arriving in america - customs

[xulei601]

OK, we're a week away from departure. I've got a question about what to claim on the customs form they give you on the airplane. Almost everything we own was bought in China. So what do we do? Do we have to list all the items? How could I even estimate the approximate value of, for me, 5 years of accumulated goods, and for her, a lifetime? They are ALL for personal use - though the several hundred CDs/DVDs I've collected might not appear so

 

I've flown from China to the US several times and never know what to claim. I usually write someting about trinkets and souveneirs with a value of 50 bucks or so.

 

I'd really appreciate some advice or hear about some experiences. Thanks!

[frank1538]

A good place to start is http://www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm/enter...s.htm#household

 

As a general rule, personal effects do not have to be listed.

[BuffaloPaul]

We claimed several thousand $$ in personal items and Customs did not bat an eye. Also claimed a lot of cash and only had to fill out a simple form. So I don't think it is an issue. We had no idea how much her items cost but we had 6 bags holding 34 kg each as well as her engagement ring.

[riki37421]

This question came up as we were preparing to depart for US. Ultimately we decided to report only new item purchased prior to departing that were still in new boxes or wrappers.

 

We didn't claim her old clothes, shoes, personals, etc. We had no difficulties.

[david_dawei]

We claimed nothing; had not difficulties. If asked, we were to say, it was all 'personal belongings'...