Customs horror Story?

[kanthung]

Anyone can share any customs (Canada or U.S.) horror story when you tried to bring back a watch purchased overseas (e.g. "forgot" to declare it and get caught)?

I don't have any experience first hand but I would love to hear yours if there is any.

Thanks.

[bradg]

I wore a Rolex back through customs that I bought out of the country and never had a problem. They were more interested in in passports etc than my watch...I was not concerned...what are they going to do...wont throw you in jail...dont have enough room for hard core criminals let alone a few hundred dollars in taxes...you'll be ok....go get it and wear it home.

[RolexSoFla]

I've purchased two Rolexes in the past few years from an AD in the Bahamas. The first time we spent three days there. I wore the watch through Customs, declared it and paid no duty. The second time, we went over for the day just to pick up my SS Daytona. Again I wore it, declared it and was waved on through with no duty charged. In both these instances, I think the Bahamian government was looking to encourage continued tourism and shopping in their country and not thump visitors spending money there.

[sea-dweller]

Never had a problem. I wear them in, show them my passport, crack a humorous joke and they say 'thanks, welcome home' and I move on to the baggage claim and out of the airport. I have never been stopped for secondary inspection or searched (traveled to Asia, Europe about 30 times in the past 15 years). I believe they have more serious infractions to worry about.

[chicagowatchman]

This past Feb I made the mistake of not having my DD covered by a jacket when leaving our house in St Thomas.....The Customs agent insisted why i was not claiming my "NEW" DD!!!! It took a while to convince him that is was a 17 year old DD!!! I had to explain that the Clasp was no longer made like this and Rolex no longer made the type of baget diamond dial any longer>>>>>it took a while but i convinced him by not having to use my last resort to prove it by going on line to my homeowners policy which lists the watch......i learned my lesson never flash a Rolex with a tan minus it being covered while going through customs!!!!

[scottkit]

Just came back from Canada through YVR with my new SD in box. Declared the full value I paid on the customs form and the inspector didn't even look at it. Asked which island I lived on in Hawaii and said "Have a nice day!".

[sea-dweller]

Yes, I think they have more serious infractions to worry about !

Originally Posted by scottkit

Just came back from Canada through YVR with my new SD in box. Declared the full value I paid on the customs form and the inspector didn't even look at it. Asked which island I lived on in Hawaii and said "Have a nice day!".

[Bisquitlips]

We brought my newly purchased YM back into the states last September. I declared it on the form they give out on the plane.

No issues whatsoever!

But I do expect them to send me a bill for the tariff just about any time.

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by RolexSoFla

I've purchased two Rolexes in the past few years from an AD in the Bahamas. The first time we spent three days there. I wore the watch through Customs, declared it and paid no duty. The second time, we went over for the day just to pick up my SS Daytona. Again I wore it, declared it and was waved on through with no duty charged. In both these instances, I think the Bahamian government was looking to encourage continued tourism and shopping in their country and not thump visitors spending money there.

Exactly my experience from Europe!