Job Discussion Forums

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 11:05 am Post subject: How strict is customs?

Hello,

I am planning on coming to Taiwan this summer. Probably on a sixty day tourist visa and then getting an ARC card.

My question is how strict will customs be?

If I am just a tourist won't they be a little suspicious if I also have a VCR, clothes for the Winter and a collection of DVDs from China (which I like to have with me to teach with)?

Is it unlikely anyone will notice? Or should I try to pack less?

Can I buy a VCR in Taiwan?

G

balrog · Joined: 17 Jun 2003 Posts: 23

If you come in on a 60day visa for the first time. Nobody will pay you the slightest attention. You can have hassle on a single ticket but not always.

Good luck

Taylor · Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 384 Location: Texas/Taiwan

Dear gregoryfromcali,

You don't need to worry. As for your DVDs, you might want to wrap them in a sort of "brown paper bag" packaging. Also, if you have a case that holds like 120 discs, you could stick them all in there--and discard all of the DVDs' original packaging.

Regarding VCRs, was the unit you intend to bring purchased in China? Here is why I ask: Taiwan uses the same system as America. I know that Hong Kong and England uses the other system....but I am not sure about China.

New VCRs cost about $6000NT ($200 US) so it would be worth bringing one if you are sure that it will work here.

Best wishes.

Taylor
Kaohsiung

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

The first thing to do will be check with your AIRLINE (not customs) to see what your luggage limit is. I haven't found an airline that flies into Taiwan that has more than 20kgs -- which usually amounts to one full medium-large size bag. Which means you'll probably be more concerned with choosing necessities than with packing a VCR.

I'm sure there are some exceptions, and I'm not in Taiwan yet, but generally I don't think it's worthwhile to transport comsumer electronics -- beyond a laptop. Sell your VCR to one of those junkmen peddaling around China and get a new one in Taipei -- then you can be sure to get one that works with local currents, the local video encoding, etc etc. And anyway, if your school doesn't provide a VCR for you, would you really be willing to cart your own in and out every week? The Chinese are good at browbeating, but there comes a point where you just have to tell them "Look guys, it's your school and if you want me teaching to the best of my ability you need to go buy me a VCR and stick it in the classroom. So ask the money man if that's okay, okay?"

And anyway, consumer electronics are usually cheap. And moving from China to Taiwan your salary will most likely jump a good deal, so it won't kill you so much to buy a new one. And there has to be something for less than 200USD. I mean, I can find one at any supercenter here in Thailand for about 40USD.

Oh, and about customs, as far as I can tell that 60 day visa ALLOWS you to look for work while in Taiwan. So if they guy actually cares about you at all you could probably just say "I may look for work while travelling, and I use this stuff for my presentations. And anyway, I don't have any storage for it in China durr durr."

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

Greg,

Are you coming from Cali or China?

If you are coming from Cali, then you should be allowed 35kgs, not 20.

Still, I bought a low end Sony DVD player a few months ago for 5000NT. It works great. I imagine you can get a decent VCR for 3K.

Now, if you aren't too large a guy, you should find all the clothes you need here. Bring your fav breathable rainwear and towels. Towels are bloody expensive here (my pet peeve).

As for customs, I have never had a problem. Last time we had over 50 DVDs that we bought in Bali. No one batted an eye in our direction.

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 7:57 am Post subject:

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

I'm a little confused why you would need a VCR unless you are also planning to bring tapes with you. VHS is not that easy to come by in this country. If all you need is a DVD player, I suggest you convert your laptop into a player and plug that into the TV system. It's a lot cheaper then buying a new player and is highly portable when wanting to do something at school.

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

Do you use the VCR for teaching? As finding blanks may pose a problem (I dunno). A lot of CD stores still have old blockbuster movies on VHS for extremely cheap prices. Good luck with customs. I've always found them a little too lax for my tastes. I discovered I had fruit in one of my bags upon arrival once.

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 10:10 pm Post subject:

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

Have come into Taiwan twice, once with a visa and the last time I just got a 30 day visa at the airport. Both times I came in loaded with gifts and no-one wanted to look in my bags. Last time through I was carrying 3.5 gallons of various types of booze. Despite wrapping the bottles, I was actually clanking as I walked. All I got was a wave through and a smile. I seriously doubt anyone will look at your luggage.

nicbur · Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 8

we're coming to taiwan for a year but we're starting on a 60 day visitor visa. i have 2 different prescripstions that i'm on so i'll be having two - 1 year supplies of meds which is a lot of pills. i got notes from my doctor as said in guide books. would i be best off to carry it in my carry on or put in my suitcase? will they care either way?

wood · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 202

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

This will save you bundle and save your VCR videos for a lifetime.
http://makeitdigital.customer.netspace.net.au/index.html?makeitdigitalFrameInfoPrices.htm~RightContent
Believe it or not you can actually barter with the customs agents at CKS airport.

The biggest reason for this is that the customs agents do not keep accurate records of what you bring is so long as it is not over the legal value limit (20,000NT) and is for "personal household use".
If you enter and leave Taiwan reguarly (visa runs), it is possible to pay for the trip by bringing in or out certain items that are cheaper or more expensive on Taiwan and abroad (ie high end mountain bikes or TV's).

daily chai · Joined: 16 Nov 2003 Posts: 150 Location: Brussels

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

You may also want to check with your individual airline but if you bring a laptop it is considered to be seperate from your hand luggage. So for hand luggage you are allowed one bag AND one laptop to carry on. Plus the checked in bag underneath. There is no weight limit for the laptop so even if you don't own a laptop you could buy a laptop bag and use it to stock all of your heavy books, alcohol, etc.