Declaring Shopping at Customs

[Guest]

Originally Posted by keith1973

I think people would be less tempted to break the law if the prices in uk were even in the same ballpark. I'll take my chances with customs I think I pay enough taxes as it is.

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Sorry, but that's no defence either..

As I said earlier, you pays yer money...

[Armanaleg]

We spent over the limit on our first trip in 2006. So to set a good example to the kids ( and not run the risk) we went through the red channel at Gatwick. Never seen a Customs official look so surprised I think he was so shocked he had a cursory glance at the receipts and charged us £20! I had reckoned the VAT due was at least three times that.

Would never run the risk of not declaring. As a tax inspector once told me - if you declare it, you get let off with a small charge, but if you hide it and are caught, then they will take you to pieces.

[keith1973]

Originally Posted by Ben Jorell

Sorry, but that's no defence either..

As I said earlier, you pays yer money...

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Didn't say it was a defence just my opinion, if I could buy the same goods for similar prices in the UK I wouldn't need to shop in the US.

[Heather1957]

Originally Posted by keith1973

I think people would be less tempted to break the law if the prices in uk were even in the same ballpark. I'll take my chances with customs I think I pay enough taxes as it is.

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Yes, but they don't have things like NHS and a benefit system in the US - swings and roundabouts I'm afraid.

[HappyThoughts]

£390 = $615.89 each, which is more than enough - especially when you've said your self how low the US prices are.

I will be taking whatever money I can afford for me & my children, however part of that money is set aside for any emergencies that may arise or on the off chance that we do go over our limit (meaning I can pay there & then when I declare), although I don't see how me, a 5 year old or a 5 year old is going to be spending $615 each - we'll be too busy at the parks to be doing any real shopping!

[daytonababe]

Originally Posted by katie

We've always kept within the limits and we always take the receipts for anything we've bought previously in Florida i.e. kindles, jeans, trainers. That way, we have proof of where/when we bought things.

Katie

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You really take old reciepts with you? Crikey i wear jewellery that i bought 10yrs ago in America i wouldn't have a clue where the reciepts for that is lol..

[mushumadness]

£390 = $615.89 each, which is more than enough - especially when you've said your self how low the US prices are.

im gonna work with that, there 6 of us so we get that each, thats 3690, which is alot! obviously not pooled lol,
i keep my receipts and declare if im over which twice i have been and there was alittle red phone to use! to declare

[Guest]

Originally Posted by DeanWaltChilds

I'm not getting into what's morally right and what's not but what will £400 actually buy?

Are you telling me that if you got kids and buy them toys you can only buy £400 worth and then have toay what 20% tax pm rest of what ever you buy? I can understand booze and cigarettes but clothes are expensive and £400 don't go very far.

Part of the fun going to Florida is too shop cos its cheaper then here.

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It's £390 per person not per family, so two adults, two kids is £2560 in total although you cannot pool the individual amounts. At the end of the day Customs are not looking for the odd pair of trainers that take you over your limit, they are searching for far more serious flaunts of the law. And don't forget when you merrily sail through "Nothing to Declare" you may not see them but they are certainly watching you and have been since you picked your bags up off the carousel! Your luggage may have been x rayed on occasion as it comes back into the country and if they suspect something they will stop you. I seem to recall that before the EU upped the allowance it used to be about £80 each !

[Hrm27]

Can I just clarify, electrical goods, clothes, toys etc are all included . What about food and sweets ? As we are likely to bring back sweets, pop tarts etc.

I plan on keeping my receipts anyway but wanted to check if I include those or not. Thanks x

[Loftus]

It's all included.