Do I have to declare when entering Germany or just returning to the US?
I've only traveled internationally twice, and both times I was very confused about "declaring" but was rushed through customs without really ever doing it properly. Well now I'm traveling to Germany by myself and I can foresee me screwing this up. I'm going to visit people around Christmas so I will be bringing gifts from the US. Do I declare those going in? Or do you only declare when re-entering your home country? I also read that you should register stuff you are taking (like laptop, cell phone, ipod) before leaving the US so that there is proof that you did not buy it overseas. Does anyone do this? I've never heard anyone mention it before.. I'm a little nervous because I have a tendency to hold up lines and cause scenes by mistake. I would like to avoid this.
Packing & Preparation - 1 Answers
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I just returned from Germany, I brought gifts for the whole family in Germany. I did not declare the gifts (no food item) only clothes, shoes, cosmetics and books. You do not need to register your private belongings (cell phone, laptop, ipod etc) to anybody. You take them out and place them on the tray to go through the scanner though when you put them in your Carry On. Returning to the US, you do have to write down everything you acquire outside of USA, the items and the dollar amount. If the Custom officers ask you to Declare after they check your Custom form then you have to follow him/her to the Declare counter (do not bring plants, food, meat, fresh fruit) but dried fruit and chocolate is OK. Hope it helps. Relax and enjoy your trip. Bon Voyage
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