Answered5 years ago
Is it acceptable to travel with gift-wrapped packages through customs?
Not Visa related, holiday travel. Ok to travel with 'gift-wrapped' packages or customs needs to open and inspect ?
Answer summary
When traveling with gift-wrapped packages, customs officials can choose to open them for inspection, particularly if they need to verify the contents or assess the value for import duties. Experiences shared by travelers indicate that packages may be x-rayed, and while some have passed through without issue, many recommend bringing wrapping paper separately instead of wrapped gifts to avoid delays. Customs in Thailand, as well as in other countries, has protocols for inspecting parcels, making it essential to follow guidelines and declare items accurately to prevent complications.
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Suzie ************
I’m going to Thailand in early Jan. A friend there wants me to bring 6 bags of dried figs and a few bottles of maple syrup. I’ve checked the site and can’t find anything on customs restrictions. Any advice wud be greatly appreciated.
Tony ******
@Suzie ******************
no problem I bring food everytimePhilip **********
Never bring a wrapped parcel through an international border. You’re just going to delay your entry. Yes they can X-ray it but you can’t X-ray for value. Bring wrapping paper with you. Have a list of items along with the value of the items.
Felix ******************************
No one has been able to answer my question - how the hell do they have the resources to open millions of packages everyday? That would make the postal network super congested and how on earth would they determine the value of second hand items?
Philip **********
@Rupert ********
As a former CBSA officer. When I worked in Mississauga at the postal plant. We X-ray 90% of all parcels. Mostly for dangerous goods, weapons etc. You’d be surprised how many people mail hand grenades,inert and live.Suzie ************
@Philip *********
, haha I worked there too. I was the PM on the 17 dock expansion project and got to see first hand the Customs inspection area. It’s mind boggling & terrifying at what people will ship.Suzie ************
@Philip *********
, wow !!! I’ll keep yr contact.Philip **********
@Suzie ******************
I’m living in Thailand. Been here since February 2020. I started Mississauga 2005 - 2019.Suzie ************
@Philip *********
, yes my project was 2008-2009. I lived at the Marriott across the street for 2 yrs. Are you going to Thailand too.Philip **********
@Suzie ******************
In Mississauga? Gateway? I retired December 2019
Karim ***************
@Rupert ********
depends on what the package is labelled as. They obviously have a guidebook on what to charge on... When people have sent gifts for my daughter, they labelled gifts, toys and clothes, no charge. If customs feels they can charge import tax, they will. I’ve known people to label new phones as clothes / toys and not pay tax. The risk is yours to take.Philip **********
@Karim **************
Doesn’t matter what the declaration reads. No one is going to put “5 kilos of cocaine.” Just sayin.Michael ********
@Rupert ********
x ray the same as most other countries in the world, you only got to watch one of those border show australia to see how it works.As for secondhand items they use google seen that first hand when i was assisting in importing a yacht and sometimes they will just use the new price and you pay or dont get your item
Philip **********
Can’t X-ray for value.
Philip **********
@Michael *******
But the declaration can be (most times it is) untrue.Michael ********
@Philip *********
they can x ray to make sure it is as declared on package, if suspect then they openMichael ********
@Rupert ********
you underestimate Thailand and the customs
Steve ******
Last week I had to open the Tablet I bought for my daughter
Andrew *********
Unfortunately the inconsistencies here always keep you guessing, recently a passenger was charged import duty on her luxury handbag (Near new condition) she was carrying on her shoulder.
Garrett ***********
Depends on the item. Customs can open anything they want. If it's not a lot of stuff I'd error on the side of caution and just bring the wrapping paper with you.
Karim ***************
@Garrett **********
that’s what I do, I bring a roll of wrapping paper and leave unwrapped in my hold bag. Chances are it won’t be searched and opened and I can wrap when I arrive at destination.Michael ********
Thats really up to the customs in any country is same they can x ray it or request to open, i only got stopped once in Bangkok with presents they were more interested in value. They x rayed it to check was items i said it was.
Tony *********
They'll more and likely open them
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