Has anyone heard of this? I've run into a few posts where people claim they have had to pay duty on their cameras, cds, cd walkmans etc that they bring with them INTO the country. One reply gave an "easy way around this" by bringing along your original sales receipts. I certainly don't have original receipts on items I've had for a while. Can anyone help?

I remember being worried about this my first trip out of the country. I've never had a problem with it. Of course, I've never brought anything home in excess of the limits on declarable items. No one has ever even looked or asked for my receipts, and certainly not going into a country. Perhaps if you are going from one to another to another...

I have never know anyone who has had this happen, but all the travel books advise you of the possibility. If you have something particularly expensive, that might be mistaken for a recent purchase [such as a megabuck foreign made camera], it is possible to preregister this with US Customs. Check out the US Customs website [www.customs.ustreas.gov] and click on Travelers Information. CDs, walkmans, modest point and shoot cameras, etc are probably no risk. I would guess they are most sensitive to very expensive [or expensive-looking] equipment. I have traveled the Caribbean extensively and never had my basic camera or Walkman questioned.

You can fill out forms with Customs before you leave that show you own the items and are taking them out of the country. This is very common for business travelers with laptops or demonstrator products. As the other poster mentioned, Walkmen and cameras are generally not a big deal.

one of the things a customs inspector might notice and question if coming from STT, for example, is jewelry especially if it looks shiney new. So, I keep the old receipts handy just in case. Think this stems from the "Ol' Days" when they were very serious! In fact, I even had to take off all my jewelry once while he inspected it with a fine tooth comb! And I sweated!! Remember taking camera receipt too ... but just those super expensive electronics might cause a eyebrow to be raised now!!!

This could happen..and to avoid this on newly purchased items carry a copy of your insurance policy..that covers cameras, jewelry, etc..