Going through Customs
 

Message: I will be traveling to Europe (Rome, Paris, London) in Dec for 3 weeks. We leave from LAX on Dec 19 to Rome, take the overnight train to Paris, then Eurotrain to London. What is it like going from one country to the other? Do you go through customs? Do you have to declare your purchases? What am I in for when I return to Los Angeles from London? I know I can bring back $800 without having to pay taxes, but what happens if I exceed that amount? I would really appreciate advice. Thanks

I'm sure someone will give you the US Customs Service website to refer to.

When you come back to the US and if you have exceeded your "dutyfree" limit you could expect to pay duty on the excess amount. I say you "can expect to pay" because that doesn't always happen.

I think there are a lot of folks who outright LIE about the amount of goods they are bringing in so it all depends on what you DECLARE. Even then, US Customs inspectors have a way of "eyeballing" (they actually will tell you this if you ask them) folks whom they think may be bringing in undeclared goods.

Between countries in Europe there may be a walk-through of IMMIGRATION officials on trains, etc. On the night train you wouldn't even notice it.

Immigration and Customs when arriving in Rome.

No Customs between Italy and France.
Conductor on overnight train may ask you for your passport for registration if you are travelling in WL.

Baggage check before boarding Eurostar and Customs when in London.

Hi Lisa,

Upon return from London, you will be given a Customs declaration on the plane.

If your purchases exceed the limit, declare the amount.
The duty is only about 10% (often less).

US Customs is no longer as rigid as they used to be about collecting every penny.

Please see my response to your question on the "other topics board"

Ira, the duty is a flat 3% on every $1,000 above your limit of $800 single/$1600 married. If you are married the flat duty rate is 3% on every $2000 worth of items. Duties on wine and liquor are higher as I recall.

Thanks for the clarification, Cicerone.

When you arrive in Rome, you will go through Passport Control (a process that usually goes pretty fast, but I hear now that it is taking up to 2 or 3 hours due to increased security measures). After going through Passport Control, you will collect your luggage then go through Customs, which you will just walk right through as a visitor.

While you travel, keep track of your purchases for those items you are bring back to the USA. Bring an evelope to put those recepts into. On the return flight, total it up, and put it on your declarations form. It is not worth cheating.

Going between the European countries you mentioned, you will have no problem with Customs.

--Marv

Cicerone, I don't think you mean that just being married gets you double the duty allowance...you actually have to be traveling with the spouse. :-)