Well I just knew I was going to have a bad day at the airport in Tana when I realised i didn't have a low domination us$ just before arrival. I've learned that if you put a $1us in your passport there are fewer hassels for business travellers. I wasn't going to put a $20us note in so would just have to suffer. I don't know how many times the customs official shook my passport trying to get something to fall out but she eventually stamped it and then I caught the nod she gave to the other one with her. After getting my bag I walked to the "nothing to declare" lane and who should be waiting. Everything was taken out of every bag and when he was finished he just smiled and signaled that I could replace it. Lesson learnt!
Next shock the "Guichet" where you pick up your DSTM (buyers card) is closed. Bugger that means staying Monday and going to the Dept of Energy and Mines. Settle in to the Tana plaza Hotel.
Saturday and Sunday 12th-13th June
Get sim cards and supplies, visit the Craft Market at the "Dyke" and pick up Sandra's requests.
Monday 14th June
Visit the Mines Dept and am told the DSTM system is gone. They want buyers to set up companies here so they also have to pay taxes, in addition to duties or purchase off existing companies. When pressed as I don't have the required visa to set up a company, the third option is using a customs broker to clear all goods. Third option it will have to be. I will have to spend another day here to call some contacts and find a good broker. The new limit, you can take out is only $500 and now includes cut stones. Its a joke as most tourist buy more than this. The customs people will be having a ball at the airport imposing duties on tourist, most of which doesn't get to the Government anyway
Tuesday 15th June
I have finally found a broker but she will require up to 4-5 days to do the paperwork and get it approved, days I will have to hang around Tana. I'm bleeding days left, right and centre here. At least I'll be off tomorrow.
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