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JohnnyCanuck@lemmy.ca 3 days agoI really don’t like the way this is worded. It sounds like you’re saying that going across the border and buying a “personal” item and not declaring it is just fine.
Yes it is perfectly legal to go across the border and buy something and bring it back (assuming we’re talking about legal goods here, not drugs or contraband items, obviously.)
But you must declare those items. If you get caught pretending it was an item you brought with you but you actually purchased across the border, you may be fined. When you are asked a bunch of questions by the border guard, they’re looking for signs you’re lying. If they get a whiff you’re lying or uncomfortable, they’ll start digging. If they catch you trying to avoid paying the duties on a laptop, not only will you have to pay the duties, you may have to pay a fine on top of that, not to mention every future border crossing you make may be more difficult. If they catch you trying to cheat they are way more likely to implement a fine and put a note on your file.
There are (for now) certain amounts of money you can spend when you cross the border, which changes based on how long you’ve been gone, for which you won’t be charged duties - but you still have to accurately declare what you’ve spent!
JSocial@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 days ago
That’s probably a valid point. I just checked the import requirements into the States for citizens, and it does say you need to declare items. I have never bothered, was always asked, and usually said no, or maybe a bottle or two of liquor.
No wait. The first time I traveled abroad was to Mexico via airplane, and I itemized everything. Including the gummy bears I bought, every coin I had, all currency, a small jar of sand from the beach, and a lot more. I filled up 3 pages. The border cops just rolled their eyes, and verbally told me to only declare anything over $10K. Last time I came into the States via boat, I just said personal stores, and it was also fine.
If you want to follow the law to the letter, do it to the letter. If you don’t get sunburned easily, maybe do that.
Bear in mind that it’s easier to say you fucked up a form than lying to some badge wearingYou know, it’s been more than a year since I’ve been back to the States. Shit’s gotten weird there. Listen to more recent anecdotal stuff, read the 6059b form, and decide your risk level.
Never volunteer information, especially to cops. Otherwise, look at some other comments here. It’s probably a more usual use-case. I’m not a good average person.
JohnnyCanuck@lemmy.ca 3 days ago
Sounds like a trap to me.
By “declaring” I’m not necessarily saying an itemized list of every tiny item you bought, especially if you’re under any limits. But I would be prepared to show all of it if asked. All it takes is one border guard having a bad day to make a difference.
And expressly going to another country to buy a product outside the limits and then sneak it back in to avoid duties is entirely different than some souvenir trinkets and candy.
If you declare the laptop, the border guard might just wave you through without making you pay the duty. If you don’t, and they catch you in a lie, good luck.