Korean Job Discussion Forums

RufusW · Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Location: Busan

I want to take all my files (music etc) on a hard-drive across Russia.

Am I going to get any hassle from Russian customs? And can I avoid putting it through an x-ray machine?

(I'm looking at you Soviet Man)

davai! · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Location: Kuwait

Unlikely you'll have any problems. I've entered Russia two dozen or so times and was whisked through the green line with no problems. Only once they xrayed my bag and I happened to have a box of lightswitches in it which I explained away with ease.

The one time I entered Vladivostok airport customs I had two huge suitcases. I was whisked through so they could pay closer attention to the Russians and Asians near me who each had several of those cheap plaid square plastic suitcases, seemingly to hassle them for bribes (import taxes).

If you enter by train, there would be just an officer who boards the train and stamps your passport. He or she may search your stuff, but Ive never seen that.

Hope that helps.

Chris_Dixon · Joined: 09 Jan 2008

"a box of lightswitches in it"

thats quite random Razz

davai! · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Location: Kuwait

My friend was "remont"ing his apartment and I brought him some from the US. He liked them better than the Euro ones.

soviet_man · Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Location: Seoul

Sorry man, I've been on holidays the past week.

I'd say problem no.

But like anything, a small gratuity can resolve such an issue, if it arises.

SpuriousGeorge · Joined: 01 Jan 2009

Why would they care about a random HDD? Is it full of CP or what?

If it's with other computer stuff, I hardly think it's anything for them to be alarmed about.

Hell it's probably a bigger risk in the US these days...

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10004646-38.html
http://www.gadling.com/2008/08/02/department-of-homeland-security-we-can-seize-your-laptop-gadge/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/01/AR2008080103030.html