Customs....

[Krissy]

How exactly does customs work? Do you go through it on your way into and out of a country? I'm a little confused.

[*meghan*]

We went into customs when we arrived in St. Lucia and then came back into the U.S. We did not go through it when we left either country. It's a lot of waiting in line (at least it was for me). Hope this helps!

[*heather*]

The airline will pass out customs forms and give instructions on how to fill them out about an hour before descent. If you have anything to declare (items you're importing, or over a certain dollar amout), you put it on the form. It's pretty simple, it just takes a while. When you deplane, you'll go through customs (its impossible not to) and you'll hand your form with your passport to the customs official who will ask you if you have anything to declare (you most likely won't) and may or may not look inside your luggage (I've never had this happen).

[walleye3]

One thing to make note of to, there is normally NO picture taking allowed in the Customs areas of airports. Also, the few times I have traveled abroad there was a smaller version of customs to go through on the way out of a county, but that was mainly do to having to get our pasport stamped that we left their country.

[Krissy]

Ok, I think I got it. So I won't have anything to declare going over since it's just regular old luggage. Now from what I've read we can take home up to $800 worth of stuff and not claim it....is that correct? I wouldn't think we would spend more than that, but I'm just making sure.

[JerAndKathy]

Also a couple of tips...First, save all receipts for what you buy.

Second, and I don't know how this works flying, but I've heard of it done for driving before. If you have a rather expensive piece of jewelry or something you're taking...You can get a form or something from local Custom's stating yes, you are taking this item out of the country with you...

That way, upon return, they can't look at it and say well, we think you bought it abroad and are just saying you've had it for years...And then nail you for duty for it.

[Krissy]

Seriously? They could do that?

The only thing I have that's valuable would be my wedding and engagement rings. Would that count?

[JerAndKathy]

It would be worth a phone call. :) I recall readaing something about this issue, it may've been at UW? But I can't recall the exact details. :(

[JerAndKathy]

Found it.

The first item on this page (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing_goods/)..."Registration for Dutiable Personal Articles Prior to U.S. Departure"...

This is a prior to U.S. departure "Certificate of Registration" (CBP Form 4457) for personal articles (cameras, laptops, etc). The certificate provides proof of article ownership and therefore may secure the article exempt of customs duties on U.S. reentry with exceptions.

[Krissy]

Thanks again! That link answered a lot of my questions.

[*heather*]

You only have to declare stuff on return to your home country, I believe.

[JerAndKathy]

Now, I think it is worth noting that I've flown to Kathy's twice. Both times I took my laptop with no problems whatsoever. Think I even took my digital camera once, no problem.

Granted, it's like going to the 51st state. ;) But, didn't have a problem with them trying to say I bought it while I was there. Coulda' just been my innocent looks and the wheelchair, tho. :D I get all the breaks. Hehe

[walleye3]

Also, like what someone said before, be prepared to wait in lines when you get to customs, especiall when you return back to the U.S. Make sure you have everything filled out and ready as you get off the plane, so you don't have to waste extra time filling it out in customs.

[smiles]

Be prepared to wait in long lines. I went to Australia and found it easier to get into Australia then into the United States. When you go to cutoms just say you are visiting friends. You don't have to explain exactly where you are going. Answer all questions truthfully. Have you passport ready to show. They will search your bags carefully. Make sure your carry on is neatly packed, so it will be easy to look inside.

[*Diane*]

I know this is too late to help you, Krissy, but save your receipts from Ireland. You can get VAT sales tax reimbursed.

[Krissy]

Thanks for all your help guys. Customs was actually a piece of cake. Getting into Ireland was simple since we had nothing to declare. Then on the way back we just filled out a form in Ireland, they stamped it and off we went. Then once we got our bags we went through customs here, gave them the slip from Ireland and they waved us through. They didn't want to search anything.

I was nervous about it for nothing!

Of course we still ended up in a million other lines because of all the nuttiness lately and then the crazy woman on the plane in Boston which was where we were landing yesterday. oh well.

[~Lizzybeth~]

Thanks for all your help guys. Customs was actually a piece of cake. Getting into Ireland was simple since we had nothing to declare. Then on the way back we just filled out a form in Ireland, they stamped it and off we went. Then once we got our bags we went through customs here, gave them the slip from Ireland and they waved us through. They didn't want to search anything.

I was nervous about it for nothing!

Of course we still ended up in a million other lines because of all the nuttiness lately and then the crazy woman on the plane in Boston which was where we were landing yesterday. oh well.

England was the EXACT same way. They looked at our passports when we got there and then coming back, we filled out a form declaring nothing and left it at that....they waved us right through...

We too had heightened security issues because of the "Terror Plot" going on in the UK....nothing too bad though by the time it was time to leave.

[US_UKlove]

One thing you must pack when traveling internationally (or any traveling that involves flying) is patience! :D