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How Can I Bring Rum Back From Jamaica?
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jamaican_rum_brandsHow Can I Bring Rum Back From Jamaica?

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

We say Jamaica is the land of wood and water... and it is, but it's also the land of RUM! It's a big part of our culture, which makes a point of duty to celebrate just about everything, and no celebration is complete without our rum. Once you have tried it, whether you are planning to visit, or you are here right now, I am sure you will want to take a bottle home with you.

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So the question is: Can you bring that rum back with you? and the answer is yes, you can! But, just like with anything, there are a few rules to follow. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to bringing our island’s famous rum home, especially if you're heading to the U.S.

First, let’s talk about why Jamaican rum is so special. Our island is known worldwide for its bold, flavorful rums, from the smooth and mellow Appleton Estate to the rich, dark Wray & Nephew Overproof. Whether you're a fan of the lighter rums for mixing or you like the stronger, more complex flavours, there’s something for everyone. But here's the thing, once you’ve tasted the magic of Jamaica’s rum, you’ll want to take a bottle (or five) back with you.

Duty-Free!

Lucky for you, Jamaica makes it easy to bring home a bottle with you. If you're flying out of Sangster International in Montego Bay or Norman Manley in Kingston, you’ll find plenty of duty-free shops offering a wide selection of rum. The best part? The prices are usually much lower than you’ll find in our regular stores, so it’s a great time to stock up on your favourites. But keep in mind that while you can pick up rum at the airport, customs regulations might have something to say about how much you can bring back.

U.S. Regulations: What You Need to Know

Now, if you're travelling to the United States, which, makes up a large chunk of our visitors, there are a few rules to be aware of. The U.S. allows travellers to bring in alcohol, but there are limits. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), you can bring back up to 1 litre of alcohol duty-free, but anything beyond that may be subject to duty and taxes. Be aware that if you’re 21 or older, you’re free to bring it in, but if you're under 21, no rum for you, simple as that. This makes sense since the drinking age in the United States is age 21, even though legally you can start drinking in Jamaica from age 18.

There’s also the question of how much you’ll actually pay if you go over that 1-litre mark. Taxes and duty fees can vary, but generally, it’s a pretty straightforward process if you stay within the limit. Just make sure the bottles are in your checked luggage (not carry-on) and are unopened.

It’s always a good idea to double-check the customs regulations of the country you're headed back to before you pack your bags. Different countries have different rules when it comes to bringing alcohol back. If you’re heading to Canada, for example, the rules might be different from the U.S., so be sure to check.

Take Note!

Some of the best rums you can find are from to Jamaica, at least in my opinion, so it’s worth picking up something unique while you’re here. Appleton Estate 12-Year-Old and Jamaica’s famous Wray & Nephew White Overproof are always a hit but don't forget about Hampden Estate Rum if you're looking for something a bit more adventurous. And definitely grab a bottle of our Jamaican Rum Cream as well.

So, to sum it all up, yes, you can absolutely bring rum from Jamaica with you! Just be mindful of the rules, especially if you're flying back to the U.S. or elsewhere. Stock up on the finest rums in our duty-free shops, keep within the limits, and follow the customs regulations, and you’ll be good to go. 

Remember, understanding the regulations of your home country is crucial to avoid any surprises at the airport. And hey, wherever you're travelling back to, taking a little bit of Jamaica with you is the perfect way to keep the vacation vibe alive. 

If you haven't booked as yet, you should book with us and save on your trip. You can also download a copy of our ebook, Stay Safe - Explore Freely, which addresses any safety concerns you may have about visiting Jamaica, and while Jamaica is quite safe, we included some tips for staying safe in general.

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References & Sources For How Can I Bring Rum Back From Jamaica?

  1. Earle, C. P. (n.d.). Jamaican Embassy. 2013 - Jamaican Government - All Rights Reserved. https://www.embassyofjamaica.org/visitors/customs_regulations.htm

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