Question Carnet Needed for Cabo?

[cr92]

I think the actual tax rate (theoretically) assessed on whatever they choose to tax is 16% (based on what I've read). So let's assume a standard pro level UW mirrorless/DSLR rig with macro/dome ports could easily run you in the neighborhood of $1000 USD, assuming they don't come after your strobes or camera/lenses (which could easily double that amount). Which they reportedly do sometimes.

I looked at a different Carnet provider with different pricing, so they seem to vary quite a bit. As low as $250ish to $500+ depending on the dollar amount and provider. If you get a Carnet I'd also strongly suggest putting all your camera gear on it and not just the housings, cause there's way too much uncertainty with what the customs people seem to be doing.

This kind of stuff blows my mind though. Like, at some point someone who manages tourism in the government has to figure out that this isn't a good look? Diving is a pretty big tourism segment there, and a lot of those people have cameras. Even "normal" vacation goers just bringing gopro or cell phone housings could still be shaken down, albeit for much smaller amounts. Still a terrible experience for them I'm sure, since they likely had no idea and nobody likes spending an extra hour in customs dealing with searches and whatnot. Reminds me of some of the stories you'd hear from places like Egypt with cameras being confiscated and gear being held hostage for $ due to some BS "spying" regulations a while back.

They also sometimes try to tax regulators, I have heard.

 

[cr92]

Okay, everyone. I went through Cabo on March 30th. They were very aggressive about camera housings and drones. They asked repeatedly. They will search and find what they are looking for, so don't try to hide it. If you get searched, just admit it outright and pay the tax if they make you. It's 19% the value of the housing. If you don't have a receipt, they will charge you 19% of whatever value they look up online. So come prepared with a receipt, you'll pay less. You can even make your own invoice. Keep the receipt and present it whenever flying through Cabo with a housing, they shouldn't try to tax you again if you have that receipt. The tax must be paid by credit card. I have been told by the liveaboard to dispute the charge as fraud with my credit card company. I will be interested to hear from the other member about how their experience with a carnet goes.

 

[tridacna]

Okay, everyone. I went through Cabo on March 30th. They were very aggressive about camera housings and drones. They asked repeatedly. They will search and find what they are looking for, so don't try to hide it. If you get searched, just admit it outright and pay the tax if they make you. It's 19% the value of the housing. If you don't have a receipt, they will charge you 19% of whatever value they look up online. So come prepared with a receipt, you'll pay less. You can even make your own invoice. Keep the receipt and present it whenever flying through Cabo with a housing, they shouldn't try to tax you again if you have that receipt. The tax must be paid by credit card. I have been told by the liveaboard to dispute the charge as fraud with my credit card company. I will be interested to hear from the other member about how their experience with a carnet goes.

Curious. How much did you end up paying them?

 

[cr92]

Curious. How much did you end up paying them?

I had an invoice for my used camera housing saying I paid $3,000 for my Nauticam NA-R5 housing. I paid $570 in import tax.

 

[tridacna]

I had an invoice for my used camera housing saying I paid $3,000 for my Nauticam NA-R5 housing. I paid $570 in import tax.

Does anyone have a copy of the “legislation” that allows them to rip you off like this?

 

[Barmaglot]

I had an invoice for my used camera housing saying I paid $3,000 for my Nauticam NA-R5 housing. I paid $570 in import tax.

My housing costs less than you paid in tax (SeaFrogs A6700, currently listed at $470.79) but I'm not going there as a matter of principle until this garbage ceases.

 

[kiliiiyuyan]

My buddy Sam was held up but he had an unexpired carnet from a shoot and they let him go without hassle. Well worth the price, if you have high-end gear. Factor it into the cost of the trip!