Please Help! New traveler needs customs info!
 

I am leaving July 10th for a three week research trip to France. I have been surfing the net trying to figure out what I have to declare once I get there. Can someone please help?

I am flying into CDG, Paris. I am taking one backpack to carry-on and checking a larger case. My backpack will contain my laptop, a digital camera, an SLR camera, film and lenses. Other than clothes, my case will contain my tripod, voltage converters, etc.,

I am also registering my equipment w/ US customs before leaving.

Finally, I'm a smoker. I've read I can only bring in 200 cigarettes.

OK - now can someone please tell me what I have to declare? I greatly appreciate any help. Thanks!

Hi soonerartist, I don't think there is anything to declare. Registering your equipment with US customs is a very good idea. Yes one carton of cigarettes is what is allowed. Enjoy your time in France, it sounds interesting. What will you be researching?

Thanks LoveItaly! I have read some horrible stories about people having to pay big$$$ when bringing in cameras, computers, and such to different countries.

This is my first time to travel to Europe. I'm planning the trip myself, and all these airport/customs rules and regulations are confusing.

I will be researching medieval churches and cathedrals. Ste. Madeline's Basilica in Vezelay and the tiny l'Eglise de Perse in Espalion are my primary subjects, but I'll also have a look at Moissac, Toulouse, St.-Denis, and, of course, Paris.

Dear sooner,

3 cartons shold be enough for 3 weeks. (well maybe 4).

Put them in your luggage and walk through the door that says "Nothing to Declare".

The worst thing that will happen is that you will have to either a) pay duty on the extra cartons or b) give up the cigs, and c) listen to a stern lecture on what is allowed in duty free.

You will not be arrested for cigarette smuggling.

((I))

PS, they do sell cigarettes in France.

Thanks Ira! Since this is my first trip I'm already nervous enough. I probably would look extremely guilty if I actually knew I was doing something wrong!

I'm not really that worried about the cigarettes. I am just trying to save $$. I'm flying out of Dallas where cartons cost about $25. I've heard that I'll have to pay much more in France. Do you know how much would the duty be?

However, if I don't have to worry about declaring my laptop or cameras, I'll feel much better! Thanks again.

Our experience with French customs is that the agents have been totally uninterested. I'm sure they watch for people who fit specific profiles, but we've always walked right past. One time there was a general strike and there were no agents at all; so you can see the seriousness of the approach. Don't worry.

"PS, they do sell cigarettes in France"

Oh boy, is that an understatement!!

:-))

I can't believe that you're fussing over a few dollars for cigarettes, while ignoring the correct way to go about your other gear.

Make a list, dig up receipts (or make some up...) and go (a long time ahead of your flight) to the airport and have a customs officer do what they do so that you can bring the stuff back into the US without a hassle.

The French won't care, and if someone checks as you go out the green door, you have the receipts to prove that this is personal equipment. But if you have too many cigarettes, then they may give you the third degree on all your other stuff, too - they can simpy ignore your receipts and slap you with any amount they like - what are you going to do?

So be smart, don't risk bigger trouble with stupid little cheating just to support your addiction a bit more cheaply.

A poster by the name of Robespierre has given us a URL about how to do that - dig it up, or call your home airport's customs officers a long time before you leave so you get the right answers.

WK

You have everything undercontrol.

Are you soonerartist as in OU? If so, rock on! Well, rock on anyways.

If you are coming from OK to Dallas, stop and buy cigarettes at the discount stores on the reservation. My parents do, and though I think it is ridiculous, they do save a lot of money.

soonerartist, do you have a traveling companion who could claim that some of cigarettes are his/hers, if you were to be questioned?

I am not a smoker, but I'm told the cigs at the airport duty-free shops are considerably less expensive than any place else.

WK -
I am not planning on trying to cheat anything! I am not stupid and I do not plan on taking any more of anything than is allowed. However, I am trying to watch my pennies. I don't have a lot of money; I'm a full-time graduate student and otherwise unemployed. My trip is being funded by a research grant. My habit is funded from my own pocket. I just wanted to verify the 1 carton rule with seasoned travelers. If I decide to take the extra 2 cartons (rather than purchase from the plentifull tobacco supply in France) then I will pay the duty.

Furthermore, I am not ignoring my gear. I have checked with customs and I am doing everything I know is necessary to ensure smooth travel. I am registering my equipment and I know I will be OK returning to the US.

I was only worried about what I needed to declare once I reached Paris. Please remember, this is my first time and I am obviously clueless!

By the way, thanks everyone for your kind replies. This is my first experience with Fodors; it does seem to take away some of the butterflies in my stomach to read other's questions, replies, and traveling experiences. Thanks for your help!

laclaire,

Yes, sooner as in OU - are you here too?

By the way, I do buy at the smokeshops. I know it is a horrible habit. I had actually quit for four years before I married my husband (who smokes two packs a day). Unfortunately, now I'm back at it. I've set myself a deadline to quit. I just didn't think that France would be the best place to try! :) Oh yeah, and the friend that's going with me also smokes. She is actually more worried about it than I am.

soonerartist, I can tell by your screen name which university you attend. As a graduate of your arch-rival, I would like to say Hook 'em Horns!! :-))

Seriously, do not be shy about posting more questions about Paris. And if we don't hear from you again, I would like to wish you a big Bon Voyage!!

soonerartist, looks like we were posting at the same time....

Sooner- my family is from Cushing and I spent many a TX-OU weekend decked out in Sooner colors while all my friends wore orange.

I went to school in Boston, though, but right now am in Dallas at home (until the 9th when I leave for Spain!)

Hey P_M - Thanks for your kind message. It definately brought a :)) to my face! You're the first person to wish me Bon Voyage!

laclaire -
You and I are somewhat in the same boat. I'm originally from the Dallas area. My family all became big OU fans when my brother was at school. I got my undergraduate degree elsewhere and came to OU last year for grad school. I'm not much of a football fan (please don't hold it against me!)though. I'd rather be reading, painting, or at the museum. But, I applaud your spirit. I bet your friends really give you a hard time!

Not sure your brand, but there are interesting choices in Europe, that aren't available in the U.S. & I'm not talking only about those Gaulloises! (Phillip Morris Blue is a Camel Light equivalent for example)

Put the words French cigarettes in a Google search & a bunch of things pop up including "tips on buying cigarettes in France" - if you can believe it
;-)

Hi soonerartist, actually I did wish you a beautiful, intersting and fun time in France but just discovered my post did not "take". Fodor's has been acting up on and off for some days now.
Do have a wonderful time! And let us know about your experiences when you get back home and settled in. Also, thanks for explaining your project, it sounds delightful, something I would enjoy. I am not into sports either, btw, but don't tell anyone!! Take care.

Oh - I almost forgot!

Spain? That is really exciting. I hope you have a great trip. If you get the chance you should touch the trumeau at Santiago de Compostela. I've been told that there are grooves worn in where thousands of pilgrims have touched it since the Middle Ages. After praying and seeing the relics, they would journey to the coast to pick up a shell to bring home as proof of their successful journey.