Bringing household items into Guatemala

I mule stuff down for friends every year. I've had things disappear from my luggage. I use the TSA locks now. I take everything out of its original packaging box or wrap, mix it in with my cloths. I always bring down household stuff for myself for my rental. I have never been checked. The customs people seem to be more concerned with the returning Guatemalans and their booty. Your mileage my differ.

Goods for personal use have an upper $$ value that you can take in per 6 months- thats the official line but I've never heard of it being enforced. If customs pounce its more likely to be that they claim the items are for resale and therefore insist you pay import tax or take the items back out with you. As per #1 the best way to prevent this is to make the items look used, discarding boxes, packaging etc. Its normally only electrical items with a decent value that attract interest...

They sell stuff like that in Guatemala and it is usually cheaper. They weave lovely bedspreads right in Guatemala. Bring down your family photos and things you cannot buy in Guatemala.

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I think your "packing light" instincts are kicking in here... I've come in with duffel bags full of random stuff and they've never batted an eye. Very unlikely they'll say anything unless it looks like you're importing lots of electronics to sell. Shower curtains, towels, etc.? No chance they're going to say anything IMO.

Thanks, all. Yeah, enroute - strange to be planning to check bags. A small blender and a little, used clock radio are the only "electronics".

Patty - I already shopped extensively around the lake and in Xela. Some things are cheaper and/or just nicer in Guatemala but some stuff is really poor quality for many times what I'd pay for good quality stuff in the US - sheets and towels, for example. Since the place will be rented out when we're not living in it, we want bedding that can be washed between guests: lots of Guatemala textiles for curtains, cushions, and decorations but not for bedding. Since our bedspreads at home are all from Guatemala I am well aware of the laundry challenges.

be advised, "creating thousands of fake accounts for God-in-heaven-only-knows what reason" is frowned upon by the community suggestions.

pro-tip: stick to one. it's not that hard. not seven. not fifty. just one account, it's not rocket science.

bringing bathroom rugs into Guatemala is not, never has been and never will be unlawful.

Well the stuff I saw and purchased was with a hotel owner from Antigua and was in Guat City and except for the textiles was all from China just like in USA, We also got tons of stuff in a mall dollar store. except it cost less than a dollar. Guat bedspreads are wonderful and not a laundry problem you wash them like they do in Guat in a big tub of water , rinse and hang to dry. every woman in Guat knows how to wash woven spreads. Going to the Highlands gets you nice woven things like on way up to Todos Santos. Never saw much of woven materials around the lake just hupiles and the like. Also saw fancy kitchen stuff in Guat City too the junk from local mercardos. They have cheap junk for those who cannot afford better but if you look the good stuff is out there. Men wen weave a lot of stuff on foot looms and then it gets hand finished. That stuff is drop dead. . Woven stuff is now big deal once you are used to it.. Since l991 I have gotten together a huge collection of Guat woven things. the only problem is washing wool knit bags from say Solola.