We wish to bring in some used laptops to donate to the school. Also we want to bring in some used stereo equipment such as an amplifier. Can someone give me any suggestions for doing this without getting hosed at customs? We have brought things in before and it feel like the guy flips through this giant book and comes up with some arbitrary rate for what we need to pay. I am not paranoid but I think maybe they decide how much we pay based on us being tourists so maybe they think we are rich. Which we are not. Is there any way we can obtain a listing of what the duties are really supposed to be so we can make an informed choice in advance.

In your case it depends on which custom officer turns up on that given day, you might get them cleared without paying much or they can really take you the extra mile, sometimes its best you send items like these in the names of a none profit organization (breds or the school itself for example) but you would first have to ask their permission to do so and have a individual of that group assist you getting them cleared, but taking them in on your own might be costly. For the laptops they might not charge much on those, but the amplifier could some what be considered personal items, I suggest you under-value a invoice or two just incase ( if possible) ... good luck thou...

I have also founded this to be a big problem with donating stuff in Jamaica.
It is definitely a big "turn off" for wanting to donate stuff to schools and churches.
I have tried in vain to get the proper papers from non-profits organizations so I would not have to pay the duties at Customs !! But trying to call from abroad and arranging such documents is a waste of time !!
Good Luck if you cannot SNEAK them pass the Customs Agents !!
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Another aspect of barriers to progress that Dr Able discusses in the second part of # 4.

There certainly has to be security at our ports of entry. Certainly this could be done in a simple and pleasant manner.

Is it that we get stuck in ways of doing things and are terrified at suggested changes? Especially when some enjoy the authority of little kings and queens. Been there seen it!

Read Carlos Castenada (fiction or not, this part is accurate) on the four types of little petty tyrants.

The amplifier and some other stereo equipment (speakers) are USED so I don't have a receipt for them. These items are too big to sneak them through. On the laptops for the schools I know it's possible to get them consigned to an NGO but they have to go through a HUGE hassle and it's not worth it for a few things. How would you suggest I find the value of my items which are ALL USED and how do I convince the customs guy the values I am showing are accurate?

Make up a reasonble value for the used equipment.
That is what the Customs agent will do !!
ONE LOVE !!
Mike