How strict are customs when it comes to...? 10pts?

Question

Hard drives, computers, laptops, portable memory sticks and such when entering or leaving the country? Or bringing any of these things on a plane for that matter?

More concerned with laptop and a portable usb hard drive.

It's directed towards philippines but doesnt have to be only. Any experiences with other countries?

Post your experiences and Best answer gets 10pts

Answer 1

I went to Thailand  8 years ago and brought  my desk top computer in 2 big boxes, including printer. At the Bangkok immigration, I was  asked by  some immigration official what was inside the box, then I filled up some form indicating cost of the computer, how old was the computer (my computer was about  1 year old that time) and other things.  Then I  was told to pay  1,000 Thai Baht at  the immigration office in Don Muang airport.. They gave me a receipt and that was it.

P.S.

They didn' t inspect  or open the contents of the box.

Answer 2

i've been bringing in and out various equipments, metals and plastics alike but as long as you declare it to quarantine, then they could check on it. they just look at it, and of course, the x-ray machine would tell whether it should be verified or not.

the philippines in particular is never strict. i was even able to carry a small knife on my hand carry before. i forgot i have it. by the time we got to singapore, they asked me to hand it to them and it will be given back by the time i arrived at my final destination.  

Answer 3

There are no particular laws or regulations in regards to bringing these items into or out of a country (except when they are in excess amount and they suspect that you want to sell them)..

Meantime, in regards to carrying these things onto a plane; as long as you pass them through the security check x-ray, there are no problems...just never use them during take-off and landing (as they always tell you)...

Sometimes in countries like Saudi Arabia, they might ask you what kind of files you have saved on your laptop or hard-drive (rarely happens but sometimes its to make sure you're not carrying pornographic material with you)

Hope this helps :-)

Answer 4

customs are strict only on the number of units you'll be bringing not much on the content uless of course you look very suspicious. if youll be bringing one personal use computer  that would be fine, i say bringing 1 portable HD is much better than bringing tons of cd-r's. customs prioty is number 1-taxable goods, 2-illegal materials, such as balut heheheh. like i said customs are on the lookout on multiple items you might be bringing 1 computer along with it you got 5 LV bags of the same kind, you might be tagged an they will search your HD. for some illegal stuff.

if your concern about your files you can always use an internet based storage. your ISP always provide almost 2 gb  

Answer 5

As long as they are real and filled with drugs or explosives you are fine.