Can I buy whiskey at duty free in Atl. Overnight in SA and then put booze in checked baggage for flight to Namibia the next day. There is some restrictions as both countries act as one. Thanks.

Why not just purchase it at one of the duty free shops in Jo'Burg airport? They have a huge selection and pretty good prices.

I just bought my Knob Creek at home and packed it in my checked bag for my trip to Zim last year.

quote:

Originally posted by subsailor74:
Why not just purchase it at one of the duty free shops in Jo'Burg airport? They have a huge selection and pretty good prices.

This is what I do!!! No problem carrying it on the plane...

John,

I would not pack it all the way from the States. Baggage handlers can break anything that is breakable. Imagine having your luggage full of broken glass and whiskey. Buy it at the duty free and take it on as a carry-on. Works slick!

Mark

I am not sure you can purchase whiskey at duty free in SA if you are going to Namibia. They have a reciprical agreement that doesn't allow that I believe. Thanks

Plus I use the excuse to buy something a little special like a 25 year old scotch.

You can buy most of the high end single malts in Windhoek. I generally drink Dalwhinnie, Macallan, Glenlivet, etc and have no problem finding it. So either make a plan to purchase there or have your outfitter make a plan for you. Pretty simple. I have never tried to carry it in so can't help you there.

In regards to sneaking it in your checked bag, remember that ALL your bags both carry on and checked are x-rayed as you leave customs in Windhoek. Anything they do not like gets pulled and your bags "inspected" and anything they do not like gets confiscated...

quote:

Originally posted by johnhb:
I am not sure you can purchase whiskey at duty free in SA if you are going to Namibia. They have a reciprical agreement that doesn't allow that I believe. Thanks

You are right.Namibia is an SADC member, iirc, and the duty free clerks look at your boarding pass and wont sell it. This happened to me. There are duty free shops on the way into the country in the airport. You can buy it there, then pack it in your checked luggage the next day.

Thank you jdollar. That is what I assumed to be the case. John

Great! I learned something today. I've bought scotch in London and carried it all the way to Mozambique through RSA but now I remember we chartered to Mozambique. Like a dumb ass I assumed if you bought it at a duty free you could take it anywhere. I'll stash that piece of info away for the future.

Mark

First and foremost, you need to learn the correct spelling - Whisky! If you're really talking "whiskey", save the hassle and drink whatever they have in camp - it will be just as good or better ....

I am still working on how to spell potatoe but thanks for your good advice.

quote:

Originally posted by nhoro:
First and foremost, you need to learn the correct spelling - Whisky! If you're really talking "whiskey", save the hassle and drink whatever they have in camp - it will be just as good or better ....

Here in Ireland we spell it whiskey and it's damn good stuff ! Took a bottle of Jameson on my first trip to Namibia. To be greeted by a big poster in the car park advertising, yes you've guessed it ! Jameson whiskey.

I would think any good outfitter would have a bottle of your favorite spirits on hand??

BH63

They'd have to keep their bar stocked like the Whisky a Go Go.

quote:

Originally posted by johnhb:
I am not sure you can purchase whiskey at duty free in SA if you are going to Namibia. They have a reciprical agreement that doesn't allow that I believe. Thanks

100% correct.

Bring the whisky from the US in your checked baggage.

If you pack it, you still have to clear the X-Ray machine in Namibia. Depending on the attitude, time, temperature, and barometric pressure of the X-Ray nanny, you have a 50/50 chance of getting it past her.

Aren't you allowed a certain amount( 1 liter) to bring into Namibia tax free?

Just got back from Namibia and bought the booze in Atlanta duty free. Put it in checked baggage at Joberg and no problem at xray entry into Namibia. 1 Liter / person is allowed. Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by jdollar:
Aren't you allowed a certain amount( 1 liter) to bring into Namibia tax free?

Yes, but the challenge is, the person behind the x-ray machine flags stuff she doesn't like. You then go next door and open your bags to deal with the customs folks. Some know the law, so don't.

I have noticed over the past year they have been tagging most of the oriental types as they bring in most everything they own. So I have been sailing through with things I thought might cause a problem.

Worst case scenario is if they interpret your stuff as gifts or something for resale, they can demand an import duty. Generally not a lot of $$$ if they do.