foodtarget Posted July 9, 2008 at 01:47 PM Author Report Posted July 9, 2008 at 01:47 PM I came back carrying two carry on bags full with books and a shed load of cds I still went through customs with narry a problem... Really? That's good to hear. I've been worried about bring back my CDs and DVDs since more than a few of them are bootleg or 打口... Quote
cdn_in_bj Posted July 13, 2008 at 04:44 AM Report Posted July 13, 2008 at 04:44 AM Really? That's good to hear. I've been worried about bring back my CDs and DVDs since more than a few of them are bootleg or 打口... Depends where you're bringing them back to... If you're going to the US, you might want to reconsider doing this. Quote
Shadowdh Posted July 14, 2008 at 01:28 PM Report Posted July 14, 2008 at 01:28 PM I was just going to mention that I flew back into the UK, both my laptop bag and my carry on day pack were absolutely full of books and cds from the books, so full in fact I thought they would not let me on with both of them or even either one. And my backpack had two cd cases (one that held 80 and one that held 40) full of dvds and again cds (I stocked up as they are 10-15 times the price here in the UK when compared to China)... I was a bit worried but I think because they are for educational purposes they might be less inclined to take any action, that and they didnt check my bags at customs just the usual x-ray thing. Quote
Lu Posted July 14, 2008 at 02:15 PM Report Posted July 14, 2008 at 02:15 PM Don't customs of your local country (the place where you are sending your stuff to) charge duties or taxes?I believe the trick to avoid that is just don't say it's worth a lot. Not sure what the limit is, but for the last few boxes I wrote it was worth about E50. The downside of this is that if the box is lost, and if there is a compensation for you, it'll also be very low. Quote
foodtarget Posted July 16, 2008 at 07:49 AM Author Report Posted July 16, 2008 at 07:49 AM Depends where you're bringing them back to... If you're going to the US, you might want to reconsider doing this. This brings up a question in my mind; what exactly will get you in trouble with customs? which kinds of CDs and DVDs? Now, some of the DVDs I bought on the side of the road are clearly pirated, like the 2-DVD set of Uma Thurman movies. But some CDs and DVDs that I have were bought in legit-looking CD/DVD stores where I paid like 35+ yuan, with an actual case and whatnot. Are these actually legal copies? Are any American movies/music sold in China legal? And then some of what I have are illegal imports (from Hong Kong, I guess) and 打口 CDs. So even though I bought them on the black market so to speak, how could a customs officer know that they were illegal? I've heard a lot of people (Americans included) say they've taken all kinds of stuff back with no problem. But then I occasionally hear that someone got caught and fined, and I would like to avoid this at all costs. Quote
GBodyShop Posted July 18, 2008 at 03:24 AM Report Posted July 18, 2008 at 03:24 AM In my trips to china I always have more things then what I arrived with. I go to there post office. China Post and sent it by ship. It does take about 6 to 8 weeks to arrive in the US. but is was my cheapest option. I sent about 20 KLs for about 410rmb and insured for 2000rmb. Good Luck Quote
foodtarget Posted September 24, 2008 at 09:39 AM Author Report Posted September 24, 2008 at 09:39 AM Just to follow up on my experience of shipping things home from China, I have received both of the boxes that I sent to the US from China. They were both quite damaged and manhandled, such that some of my books inside were bent up. The first package was practically held together by tape, since the box itself was tattered. Luckily the books were packed tightly and many were wrapped in the original plastic, so there wasn't too much damage... But then the second box arrived. Apparently the original box was so badly damaged upon arrival in America that the USPS repackaged it into a new (sturdier) box. I have no idea how, but the package also contained some stuff that wasn't mine. Among the new contents were a thong and an issue of the Evangelist newsletter, which I found quite ironic. I didn't make a detailed list of all the books in the original package, so I'm worried that some of my stuff might have been shipped to the thong-wearing evangelist. I know that the damage to the boxes was caused by China Post because I also mailed a box from Xiamen to Beijing, and upon arrival it looked like it had been dragged there. So just a word of caution to anyone contemplating shipping large packages through China Post. I would recommend wrapping your stuff in plastic or putting them in plastic bags. Quote
GBodyShop Posted September 27, 2008 at 02:56 AM Report Posted September 27, 2008 at 02:56 AM I did notice the boxes from china are much cheaply made. I think if you have to try to double box it. A check list is a good idea. Try to write it in chinese and english. OFF TOPIC: I Just Purchase a book title: "Moon Living Abroad in China". This book is very helpful for any thinking even to visit China. Check this link if it works. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Moon-Living-Abroad-in-China/Stuart-Strother/e/9781566919944/?itm=48 If the link does not work either copy and paste or go to: www.Barnesandnoble.com and search "Moon Living Abroad in China". I really enjoy reading this book. Jose Luis Quote
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