I flew back from Zurich on 5/10. I have Global Entry but checked the box that I had items to declare. My receipt had a big circle on it and when I showed it to the agent he asked if I had food. I said no that I had purchased items. He asked if they were gifts and my DH said yes. He said welcome home and waived us through. I was so surprised as we were even carrying a big orange H bag and a wine carrier that held a case of wine. I guess it really does depend on the day, time and agent.
US Customs discussion - airports, importing
- Thread starter esyee
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
I flew back from Zurich on 5/10. I have Global Entry but checked the box that I had items to declare. My receipt had a big circle on it and when I showed it to the agent he asked if I had food. I said no that I had purchased items. He asked if they were gifts and my DH said yes. He said welcome home and waived us through. I was so surprised as we were even carrying a big orange H bag and a wine carrier that held a case of wine. I guess it really does depend on the day, time and agent.
Just came from from a trip to Milan and Frankfurt. It was a business trip for DH and pleasure (i.e. shopping) for me. Spent WAY too much. I did declare every last thing as I always do and was very pleasantly surprised when then custom official looked at my circled Global Entry receipt an asked what I had purchase. I said, “shoes, clothing, handbag” and was waiting for the hammer to fall. He then asked if I spent more than $1,600.00. As I was about to answer yes, he shook his head no and so that’s what I said and on I went. It does pay to be honest. I have paid when asked to do so but if they are going to let me go I feel like I have just won the lottery. Thank you nice customs officer!!!
Unfortunately, I am not so lucky . They decided to give me a 17% of duty charge just because it was a Hermes bag .. I said to them show me the description and they said adjust it to 8% and 3% for silk . This is from PHX aiport ...
sometimes it is not so great to be a good citizen !!! Maybe next time I will want to stop at LAX connection instead ...
sometimes it is not so great to be a good citizen !!! Maybe next time I will want to stop at LAX connection instead ...
How did they explain the 17%? Some kind of luxury rate? And can you explain what you mean about adjusting it to 8% and 3%?
(I still think better to be honest than to be put on a watch list for customs and treated to full examination of all of your belongings every time you enter. And subject to penalty.)
On our next trip, we are arriving through Salt Lake City. Anyone have experience there to share? TIA
I find the whole process really annoying and off putting and it took forever. Coming back to JFK from Paris they said they gave me a break from the top rate, which was a wool coat at I believe 17%. I guess I never shopped so much so I don’t recall literally having to go through every single item and what it’s made of, leather shoes, cashmere shawl, silk scarf, leather bag...Also, opening my luggage and showing them everything....nightmare! I was there forever and there were four guys consulting on this! They had a hard time with the math! They need to streamline it and make it quicker ......I was the only one there after hundreds of people got off the plane from Paris, I’m sure I’m not the only one who shopped. Also, they think they are being kind by randomly not charging you here and there but it should be consistent and fair. Total mess in my opinion. Ok rant over!
Another data point, I traveled from London to Dallas last weekend. I bought way too much but was a bit of an assortment of Hermes/LV accessories and a Chanel bag. They have an automated system where you don't fill out the full customs form, but you do have to disclose whether or not you are over your exemption amount. I checked yes.
They looked at my passport, and then the printout from the automated machine - didn't say a word to me and waved me on. I will take it!
I did have all of my purchases in a separate, nondiscrete duffel bag. I noticed a gentleman that was at the baggage claim with me and had a couple of Chanel/LV bags out was stopped as I was waved through customs.
They looked at my passport, and then the printout from the automated machine - didn't say a word to me and waved me on. I will take it!
I did have all of my purchases in a separate, nondiscrete duffel bag. I noticed a gentleman that was at the baggage claim with me and had a couple of Chanel/LV bags out was stopped as I was waved through customs.
Came into Newark with one big H bag, declared it at Global Entry and paid 3%.
It is more than fair to at least pay the equivalent of the tax refund - that's what it's for after all. Don't understand why anyone would not declare.
It is more than fair to at least pay the equivalent of the tax refund - that's what it's for after all. Don't understand why anyone would not declare.
I am always amazed on planes that hold 300 plus passengers that it is only a few people declaring .
Yes, you would go through the customs process there.. Nothing different than a US based one =). They waved me through for being honest.
