Customs - get stuff through?
 

I have been reading about all the wonderful things to bring back from Greece and Turkey (I am going in May) and would like to know how some of you have gotten food (i.e. olive oils, turkish delight) through U.S. customs. Also, is it possible to ship linens and pottery back without much hassle? What about customs for shipped goods? Any help would be appreciated.

You shouldn't have any problem bringing back packaged foods like olive oil and candy, although you do have to mark the customs form saying you're bringing food, and you may be asked what. But unless it's fresh produce/meat/cheese, which are not allowed, or wine or liquor, on which yu must pay duties for more than a liter (there is also a limit on cigarettes or tobacco), you don't have to worry about trying to smuggle your goodies home.

I always wondered - Is that cheese I bring back from Holland illegal? I never mark it down on my declaration card for fear that they'll confiscate it. I've never been searched or questioned even though I kept it in my carry-on.

Alee, I can honestly say I brought a 3lb. wedge of Parmaggiano Reg. from Rome, through customs in my suitcase. The sweet little black Lab at Hartsfield trotted over to the cheese carrying bag, gave a quick sniff(licked her chops, I may add)and walked away. So I was spared having to give up my cheese to the Feds. ;-) Judy ps. it was shrink wrapped at Volpetti's for me.

One sure test of whether food items are allowed to be brought in: Are they sold at the duty-free shop at the airport?

Cheeses are normally not a problem. I have brought back cheese from Holland, France & Italy. I was on the badboy list for a few years & in NY JFK they passed me through even with soft cheeses. Be sure to report your purchases correctly, it doesn't cost that much & those people can be very unpleasant.

I forgot to add that there are good reasons that items are not allowed, such as diseases, insects, such as med flies that hide in fruits & vegies that cost millions of $ to eradicate. Exotic plants & animals that crowd out natives. Just look around Florida @ Brazillian pepper, water hyacinth, paper trees & fish & animals that contaminate our environment. Don't mean to get on my soap box but there are good reasons for our import laws.

Thanks, Jerald, it's no soapbox. The US (read taxpayer) spends MILLIONS each year to overcome the effect of pests brought in on foodstuffs. Look at the disaster known as citrus canker in Florida - and it might get worse. Please, folks, eat all you want while you're gone, but don't sneak stuff back in. You could wipe out an industry and send prices through the roof.

Has anyone had experience bringing back adult toys that you might purchase in the red light district?

Hi I just read e-mail and just want to give a word of caution about shipping back pottery. It is fragile and you should be concerned about breakage and chipping.. Last year we brought back tile from Turkey and he wrapped it very well with layers of bubblewrap and newspaper. One of the tiles did get a small chip, barely noticable. We carried it back with us as overhead as we travel light. Another tip, check out the tile there in Istanbul. There is a bazaar there in the old district. Not the mail bazaar, they have some very nice tile shops. alan