Question about customs at MNL...

[Swisskid]

I am heading back to Manila on August 13 to see my girl for 2 weeks.  I would like to bring her the engagement ring I bought her here in the USA. 

My question is do I have to declare it when I go through customs?  It is not a fancy expensive ring but I did pay about $500 US at a friend of mine's jewelry shop for a pretty little .56 carat marquise-cut diamond solitaire white gold ring.  If I did not know my friend it would have cost more than double that anywhere else.

If I have to pay some ridiculous customs duty on it, I will just give it to her when she arrives on the K1.  Otherwise, if I can get it through customs without declaring or just pay a minimal duty fee, I will bring it on this trip. What happens if I don't declare it but customs finds it?

Anyone have any advice/experience on this issue?  I would really like to give the ring to her on my trip.  We will be having an engagement party in her home province with her family.

Thanks,

Swisskid 

[Cbear]

where it on your pinky and do not declare it.

BTW, I think that value won't matter anyway

[Ray]

Always declare everything that you are required to declare!

I declared an engagement ring and didn't pay any duty. They are mostly looking for contraband and banned items. They rarely search your bags and usually don't even open them, but don't ever try to fool a customs inspector, anywhere!

They won't care about your ring (I hope).

[Bear]

Never hide anything unless you are prepared to pay the price.

BTW, the jewelry is cheaper and better when purchased there.  My wife and I got both our rings for less that $150, 22 carrat yellow gold worth many times more here than there.  Also note that Filipinas see engagement rings as a waste of money.  If she is seen wearing these rings in her country it 'might' cause issues.

The Bear Family

[Cbear]

I think you are allowed up to $3500 in gifts without paying duty. Check to make sure, but they dont even look when you go through customs.

BTW, they WILL NOT ASK IF THE JEWELRY YOU ARE WEARING IS GOING TO BE LEFT IN THE PHILIPPINES

Now, declare it if you want, but you are only asking for trouble or worse an attempt at a bribe if they figure you don't know the rules.

[Ray]

Now, declare it if you want, but you are only asking for trouble or worse an attempt at a bribe if they figure you don't know the rules.

You are asking for trouble by not declaring everything required.

They only solicit bribes from Filipinos. Foreigners are considered off limits and not to be screwed with by customs officers...

Ray