US Customs discussion - airports, importing

[p3b]

For those wondering, the first 800 is free. The next 1000 is a flat 3%. Then it all depends on the goods. The import tariffs manual is crazy long.

I knew about the $800 but not the $1000

 

[QuelleFromage]

I knew about the $800 but not the $1000

Don't forget that the $800 can be combined, i.e., you plus partner = $1600, etc.

 

[p3b]

Don't forget that the $800 can be combined, i.e., you plus partner = $1600, etc.

Lol, sorry I didn't specify. I knew that part as well!

 

[Stregahorn]

Don't forget that the $800 can be combined, i.e., you plus partner = $1600, etc.

I'm usually traveling solo...

 

[Dreaming Big]

OMG!! I'm so sorry this happened to you. That's awful and completely inappropriate of him to have comments on your purchases as he rifled through your personal belongings. I understand it's his job but he should do it in a professional manner. I agree with someone above that people abuse their power when they know you can't argue back. He should do his job silently and no judgey commentary necessary.

I interacted with four customs people coming through Newark last week. Every single one of them judged me on how expensive my items were. To the point where I jokingly said, "You sound like my husband."

 

[NanamiRyu]

NanamiRyu --Thank you so much for sharing your experience -- I think we all learn from hearing each other's customs stories.

Good thing is, that's probably the worst scenario of declaring, so it would always be better next time. I shall never try to lie. I can't imagine being searched all the time after getting caught lying about it. I heard you are to be blacklisted for seven years!

I interacted with four customs people coming through Newark last week. Every single one of them judged me on how expensive my items were. To the point where I jokingly said, "You sound like my husband."

LOL! Were you with your husband at the time?

 

[chkpfbeliever]

I had the same thought! Imagine what he would've done if I didn't declare and got pulled.



Oh yeah, the duty wasn't bad. I mean, my Herbag is about $900 or so cheaper, so that "discount" alone covers the duty for everything. It was the whole standing there for an hour while he went through stuffs that was frustrating. My legs went dead half way through. I felt as if I was back at the queue for FSH.

That queue is still scaring me !

 

[Dreaming Big]

Good thing is, that's probably the worst scenario of declaring, so it would always be better next time. I shall never try to lie. I can't imagine being searched all the time after getting caught lying about it. I heard you are to be blacklisted for seven years!



LOL! Were you with your husband at the time?

I was alone...which made them think I was really peculiar.

 

[babygirlv]

Anyone with recent experience at LAX or DFW?

 

[Hermezzy]

Hi All- Came back from Paris this past Saturday into Denver and was happy to report that there was virtually no line (my global entry membership isn't complete yet because my interview isn't scheduled until June- I actually made it faster through customs without my global entry than the people there at the GE kiosks), I didn't have to pay anything, and I didn't have to wait for bag inspection. From walking off the plane to walking out the door of the terminal it was 20 minutes max. Very pleasant experience and not what I was expecting at all!

 

[swtdevlgrl]

Just wanted to share my experience at JFK. I declared everything and the TSA agent asked for receipts. As you all know $800 are tax free. The first $1000 is taxed at 3% and the rest was taxed at 9%.

 

[PrincessBala]

I also came through IAD a couple of weeks ago. I declared everything and made my way to find the customs officer who just took my print out and then said "next time spend more" and waved me through.

 

[HavLab]

I also came through IAD a couple of weeks ago. I declared everything and made my way to find the customs officer who just took my print out and then said "next time spend more" and waved me through.

Love it. That is hilarious!

 

[babygirlv]

I also came through IAD a couple of weeks ago. I declared everything and made my way to find the customs officer who just took my print out and then said "next time spend more" and waved me through.

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

 

[mochi_gal]

Thanks for all of this insight. What do you think happens if you declare but do not have receipts as proof?