I mean, say, you want a really camera, or a drone, and since those things are made in China, they are too expensive to buy. So you just go to Canada, buy the thing, unpack it from the packaging, and pretend like its just personal items. Just like a smartphone.

AFIAK, border agents usually don’t ask if you bought your phone in the US or from outside, they shouldn’t ask about other personal electronics, right?

  • JSocial@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    0·
    10 hours ago

    That’s probably a valid point. I just checked the import requirements into the States for citizens, and it does say you need to declare items. I have never bothered, was always asked, and usually said no, or maybe a bottle or two of liquor.

    No wait. The first time I traveled abroad was to Mexico via airplane, and I itemized everything. Including the gummy bears I bought, every coin I had, all currency, a small jar of sand from the beach, and a lot more. I filled up 3 pages. The border cops just rolled their eyes, and verbally told me to only declare anything over $10K. Last time I came into the States via boat, I just said personal stores, and it was also fine.

    If you want to follow the law to the letter, do it to the letter. If you don’t get sunburned easily, maybe do that.

    Bear in mind that it’s easier to say you fucked up a form than lying to some badge wearing

    You know, it’s been more than a year since I’ve been back to the States. Shit’s gotten weird there. Listen to more recent anecdotal stuff, read the 6059b form, and decide your risk level.

    Never volunteer information, especially to cops. Otherwise, look at some other comments here. It’s probably a more usual use-case. I’m not a good average person.

    • JohnnyCanuck@lemmy.ca
      0·
      9 hours ago

      verbally told me to only declare anything over $10K.

      Sounds like a trap to me.

      By “declaring” I’m not necessarily saying an itemized list of every tiny item you bought, especially if you’re under any limits. But I would be prepared to show all of it if asked. All it takes is one border guard having a bad day to make a difference.

      And expressly going to another country to buy a product outside the limits and then sneak it back in to avoid duties is entirely different than some souvenir trinkets and candy.

      If you declare the laptop, the border guard might just wave you through without making you pay the duty. If you don’t, and they catch you in a lie, good luck.