I'm planning on bringing gifts for some of the staff at TTR. Does anyone know if there are any regulations concerning the value of gifts that a US citizen is allowed to bring into the country? Would there be any duties payable?
They love US $2.00 bills and chocolate bars! Also, ball caps, t-shirt type clothing, etc. and you won't have any prob getting them thru. You'll probably have to press a button on a wall while going thru customs - if you hit a red light response, be prepared to have your bags searched tho.
I assume the limit for gifts is way higher than the value of the gifts. I am sure the staff values the gifts, however I am even more sure they value cash that they can use to provide for their families. Even Chinos smiles when a Jackson appears in his hand:icon_biggrin: Saying that, I know that Annette was planning to bring Norma some sort of gift on our next trip.
I bought some pretty jewelry for some of the staff on our last visit and after a lot of misunderstanding and the room maid giving me paper and a pen (no she didn't want my autograph!) I had to write her a note with our name and room number, her name, saying this was a gift so that she could take it out of the hotel. I don't know if they have to go through security before they leave! That was a lot to understand with my limited Spanish and a few cocktails at lunch!!
what would be good gifts for some of the people working there, are they really that appreciative of them. am coming from the UK
I think anything British or things that you have put some thought into, as I said the jewelry I took, they loved, it was only costume jewelry, but just cheap (to us) I went to a market - costume stuff. But it was making an effort and buying it, and I wrapped it up in pretty paper before I left! I just wanted to take something other than leave a $ for them! We left the $ too but that is easy! and probably cheaper! Hey each to their own, I just thought that they would appreciate the personal touch. We had such a stunning time at TTR, just booked again for next year YEAH !!!!
Those are great ideas, I especially like the idea of costume jewelry. Woodman's suggestion on the $2.00 bills is correct. My husband and I have brought those in past years and they went over very well!
I know they like the Philadelphia Phillies shirt i gave them...Let wanted more...LOL..:icon_smile:....I told them ..next year..LOL..
Bob and I have always taken $2 bills as well, but found out that they don't spend them. They are considered good luck. Jamie - Steve, can either of you confirm that? I've looked and I can't find the thread that talked about that. We also always take premade notes that say 'thank you for taking care of us during our stay. This gift is for you from Room #. The Cooksleys'. Then I just fill in our room number so there is no question about whether it was stolen or a gift. We always take gifts for the staff or leave money in the room each morning when we head to the pool.
We had read that about them liking $2 bills before the first time we ever went to Mexico, so took some with us. There was never any reaction given to them at all, like they were seen as anything special. Just your normal gratitude, as with any sort of tip. Dunno...I keep reading that they are greatly appreciated, though. :shrug:
