Chinese Custom Rules for Tourists

China Customs, Currency & Airport Tax regulations details
Customs Rules
Import regulations::

Free import of:
1. cigarettes: 400 (if staying less than 6 months) or 600 (if staying 6 months or longer);
2. two (if staying less than 6 months) or four (if staying 6 months or longer) bottles of alcoholic beverages (each bottle not exceeding 75 centilitres);
3. a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use during stay in China.
Prohibited:
1. printed matter directed against the public order and the morality of China;
2. radio transmitters;
3. exposed but undeveloped films; and
4. all fruits, tomatoes, egg plants and red peppers.

Free import by residents and non-residents with re-entry visa issued by any foreign country and carrying travel necessities not exceeding customs limitations: one video camera, one portable video recorder and one portable word processor.
Arms and Ammunition regulations::

Import, export and transit is allowed, provided prior authorisation is obtained from competent department. Arms and ammunition must be declared at all times. If prior authorisation is not obtained, import of arms and ammunition is prohibited.
Additional Information on regulations::

Antiques should be declared on arrival.
Export regulations::

Free export of four cartons of tobacco products for personal use.
Additional information: antiques should carry an authorisation seal or authorisation letter by the Department of Cultural Relics. A customs declaration obtained when entering China (People's Rep.) is required in case the items will be re-exported.
Baggage Clearance regulations::

Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in China (People's Rep.).
Exempt: baggage of passengers in transit via Beijing (BJS), provided it is labeled to a destination outside of China, and the onward flight is within 24 hours.
Passengers do not have to pick up their baggage by themselves if the connecting flight number is printed on the baggage tag as ground service staff will pick it up and deliver it to the baggage area of passenger's connecting flight.
There are no baggage transfer facilities at Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) or Pu Dong (PVG) and baggage cannot be checked through to final destination. All baggage must be collected and re-checked in for the conneting flight.

Airport Embarkation Tax

No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.

Currency rules
Currency Import regulations:

Local currency (Chinese Ren Min Bi-CNY): up to max. CNY 20,000.- in cash.
Foreign currencies: Passengers carrying USD 5,000. or higher amounts , must declare it upon arrival.
Currency Export regulations:

Local currency (Chinese Ren Min Bi-CNY): up to max. CNY 20,000.- in cash.
Foreign currencies: up to max. USD 5,000. Any higher amount should be declared at departure.

Thailand Customs, Currency and Airport Tax Regulations

Customs Rules

Import regulations::

Free import by each passenger holding a passport of his own, irrespective of age:
1. 200 cigarettes or 250 grammes of tobacco or equal weight of cigars;
2. 1 litre of alcoholic liquor;
3. One still camera with 5 rolls of film or one movie camera with 3 rolls of 8 or 16 mm. film.

Free import for non-residents:
- for holders of transit visas or who can obtain a visa on arrival: up to THB 10,000 per person
 or THB 20,000 per family.
- for holders of tourist visas: up to THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family.

Prohibited (without licence):
1. Firearms and ammunition incl. explosive articles and fireworks, drugs of narcotic 
nature, e.g. heroin.
2. Gold bullion. Moreover it must be declared on arrival and can, if no import licence 
is available, be left in Customs bond at the airport of entry to be retrieved on departure.
3. Meat from any country affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or mad 
cow and foot-and-mouth diseases. The measure covers meat from all EU Member 
States  and any other infected country. Those carrying such diseased meat will be
 fined THB 40,000 and/or imprisoned for up to two years.

Additional Information on regulations::

Violation of these rules or false declaration will result in heavy fines and forfeiture of 
articles concerned. The import of heroin may result in imprisonment for life or even 
death penalty.

A declaration of goods acquired abroad is required if the total value exceeds 
THB 10,000.- per person.

Export regulations::

Free export of tobacco products and/or tobacco: any quantity.
Prohibited (without licence):
1. Antique or objects of art, whether offically registered as art or not;
2. Religious articles (excluding one small Buddha image normally carried on person).

Crew members customs regulations::

same regulations as for passengers apply.

Pets::

Import: must be accompanied by a health certificate, completed in English and 
signed or further endorsed by a full-time authorized veterinary official of the government 
of the exporting country and are subject to taxation (to find applicable tariff, please refer to:  igtf.customs.go.th/igtf/en/main_frame.jsp). Dogs and cats also need a rabies certificate 
if the country has not been rabies free for at least the past 12 months. Any person wishing
 to import or transit animals or birds into/through Thailand should confirm
 prior to transportation the exact flight itinerary and arrival date, together with details of the 
animal(s) (i.e. breed, sex and quantity) with the Bangkok Airport Animal Quarantine Station,
 at the following: tel: +662 1340731/2; fax: +662 1343640.
The Department of Livestock Development of Thailand has banned the importation of the
 following into Thailand: Pitbull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier.
Export of any animal is only permitted if holding an export license and an official health 
certificate, which can be obtained at the chief veterinary officer of Bangkok airport. Pets 
may enter as
 passenger's checked baggage, in the cabin or as cargo.

Baggage Clearance regulations::

Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Thailand. Exempt:

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Airport Embarkation Tax

No airport tax is levied on passenger upon embarkation at the airport.

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Currency rules

Currency Import regulations:

Local currency: up to THB 50,000.- per person or THB 100,000.- per family holding
 one passport.Foreign currencies: unlimited. However, amounts of foreign currency 
exceeding USD 20,000.- (or equivalent) must be declared to a Customs Officer upon 
arrival by all travellers.

Currency Export regulations:

Local currency: up to THB 50,000.- per person or THB 100,000.- per family holding
 one passport.Foreign currencies: unlimited. However, amounts of foreign currency
 exceeding USD 20,000.- (or equivalent) must be declared to a Customs Officer upon 
departure by all travellers.

Information on Philippines Custom Rules for Tourists

Philippines Customs Rules

Import regulations::

Free import:
1. all passengers (18 years of age and over) (duty free allowance only once per year per passenger):
a. 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grammes pipe tobacco;
b. 2 bottles alcoholic beverages of not more than 1 litre each;
2. once a year the following categories of passengers may bring in goods as specified below duty free:
a. returning residents who have stayed abroad more than 6 months:
used electronic or electrical appliances and personal effects up to the value of PHP 10,000.-;
b. contract workers:
used personal effects up to value of PHP 10,000.- and
used home appliances, limited to 1 of each kind, up to the value of PHP 10,000.-.Prohibited:1. printed subversive, obscene and pornographic materials;
2. drugs or substances for abortion;
3. gambling machines and articles, jackpot or pinball machines, lottery sweepstakes tickets, coin operated video machines;
4. articles of gold, silver and precious metals without indications of actual fineness of quality;
5. misbranded and/or adulterated drugs or foodstuffs.

Arms and Ammunition regulations::

Prohibited:firearms and firearm parts, replicas, explosives and ammunition.

Wild Fauna and Flora::

Prohibited:1. marijuana, poppy, coca leaves, heroin, opium or any other prohibited drugs; opium pipes and parts thereof;
2. to transport to the Philippines all plants, planting materials, fruits and vegetables, irregardless of quantity, if not accompanied by a valid quarantine documents (Import Permit/Authority to Import).

Export regulations::

Free export by passengers (18 years and over):
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 grammes of tobacco;
- 1 quart of alcoholic beverages.

Currency rules

Currency Import regulations:

Residents and Non-residents: local currency (Philippine Peso-PHP): up to PHP 10,000.-. Exceeding amounts require an authorisation from the Central Bank of the Philippines. foreign currencies : up to USD 10,000.-, or its equivalent. Amounts exceeding USD 10,000.-, or its equivalent must be declared. 

Information must be furnished on the source and purpose of the transport of such amount. Violation will be subject to sanctions under Philippine customs law and regulations.Note: Only banknotes and coins, which are legal tender must be declared (travellers checks, credit cards etc. are exempt from declaration requirement).

Currency Export regulations:

Residents and Non-residents: local currency (Philippine Peso-PHP): up to PHP 10,000.-. Exceeding amounts require authorisation from the Central Bank of the Philippines. foreign currencies : up to USD 10,000.-, or its equivalent. Amounts exceeding USD 10,000.-, or its equivalent must be declared. 

