Originally Posted by
Braindrain
No departure tax. However, Rolex sales in the US have seriously slumped and I've heard one can easily find steel Daytonas in shops - with a discount.
Yeah, that's smuggeling. I believe the Customs folks in Cda/US actually have access to Rolex databases and can tell by the serial # whether it was sold in the respective country.
Canada Customs, for sure, are no fools when people from HKG come with shiny new watches.
It is easier to quickly move up the list for a Daytona, but I have never seen one gathering dust in an AD. However, the days when you could buy them at an AD and flip for profit are gone.
AD's do not report when and where watches were sold to either Rolex or any gov't. Rolex does not have any database of serial numbers other than their "stolen/lost" database.
So many people are wearing Rolex on int'l flights, it's almost impossible to get in trouble, unless you have the box and papers in your luggage or the receipt in your wallet.
I advise against breaking any customs laws, but in theory the best way would be to ditch the box (a secondhand Rolex dealer will usually buy them from you) and send the paper or warranty card home in a fedex document envelope without the receipt. If you need a box, you can pick one up at home for about $75 USD.
The Rolex AD in Heathrow terminal 3 is very aggressive with their pricing, and no VAT.