in your airport when passing through.

Please be aware, the prices quoted on the Jacques Scott Website are in CI$ and you need to add 25% (divide by .8) to convert to USD.

I of course, agree with Testudo - alcohol costs in GC are considerably higher than in U.S. (Minnesota for me). I just checked and Barcardi regular 1.75L is $20+10% tax = $22, 1L of Meyers dark rum would be close to that too.

I did learn last Feb from a Canadian that GC prices for beer and alcohol were about the same as at home in Canada, so I guess it is all to be kept in perspective.

I checked a bottle of Meyers for myself last Feb, and then replaced it at DutyFree in GC for about $10 U.S.

I haven't compared DutyFree prices in Minnesota to DutyFree in GC, but I've always been shocked at what prices are in DutyFree on U.S. side. I shop locally for less in MN.

Isn't another reason alcohol is expensive in GC, due to the 35% tarrif or whatever on alcohol, plus the additional 25% exchange rate penalty?

I'm returning in March, and I will again check a U.S. purchased bottle of rum, probably the one I bought last Feb., and replace it when I depart GC.

If I keep this up, I'll be a rum runner!

"Isn't another reason alcohol is expensive in GC, due to the 35% tarrif or whatever on alcohol, plus the additional 25% exchange rate penalty?"

Yes, the Duty around 40% (varies by type of liquor) is the main reason for the exorbitant prices. God fearing country and all that...

Only advantage to buying liquor at a US Duty Free store on the way to Cayman is being able to avoid having to check it in your luggage (like if you bought it a home). Doubtful it will be cheaper there, but it stands a better chance of making to GCM.