I'm so confused by customs?

Question

I'm traveling to Europe next month and I wanted to know what i need to declare at customs when I get back to the United States. Like if I buy clothes or cds for example do I need to declare them? What about souvenirs like key chains and that kinds of stuff? Oh and for the things that I bought here that I took on my trip, like my laptop or ipod, do I have to have proof that I bought it here. Sorry if it's a stupid question lol but the sites i went on were really vague and they said "when in doubt declare it"

Answer 1

Nothing you mentioned needs to be declared.They may ask you what you have purchased when overseas, but as long as its nothing of any real value it wont matter.

Its mostly fruits, vegtables, cigs, alcohol and things like that. And if you have currency over 10k on you.  They hand out customs forms on the plane, about an hour before you land. Just read it over and it will tell you what you need to declare. 95% of people dont delcare anything.

An no, you wont need any proof of purchase for something like a labtob. If you want to 100% safe, bring it, but I can almost say with for sure you wont need it.

Answer 2

ok when you are The plane heading home, you will fill out a card to show customs.  it will ask how much you spent on souvenirs etc.  Answer honestly.  But the more time you are over there the more money you can spend without paying duties.  It will all be explained on your claims card.

Btw, if you are in europe for a week and say you have NOTHING to delcare on your form, they will pull you over for questioning.  It's just not believable at all that you did not buy anything.

No you will not have to claim your laptop or Ipod.  Just things you bought when u were there.

Answer 3

You need to declare the value of all the items you've purchased.  There is a $400 exemption, so no problem if what you've bought is under that amount.  Just list them as clothing, souvenirs, etc.

If the items you purchased are valued at $1,000 more than your exemption amount, you will have to make an itemized list on your declaration form.

It's a pretty good idea to bring proof of U.S. purchase of your laptop/ipod.  I've never been questioned, but you might get a very strict agent.  

Lots of specific info here:

http://everything2.com/e2node/How%2520to...

Answer 4

i think that "declare" thingy is for something illegal. so please DO declare if u carried marijuana (especially in large amount)

Answer 5

Take along receipts for big-ticket items like laptop and camera, if you have them, or some other proof of purchase. Because the value of the dollar is so low compared to the Euro, it's not likely that it will be checked, but it never hurts to have proof.

As for declaration, you will need receipts if questioned--just keep them in an envelope. Every U.S. citizen fills out a paper form on the airplane that states how much the value is of the goods purchased on the trip, and you don't have to pay a duty if the total is $800 or less. That's a lot of souvenirs! See the sample customs form here. http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacati...

Answer 6

Don't worry, I had the same problem on my first overseas trip.

You'll fill out a Customs Declaration form, like this one: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacati...

They'll give a form to you on the plane, and if you mess up on it, just ask for another one.

If you purchased more than $800 worth of stuff out of the country, you'll have to pay a tax on it upon re-entering the United States (not immediately, but eventually).

Fill out the form front and back. On the back, you'll see an area that says "Description of Articles" - you can just put "Souvenirs" and estimate how much you spent on clothes, CDs, and other souvenirs.

People told me to have the receipts for my iPod on hand, so I could prove I didn't buy them overseas. Don't worry about this - the CBP officers know that you're traveling and that you probably bought your iPod and laptop in the States.

If you have any questions, ask a flight attendant on your flight and they will more than likely be able to help you.