Safe
shopping abroad
Some
tips to shop safe while overseas
It’s great to find that bargain deal while on your travels, but there’s a lot to keep in mind while shopping abroad. Divide your shopping between, souvenirs for your home, gifts for others and miscellaneous articles. Then assign a budget for it all.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND:
Know what’s restricted or what must be declared at the customs. Check handicrafts made from raw materials carefully, including woven plant products (mats, bags, placemats) — don’t buy items showing signs of insect infestation or damage. Wooden items — avoid souvenirs with holes (a sign of insect activity), and items with bark on them. Animal skin products, including drums must be declared, and may require treatment.
Products made from seeds, including juggling and stress balls, necklaces and bracelets must be declared for quarantine inspection (and may be treatment) when you get home. Don’t bring food home, including pet food and plane food. Beware of claims (on packaging or by vendors) that products meet Quarantine / Import requirements. They often don’t. If you plan on sending your shopping home by freight or mail, declare the contents accurately – penalties will apply for incorrect declaration. You may also be charged for a quarantine inspection.
Be aware that all international mail is screened, and that your items might need to be inspected and/or treated (at a cost).
Check if you are buying designer copies of shoes, bags and watches off the streets as this is a crime and is punishable with a fine in some countries.
ETTR 130425
1 comment:
Great hints!
May I also add to be honest and polite when crossing international borders. They are more likely to go easy on you when you declare your goods than when they find out you tried to sneak past them!
I also suggest a safety tip for shopping...and no it isn't to wear a money belt. I always thought those felt so bulky and sweaty. So I use an alternative. My bra! I don't just shve money in my underwear though!
I take one of my bras with removable padding and remove the padding. This basically leaves a little pocket in your bra. Wrap some bills in toilet paper and put it back in the bra and voila! A money belt no one would pickpocket and I am already used to wearinng every day so it is a habit and comfortable. You can sometimes put a credit card in their too!
More sfatey tips (especially for women but also useful for everyone) about living abroad are here: http://eslcarissa.blogspot.mx/2012/10/is-it-safe.html
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