Avoiding customs on previously purchased items?
 

I am planning to bring a new coat, and perhaps some other articles (jewelry), on a trip to eastern Europe. I'm not sure I still have the receipts. I don't want to be accused of buying it there and having to pay duties. Is there a form you can fill out upon arrival, or any other strategy to declare what you're bringing into a country?

If my memory serves me correctly, I think that on the back of the Customs form, you are able to declare items that you own for which you should not pay tax on. You might find the information on the US Customs site. Honestly, I don't think you have anything to worry about with a coat and some jewelry. Electronics, however, might be a different matter.<BR><BR>Practically everyone brings a camera or a camcorder with them, and I've never seen Customs hassle anyone with those items.<BR><BR>

I have not heard of any visitors encountering problems when leaving a country, even in Eastern Europe. It used to be that brining a computer with you could sometimes result in problems when exiting a country, but I don't think that is the case any longer.<BR><BR>If you are concerned, check the customs regulations for the various countries. These can often be found on the web by typing in the name of the country and then &quot;customs regulations&quot; . Also, contact the US embassy or consulate in each country; they all have websites, the main website for the US State Dept is http://travel.state.gov/links.html<BR><BR>Some countries (India) let you declare items on your immigration/customs arrival form. There may be information on the above-mentioned sites as well.<BR><BR>I am assuming you are a US citizen. On your return to the US, there is a chance that US customs may think you are trying to bring new goods into the country. Go to www.customs.ustreas.gov/travel/travel.htm and check out the information entitled &quot;Register Items Before you Leave the United States&quot;.<BR>

I have registered my watches at the US customs office at the airport before leaving for Europe. They give you a receipt with the serial number of the watch. I don't know how they work it with clothing.

We've worn our watches without registering them and we've never been asked by US Customs about them.

Interesting responses, thanks all!