Shoppers Beware!!

**Biggus** · 29-03-2004, 20:27

Just noticed this on the Beeb news website - shoppers beware! - hide your receipts and don't look too bargin happy when waltzing through the green channel at LGW/LHR/MAN!!![msnwink][msnwink]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/3571401.stm

**DMC** · 29-03-2004, 20:45

It a very good point that you highlighted, in fact several weeks ago I posted a similar thread, following a BBC News Item on UK Residents spending their hard earned money in the US.

At the time the BBC highlighted the £145.00 goods restrictions and mentioned the fact that Customs Officers were "paying more attention" to flights from the US.

Has anyone on this site found this to be the case ?

We have been over our limit once or twice and are back out to Orlando in May and it would be a shame to get "pulled over".

Then again if we don't want to get caught then we shouldn't spend more than £145.00 - but try telling the wife that [

)]

**Pikey1999** · 29-03-2004, 21:28

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by DMC

Then again if we don't want to get caught then we shouldn't spend more than £145.00 - but try telling the wife that [

)]

[/quote]

True, true. [msnwink]

**Nostromo** · 29-03-2004, 21:47

I'd rather face an irate Customs official than an irate Wife![msnscared][msneek][msnscared][msneek]

**Nostromo** · 29-03-2004, 21:51

I have heard that some people who use Iceland or other European airport as an interchange, tend to go through the BLUE (EU) Channel where questions are not often asked? Even if stopped and their US connection becomes known, they may try to claim that they assumed that it was only the last stopover that mattered or something like that?

29-03-2004, 23:11

Dear all,

Can I just say please be very wary when dealing with H M Customs.

Being ex crew and having had to deal with them after every flight, not just for our own personal declaration but also with the aircraft bars and duty free declarations - please beware.

You cannot pull the wool over their eyes, they have seen and heard it all before and if they want to go after you nothing you say or do will make any difference - they have more power than the police and I have seen them in action and it is not something I would wish any of you guys have to go through at the end of a holiday - so please take it easy.

Happy holidays!!!!

Julie R

**chrisj** · 29-03-2004, 23:34

Must admit havent seen a customs person when you go through anyway for ages. Was once stopped when we came back from Spain, praps we looked guilty. Anyway halfway through our bags being checked
Sam (was 4 months at the time) decided to do a number 2, well after 30 seconds we were sent
on our way

Must admit though it did smell bad

**blott** · 29-03-2004, 23:39

Whilst you may not see a Customs person, it doesn't mean that no-one is there as they have CCTV... so smile, you're probably on camera! [msnsmile2]

Chris, shame on you training a four month old baby like that! [msnwink]

29-03-2004, 23:43

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
Whilst you may not see a Customs person, it doesn't mean that no-one is there as they have CCTV... so smile, you're probably on camera! [msnsmile2]

Chris, shame on you training a four month old baby like that! [msnwink]
[/quote]

They could be watching you from the minute you step off the aircraft!!

Julie R