Keep in mind that the rules governing what
you can and cannot bring back into the country changes frequently, so be
sure that you check with airline officials as soon before your departure
as possible. Do not rely on vendors in the country that you are visiting,
however. Of course they are going to tell you that it is perfectly legal
to bring that item into the country, they want to make a sale after all.
If you know that you will be connecting from one flight to another with
only a small window between the two, consider shipping things that you
simply must have directly from where you are buying them. Questionable
items can add an hour or more to your time spent in the customs area, so
be aware and have a back up travel plan in case you miss your connecting
flight.
Try to have photocopies of your passport
and other identification in a place separate from the original. If you
lose your original, customs will usually accept the photocopy without a
problem. If you are traveling with a companion, consider letting one of
you hold the originals, and the other holding the copies for safety.
Cell phones are a really big no-no while
in line for customs, so turn them off. Officials will confiscate it if you
are caught using your phone; it will not be returned to you.
Fill out all forms quickly and clearly as
soon as you get them. Read the instructions clearly and be completely
honest.
Read through the list of contraband items
carefully. If there are any questions remaining about whether you should
declare something or not, then do so. It is better to declare something
that does not need to be, than to not declare something and find yourself
selected for even further screening.
Keep in mind that the smell of some
fruits, vegetables and other items can linger on your clothing or in your
bag even after they are gone. I can smell where a banana has been a week
after it has been eaten, so imagine what those highly trained dogs can do.
If you have had those items in your bag on top of your unwashed clothing,
say so right up front- and assure officials that you do not have any more
of them left. They will of course physically confirm this, but it will at
least explain why the dog alerted in the first place.
Remain calm and on your best behavior in
line even if the wait seems overly long. Cracking jokes and winking at the
officials will make them suspicious of you, as will pacing and becoming
loud. Just remain as patient as possible and pray that the line moves a
little quicker.
Getting through customs faster is mostly
a matter of common sense and common courtesy. Try to remember that the
officials are simply people trying to earn a living the same as you, and
that they are charged with maintaining public safety. For that fact alone
we should thank them, just don't try to do it with a basket of contraband
fruits.
