Customs

[BlueThunderKuno]

How does Customs work leaving the country? I always hear the phrase "do you have anything to declare" but I dont really know what that means. Also how much can you take out of the country? My fiance and I want to go on a shopping spree when we get to Japan.... but we are curious if they put a limit to how much you can take out of the country.

 

[maushan3]

How does Customs work leaving the country? I always hear the phrase "do you have anything to declare" but I dont really know what that means. Also how much can you take out of the country? My fiance and I want to go on a shopping spree when we get to Japan.... but we are curious if they put a limit to how much you can take out of the country.

I am pretty sure this, "Do you have anything to declare" applies to customs in your home country. I would think that the country you are visiting wouldn't have a problem when you consume and leave your money in their country. When they tell you this, they mean if you have anything to declare to the U.S. Government.

I am having a little bit of trouble explaining this, but hope this helps:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/
Customs page from the almighty U.S. Government.

Mauricio

 

[frostyg02uk]

Clothes wise just take the tags off. When ever they asked me about declaring anything i just said no although the first time i got pulled to the side and searched and was wondering why this was happening to me and as i peeked back to my luggage i seen a man checking it. it was then that i remembered my little souvinir knife lol. they let me keep it in the end as its harmless but it was a lesson learned. usually if its only clothes your bringing back its OK but things like smokes or alcohol will have a limit but thats something your have to check up on as each nation sets their own.

 

[Mike Cash]

Customs only applies when entering a country. At least in the context of Japan it does. Look into tariffs/restrictions on bringing things into your home country.

 

[Pachipro]

In leaving the states you are allowed to take $10,000 per person out of the country without declaring it. When you return from Japan and you have bought something new, as Frosty mentioned above, take the tags off and say that you brought it with you. This especially holds true for electronic gear like cameras and such. Ditch the boxes and wrappings and at least use it/wear it while you are there.

Coming back to the states you are allowed to take back $400 in merchandise bought overseas without the payment of duty. Anything over that and you will be subject to pay the tax. However, many items can be bought at the "Duty Free" shops at the airports in Japan and the US, but they are really not that big of a bargain.

I do believe there are some "Duty Free" Japanese electronics stores located in Akihabara, but I am not 100% positive. Someone will chime in on that though.

One final note, DO NOT buy your yen at the airport in the US or at a US bank and don't buy yen travellers cheques as they are a rip-off. You will get a far better rate buying your yen at Narita airport when you exit customs. You will get at least 7 more yen/$ and it really adds up when you're exchanging a few thousand dollars. If possible bring cash, preferably in $100 bills as you will get the best rate over travellers cheques. Japan is a very safe country and you will be safe carrying large amounts of money with you. But if you are still unsure you can take some travellers cheques with you.

Have fun and I hope you enjoy yourself.

 

[BlueThunderKuno]

Thanks for all the info and tips. I think one of our biggest concerns is if we do have to declare something and we dont have the cash to pay for the taxes. But we will be on our honeymoon and the worry about customs will be the furthest thing from our minds in Japan.

I really enjoy coming to these forums, a lot of nice people giving good advice

 

[ArmandV]

I do believe there are some "Duty Free" Japanese electronics stores located in Akihabara, but I am not 100% positive. Someone will chime in on that though.

Chiming in. Here's proof that there's duty-free shops in Akihabara:

 

[arbc11800]

What about customs going into Japan. When will you have to pay taxes on things you bring in to the country. How much do you have to pay in taxes?

 

[undrentide]

What about customs going into Japan. When will you have to pay taxes on things you bring in to the country. How much do you have to pay in taxes?

You can check about it yourself:
Passenger : Japan Customs

To see the details, click: Customs Procedures for Visitors to Japan

Some more info at the bottome of the above webpage.
(See Rate of Exchange, Tariff Schedule(APEC), Customs Answer(FAQ), Inquiries and comments)

 

[ArmandV]

What about customs going into Japan. When will you have to pay taxes on things you bring in to the country. How much do you have to pay in taxes?

I've never had a problem coming into Japan. They've just accepted the Immigration form stating I've nothing to declare and never inspected my luggage.

Last time, I even was carrying my laptop and camera bags. They didn't even look into those either.

If you just come in with the usual tourist goods (clothes, toiletries, cameras, etc.) you should have no problem. I did see what appeared to be a Japanese national go ballistic in Customs. I did note that he had about ten boxes with him.

 

[BlueThunderKuno]

This is all great information. My travel agency is setting up a greeter at the airport, to help us with bags and to make sure we get on the right train so that will be a big help. I am trying to be a knowledgable tourist. I want to go to Japan and show respect to the ways of the Japanese, not be ignorant to them.