vladimir
The Voice of Reason
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You wouldn't have to pay duties on personal gear that you'd be shipping (or carrying) back out a week later, would you?
Ship Dive Gear To Cozumel
- Thread starter cutthewake
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If it was me, I'd take my mask, my regs and my computer in the backpack I carry on with my laptop. I'd pack a pair of cheap $10 neoprene "surf shoes" in case I need them with rental fins and I'd just rent everything else from the dive op.
One day of recreational diving is not worth the hassle of carrying all the gear and not worth the expense of shipping it.
One day of recreational diving is not worth the hassle of carrying all the gear and not worth the expense of shipping it.
FishOutUvH2O
Contributor
I wouldn't. The roundabout way that packages get to Cozumel via the major carriers means, like others have stated, that it's a crap shoot when, or if, you'll get the equipment. If I absolutely have to have something other than documents from the States shipped to me, I usually do it airport-to-airport. But, to do that, you first need it imported into Mexico at a border and then have someone take it to an airport.
If weight is a problem, like Dennis said, bring only what you wouldn't want to rent, and then rent the rest.
If weight is a problem, like Dennis said, bring only what you wouldn't want to rent, and then rent the rest.
diver 85
Contributor
I get 2 complete sets of dive gear in 1 (50 lb) suitcase------depends on your thoughts about lugging 50 lbs around a little...Personally, I would bring it & dive more---why the restriction on diving??...
cloudswinger
Contributor
Actually, I think it does matter how many days you plan on using the gear. If rental for the full set is 45/day, and it costs 180 to ship, well, that would be 4 days worth of rental gear. If you're only going to dive one day, it's obviously more cost effective to rent. If you're going to dive 5 days, then definitely ship if you can get a reliable shipper. Unless you want to factor the intangibles like "it's your stuff" then rent the stuff up to about 4 days worth of diving. If it's only 25 for the extra bag, well that's one way, so it's 50 for both ways, so I generally would take my gear for the extra 5 bucks unless it was going to be a huge hassle.
FishOutUvH2O
Contributor
I see your point about doing the math. But, just so folks don't actually think those are Cozumel rental prices, I know of no operation on the island that charges $45USD/day to rent a complete set (BC, Reg, depth/SPG gauges, fins, and mask). It's more like $10USD on the low-end to $25USD on the high-end. You might be able to up the cost a little if you want a PDC and a wetsuit. If an operation is charging $45USD for rentals, find another shop, that one is burning you.
Sorry but try to explain to customs that it is personal gear, they will want to see the Factura (local reference to an official receipt) and a shipping document out of the country.
You can tell - or the dive shop or hotel that is accepting the goods can tell them that it is personal gear for a tourist and that the client will be leaving with the goods at the end of the holiday. Even as a certified, trusted importer I don't have this ability.
Ship your stuff into Mexico via DHL or FedEx or a number of other shippers and take a chance. Maybe you will even pay MORE than the value of the goods to get it to you. I have been doing this for 6 years and have seen all sorts of crap from customs AND the shipping company.
I have a toll free number that anyone can call me from the USA if you have questions in this regard or diving in the Puerto/Riviera Maya area. Check my website.
Dennis Weeks
Aquanauts
Puerto Aventuras Mexico
Unlike most places in the USA and Canada where a full set of rental gear is 45.00 to 75.00 per day, on Cozumel the average price I see is $10.00 per day to rent good quality gear. A real bargin!
At my dive shop we charge $20.00 per day for rental equipment or less if you are doing multi days of diving and typically include a dive computer, and free internet and help yourself to the water and hang out and have a beer and maybe John will bring in his amazing salsa and chips after the dives
but we are probably a little more than most on rental costs
Dennis
One day of diving? Why not pack your mask, fins & wetsuit (if needed), and rent the rest? Not worth the effort to ship IMHO.
Is bringing your own gear a hassle because of baggage fees or having to lug it around? I'm sure it's cheaper to pack it and pay a fella to drag it around for you. If you have elite status with your airline you typically get three checked bags (in first, or two in coach) and one carry-on with a personal item. Plenty of allowance to pack scuba stuff.
Personally, I'd wonder why one one day of diving. Pack all your stuff and sneak a couple days in.
Is bringing your own gear a hassle because of baggage fees or having to lug it around? I'm sure it's cheaper to pack it and pay a fella to drag it around for you. If you have elite status with your airline you typically get three checked bags (in first, or two in coach) and one carry-on with a personal item. Plenty of allowance to pack scuba stuff.
Personally, I'd wonder why one one day of diving. Pack all your stuff and sneak a couple days in.
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