Information must be furnished on the source and purpose of the transport of such amount. Violation will be subject to sanctions under Philippine customs law and regulations.Note: Only banknotes and coins, which are legal tender must be declared (travellers checks, credit cards etc. are exempt from declaration requirement).

Information on Indian Customs Rules

RETURN TRAVEL to INDIA

Many parents returning to India after their stay in U.S.A. are not fully aware about the Indian Customs Rules.

I am giving here below the basic rules governing carrying cash/amount back to India which are valid for 2011-2012.

1.Free allowance for goods for self use for tourists of Indian origin is Rs.25000/- per passanger including 2 litres of Whiskey/Wine and 200 Nos. of Cigarettes.

2.One Laptop Computer,used personal effects such as Palm top Camera,Binacular etc. are allowed as duty free.

3.Passangers should declare foreign currency in the declaration form if currency notes or TC's are in excess of US $ 10,000/-.In case of cash in excess of US $ 5000 should also be declared.

4. In case your baggage is lost on arrival then ensure that you have obtained customs's endorsement about the unavailed allowance.

TRAVEL to U.S.A.

1. Always try to book your air tickets from a reputed travel agency at least 3 months in advance.Before finalizing dates of journey check with your children for their convenient dates and days so as to pick you up at airport.

2. Parents should get all their medical check ups and treatments done before they arrive in the U.S. If they need any kind of medication, they should carry enough to last through their stay with their prescription.Carry one additional spectacles with you.

3.Medical Insurance for your stay in USA can be taken in your  own country.However check with your children if they will be taking the same for you in USA.It is established by experience that taking insurance in USA is helpful as claims are settled quickly if necessary after illness.

4.Don’t bring food items. Especially fruits or vegetables! 

You can bring dry condiments in powder form.But ensure that they are packed in double plastic bags so as to avoid smell to all other articles in the bag. 

5.Carry your driver’s permit.After passing a driving test and a written test with local DMV dept. you can get a driver's license.

6.Carry with you minimum $ 500 for the journey.

7.Be vigilant while traveling. Avoid unnecessary talks with strangers.Do not carry their luggage for them. At the same time watch your luggage carefully and do not trust it to anyone even when going to the rest room. 

8.Carry your passport in a safe place like coat pocket or purse.Also it is helpful to write down on a piece of paper passport no.,visa no., Flight No.,and address of your son/daughter where you will be staying.This information comes handy while filling out disembarkation & custom clearance forms while getting down from the plane. 

9.While coming out,give confident replies to the questions asked by the Immigration and Customs Officials.

Planning for your stay in U.S.A.

Generally parents stay with their children in U.S.A. for longer duration.I have seen majority of them stay complete 6 months which is the present allowable period granted by U.S.Immigration.Hence one should plan well in advance for few activities to keep them busy.

I suggest following:-

1] If possible carry with you your own laptop or ensure to get a separate one arranged by your son/daughter for your exclusive use.This implies that one should have basic computer knowledge.You can communicate with your contacts by E mail,send photos and surf Internet for any information.

2] If possible carry with you a digital camera. During your site seeing photos taken can be uploaded and sent by e mail to your friends/relatives.

3] Women can do knitting work.Here you can get good quality wool/knitting yarns.

4] Get books on Cooking,Yoga,Religion,Philosophy,Music etc.This is good opportunity to devote maximum time on your hobby which normally may not be available back home.

5] Get board games like Chess,Draughts,Back gammon,Playing Cards etc.These games can be played with your grand children during their vacation,week ends and holidays.This way you can have a better bond with new generation.

6] For more healthy parents walking,jogging and cycling are good options to pass time as well as to be in good shape.

7] Visit nearby Park/ garden to form a group of parents who are staying in U.S.A. In similar conditions.

8] Do visit and participate in occasional community gatherings.

9] In case you have come to help your daughter/daughter-in-law for her delivery then you will be totally busy.

INTRODUCTION

This is my humble beginning.I will try to cover most of the points which I have myself experienced which may be useful to you. Comments/suggestions are welcome from all.

While preparing these tips I have included information taken from various sites,tips based on experience of other parents and latest information which is available on internet.