Date:         Mon, 10 Dec 2001 14:27:01 -0800
Reply-To:     Ben McCafferty <ben@KBMC.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben McCafferty <ben@KBMC.NET>
Subject:      Re: Border Patrol
Comments: To: pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <000a01c181c7$472a15e0$14a6fea9@pacbell.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

If you want to be really official about it, that paper pensioner refers to
needs to be filled out and signed by a Customs official prior to departure.
Useful when traveling to countries like Japan with a camera you already own
so you don't pay taxes on the camera when you come back to the U.S.  Also
useful for getting your antique bagpipes (with ivory on them) back in
without having them confiscated (long story).  Gotta love having a Customs
Broker for a wife....
bmc  :)
"Faith will move mountains, but you'd better bring a shovel...."


> From: pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
> Reply-To: pensioner <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
> Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 14:09:02 -0800
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Border Patrol
>
> Perhaps I'm really out of it but I don't think you'll be troubled by the
> "Border Patrol" unless you're smuggling illegals.  They work for the US
> Immigration folks.
>
> The folks who will want to look in your van in detail are US Customs Agents.
> They worry about what non-human items you might be smuggling.
>
> FWIW don't ever lie to one of these folks.  Answer succinctly and
> pleasantly.  Volunteer no information unless asked.  The collection of
> questions they ask will astound you, but believe me they are all relevant.
>
> Note the badge number/IDs of the folks who search your car.  Just for
> reference.
>
> If you're hiding the PC show 'em.
>
> I use a little form that you can pick up at any international airport that
> declares what you took out of the country by item and serial number.  Coming
> back in, presenting this paper gives an indication that you know the rules
> and are trying to comply.
>
> If any items are stolen whilst abroad, the paper helps a bit on insurance
> and recovery.
>
>
> On a motorcycle trip to Canada, entering at Vancouver, the local Customs
> fellow detained me for two hours while they searched my motorcycle and
> luggage for whatever it was they were looking for.  My companions also on
> similar motos were not questioned.
>
> Random search I suppose.
>
> pensioner
>