Declaring at international airports???

Question

If I brought my laptop and dig camera while visiting another country, then why do I have have to declare them? I had a camera which I brought to Russia and didn't declare anything. So if I bring valuable items to other countries, should I declare them? Is it to prove I paid for them by declaring them and then on my way out, I don't have to pay VAT taxes on them? Please someone explain about declaring stuff....thanks

Answer 1

i'm pretty sure you only have to declare stuff that you buy in the country. i took my laptop to japan and bought a camera there and the fourm said to declare any objects BOUGHT in the country over how many dollars. other countries might be different though. but i think their the same.

Answer 2

You need to state that you are bringing it into the country so when you leave, they won't think you bought it in the country and have to pay the commensurate duty on the items.  

It's always a good idea to bring receipts of expensive items you are traveling with.  

Answer 3

It's because technically you are importing something, and your home country wants to charge tariffs on imports. They give tourists an exemption up to a certain amount.

If you bring items that you bought in your home country, you generally don't have to declare them unless they are animals or things of that sort.